Business Hours
 Banks: 10:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday
Government Offices: 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday
Cautions
 There is relatively little crime in Avignon, but since it is such a popular tourist destination cases of bag snatching and pick-pocketing occasionally happen. Since theft is the most common form of crime in Avignon, visitors should keep an eye on their valuables and be extra careful when walking around the city after dark. Travel insurance is a good idea to help cover any unexpected losses from theft.
Police: 112
Electricity
230V, 50Hz, plugs have two round pins
Health
 While the tap water is safe to drink, many visitors prefer to stick to bottled water. Eating out should present no major problems, as the health standards in Avignon’s restaurants are good. The strong sun is something to consider, however, so protect yourself with sunscreen and a hat when venturing out for the day.
 Should you fall ill, there are adequate medical facilities in Avignon that can treat most problems. Citizens of the EU can receive free medical treatment as long as they have a valid European Medical Insurance Card. Visitors from all other countries are advised to buy travel insurance to cover the costs of any unforeseen medical emergencies.
General Hospital: +33 4 90 80 33 33 Emergency services: 15
Language
 French is the language spoken in Avignon, though the residents often use a local Provencal or Midi dialect. English is not widely spoken so it pays to brush up on a few French phrases before arriving.
Currency
France uses the euro (€ or EUR) as its currency. There are 100 cents in one euro. Notes come in denominations of €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200. Coins come in denominations of €1 and 2, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Customs
 Visitors to France can import the following items without paying duty: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits over 22 per cent volume, 2 litres of fortified wine or sparkling wine or 2 litres of still wine; 50 grams of perfume or 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods up to a value of 175 euro.
Etiquette
 The French have lots of subtle points of etiquette, and Avignon residents are no exception. Eating out is considered a formal affair, even if it’s just for a casual bite to eat. Guests are expected to dress well in restaurants and maintain proper table manners. Dress codes also extend to walking around the city. Shorts and excessively casual clothes are reserved for the beach; if you want to avoid the jeers of locals, dress conservatively.
The traditional French greeting among people you know is a light kiss on the cheek, beginning with the left cheek then the right. Otherwise, expect a handshake when you first meet someone. Shoppers should remember that it is important to greet the shopkeeper when you enter their store, as this shows respect.
Visa and Passports
Citizens of EU countries can enter France without a visa, while visitors from all other nations will need to get a tourist visa at their local French embassy before arriving. There is no visa on arrival. Check with your nearest French consulate for more details.
Tourist Information Offices
Visitors can find a wealth of regional information at the Office of Tourism in the city centre. Office of Tourism 41 cours Jean-Jaurès Phone: +33 4 32 74 32 74 Website: www.ot-avignon.fr
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