France: Practical information

Eating Out

Getting Around

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Paris - Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG)	24km / 15 miles	EUR 50-60 / 45 min	EUR 14 - EUR 6.15 / 35-60 min	EUR 8.10 / 50 min	Available
Paris - Orly (ORY)	14km / 9 miles	EUR 35-55 / 20-35 min	EUR 9 / 20-30 min	EUR 7.20, EUR 9.30 + RER ticket / 40-50 min	Available

Time and Time Difference

Current Local Time

It is %T:%M %A In Paris

Summer Time

Summer time from March to October.

Map of the Time Zone

Climate

Type of Climate

In France, the climate varies according to the region: temperate, oceanic, with mild winters and summers in the West and North West; continental in the East; Mediterranean, with hot, very dry summers, and mild, wet winters and sometimes very windy in the South East.

For further information

Météo France

Average Annual Temperatures and Rainfall

Paying

Domestic Currency

Euro

ISO Code

EUR

Possible Means of Payment

The commonly accepted means of payment in France include:
1. Cash (Euros): Cash is widely accepted in most establishments, including shops, restaurants, and smaller businesses. It is advisable to carry smaller denominations for convenience.
2. Credit and Debit Cards: Credit and debit cards are widely used and accepted in France. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, followed by American Express and other major card networks. Chip-and-PIN technology (EMV) is prevalent, and contactless payments (payWave or payPass) are widely supported.
3. Mobile Payments: Mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are increasingly accepted in many establishments, particularly in larger cities and popular tourist areas. These platforms allow you to make payments using your compatible smartphone or smartwatch.
4. Contactless Cards: Many establishments in France have contactless card terminals, allowing for quick and convenient payments by simply tapping your contactless-enabled card on the terminal.
5. Cheques: While less common than in the past, some establishments may still accept payment by cheque, particularly for larger purchases or in specific circumstances. However, it's worth noting that cheques are used less frequently compared to other payment methods.
6. Online Payments: For e-commerce and online purchases, various online payment methods such as PayPal, Stripe, and other secure payment gateways are commonly accepted by French businesses.

It's always a good idea to have a variety of payment options available when visiting France, including cash and at least one internationally accepted credit or debit card, to ensure smooth transactions in different situations.

To Find a Cash Machine Where You Need, Use the ATM locator

Speaking

Official Language

French

Other Languages Spoken

The regional languages (Breton, Occitan, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Alsation, Picard, etc.) are only spoken locally and by a minority of French people.

Business Language

Although French is the official language in France, many businesspeople speak English. However, depending on the type, geographical location and sector of activity of the company, it may be difficult to find someone who speaks English. Being able to communicate and negotiate in French provides a distinct advantage.

Emergency Numbers

Communications

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