France Travel Tips

Visitors should be aware that while most of the country experiences a low-to-moderate crime rate, the possibility of petty crime always exists. Pickpocketing and wallet and handbag theft are reported at tourist attractions, at transportation centres and on public transport systems. Theft from cars is reportedly on the rise; drivers should keep windows rolled up, doors locked and all valuables well out of sight.

Electricity:220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-round pin plugs are in use.

The only proof of inoculations required forvisitors entering France is for those who have recently visited an area where yellow fever is prevalent. Anyone whose plans involve spending time in one of France’s forested areas is advised to consider being vaccinated for tick-borne encephalitis. Rabies is also present here and those planning on spending part of their holiday in wilderness areas should be aware of the risk. Any animal bite should be taken seriously and medical help should be sought as quickly as possible.  

French is the country’s official language and many regional dialects are spoken. Basque is the first language of a large percentage of the population in the south-western border area with Spain and Breton of part of the population of Brittany. Quite a number of people, especially those involved in business, and anyone connected with the tourist industry, understand and speak English.

The national currency is the Euro, as France is a member of the EU: abbreviation EUR; symbol €. Each Euro is equivalent to 100 cents. Bank notes are circulated in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are found in denominations of €2 and 1; and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Visitors to France arriving from non-EU countries are permitted to bring in the following goods without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; one litre of spirits; two litres of fortified wine; two litres of still wine; 250ml of eau de toilette; 50g of perfume; 500g of coffee; and 100g of tea. It is also permissible to bring in personal medications. The total value of other goods that may be brought into the country is €175.

The typical forms of greeting in France are shaking hands and kissing both cheeks – with the latter a more familiar form of greeting. People are generally referred to simply as Monsieur or Madame without a surname, until the relationship has developed to a level familiar enough for first names to be used.  

Casual wear has become more common, even at some social functions. There still are social functions, casinos, clubs and more upscale restaurants where more formal attire is expected. Topless sunbathing is an accepted practice for women at the majority of French beaches; but totally nudity is restricted to ‘naturist’ areas.Smoking in public places is no longer permitted in France.

Table manners in France follow the continental style, with the fork held in the left hand and the knife held in the right hand while eating. Elbows should not be rested on the table but hands should be kept at table height. It is considered polite to eat everything on your plate and to leave your wineglass full or nearly full if you don’t want it to be refilled.

Visitors who are nationals of other European Union countries are only required to show their national ID card when entering France. All others must be in possession of a valid passport. France is a signatory to the Shengen Agreement, meaning that visitors who do require visas are basically able to travel freely among the following countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal.