Be prepared: GT does not do a very good job reflecting how much Europe really costs. The Euro/Dollar conversion is very painful, and things in France tend to cost more anyways. Eating out will cost more than in the US, travel is more expensive than you’d think, and housing while traveling can be costly! Be prepared to spend at least the equivalent of the price of a Eurail pass on travel, and a good amount on food. Also, people tend to travel most weekends, and if you do this as well you will find yourself spending a good amount. Just be prepared.
A good way to get money in Europe is through debit cards and credit cards. Most ATM’s will take your American debit card. However, many places which would take your card in the States, such as stores and ticket machines, will not take it in France. Cash is much better to carry. Also, French cards have chips in them which allow them to “scan” without swiping, and the SNCF machines and metro machines will only take these type of cards. If you ask your American bank about getting a card like that, they most likely won’t know what you’re talking about. So, carry cash.
French ATM’s will not charge you for using them. Visa charges a 1% fee for overseas use, but they give the best exchange rate. American Express usually will not work in Europe, so try to switch to Visa or Mastercard. Ask your bank about fees they charge: mine didn’t charge anything, but some people had a $5 fee every time they made a transaction! Checks work, but are not accepted at many places. Again, it’s easiest and best to carry cash.
As for expenses, expect to spend around 15 euros a night for a hostel (you can get it for cheaper, but this is probably average), 3 euros for TGV reservations, and around 20 euros a day for food unless you eat out. Also, museums can be around 5 euros to get in, and transportation to and from the train station can be a few euros each way.
