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

Marseille has something of a reputation for danger, although a little common sense and some basic precautionary measures can dramatically reduce the chances that visitors will encounter anything unpleasant during their stay. Be aware of the possibility of petty criminals in busy places and avoid putting temptation in their paths by keeping valuable items out of sight or making sure they are well secured about your person. Carrying large amounts of cash is not advised.

220V, 50HZ, round two-pin plugs are standard.

Marseille does not present any major threats to health, with tap water being drinkable, levels of hygiene in public eateries high and no significant levels of transmittable diseases. Visitors who take ill for whatever reason will find a good standard of medical treatment at the city’s hospitals. EU visitors with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can get free emergency treatment. All other visitors will need travel insurance with medical cover in order to avoid having to pay expensive medical bills in the event of an emergency. 

Hôpital de la Timone-Annexes: +33 4 91 31 07 12
Emergency services: 15

The national language of France is French; however, Marseille is a city with a significant ethnic mix owing to its proximity to North Africa, so it’s not uncommon to hear other languages spoken here. French here is spoken with a strong and distinct accent that can be difficult for non-natives to understand.

France uses the euro (EUR), with €1.00 equal to 100 euro cents.

EU visitors are not limited to the amount of alcohol, tobacco and other goods that they can move between France and their own country, provided they are for personal use only and volumes are not excessive.

All other visitors or anyone entering France from a country outside of the EU are permitted to bring the following without incurring duty payments: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250 grams of loose tobacco; 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine or other alcoholic beverages (not exceeding 22 per cent proof); 250ml of eau de toilette or 50 grams of perfume; and gifts not exceeding €200 in combined value.

The city’s diverse ethnic mix makes it difficult to talk definitively about etiquette. However, many ethnically French locals are likely to behave quite formal when in public. Meeting and greeting between strangers is done with handshakes, while friends or those already acquainted may exchange kisses.

Smart dress is considered important, particularly in restaurants, and leisurewear is generally reserved for appropriate settings such as beaches, pool sides and sporting environments. Punctuality is important in France, and arriving late for dinner or business appointments is likely to be frowned upon.

Nationals of most EU countries are covered by the Schengen Agreement and are therefore not required to apply for a visa to gain entry to France; a valid passport is all that is necessary. Nationals of the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand may also enter on a passport only, while the majority of other visitors are obliged to obtain a tourist visa in advance. Visas are issued by French embassies in major cities around the world.