France

Entry

You are obliged to be able to always identify yourself with your passport or identity card.

Safety

The country is stable. Demonstrations are frequent in Paris and other major cities. With the occasional strikes, travel disruptions and delays should be expected. The French government point out the risk of terrorist attacks.

Petty crime is high in the region of Marseille, Côte d’ Azur and in Paris: Snatching thefts, stealing cars, breaking into cars.

What can you do? Deposit your valuables in the hotel safe. Always carry your passport / or a copy of your passport with you for identification purposes. Check with local contacts to see if there are any neighborhoods that should be avoided or require extra caution. On motorways criminals use various tricks to rob or steal cars. For example, they feign breakdowns or helpfulness. In such a case, do not get out of the car. Don’t spend the night in the car.

Important phone numbers

+33 is the international code

112 - police

112 - ambulance

Language

The official language is French.

Currency and means of payment

In France you pay in Euro (EUR). You can pay everywhere with credit cards. It is accepted as a means of payment in all shops, restaurant, or hotels.

Tip

Bills in French restaurants already include a service charge of 10-15%. If you are satisfied with the food and service, you can round up when paying or leave EUR 1 to 2 on the table. Taxi drivers are also happy to receive a small tip.

Transport and infrastructure

The roads are generally in good condition. There is a charge for driving on motorways. Motorway tolls can be paid with cash or with credit card. Special machines for holders of an electronic season ticket (Télépéage) are also available.

Risk due to nature

In summer, there is a risk of forest fires in southern France and Corsica.

Opening hours

Shops in France are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm and sometimes on Sundays. In smaller towns, normal opening hours are limited to 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm.

National holiday

14. July - commemorates the storming of the Bastille on 14 July