Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting France. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Euro (€)
Best SIM Provider
Orange
Main Ride App
Uber
Payment
Cash preferred
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
Want personalized visa info?
Generate a custom guide based on your passport and travel dates.
Medication Restrictions
General medications
Carry prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letter. For Schengen visitors, 3 months' supply is typically acceptable.
Essential Apps
Uber
BoltOften cheaper than Uber
Free NowLicensed taxis
BlaBlaCarRidesharing for longer trips
Notes for Visitors
- EU roaming works for EU visitors
- Book TGV trains early for best prices
- Apps work with international cards and phones
SIM Cards & Internet
EU residents can use roaming. Non-EU visitors may want local SIM for longer stays. Orange, SFR, and Free have good coverage.
- EU roaming free for EU residents
- WiFi in cafes usually requires asking for password
- Good 4G coverage throughout France
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
We may earn a commission from partner links at no extra cost to you.
Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Cards widely accepted but cash still useful for small shops, markets, and some cafes. Contactless common. Many places have minimum card payments (€10-15).
ATM Tips
Use bank ATMs (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole). Avoid non-bank ATMs. Max withdrawal typically €300-500.
Tipping Culture
Service is included by law ('service compris'). Rounding up or leaving a few euros for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.
- Service charge is legally included in all restaurant bills
- Small tips are still appreciated for excellent service
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
We may earn a commission from partner links at no extra cost to you.
Track your trip prep
Get a personalized checklist you can tick off as you go — free to set up.
Getting Around
From the Airport
Direct to central Paris. Cheap and reliable.
Connection to central Paris
Coach service to key Paris locations
Fixed rates from airports to Paris center
Local Transport
Paris metro is extensive and efficient
Suburban trains connecting greater Paris
Good for seeing the city, can be slow
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit not required
Most visitors can drive in France on their home license alone. If your license isn't in the Latin script, carry a certified translation just in case.
Crit'Air emissions stickers are required to drive into major cities — order one in advance if you're bringing your own car or renting outside France; French rentals usually come pre-fitted. Radar detectors are illegal, with fines up to €1,500, and random roadside breathalyzer checks are common even though carrying a breathalyzer isn't required.
Side of road
Right
Speed limit (km/h)
50 city / 130 hwy
Speed limits typically drop in rain or low visibility — check posted signage.
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Right on red
Not allowed
Min rental age
21
Nervous about driving in France?
Roundabouts, toll booths and priority-to-the-right junctions can feel overwhelming. Practice real roads in 360° video before you go and take the wheel with confidence.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Required Equipment
- Warning triangle — required. Fine up to €135 if missing.
- Hi-vis reflective vest — required. Must be kept in the cabin, not the trunk. Fine up to €135 if missing or wrongly stored.
- First aid kit — not required
- Breathalyzer — not required. Legal requirement was repealed.
- Spare bulbs — not required. Recommended, not mandatory.
If renting
Rental companies must provide a triangle and vest, but usually only one vest — ask for extras if you're traveling with passengers, and check it's stored in the cabin, not the trunk.
If driving your own/borrowed car
Fully your responsibility if driving your own or a borrowed car — there's no rental company safety net to fall back on.
Renting a car in France
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in France across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- France is generally safe for solo female travelers
- Be aware of catcalling in some areas - annoying but rarely threatening
- Avoid isolated metro stations late at night
- Stick to well-lit areas in Montmartre and Pigalle at night
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
France is very LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex marriage legal since 2013. Paris has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, especially in Le Marais. Legal protections are strong.
- Le Marais in Paris is the historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood
- Paris Pride (Marche des Fiertés) is one of Europe's largest
- Lyon, Montpellier, and other cities also have active scenes
In Partnership With
Everywhere Is Queer
Want to check out local queer businesses on your trip? Everywhere Is Queer maps queer-owned bars, cafés, restaurants, and shops so you can spend your money where it matters. Not every city is on the map yet, but coverage is growing fast — check if your destination is live.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Paris has challenges with older buildings and metro stations. Newer transport and buildings are accessible. Historic sites vary. Many metros lack elevators.
- RER and newer metro lines have better accessibility
- Buses are wheelchair accessible
- Historic neighborhoods have cobblestones
- Museums generally have good accessibility
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Paris: Metro (lines 1, 4, 12), Champs-Élysées, Eiffel Tower, Montmartre
- Tourist spots: Louvre queues, Notre-Dame area, Sacré-Cœur steps
- Train stations: Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles
- Nice and Marseille: Old town areas, beaches
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
We may earn a commission from partner links at no extra cost to you.
Scams to Watch Out For
Gold Ring Scam
Someone 'finds' a gold ring and offers to sell it to you. It's worthless.
Prevention: Ignore completely. Keep walking. Don't engage.
Petition Scammers
People with clipboards distract you while accomplices pickpocket.
Prevention: Never stop for clipboard petitions. Walk past firmly.
String Bracelet Sellers (Sacré-Cœur)
Men tie bracelets on wrists then aggressively demand payment.
Prevention: Keep hands in pockets. Firmly refuse. Avoid the steps at Sacré-Cœur.
Three Card Monte
Street gambling game near tourist areas. You cannot win.
Prevention: Never play. Don't watch - pickpockets work the crowd.
Unlicensed Airport Taxis
People inside CDG/Orly terminals approach travelers offering 'taxi' rides at inflated prices. They're unlicensed and unregulated.
Prevention: Never accept rides from people approaching inside the terminal. Official taxis queue outside at marked stands. Use flat-rate taxi zones (€55 to central Paris) or take the RER train.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
France's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
3-10°C (37-50°F)
Medium rainfall
Cold, occasional snow
Mar – May
8-17°C (46-63°F)
Medium rainfall
Pleasant spring
Jun – Aug
17-26°C (63-79°F)
Low rainfall
Warm summer, Bastille Day
Sep – Nov
10-17°C (50-63°F)
Medium rainfall
Autumn colors
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Tap Water
Tap water is safe to drink.
Taste can differ from home, and some people prefer filtered or bottled water anyway. A refillable bottle saves money and plastic.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug Types
C, E
Type E plugs have a grounding pin that protrudes from the socket. Type C (ungrounded) also works.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
Shop on AmazonSome links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations. French strongly preferred - try a few phrases!
Essential Phrases
Bonjour
Hello
bon-ZHOOR
Merci
Thank you
mehr-SEE
Combien?
How much?
kom-BYEN
S'il vous plaît
Please
seel voo PLAY
Où est...?
Where is...?
oo ay
L'addition
The bill
lah-dee-SYON
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Challenging but improving. Traditional French cuisine is butter and cream-heavy. Paris has many vegan restaurants. Outside Paris can be harder. Say 'je suis végétalien(ne)'.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Better than vegan but still challenging in traditional restaurants. Paris is easier. Always clarify - French 'végétarien' sometimes includes fish. Ask about stock and sauce ingredients.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
The land of bread and pastry makes GF challenging. 'Sans gluten' is understood in cities. Dedicated GF bakeries exist in Paris. Rice dishes and naturally GF options available.
Traveling with a Pet
Standardized EU/Schengen pet entry (Regulation 2026/131 style). Smooth electronic USDA VEHCS endorsement.
Timeline
21 days minimum (after first rabies shot)
Quarantine Risk
None if compliant
Regulatory Framework
EU Regulation 2026/131 framework. 10-day USDA endorsement window before arrival; valid for 6 months of internal Schengen movement.
Key Constraints
Strict microchip-before-rabies vaccine sequence. If the vaccine predates the chip registry, it is legally invalid. Requires updated 2026 EU health certificate format (Format EU 2026/131). EU Pet Passports are now strictly restricted to EU residents; US/UK citizens must get a USDA-endorsed certificate for every entry.
Pet Culture
The gold standard. Dogs are treated as full citizens. Extensively allowed inside high-end restaurants, boutiques, and trains without carriers.
Sherpa Deluxe pet carrier
Airline-approved soft-sided carrier with a guaranteed-on-board policy, so it fits under the seat without a gate check.
Shop on AmazonPet microchip scanner
Reads ISO and FDX-B chips, so you or a local vet can confirm ID if your pet ever gets loose abroad.
Shop on AmazonSome links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Cultural Tips
Always greet with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after 6pm) before any interaction
Attempting French is deeply appreciated - start with 'Parlez-vous anglais?'
Lunch is 12-2pm, dinner from 7:30pm - restaurants may be closed outside these hours
Don't rush meals - dining is a social experience, not just eating
A 'bisou' (cheek kiss) is a common greeting between acquaintances - usually 2 kisses
Tipping: Service is included by law. Rounding up or leaving a few euros for excellent service is appreciated.
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Say 'Bonjour' before anything else. Seriously. Everything.
Lunch is a proper sit-down affair. Don't eat at your desk.
Wine at lunch is acceptable. Water with dinner is suspicious.
The French will judge your baguette choice. Get it from a real boulangerie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not saying 'Bonjour' before asking for anything - considered very rude
Expecting shops open during lunch (12-2pm) or on Sundays
Asking for alterations to dishes - French cuisine is served as the chef intended
Tipping 20% American-style - service is included, just round up
Speaking loudly in public - French people tend to speak quietly
Only visiting Paris - Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, and the countryside are incredible
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in France
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
Browse tours on ViatorWant the tour list shown right here?
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Nearby destinations
Ready to plan your France trip?
Get a personalized checklist and timeline based on your travel dates and passport.