A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Where's the atm" in French
Ask for the ATM in France. Essential for travelers needing cash.
Où est le distributeur automatique ?
oo eh luh dees-tree-byu-TUR oh-toh-mah-TEEKneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need to find an ATM to withdraw money. It's a direct and polite way to ask for directions to the nearest cash machine.
Alternatives
- Où est la banque ?Use this if you're looking for a bank, which often has ATMs.
- Où puis-je retirer de l'argent ?This is a slightly more formal way to ask about withdrawing money.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'où'
The 'où' sounds like the 'oo' in 'moon', not the 'ow' in 'cow'.
Silent 'e' at end
The final 'e' in 'automatique' is usually silent, so don't pronounce it.
Article gender
Distributeur is masculine, so it's 'le distributeur', not 'la'.
A small cultural note
While 'distributeur automatique' is standard, you might also hear locals simply say 'un distributeur' or even 'une carte bleue' (referring to the bank card used).
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What's the difference between distributeur and banque?
A 'distributeur' is specifically an ATM, while a 'banque' is a bank branch. Banks will have ATMs, but ATMs can also be standalone.
Can I use this phrase at any ATM?
Yes, this phrase is for finding an ATM. Once there, you'll use your card and PIN to operate the machine.
How to ask for an ATM in very casual French?
In a very casual setting, you might hear someone say 'Où est le DAB ?' ('DAB' stands for 'Distributeur Automatique de Billets').
