The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency
can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels,
though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major
credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques,
particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not
accepted.
Currency Exchange Rates
EUR 1.00 =
rate 1.36
rate 0.68
rate 1.51
rate 1.66
rate 9.47
rate 1.00
rate 1.85
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is
not required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not
required for passport holders endorsed British Citizen. Visa
exemption is for three months for passports endorsed British
National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, British
Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, or 'holder is entitled
to readmission into the UK', or 'holder has the right of abode in
UK'. In all other cases, a visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must hold a valid passport for entry to France. A
visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for
a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South African:
South Africans must have a valid passport and a Schengen visa
for travel to France.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a valid passport, but no visa is
required.
Entry requirements for New Zeland nationals:
New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is
required for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note:Visitors are advised to hold a return or onward
ticket and proof of financial means. The borderless region known as
the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy,
Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the
holder, in principal, to travel freely within the borders of
all.
Embassy or Consulate in US:
French Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 944
6000.
Embassy or Consulate in UK:
French Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7073
1000.
Embassy or Consulate in Canada:
French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 1795.
Embassy or Consulate in Australia:
French Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6216 0100.
Embassy or Consulate in South Africa:
French Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 425
1600.
US Embassy or Consulate:
US Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4312 2222.
UK Embassy or Consulate:
British Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4451 3100.
Canadian Embassy or Consulate
Canadian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4443 2900.
Australian Embassy or Consulate:
Australian Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 4059 3300.
South African Embassy or Consulate:
South African Embassy, Paris: +33 (0)1 5359 2323.
Health:French hospitals and health facilities are first class.
British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to
heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation
of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first
aid, but charge for it. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In
February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all
affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken.
The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic,
wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg
dishes well cooked.
TippingMost restaurants and hotels automatically add a 15%
service charge so a tip is not necessary, although another 2-3% is
customary if the service has been good. If service is not included
then 15% is customary. Taxi drivers expect 10-15% of the fare and
hairdressers 10%. Hotel staff generally receive EUR1.50 a day and
tips of EUR1 are given to washroom and cloakroom attendants and
museum tour guides. Tour bus drivers and guides are also
tipped.
SafetyFollowing the London and Madrid bombings, security has been
heightened particularly in the transport sector. A group called the
AZF claim to have a number of explosives on railway tracks timed to
detonate at future dates, and although the authorities have asked
the public to be vigilant, they have issued no further warnings
against using public transport. Unattended luggage left in public
places will be removed or destroyed by security staff. While
generally safe, visitors to France are advised to take precautions
against petty theft and to ensure their personal safety. Thieves
and pickpockets operate on the metro and around airports. Theft
from cars is prevalent, particularly in the south, around
Marseilles, and in Corsica. A Corsican nationalist group FLNC have
been responsible for a series of bomb attacks on public buildings
and holiday homes in Corsica and visitors should take care,
particularly in Ajaccio the capital, and other town centres.
Several recent cases of burglary have been reported while visitors
were asleep in their caravans or motorhomes and motorists are asked
to avoid parking in isolated or darkened areas of camping sites or
parking lots. Tourists are advised to conceal bags and purses even
when driving, and to never leave valuables unattended in the car.
Bag snatching is also common, particularly on public transport and
in shopping centres, and visitors should also be vigilant of
luggage while loading bags into and out of hire cars at airports.
Clashes between youths and police occurred in October/November
2005, with renewed violence in 2006, which included attacks on
public transport and caused numerous injuries to civilians.
Visitors should be cautious if travelling to Paris around the time
of the anniversary of these riots, as further violence is
possible.
Customs: French culture is of paramount importance to the French
and in an increasingly Americanised world they feel duty-bound to
protect it. It is appreciated if visitors can speak a few words of
French; they do not respond well to being shouted at in English.
While the food is second to none, Americans will find the service
in many restaurants sloppy; waiters can appear rude (particularly
in Paris) and take their time. This is just the way they are.
Traditional games such as pétanque (similar to lawn bowling but
played on gravel) are popular in village squares, but the national
sports are soccer, rugby and cycling. From February 2007, smoking
in public places will be banned and heavy fines will be
imposed.
Communications: The international access code for France is +33.
The outgoing code depends on what network is used to dial out on
(e.g. 00 for France Telecom), which is followed by the relevant
country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Other codes are
used if using different networks. The area code for Paris is (0)1.
Most public telephones accept phone cards, which are available in
newsagents. Most hotels add a surcharge to calls; the cheapest way
to call abroad is often with a phone card. The local mobile phone
operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most
international mobile phone companies. Internet cafes are available
in most towns throughout France.
Duty Free:Travellers from non-EU countries over 17 years entering
France can bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes,
or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of
spirits with alcohol content 22% and over, or 2 litres of dessert
wine or sparkling wine not exceeding 22% alcohol volume, and 2
litres of table wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; gold
jewellery not exceeding 500g; 500g coffee; 100g tea; and other
goods to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under
15 years.
