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

Orleans is not a destination fraught with major danger or threats to the well-being of visitors or residents, and few persons holidaying in the city experience anything untoward during their stay. It pays to keep an eye out for petty criminals because, unfortunately, they are present to a degree and like to target tourists so keep cash and valuables in secure places and your wits about you in busy locations.

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

There city has no epidemics of diseases in Orleans, and high standards of hygiene are maintained in public dining and drinking establishments. Water from the tap is considered safe to drink although bottled water is often preferred by visitors. Anyone unfortunate enough to require medical treatment will find a high standard of health care available at the city’s hospitals. EU visitors can get free emergency treatment provided they have a valid European Health Insurance Card.

Ctre Hospitalier Regional D Orleans: +33 2 38 78 00 00
Emergency services: 15

French is spoken by the people of Orleans without any significant accent or regional dialect. English is spoken by most people working in aspects of the tourist industry.

In line with the rest of the country, Orleans currency is the euro (EUR), with €1.00 equal to 100 cents.

Movement of alcohol, tobacco and other goods between France and other EU countries is unrestricted provided individuals are not in possession of excessive volumes and resale is not intended. Visitors from other countries must be 17-years-old or over to qualify for the following duty-free allowance: 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 French are slightly more conservative than their European neighbours although barriers are generally dropped once familiarity is established. Smart dress is considered indicative of good character so visitors should always dress appropriately for the occasion or environment – in particular, beach and swimwear should be worn only at pools and the sea side.

Punctuality is essential for appointments - formal or informal. Meeting and greeting between strangers is done with a handshake, while persons more intimate may exchange kisses from cheek to cheek in typical continental fashion.

Visas are not required for anyone holding a passport from an EU country, nor are they necessary for visitors from the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Tourist visas are required for the vast majority of nationals from other countries; these can be obtained from French embassies in major cities around the world.