How Things Work in France
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping is not obligatory in France. A service charge is included in all restaurant bills by law. Round up or leave 5–10% for genuinely good service.
Updated 2025-01
Paris has an excellent Metro. Buy a carnet (book of 10 tickets) or a Navigo Easy card. SNCF runs intercity trains — book TGV early for big discounts.
Updated 2025-01
France has excellent healthcare. EU citizens use EHIC for reduced-cost care. Non-EU tourists pay upfront and claim back via insurance. Pharmacists are very helpful.
Updated 2025-01
Carry ID at all times. Face coverings in public are banned. Photography laws protect individuals. Speed cameras are everywhere.
Updated 2025-01
SAMU (medical): 15. Police: 17. Fire (Pompiers): 18. EU universal: 112.
Updated 2025-01
France is fashionable but relaxed. Smart-casual for restaurants. Modesty required at churches. Avoid overly casual sportswear in Paris restaurants.
Updated 2025-01
Drinking age is 18. Alcohol is freely available in shops 24/7. Wine with meals is culturally embedded. Drink-driving limit is 0.05% BAC.
Updated 2025-01
Fixed prices in all retail. Some negotiation acceptable at flea markets (brocantes), antique fairs, and with private sellers.
Updated 2025-01
Photography in public is broadly legal. The Eiffel Tower at night is copyrighted — publishing those photos commercially requires a license. Privacy laws are strict.
Updated 2025-01
Most shops close on Sundays. Supermarkets open limited hours. Paris tourist areas have exceptions. Restaurants and bakeries open Sunday morning.
Updated 2025-01
Uber and Bolt operate across France, and G7 and Taxis Bleus are Paris's official taxi companies — all taxis are metered and Uber from CDG airport is often cheaper than a taxi.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water is completely safe to drink throughout France and is free at all restaurants by law when requested as a carafe d'eau.
Updated 2025-06
Cards are widely accepted across France, but some traditional markets and brasseries prefer cash — use Crédit Agricole, BNP Paribas, or Société Générale ATMs and always decline dynamic currency conversion.
Updated 2025-06
Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile all offer tourist SIMs available at airports, phone shops, and tabacs — EU residents benefit from free roaming across France.
Updated 2025-06
France uses Type E plugs at 230V/50Hz — UK and US visitors need a plug adapter, though a standard European travel adapter covers French sockets.
Updated 2025-06
Paris has well-known tourist scams including pickpockets at major sights, the petition clipboard scam, friendship bracelets at Sacré-Cœur, and overcharging restaurants near Notre-Dame.
Updated 2025-06
France is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing is a significant issue at iconic Paris sights — use front pockets or a money belt and stay alert at Gare du Nord and Châtelet-Les Halles at night.
Updated 2025-06
Always greet with 'Bonjour Madame/Monsieur' when entering any shop, wait until everyone is served before eating, and never comment on the price of things — it is considered gauche.
Updated 2025-06
French is the official language, but many Parisians speak English — attempting even a few French words first, especially 'Bonjour' and 'S'il vous plaît', will dramatically improve how you are received.
Updated 2025-06
The French Riviera offers clear Mediterranean swimming with pebble beaches, while Brittany and Normandy have dramatic but cold Atlantic coastlines — jellyfish are common in the Mediterranean in August and September.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the right, blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, speed cameras are extremely common, and toll roads (autoroutes) are fast but expensive.
Updated 2025-06
Service is legally included in all French restaurant bills, bread and tap water are free, and the best value is always the lunchtime formule (set menu) at €12–18 for three courses.
Updated 2025-06
Notre-Dame de Paris (reopened 2024) and Sacré-Cœur both enforce dress codes requiring covered shoulders and knees — entry is free but respectful attire is mandatory.
Updated 2025-06
Paris is best in April–June and September–October — July and August are hot and extremely crowded with many local restaurants closed as Parisians themselves leave the city.
Updated 2025-06
The best savings in France come from eating the set lunch menu (formule €12–18), picnicking with boulangerie and market produce, and using the free first-Sunday museum entry at all national museums.
Updated 2025-06