TELEPHONE


* To call France from abroad: first dial 33
* To call abroad from France: first dial 00, then the country's code and then your number.
* don't forget the new "France Direct" telephone service in your language in a number of foreign countries.

Remember the time change when you phone home:
U.S.A. : 6 to 9 hours behind in winter.
Australia : 10 hours ahead,
Canada: 5 to 7 hours difference with Ontario and Quebec,
South Africa : 1 hour ahead.
U.K.: 1 hour ahead.

Some rates U.S.A.:
28.08 FF (3 minutes),
Canada : 28.08 FF (3 minutes)
South Africa : 57.27 FF (3 minutes),
Australia: 57.27 FF (3 minutes)
G.B. : 4.50 FF (the minute)
Reduced rates from Monday to Saturday between
8:00 pm and 2:00 am, 7,17 FF for one minute;
from 2:00 am to 12:00 am; 5,71 FF for one minute;
during Sundays and French public holidays: 0,73 FF for 6 seconds.
Reduced rates between 9:30 pm and 8:00 am: 3,04 FF for one minute.
These rates are also valid on Saturdays (after 2:00 pm), on Sundays and during French public holidays.

"Telecarte"
The majority of telephone booths, both in Paris and the regions (a total of 168,000 booths), are equipped with the "Telecarte" system. Instead of coins, you have to use telecartes, which can be bought, among other places, at Post Offices and in to bacconists (40 FF and 96 FF).
The telecartes have a specific number of bits which are used up when you make calls. You just throw the used card away (unless you make a collection) and buy another. When you insert your card into the phone slot, the remaining amount of credit is displayed. You can see this amount decreasing as you use the phone. When you hang up, don't forget to retrieve your card.

Telephone booths
You can be called at many telephone booths. Good idea when you are short of cash.