Useful information about France

In this article we delve into some useful information for your next trip to France.

Documents

All European Union citizens can move freely when travelling between countries belonging to the Schengen area, of which France is part. You are therefore not required to show your identity card or passport at the border.

However, even if it is not necessary to show ID at the borders, we recommend that you always carry ID with you to prove your identity in the event of police checks.

To go to France, or any other Schengen country, an identity document is sufficient, while a driving licence, credit card, health card or tax code are not valid. An identity document is also indispensable when boarding a flight or ferry.

For all other non-EU citizens, a valid passport and possibly a visa are required. For more information, we advise you to contact your embassy or the competent authorities in your country.

Country code for France

The international dialling code for France is 0033. Telephone numbers in French are made up of 10 digits and those beginning with 06 are for mobile phones.

To call France, dial France’s international dialling code 0033 followed by the desired number.

Electrical outlets

The French electricity network is 220 volts and sockets are bipolar.

It should be noted that adapters do not in any way change the voltage or frequency of the socket but merely physically adapt its input to local plugs.

Currency, debit and credit cards

TheEuro is in force in France, as in the other EU countries.

In France, ATMs are called distributeurs automatiques de billets or points d’argent and are the fastest way to withdraw cash. Banks have now zeroed or greatly reduced the fees for withdrawals abroad, but in any case it is always best to check with your bank for possible fees for cash withdrawals in France.

The most widely accepted credit cards in France are Visa , which is called Carte Bleue, and Mastercard, also called Access or Eurocard.

Banks are only open on weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 08.00 to 12.00 and in the afternoon from 13.00 to 16.30.

Opening Hours

Shops in France are open Monday to Saturday from 09.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 19.30

Restaurants are usually open daily for lunch from 12.30 to 15.00 and for dinner from 19.00 to 21.30. However, many are closed on Sundays.

Please note that everything is closed on Sundays except bakeries(boulangeries) and public transport is also reduced.

Travelling with pets

If you plan to travel to France with your pets, you must have the pet passport established by the European Union, which contains all the information about your pet’s medical history.

In addition to a valid passport, in order to travel the animal must

• be microchipped
• be vaccinated against rabies
• have completed treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis

For passport issuing procedures, we advise you to contact your local health authority for veterinary advice.

For more information, we recommend that you consult the relevant in-depth study on the European Union website.