The French still hold a strong attachment to the use of cheques, so best you know how to complete and understand them.

Completion of a French cheque is little more complicated than one you might find in the UK or elsewhere.

The most important difference is that the amount is written as the first entry on the top of the cheque, not the payee (the person to whom the cheque is made out), as is the case in the UK.

The amount needs to be clearly written in words, although it is acceptable that cents can be in figures.

Accordingly, for cheques in the sum of €175.50, you can write ‘Cent soixante quinze euros, 50 cents’. Note that you need to state the word ‘euros’.

In the next line directly underneath, against ‘A’ goes the name of the payee. You would be well advised to ensure it is completed in full, so leaving little room for falsification to occur.

In the bottom right corner, against the words ‘Fait a’ you also need to enter the place, and against the words ‘Le’ the date. Contrary to popular belief, completion of both of these entries is compulsory.

You then sign below in the bottom right hand corner.

Shopkeepers are entitled to refuse to accept a cheque as payment if they so wish, but only if they have clearly indicated so within the shop premises.