French for Using an ATM: Withdraw Cash and Ask About Fees
Learn elementary French to use an ATM, ask whether it accepts foreign cards, understand on-screen prompts, and ask about withdrawal fees.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
Using a cash machine in France or another French-speaking country is easier when you recognize a few set phrases. This lesson focuses only on cash withdrawal: finding an ATM, checking that it accepts your foreign card, asking about fees, choosing an amount, and taking your card and cash. You will practise polite questions with 'Est-ce que' and the key verb 'retirer' (to withdraw).
By the end, you can…
- ask whether an ATM accepts foreign cards.
- ask about withdrawal fees before taking out cash.
- understand common ATM prompts such as choosing an amount and taking my card.
- withdraw cash and ask for a receipt in French.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Est-ce que ce distributeur accepte les cartes étrangères ?
Does this ATM accept foreign cards?
ess-kuh suh dees-tree-bew-turr ahk-sept lay kart ay-tran-zhair
Polite, standard question. 'Distributeur' is short for 'distributeur automatique de billets' (DAB). In Canada, people often say 'guichet automatique'.
Est-ce qu'il y a des frais ?
Are there any fees?
ess-keel ee ah day freh
Use this before confirming the withdrawal. 'Des frais' means charges or fees. Add 'de retrait' for withdrawal fees: 'des frais de retrait'.
Je voudrais retirer de l'argent, s'il vous plaît.
I would like to withdraw some money, please.
zhuh voo-dreh ruh-tee-ray duh lar-zhahn seel voo pleh
'Retirer de l'argent' is the standard phrase for taking out cash. 'Je voudrais' is softer than 'je veux'.
Quel est le montant maximum ?
What is the maximum amount?
kel ay luh mon-tahn mak-see-mum
Useful when the machine limits each withdrawal. You can also ask 'Quel est le plafond de retrait ?' (What is the withdrawal limit?).
Je voudrais un reçu, s'il vous plaît.
I would like a receipt, please.
zhuh voo-dreh un ruh-sew seel voo pleh
Ask this if you need proof of the withdrawal. The machine may offer 'Avec reçu' or 'Sans reçu'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Use 'Est-ce que...' to turn a statement into a yes/no question: 'Est-ce que ce distributeur accepte les cartes étrangères ?' You can also use inversion for a slightly more formal tone: 'Ce distributeur accepte-t-il les cartes étrangères ?' For fees, the pattern 'Est-ce qu'il y a des frais ?' works in shops and at ATMs. To be specific, say 'des frais de retrait' or 'des frais bancaires'.
When to use it
Use these phrases at the machine or with a bank employee. If the screen shows 'Choisissez un montant', choose an amount. 'Retirez votre carte' means take your card. 'Prenez votre argent' means take your cash. If you see 'Opération annulée', the transaction was cancelled. Ask 'Est-ce que je peux annuler ?' if you want to stop. For help, say 'Pouvez-vous m'aider, s'il vous plaît ?'.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, excusez-moi. Est-ce que ce distributeur accepte les cartes étrangères ?
Hello, excuse me. Does this ATM accept foreign cards?bon-zhoor eks-kew-zay mwah. ess-kuh suh dees-tree-bew-turr ahk-sept lay kart ay-tran-zhairOui, il accepte les cartes étrangères. Mais il y a des frais de retrait.
Yes, it accepts foreign cards. But there are withdrawal fees.wee eel ahk-sept lay kart ay-tran-zhair. meh eel ee ah day freh duh ruh-trehD'accord. Quel est le montant maximum ? Je voudrais retirer cinquante euros.
Okay. What is the maximum amount? I would like to withdraw fifty euros.dak-or. kel ay luh mon-tahn mak-see-mum. zhuh voo-dreh ruh-tee-ray sank-ahnt uh-rohLe maximum est de trois cents euros. Appuyez sur 'Retrait', puis choisissez le montant.
The maximum is three hundred euros. Press 'Withdrawal', then choose the amount.luh mak-see-mum ay duh trwah sahnz uh-roh. ah-pwee-yay sewr ruh-treh pwee shwah-zee-say luh mon-tahnA little context goes a long way
In France, the usual term is 'distributeur automatique de billets' or 'DAB'; in Canada, 'guichet automatique' is common. Many French ATMs display English, but not all. Fees depend on your bank and the machine operator, so ask before withdrawing. Keep your card and cash secure, and avoid counting money openly on the street.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Est-ce que ce distributeur prend les cartes étrangères ?' and assuming it is always the best choice.
Try this instead: 'Prend' is understandable, but 'accepte' is clearer and more standard for card acceptance. Say 'Est-ce que ce distributeur accepte les cartes étrangères ?' To ask about fees, use 'Est-ce qu'il y a des frais ?' rather than translating word-for-word from English.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask whether an ATM accepts foreign cards?
Show a sample answer
Est-ce que ce distributeur accepte les cartes étrangères ?
This uses the polite 'Est-ce que' question form and the standard verb 'accepte'. You could also say 'Est-ce que ce distributeur prend les cartes étrangères ?', but 'accepte' is more precise.
2How do you ask if there are withdrawal fees?
Show a sample answer
Est-ce qu'il y a des frais de retrait ?
'Des frais de retrait' specifies withdrawal fees. 'Est-ce qu'il y a des frais ?' is also correct and more general.
3What does 'Retirez votre carte' mean at an ATM?
Show a sample answer
Take your card.
'Retirez' is the imperative of 'retirer' here meaning 'take out'. The machine is telling you to remove your card. A valid alternative phrasing in English is 'Remove your card'.
Before withdrawing cash, ask 'Est-ce que ce distributeur accepte les cartes étrangères ?' and 'Est-ce qu'il y a des frais ?' Then use 'Je voudrais retirer...' and follow prompts like 'Choisissez un montant' and 'Retirez votre carte'.
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