Other practical informations

Phone: To reach the foreign countries: OO tone and then the country code. Collect call: 0800 99 00 then the country code. The French numbers have ten digits. They start with 01 to Ile de France, 02 for the West to 03 East, 04 for the Southeast, 05 for the Southwest and 06 for mobile phones.

Payphones: Payphones walk with a phone card (sold in tobacco shops and post offices) or a credit card (credit for 15 euros maximum per call).

The mobile phone: Most cell phones purchased in Europe can be used in France. However, the phones must have a U.S. base three times higher (tri-band phones) to work in France.

The postage: Postcards and letters less than 20 g destined to the European Union: stamps sold individually (54 Euro cents) or of 10 or 12, in positions or tobacconists . The post offices are open from 8am to 19h from Monday to Friday and from 8am to 12pm on Saturday. The position conducts international mandates.

The property safety: Never leave your luggage unattended in stations or subway stations. In case of theft, assault or disappearance, call the police or go to the police station nearest you. If you are a foreigner, if lost or stolen passport, notify your consulate.

Medical care: Nationals of the European Union can benefit from French social security. Care is paid, however, and prices vary. Reimbursement of medical expenses requires a lengthy administrative process. The foreign tourist who has taken out a personal medical insurance would have incentives to obtain information from health services. In case of medical emergency, call SAMU (15) or firefighters (18). Relating to pharmacies open at night and on holidays, in addition to the list below, each dispensary displays the address of the drugstore nearest.

The exchange: There are currency exchange at bank branches and most major hotels. Also, many independent offices usually open from 9 am to 18h from Monday to Saturday, are grouped in the Champs-Elysees, the Opera and Madeleine, near the main tourist sites, and in stations (open every day from 9h to 21h, closed on Sunday in the St. Lazare station and Austerlitz).

Traveler’s checks and credit card: Issued by American Express, Travelex or your usual bank, traveler’s checks are the safest way to transport large sums of money. American Express does not levy fees on travelers checks traded in its offices. In case of theft, checks are immediately replaced. Attention because of high fees, most merchants do not accept American Express cards. However Carte Bleue / Visa is widely used. Scores agency bank accept foreign cards with secret identification code. A sign indicates the cards accepted by the distributor. Attention corporate credit card charge a commission on cash withdrawals. If your card is retained by the distributor, please contact the branch of the bank issuing the card.