Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to France

 

CAPITAL

Paris

 

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

French

 

RELIGION

The religion in France is primarily Christian with 63-66% of the population associated with it. More specifically, 83-88% are Roman Catholic, 14% are Protestant, 5-10% are Muslim, 1% are Jewish and 4% would identify as unaffiliated.

 

ELECTRICITY

Electric plugs have 2 prongs and a receptacle in France. Most European sockets are compatible with the French ones. However, if your own power plugs to not match the shape, you may need an adapter. Electrical outlets in France will usually deliver power at 220-240 volts with a standard frequency of 50Hz. This can be stronger than most North American sockets (usually delivering 110-120V). Most modern, digital items like laptops, cellphones or cameras are designed to be compatible with a vast variety of voltages.

 

In France the power plugs and sockets are type E. This socket will also work with plug C and F if there is an additional pinhole.

 

PASSPORTS

Passports valid for three months beyond the length of stay and issued within the past 10 years is required by nationals of: Australia, Britain, other EU nations, USA and Canada. Individuals of these nations are not required to have visas, return tickets, nor enough funds for the length of their proposed visit. If your nationality is not mentioned, it is best to contact the embassy for visa requirements.

 

The Transit/short-stay Schengen visa is approximately $70USD and the Long-stay visa is approximately $115USD.

 

CURRENCY INFORMATION:

The Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

 

Credit Cards:

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted across the country. If you are unsure, never hesitate to ask if your card will be an acceptable form of payment. Even in major cities it is always advisable to carry a supply of cash with you.

 

ATM:

Cashpoints compatible with international banking networks are located in all towns and cities, as well as airports, major train stations, and other common areas. They usually offer an attractive exchange rate. The banks that still exchange foreign currencies into local money will always charge a transaction fee, so withdrawing money from an ATM usually represents the most logical means of obtaining euros.

 

Banking hours:

The following information is based on the average bank opening hours in France. There may, however, be differences from bank to bank.

 

In Paris:

Monday through Friday from 10:00am-5:00pm

Throughout the rest of France:

Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am-1:00pm and 3:00pm-5:00pm

 

Please note that banks often close earlier the day before a public holiday.

 

Currency exchange:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

 

Currency exchange can be made at most banks and post offices as well as in some large stores, train stations, airports, and exchange offices near major tourist sites. Shops and hotels are prohibited by law from accepting foreign currency.

 

CLOTHING

The French dress quite formally and stylishly. In some French towns, there are cobbled streets, so we recommend comfortable shoes. It’s best to avoid high heels.

 

COMMUNICATION & EMAIL

 

Telephone

National Emergency is 112

French Police is 12

Card-only telephones are common, which can be used with pre-paid cards bought from post offices and tabacs. Coin boxes are being phased out throughout the country. International calls are cheaper between Monday-Friday from 7:00pm-8:00am, and all-day Saturday and Sunday. Calls can be received at phone boxes that show the sign of a blue bell. Information in English and other languages can be accessed by pressing the button with a two-flags icon.

 

Mobile Phones

Roaming agreement exist with most international mobile phone companies with excellent coverage.

 

Internet

Wi-Fi is ubiquitous in France; most hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops offer customers free access to their networks. Some larger towns and cities have free hotspots. Access is also available in internet cages which are found in most towns.

 

WEATHER & CLIMATE

Overall, Metropolitan France enjoys a temperate climate. The weather is often mild but there are big differences between the seasons and regions. Keep that in mind while you're packing your bags.

 

In the spring, from March to May, the weather is pleasant. There is mild temperature and sunshine to offset the frequent precipitation. In the summer, from June to September, it may be hot, especially in the South, but it rarely gets above 35 degrees Celsius. From October to December, there are some beautiful days in the autumn, but it is often damp. Without being particularly hard, the winters are cold. Snow sometimes comes on the heels of rain and the temperature can dip into the negatives, especially in the mountains.

 

Along the Atlantic seaboard, in the West of France, there is an oceanic climate. Temperature differences are moderate, and the winters are mild but damp. It rains relatively frequently. In the East, the climate is continental. Summers are warm, with some thunderstorms, and winters are cold. Temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius and, in the mountains, are frequently accompanied by snow. In the South, the climate is Mediterranean. Summers are hot and winters mild and dry. The autumn often brings thunderstorms and heavy rain that can lead to flooding.

 

MEAL COSTS

Restaurant                                                                               Cost

 

FOOD & DRINKS

Specialities:

Bouillabaisse: Fish stew, usually containing at least three types of fish and shellfish.

Cassoulet: Rich haricot bean casserole, often slow cooked with various meats including duck, goose and pork sausages.

Quenelles de brochet: Pounded pike formed into sausage shapes and usually served with a rich crayfish sauce.

Boeuf borgignon: A Burgundy dish of beef stewed in red wine.

Raclette: Melted cheese served with potatoes and meats

Ratatouille: Vegetable stew with ingredients commonly including aubergine, tomato, and courgette.

Salade Niçoise: Salad originating from Nice, with tomato, tuna, and Niçoise olives.

Crepes: A specialty of Brittany. Savory, buckwheat versions are known as gallettes.

Wine: The most popular alcoholic drink in France.

Calvados: An apple brandy made in Normandy.

Pastis: A popular aperitif. Leading brands include Ricard and Pernod.

Champagne: This fizzy wine is just reserved for special occasions in France.

Please note that the drinking age is 18 years old.

 

SUGGESTED TIPPING SCALE

A 12-15% service charge is normally added to the bill in hotels, restaurants and bars, but it is customary to leave small change with the payment.

The following is a breakdown of different situations where it is appropriate to tip:

Taxi: it isn’t necessary but if the driver helps with your bags, €1-2 would be a good tip.

Porter: a tip of €1-2 is highly appreciated if you have received help with your bags.

Tour guide: generally, they will appreciate any amount given to them, but around €10-20 is a large tip.

Coat check: generally, €1 for coats is expected at more expensive restaurants.

Doorman: it will be appreciated if you give €.50-1 if someone helps you get a taxi or something similar.

Hotel maid or room service waiter: €1-3 per day (either daily or at the end of your stay)

 

HEALTH & MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

As a general recommendation, it is advisable to check with your family doctor or travel clinic for latest health information.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Your home country health plan may only provide limited coverage while traveling outside of the country. Indus Travels can offer you a complete travel insurance package. Some credit cards do offer travel insurance; however, they do not always provide adequate coverage. Review and understand the terms of your credit card insurance policy. Extra travel insurance can be purchased. Most insurance companies do have exclusions in their coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions are not insurable.