WELCOME TO FRANCE - WELCOME TO PARIS
We
have compiled the following information to help you prepare your stay.
Paris Hotels Direct team members wish you a great stay in Paris.
• Entry requirements
According
to your citizenship, the duration and purpose of your stay in France,
a visa may be required before departure. Visas may be obtained in
French embassies or consulates. Also, your passport should be valid
3 months beyond intended stay. Generally speaking, the following rules
apply:
No visa for nationals of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway.
No visa for nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, USA
to visit France as tourists for up to three months.
Visa apply for other nationalities.
Students may be eligible for specific rules.
•
Travel insurance
If you are a national from an European Union country, ask your local
social security office for a "European Form E.111". This will enable
you to be refunded for any medical costs and prescription charges
incurred in France when you return home.
If you are from outside of the European Union, you need to check your
status with your local social security or private insurance.
• Currency
The Euro (€) is the official currency in France. Current exchange
rates may be checked on the currency
converter.
• Duty free shopping
If you live outside the European Union, you are entitled to a 12%
rebate in tax on certain items, provided that the amount of your purchases
be higher than or equal to €175 including sales tax (VAT) and that
these purchases are made on the same day in the same shop.
Keep a receipt of your purchases (whether or not duty free), should
your local customs inspector request them when you return home.
• Time
Summer time is GMT+2 and applies from the last sunday of March to
the last sunday of October. Winter time is GMT+1.
• Public holidays
1st January: New Year's Day
Late March/April: Easter Sunday & Monday
1st May: May Day
8th May: Victory 1945
May (40th day after Easter): Ascension Thursday
Mid-May-mid-June (7th Sunday after Easter): Pentecost (Whit Sunday
& Whit Monday)
14th July: Bastille Day/National Day
15th August: Assumption Day
1st November: All Saints' Day
11th November: Remembrance Day
25th December: Christmas
• Other practical information
Electricity standard: 220V, 50Hz
Weights and measures: Metric
• Final comments
Each and every year about 75 million foreigners visit France, and
15 million visit Paris alone. That makes Paris the world's most popular
tourist destination.
It may be true that Parisians don't smile that much. But don't be
under the wrong impression: If you need assistance, just ask any Parisian
in the street, and even if you cannot say a word in French, most people
will be happy to give you a helping hand.
Paris Hotels Direct team members wish you a great stay in Paris.
