Tourist FAQ


Basic Tourist Information

Documents Required : United States and EC citizens require only a valid passport for visits not exceeding three months.

American Consulate : 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008; 1/4296-1202

Currency : The French currency is the franc (f), which consists of 100 centimes (c).

Banks : Hours are 9A.M.-4P.M. Monday through Friday. Central branches are open on Saturday from 9A.M.- noon.

Customs : You may not export more than 50,000F (about $11,000).

Climate : Summer in Paris can be unbearable, expect daytime temperatures in August to range from 75-90 degrees. In February, expect an averge daytime temperature of 35 degrees.

Tipping : In restaurants and cafes, service charges are almost always included. If it isn't, tip between ten and 15 percent. Taxi drivers expect ten percent of the fare.

Tourist Information : French Government Tourist Office HQ, 127 avenue des Champs Elysees, 75008; 1/4723-6172.

Airports : Most flights use Aeroport Charles-de-Gualle (1/4862-2280), TK miles TK direction of Paris. Aeroport d'Orly, TK miles TK direction of the city, also has international flights. TK how to get from the airport to the city.

Getting Around : Paris' public transport system is simple to learn and efficient.

By Metro : Each station has a map at its entrance with a circle showing you where you are. The metro will get you through the city center and to most suburbs, as well. Buy tickets at the stations.

By bus : Buses use the same tickets as the metros. They don't stop automatically; you must flag them down at stops (arret). Buy your ticket on the bus, or before hand at metro stations.

By taxi : The best place to hire a taxi is at a stand; cabs you hail in the street may not take you where you want to go. Station de taxi are located throughout the city.

Postal and Telephone Service : Post offices are indicated by the sign PTT. To call France from the United States, dial 011-33, then the city code (Paris is 13, 14, or 16), and the local number.

Public Holidays : New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Labor Day (May 1), VE Day (May 8), Ascension Day (sixth Thursday after Easter), Whit Monday (second Monday after Ascension, Bastille Day (July 14), Feast of the Assumption (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), Remembrance Day (November 11), and December 25.

Electric Current : Plugs are standard European, with two round pins. The current is 220V.

Visitor Information


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