Travel Guide: Before Going to France

Before you set off to France, here are some of things you must take into consideration:

Passport and Visa

map of France (provinces and their capitals)

• Since the Schengen agreements, nationals of the European Union no longer need to show their identity documents at the border. They must however carry their national identity card or passport with them. For non-Europoean-Union nationals, a passport is obligatory and in some cases a visa (check with your embassy or travel agent, and allow time for it to be issued). Minors travelling alone must have an authorization to leave their country signed by their parents.

• Depending on your nationality, the duration and reason for your intended stay in France, it may be necessary for you to obtain a visa before departure. In this case, you must visit the French Consulate in your country. You will find the relevant addresses on the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/venir/visas/index.html

          For nationals of countries of the European Union, a valid national identity card is sufficient.

• Always carry your valid identity documents with you as you may be checked in the street or at the wheel of your vehicle.

         Note: To drive in France, you must be in possession of your national driving licence (an international driving licence if you are not an EU national), the vehicle registration document (known as "carte grise" in France) and an insurance certificate. If your stay is for less than 6 months, you may drive your vehicle freely in France.

• No vaccination is required for entry into France.

Currency

• Since 1 January 2002 nationals of the 12 European countries that have adopted the euro no longer have any worries about exchanging currency.

Exchange

• For those from other countries, money can be exchanged at all bank branches and post offices. You will also find bureaux de change in department stores, stations, airports and near tourist destinations. Please note that while the exchange rate is fixed, there are no restrictions on commission. Any commission charged should therefore be clearly displayed.
• Bank Opening Hours - Banks are generally open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday in the Paris region and Tuesday to Saturday in the provinces (where they shut between 1 and 3pm). Some banks are open on Saturday mornings. Please note that banks often close early on the day before a public holiday.

Tourist Tax

• When they stay in a French town, visitors are usually asked to pay a fixed price tourist tax at their accommodation; its rate displayed at the town hall and varies from €02.0 to €1.50 per person per day depending on the level of comfort and luxury of the place they are staying in. This price does not include the additional regional tax, levied in some places.

Electricity

• The volatage in France is 220 volts. If you need an adaptor, you can buy these at airports, train stations and in specialist shops.

Climate

• France enjoys a pleasant temperature climate. The country is divided into four climatic zones:

1. Oceantic climate: in the west, with wet winters and summers that are often cool.
2. Semi-continental climate: in the east and in the mountainous areas, with harsh winters and warm summers.
3. Intermediate climate: in the centre and north, with cold winters and warm summers.
4. Mediterranean climate: in the south, with mild winters and dry summers.