ATMs & Getting Cash
Use these phrases when you need to locate an ATM, ask about fees, or get help if your card is declined or swallowed.
Key Phrases
Où est le distributeur, s'il vous plaît ?
neutralWhere is the ATM, please?
In France, 'un distributeur' is the most common everyday word for an ATM.
Il y a un distributeur près d'ici ?
casualIs there an ATM near here?
A very natural spoken question using simple intonation rather than 'est-ce que'.
Je dois retirer de l'argent.
neutralI need to withdraw money.
Use 'de l'argent' when talking about money in general.
Je vais chercher du liquide.
casualI'm going to get some cash.
'Le liquide' is the universally understood everyday word for physical cash.
Est-ce qu'il y a des frais ?
neutralAre there fees?
A clear, standard way to ask if an ATM charges extra for the transaction.
Ça coûte combien pour retirer ?
casualHow much does it cost to withdraw?
More informal, typical of spoken French.
Le distributeur a gardé ma carte.
neutralThe ATM kept my card.
Direct and factual when reporting the issue to bank staff.
La machine a avalé ma carte !
casualThe machine swallowed my card!
The most common vivid expression locals use when this happens.
Ma carte ne marche pas.
neutralMy card is not working.
A simple way to explain a declined card without needing complex vocabulary.
Quel est le taux de change ?
neutralWhat is the exchange rate?
Crucial if the machine prompts you to accept its own conversion rate.