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Practical Information on France
while you're there |
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CURRENCY
IN FRANCE AND EUROPE |
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Are
you a
national of an E.U. country? Before leaving ask your
local social security office for a "European Form
E.111". This will enable you to be reimbursed for any
medical costs and prescription charges when you
return.
For nationals of other countries, you should apply to an
insurance company which will cover you in case of
illness or accident in France.
Accepted
Currencies
The national currency in France
(and in the European Union ) is the Euro. U.S. dollars
are not accepted in most establishments; however, some
hotels, shops and restaurants may accept your U.S.
dollars at an agreed upon exchange rate. As of April
2002, the exchange rate is US $1 to 1.12 €
Euro (€): The new French currency
Bills: 500€ / 200€ / 100€ / 50€ / 20€/ 10€/ 5€
Coins: 2€ / 1€ / 50 cents / 20c / 10c / 5c / 2c / 1c. The Euro
is divided into 100 cents. Take a look at bills and coins.
Prices in France
As a rule, prices for hotels and restaurants in
the French regions, and for other goods and services -- major
cities included -- are significantly less expensive than in
Paris.
There are also
significant discounts for senior citizens, students and
children under 18 for domestic transportation, museums and
monuments for some leisure activities like the movies.
RESTAURANTS :
Restaurants usually charge for meals in two ways: a prix-fixe
menu (also called a "menu"). This includes 2 or 3 courses,
with cheese and/or dessert, and sometimes a half-bottle of
wine -- all for a stated price -- or ordering "a la carte" -
The more expensive way, with each course ordered separately.
CAFES : Prices
at cafes can vary considerably depending on the location of a
particular cafe as well as where one is seated in the
establishment. Prices in areas that attract a high volume of
tourists (for example, the vicinity of the Champs-Elysees,
around Notre Dame) tend to be more expensive. Every cafe has
different prices depending on whether one stands at the
counter or sits at a table.
TIPPING IN FRANCE : Almost all
restaurant include tax and a 15%service charge (service
compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been
particularly good, leaving another 1.50€ (or 2-3%) is
customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your
bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (service
non compris) a 15% tip is appropriate. In hotels, tip porters
1.50€ for each bag and chambermaids 1.50€ a day. Taxi drivers
should be given 10-15% of the metered fare. Tip hairdressers
10%, assistant 5%. Small tips of around 1.00€ are reasonable
for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour
guide. It is standard practice to tip tour guides and bus
drivers after an excursion, generally 1.50-3.00€, depending on
the level of the satisfaction.
Bank Opening Hours
Banking hours in Paris are usually from 10.00am to
5.00pm, Monday through Friday. Throughout the rest of France,
banks are usually open from 10am to 1pm, and 3pm to 5pm,
Tuesday through Saturday. Banks often close earlier the day
before a public holiday.
Currency exchange
Currency
exchange can be made in most banks (look for a sign indicating
Change) and post offices as well as in some large stores,
train stations, airports and exchange offices near major
tourist sites. Remember that even though exchange rates are
fixed, agent commissions vary: they must be clearly displayed.
Exchange rates vary from bank to bank in the U.S. and France.
Large cities in the U.S. generally have banks specialized in
foreign exchange with lower exchange rates. The same applies
in France. In general, it is best to find a larger bank or
exchange office in the center of town or in a financial area.
If only a small amount of money is being exchanged, the
hotel's money exchange rate may be adequate. Traveler's checks
in U.S. dollars should be exchanged in banks or exchange
offices because very few businesses will accept them.
Traveler's checks in French francs can be purchased in the
U.S. from specialized banks or in any major banks in France.
They offer a safe means of traveling with ready cash.
For a currency
converter, click here
Credit Cards
They are accepted in a large number of shops, hotels and
restaurants. Shopkeepers often state a minimum amount required
to be spent.
If you lose your credit card, immediately
contact your credit card emergency hot-line to cancel the
card, or call your credit card company's local office - see
choise of numbers below:
Eurocard-Mastercard:
Visa:
Toll free: 1-800-VISA-911
Diner's Club:
Toll free: 0810 314 159
American Express: Toll
free: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877- 382-4357
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