Banks: 09:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to noon, Saturday
Government Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00/10:00 to 18:00/19:00, Monday to Saturday

Strasbourg is a safe city, and France prides itself as being one of the safest countries in Europe for travel. Tourists have little to worry about on a holiday to Strasbourg, although basic precautions need to be taken, as with anywhere, such as keeping an eye out for pickpockets and taking out travel insurance. You should be especially wary around the cathedral area and at the bus and train stations for pickpockets day and night.

220V, 50Hz, two round pins.

Levels of hygiene in Strasbourg are good, with clean streets and very high food standards in Strasbourg restaurants. There are loads of hospitals and clinics in Strasbourg as well as 24-hour pharmacies. While tap water is generally safe to drink, it pays to stick to bottled water as the differing minerals can cause visitors stomach upsets.

Emergency services: 15

Although French is the official language of Strasbourg, due to its proximity with the German border, German is also commonly spoken.

France uses the euro (EUR), along with most of Europe’s other major countries - €1.00 is equal to 100 cents.

Non-EU citizens entering France can bring in the following duty-free amounts: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos, or 250 grams of tobacco; one litre of spirits over 22 per cent and two litres of wine 22 per cent or under; 250g of eau de toilette; and up to €175.00 worth of gifts. Citizens of EU countries can bring in what they like on duty-paid produce from other EU countries up to a reasonable amount.

The French are typically conservative and well mannered. They dress well for all occasions, including taxi drivers and service staff, and appreciate tourists doing the same, particularly when dining out. The French are big on shaking hands when meeting and greeting and kissing of both cheeks (left first) between women. Most restaurants have service charges included in the bill, but it is common to leave a tip as a token for good service.

Visitors to France from within the European Union do not need a visa to enter the country, although a passport or national identity card is a must for crossing borders and flying. Those entering France from outside the EU will need a tourist visa to enter the country, available from French embassies and consulates in your country of residence.