Business Hours
 Banks: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; some open on Saturdays Post Offices:08:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 12:00, Saturdays Government Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday Business Centres: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday Shops: 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday; very few open on Sundays
Cautions
 Visitors to Lyon enjoy all of the safety and security that is expected in Western European nations. Law enforcement is thorough and adequate, such that the majority of problems that tourists encounter have more to do with petty theft and fraud than outright violence or danger.
Petty theft can be a problem in crowded, urban areas. Pay special attention to your belongings when passing through any of Lyon’s bus or train terminals. As a measure of security, wallets are better kept in front pockets than back; whenever possible, it is wise to keep cash and passports under a layer of clothing or in a money belt. Likewise, purses with long straps worn across the chest are more difficult for purse snatchers to steal.
 Credit card fraud continues to be a problem for tourists in practically every corner of the world. To avoid this problem in Lyon, keep track of your purchases and hold your receipts until your holiday is over. In today’s global economy, thieves are able to retrieve receipts from the trash and make online purchases. Needless to say, those receipts which are not kept for records should be destroyed.
As in any urban environment, tourists are advised to employ caution when walking alone at night. Beware of overly friendly strangers, and whenever possible, travel in groups. Extra caution is in order when withdrawing funds from an ATM after dark or in out-of-the-way places.
Electricity
Electricity: 220V AC, 50Hz; round two-pin European plugs are the norm.
Health
 France’s healthcare system was recently rated the best in the world by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Large cities like Lyon operate a SOS doctor and SOS dental system that can respond to their respective emergencies at any time of day. Emergency rooms in hospitals are reserved for immediate, life-threatening problems.
The first step of seeking healthcare for non-threatening conditions involves contacting a general practitioner (généraliste). This person can refer you to the appropriate facility or, in many cases, will simply arrange to meet you at the house or hotel where you’re staying.
Generally, pharmacies are an excellent place to begin when addressing less threatening medical problems. Pharmacists are able to administer very basic diagnostic procedures and may be able to provide you with the medication you need without a prescription. When the problem warrants further consultation, pharmacists can provide you with a list of available practitioners.
 There are no immunisations required for those visiting France. Tap water is clean and safe to drink although bottled water is in full supply for those who would rather not drink from the tap.
Language
The official language of France is French, with regional dialects spoken throughout the country. While most French people have studied English at some point in their lives, English-speaking ability is highly variable. Generally, younger French and those involved directly with the tourism industry speak and understand the most English. Of course, any attempt by tourists to learn and employ French phrases is appreciated.
Currency
 The euro is the official currency of France. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. Beyond this, the euro breaks down into 100 cents, with coins minted in 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 cent denominations.
Currency Exchange
ATMs are widely available throughout Lyon, presenting many tourists’ preferred means of currency exchange. Most international debit cards are subject to a light surcharge as well as currency conversion fee; however, the rates are typically better than those at currency exchange counters provided you withdraw enough cash at one time.
 Hard cash and travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and bureaux des changes in the airport and train stations. Internationally-branded credit cards (Visa and MasterCard preferred over American Express) are almost universally accepted throughout Lyon. Some smaller shops and restaurants may enforce a purchase limit before accepting credit cards.
Customs
France employs common restriction on import and export, primarily concerning firearms and explosives. Everyone entering France from outside of the European Union are permitted to bring the following free of duty: 250 grams of tobacco (50 cigars or 200 cigarettes); 2 litres of wine and either a single litre of spirits or 2 litres of liqueur or fortified wine (at less than 22 per cent alcohol per volume) or 2 litres of table wine; 250 millilitres of eau de toilette; and goods and merchandise not exceeding 45 euros.
Duty free allowances from another EU nation are as follows: 400 grams of tobacco; 5 litres of table wine along with either 1.5 litres of spirits, or 3 litres of liqueur or fortified wine or an additional 3 litres of table wine; 375 millilitres of eau de toilette; and goods and merchandise not exceeding 365 euros.
Etiquette
Greetings in France usually consist of a simple handshake, although friends may exchange a kiss first on the left cheek then on the right. When entering a shop or small establishments, patrons almost always greet the shop owner with a simple ‘bonjour’ (good day) or ‘bonsoir’ (good evening) along with the honorific title of ‘Monsieur’ or ‘Madame’. The patron says goodbye, ‘au revoir’, before leaving.
 These honorific titles are maintained as a matter of formality unless the two people are on a more familiar first-name basis. It is best to refrain from moving to a first-name basis until specifically invited to do so.
If you are invited to a formal dinner party, it is customary to send flowers the morning before the occasion. These flowers will be used to decorate the venue. Traditionally, white chrysanthemums and lilies are reserved for funerals; other white flowers are reserved for weddings; and red carnations are taboo, as they indicate ill will. These guidelines are observed by older, conservative French while the younger generation is concerned less with these matters.
It is polite to bring a bottle of wine when visiting a French home. Bear in mind that quality is appreciated, so it is best to bring the finest bottle that you feel you can afford. Any gift presented to the host will be opened upon receipt.
 Dining Etiquette French restaurant menus generally fall into two categories. Prix-fixé menus offer a limited selection and present the most economical means of dining out. These menus begin with an entrée, followed first by a poultry or fish dish and then a meat course. On the other hand, à la carte menus are more expensive, and they provide a greater range of selections.
Three-course meals (entrée, main course and dessert) are served at lunch and dinner alike. This does not only apply to fine-dining restaurants, but to more humble establishments as well. A faster dining experience is available at cafés,bistrosand brasseries.
Regarding French dining etiquette, there is less negotiating of ingredients and presentations than diners expect. Sauces are intentionally paired with dishes due to their overall culinary effect, so requesting sauces on the side or omitted may be a little off-putting.
 Table manners in France are continental, with the fork held in the left hand and the knife in the right. The fork and knife crossed over the plate indicates that the diner is still eating, while laying the utensils parallel over the plate, with the handles to the right indicates that the diner has finished.
The restaurant bill usually includes a service charge. French diners usually round lightly (one or two euros) on top of this surcharge.
Visa and Passports
As visa stipulations are constantly subject to change, potentially visitors are advised to check in with their French embassy before finalising travel plans.
 As a European Union member nation and participant in the Schengen Agreement, a visa to any other Schengen Agreement nation is valid for entry into France. Citizens of many Western nations (including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States) do not need to arrange a visa prior to travelling to France. Visas for citizens of these and other select nations are granted upon arrival and cover travel throughout between Schengen member nations for a total of 90 days.
Citizens of other Schengen countries do not need a visa to travel in France. There are limited or no border checks between these countries. Of course, travellers’ passports need to have a reasonable period of validity remaining after entry to France.
Tourist Information Offices
The Lyon Tourism and Convention office is situated in place Bellecour in Lyon’s second district. Underground metro lines A and D provide access to the office through stops at Bellecour station. Phone: +33 4 7277 6969; website www.lyon-france.com. The Tourism and Convention office is open seven days a week from 09:00 until 18:00.
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