Gift cards have become increasingly popular in France over the past decade. With a wide variety of gift card options now available, it can be difficult to know which ones can actually be used by recipients in France. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common gift card brands available in France and discuss which ones French consumers are most likely to use and accept.
Amazon Gift Cards
Amazon gift cards are widely available and accepted in France. While Amazon originated as an American company, they have expanded internationally and have a significant presence in France. Amazon gift cards purchased in France can be used on the French Amazon website, www.amazon.fr. They can be used to purchase nearly any product available on Amazon in France, including books, electronics, clothing, household items, and more. Amazon gift cards are available in a variety of denominations, typically from 15€ up 500€, allowing you to choose an amount that aligns with your gifting needs and budget. They make great gifts for the online shopper or avid Amazon customer.
When purchasing an Amazon gift card, it’s important to note that you must buy cards specifically for use on the French Amazon site. Gift cards purchased from the US site (www.amazon.com) will not work on Amazon.fr, and vice versa. As long as you purchase Amazon gift cards intended for the French site, either in-person in France or online, the recipient will be able to fully redeem the value on Amazon.fr without any issues.
App Store & iTunes Gift Cards
App Store & iTunes gift cards are another popular gifting choice in France that most recipients will be able to use. Apple has a strong presence in France, and most customers own iPhone or other Apple devices and use services like the App Store. While App Store gift cards are country-specific, a French App Store gift card can only be used on the French store. The cards allow users to download apps, games, music, movies and more from the French App Store. They are available in denominations from 10€ to 150€. Even if the recipient doesn’t have an iPhone, they can use the credit to access Apple content on other devices like an iPad or computer.
Google Play Gift Cards
Similar to App Store cards, Google Play gift cards allow French users to purchase apps, books, movies, games and subscriptions through the Google Play store. Most Android phone users would appreciate a Google Play gift card. The cards come in denominations of €10 to €100. One thing to note is that while App Store gift cards can only be used in France, French Google Play cards can be used internationally, as long as the recipient has a Google account tied to France. So these make a great gift for a French expat or someone who travels frequently.
FNAC Gift Cards
FNAC is a popular electronics and entertainment retailer in France and other European countries. FNAC gift cards allow recipients to make purchases directly at FNAC stores across France or online at fnac.com. FNAC sells everything from laptops, cameras, and phones to books, music, movies, games, and instruments. Their gift cards range from 10€ to 500€ in value. These make great gifts for the techies or entertainment buffs in your life. And they can be purchased easily online or at any FNAC retail location.
Gift Card | Where it can be used |
---|---|
Amazon | Amazon.fr |
App Store & iTunes | French App Store |
Google Play | Google Play store (internationally if account is French) |
FNAC | FNAC stores and fnac.com (France) |
Decathlon Gift Cards
Decathlon is a popular French sporting goods retail chain. If you have athletic friends or relatives in France, a Decathlon gift card could make the perfect gift. The cards can be used to shop for sports equipment, apparel, and accessories at any of Decathlon’s hundreds of locations across France or online. Gift card values range from 10€ to 250€. One advantage of Decathlon cards is that if the full value isn’t used on the first purchase, the remaining balance stays on the card to be used on future purchases.
Printemps Department Store Gift Cards
Le Printemps is a high-end chain of department stores with branches throughout France. For the fashionistas in your life, a Printemps gift card allows them to shop designer clothing, handbags, cosmetics, housewares and more. Printemps gift cards can be purchased online or at any of their retail locations in France. They are available in denominations from 25€ up to 500€. The cards can be used for purchases both in-stores or online at printemps.com. Printemps makes for a great option if you want to give the flexibility of a department store gift card that still carries luxury cachet.
Monoprix Gift Cards
Monoprix is a popular French supermarket chain that also sells clothing, home goods, and more. A Monoprix gift card can be a practical gift option for the everyday consumer in your life, allowing them to purchase groceries, gas, pharmacy items, or other products at Monoprix stores across France. The cards come in denominations of 10€ to 250€ and are easy to purchase online or in person. One advantage of Monoprix gift cards is that they do not expire, so the recipient can redeem the value no matter when they choose to shop.
Cultura Gift Cards
For the culture aficionados in your life, a Cultura gift card may be appreciated. Cultura is a chain selling books, CDs, DVDs, instruments, gaming, and other cultural and entertainment products in France. Cultura gift cards allow recipients to make purchases in-store or online at cultura.com. Denominations range from 10€ to 130€. These cards cater nicely to music, book, or movie lovers who enjoy browsing and purchasing entertainment media. They can make great birthday or holiday gifts.
Conclusion
When looking for gift cards that work in France, the most universally accepted options are major retailers like Amazon, App Store & iTunes, Google Play, and department stores like Printemps. Category-specific cards like Decathlon for sports or Cultura for entertainment are also solid choices. The key is focusing on brands that have a wide presence across France, both in-person and online. Checking that the gift card can be used specifically on the French version of the company’s site or stores is important as well. With the variety of gift cards available for use in France, you can certainly find options tailored to your recipient’s interests that will allow them to make purchases they enjoy.