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

The majority of visitors to Pau enjoy safe and problem-free holidays. However, petty criminals are as evident here as they are in any European city so vigilance and caution are best observed while out and about. Secure cash and valuables in hard to reach places, especially when in busy and crowded locations, and avoid wandering into secluded areas of the city at night.

Female visitors are wise to avoid travelling alone late at night. Visitors of both sexes should give a wide berth to beggars and unsavoury characters that frequent bus and train stations.

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

Risks to health are low, with an absence of either significant viral or bacterial threats and high standards of hygiene observed in all public establishments offering food and drink. Visitors unlucky enough to take ill will find a high standard of medical treatment on offer at the city’s hospitals.

EU visitors with European Health Insurance cards qualify for free emergency treatment; all other visitors should ensure their travel insurance includes medical cover.

Centre Hospitalier de Pau: +33 5 59 92 48 48
Emergency services: 15

French is spoken by residents of Pau. English speakers can be found among those working in hotels and other areas of the tourist industry, as well among selected groups within the general public.

France’s official currency is the euro (EUR), with €1.00 equal to 100 cents.

Visitors aged 17 or over arriving from outside of the EU may bring the following into the country without incurring duty charges: 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 up to a value of €200.

Visitors with EU passports arriving from a country within the EU are permitted to bring unlimited quantities of alcohol, tobacco and other goods into France, provided they are for personal use only and volumes are not excessive.

When meeting a local for the first time, a handshake is considered an appropriate form of greeting, whereas after familiarity has been established the continental exchange of kisses is acceptable. The French may appear formal and conservative initially, but such boundaries are usually dispensed with as relationships progress.

The French believe that smart dress is considered indicative of good character so it’s vital that you present a smart appearance if you wish to make a good impression among the locals. Punctuality is also a value given considerable importance so avoid tardy arrivals at either business or social engagements. Public displays of insobriety are uncommon in Pau and visitors should follow the locals lead and drink in moderation.

EU visitors can enter France with a valid passport or national ID card, as can visitors from the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The majority of other visitors require visas, which can be obtained from French embassies in major cities around the world.

The tourist information office in Pau is located in place Royale and can be contacted on: +33 5 59 27 27 08.