This guide will equip you with essential tips for navigating local culture, planning your itinerary, and maximizing your enjoyment during your French adventure.
Must-Have Apps for Exploring France:
CityMapper - this will help you get around Paris or you can use Google Maps.
Google Translate - this will help for some menus.
WhatsApp - this is a widely used app throughout Europe to communicate with International guests. Your hotel and tour operators are usually on this.
G7 Taxi App - Paris taxi app that is helpful if you need a taxi
Discover how you pay for the metro in Paris and how to buy tickets in 2025:
Paris Metro Video by Les Frenchies
A smart phone is pretty essential to travel these days and a lot of phone providers are starting to include International calling. T-Mobile includes international service.
Otherwise, these providers provide a daily pass option.
Verizon: Travel Pass @ $12 / day
AT&T: International Day Pass @ $12 / day
Good to Know:
When you don’t plan to use your phone, keep your phone in airplane mode and use hotel / restaurants wifi to access the internet. Also make sure to turn off Data Roaming in your device settings.
Debit Card - Bring your debit card as it is super easy to find an ATM at the airport or around town to withdraw some cash. (Mainly tips for tours or restrooms). Also let your bank know you are traveling so they do not lock your card.
Credit Card -
1. Check with your credit card company to see if they charge the 3% foreign transaction fee. (Try to avoid this if possible).
2. Tap to pay. Make sure you have your cards loaded on your phone on Apple/Android pay or have a physical card you can tap to pay. Most places/merchants use tap to pay.
3. When asked at a merchant if you want to pay in Euros or Dollars, always choose the local currency (this is another way credit card companies charge you extra).
Wise - International Card
The Wise card has no transaction fees and great exchange rates, plus you can withdraw up to €200 monthly from ATMs for free. You can start using your Wise card instantly with Google or Apple Pay, and getting the card costs just a one-time fee of €7 or the equivalent in your currency. It offers handy security options like the ability to freeze the card via the Wise app or website, and you get transaction notifications. Get a Wise card*
As in most of Europe, its appropriate but not mandatory, to leave a few Euros as a tip for those providing services, whether a restaurant, porters or other providers. For exceptional service 5-10% is acceptable. Locals may tip more modestly and if you feel unsure, ask one!
Here is a link to our travel gear recommendations we have purchased through Amazon.
Most important:
Purses/Bags:
Large cities, unfortunately, can be hotspots for pickpockets. To minimize the risk in tourist-heavy areas, consider using a front-facing purse or a money belt that zips securely. This will help keep your valuables safe and sound while you explore.
Luggage:
I recommend packing one checked bag and a comfortable backpack as your carry-on. Simplifying your luggage will make navigating airports, trains, and city streets much easier. Always include an extra set of clothes and any essential medications in your carry-on as a precaution against lost luggage.
In France, Bonjour is more than just a greeting; it is a required social acknowledgment.
The Custom: You must say "Bonjour" (or "Bonsoir" after 6:00 PM) every single time you enter a boutique, a bakery, or even a small grocery store.
Why it Matters: Walking into a shop and heading straight for the merchandise without greeting the shopkeeper is considered quite rude in French culture. A simple "Bonjour" acknowledges their presence and sets a respectful tone for your entire interaction.
Other Key Phrases:
- S'il vous plaît - please
- Merci - thank you
- Au Revoir - goodbye
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît - the check, please
- Où sont les toilettes? - where are the restrooms
- Parlez-vous anglais? - do you speak english
A naturally diverse country bordered not only by a set of coastlines but two mountain ranges, Frances abundance of popular destinations span the entire land and fall into three main geographic zones - the oceanic, continental, and Mediterranean. In the northern oceanic and continental regions closer to the mountainous areas, the temperature can become quite cold in the winter but warm up in the summer, with temperatures never quite breaking 80 degrees in the north-central capital of Paris. The Mediterranean zone to the south however hosts more mild winters and can get quite hot during the summer. Precipitation is common during the fall months across the country, although a spring or summer shower is not out of the question.
We recommend light layers in the summer and medium/heavy coats in the winter and suggest having a sweater at the ready for cooler nights year-round. Raingear and waterproof clothing are needed in the fall months, and are essential when visiting the mountain regions in any season.