TRAVEL TIPS

Business hours and holidays

Most banks are open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed at midday) and are generally not open on Saturdays and Sundays. Money exchange at airports and train stations stay open later. Most museums are open from 12:00 p.m.-7 p.m. and are usually closed on Mondays or Tuesdays, but opening hours vary widely so be sure to double-check before you leave.

Climate

In November, the average temperature in Paris is 5ºC (41ºF).

Credit cards

Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.

Currency

The French currency is the Euro since 2002, in line with most of Western Europe. Bills are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro notes while coins are 1 and 2 Euros as well as 1, 2, 5, 10 and 50-cent pieces. The Franc, French's former currency, is no longer accepted (or found) anywhere in France except amongst collectors.

Electricity

France's electricity supply is 220 volts, 50 Hz, AC and plugs conform to the European system of round pins with two holes. To use your U.S. or British-purchased electrically-powered equipment, bring a converter and/or adapter.

Language

English is quite broadly spoken. People may speak the British variety, so do not be surprised if you are told to queue (line up) or take the lift (elevator). All your attempts at French are genuinely appreciated, and French will not make fun of your mistakes. It is always a good idea to learn a few phrases before you depart. On a whole, the guided tours offered at museums and historic sites are multilingual.

Meals

Food/drink costs vary from place to place depending on location, quality and popularity but generally speaking, all drinks from soft drinks to beer and wine are very affordable in Paris. Prices in bars and cafés are higher for drinks and food ordered at a table where a waiter serves you as opposed to standing at the bar.

French National Tourist Office

For a complete list of the French Tourist Office network, please visit www.franceguide.com. You can also get specific informations on Paris on http://www.parisinfo.com.

Telephones

The country code for French is 33. Area codes normally begin with 0X ("X" being some other number depending on the province) and are different for each province. If you are dialling from outside the country, you must use the appropriate area code. One must use the area code as well as the local phone number even when calling within Paris.

Tipping

In restaurants the law requires menu prices to include service charge, and tipping is optionnal. Most people leave some small change (5 percent is usually plenty). It is common to leave small change at bar and café tables.

Tours and attractions

Paris is a city with something new to offer around every corner: monuments, architecture, historic avenues, parks and gardens... Treat yourselves to an excursion, travel the length and breadth of the capital by coach, minibus, tourist train or boat, on a bicycle, on skates or even… from the air. Let yourself be tempted by the rich and varied programme of guided tours on offer from the range of Parisian specialists: original tours; tailor-made visits for children; with a professional guide or using a multimedia device; backstage or on a shopping spree. And just outside Paris, anything from historical treasures to theme parks is waiting for you. Not forgetting the zoos and hiking trails, and other assorted trips.
More information on http://www.parisinfo.com.