Money.
Especially since the Euro, Paris is an expensive city. But compared to other european capitals, it's not so bad. In an other hand, Euro makes things easier to compare.
ATMs can be found everywhere. It accepts Visa Cards (french say "Carte Bleue"), Eurocards/Mastercards and very often Cirrus, Plus or Maestro. More rarely American Express. French cards use microchips so you may have difficulties to use your magnetic striped card in some ATMs. Should this occur, try another machine or go to the post office (La Poste) who will change your travellers cheques too. All touristic places are provided with "Bureaux de Change" (money changers). Of course, fees can be charged.
In France, all prices are "toutes taxes comprises" or TTC wich means all taxes included. In bars, restaurants or hotels, service is included too. Nevertheless, if you liked the waiter, you can leave a tip on the table (1 or 2 € in a middle-class restaurant, more in a select one, some 10 cents at a bar terrace...) It's usual to leave a 10% tip in taxis, for hairdressers (1 or 2 €) and to touristic guides (1 or 2 €). But remember that tipping is never an obligation.
French people never bargain in shops. The only exception is flea markets.
Lots of places (museums, movie theaters, monuments...) propose discount fares to studant cards holders. The Paris Tourism Office sells "La Carte Jeune" (around 20 €), for the -26 year old with lots of discounts. Children and elderly persons can have discount fares too.
Banks are usually open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 ou 5 pm. Some close during lunchtime and some are open on Saturday morning.
