I make a lot of noise when I walk in Paris because I still haven't gotten used to the fact that a handful of coins is actually a lot of money (and shouldn't really be treated as small change!). My pockets fill with more and more change each day because I still haven't broken the habit of reaching for my billfold first. It's a little deceiving coming from the States where you don't (and can't) really buy anything with change. Using three coins in the States is likely only going to get you something out of a vending machine, while in Europe, three coins can pay for a meal, a few metro tickets, or your entrance into the Musee d'Orsay. From what I've witnessed, the French are good about paying with exact change, sticking to credit cards, or most importantly, quickly using their change-- because I sure haven't seen (or heard) any other noisy walkers like me.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Pocket full of change
I make a lot of noise when I walk in Paris because I still haven't gotten used to the fact that a handful of coins is actually a lot of money (and shouldn't really be treated as small change!). My pockets fill with more and more change each day because I still haven't broken the habit of reaching for my billfold first. It's a little deceiving coming from the States where you don't (and can't) really buy anything with change. Using three coins in the States is likely only going to get you something out of a vending machine, while in Europe, three coins can pay for a meal, a few metro tickets, or your entrance into the Musee d'Orsay. From what I've witnessed, the French are good about paying with exact change, sticking to credit cards, or most importantly, quickly using their change-- because I sure haven't seen (or heard) any other noisy walkers like me.
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Ben - I am totally having the SAME problem. Those 2 euro coins are so decieving and I forget that they can actually buy a whole coffee or two! I use U.S. currency on post and Euros on the economy making it even more confusing when I go to the store... I am pulling out quarters, thinking they are Euro. I need two different coin purses I guess.
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