A1French

ATMs & Getting Cash

These basic phrases will help you locate an ATM, check for fees, and get help if the machine eats your card.

Key Phrases

Voice
Finding an ATM · 2 ways to say it

Où est le distributeur de billets ?

neutral

Where is the ATM?

In France, an ATM is usually called 'un distributeur' or 'un distributeur de billets'.

Il y a un distributeur ici ?

casual

Is there an ATM here?

A simple and natural way to ask a local on the street.

Stating your goal

Je veux retirer de l'argent.

neutral

I want to withdraw money.

Asking about fees

Il y a des frais ?

neutral

Are there fees?

Asking about the exchange rate

Quel est le taux de change ?

neutral

What is the exchange rate?

Asking for help

Vous pouvez m'aider, s'il vous plaît ?

polite

Can you help me, please?

Use this to politely get the attention of bank staff inside a branch.

Reporting a broken ATM

Le distributeur est en panne.

neutral

The ATM is out of order.

'En panne' is a very common everyday phrase for anything that is broken or not working.

Card declined · 2 ways to say it

Ma carte ne marche pas.

casual

My card is not working.

La machine refuse ma carte.

neutral

The machine declines my card.

Card stuck

La machine garde ma carte.

neutral

The machine keeps my card.

Practice Dialogue

Traveler
Bonjour. Vous pouvez m'aider, s'il vous plaît ?
Staff
Bonjour. Oui, quel est le problème ?
Traveler
Le distributeur dehors est en panne.
Staff
Ah. La machine refuse votre carte ?
Traveler
Non, la machine garde ma carte.
Staff
Je comprends. Vous avez votre passeport ?
Traveler
Oui, voici mon passeport.
Staff
Merci. Un moment, s'il vous plaît.
← All French survival phrases