Planning your visit in Paris
It is totally ok to leave a tip in France, but in a very different proportion than in the US. In France, waiters don’t rely on tips to make a living, they make a decent salary, with 5 weeks paid vacation and free healthcare. So it is ok to leave 2 to 5€ for appreciation of the service but that’s it. Stand your ground if you have a waiter insisting… If you want to go into more details check this article about tipping in France.
Mutiple ways to do so:
– Through your carrier, see if they have international plans.
– Purchase a SIM card at the airport, local stores or buy it online
– Use an e-sim through your current phone. By downloading Airalo.
Check our detailed article about how to have data in the France here.
In touristic areas and big cities, people will know some basic english to communicate. In restaurants and hotels, you should find people that speak well english.
Make sure to know a few words of french to make your way easier, starting off a phrase with a “Bonjour” (Hello), can go a long way.
Dial 112 for emergencies and locate the nearest hospital.
Dial 17 for the Police.
Dial 18 for the Fire departement.
Yes, you can pay almost everywhere with your card. Some smaller store might ask for a minimum purchase of 5 or 10€ to use the card.
Apple and Google Pay is accepted almost everywhere as well now.
We recommend that you carry some cash for smaller establishments or purchase (Around €20).
Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. We have detailed each season in this article.
Getting around & Transportation in Paris (Metro, Trains & Taxis)
Paris two major airports are CDG & ORY, both offer 3 ways to go from airport to city center:
– By using the public transportation, read how here
– By taking an official taxis (Be careful of scams)
– By hiring a private driver, we built a relationship with a top company specialized in this. Get the info here
Paris metro is really efficient, safe and easy to navigate after a ride or two.
As a tip, get a free metro map at any kiosk, plan routes (Apps can be usefull), and purchase tickets in advance.
We have written a full article on this topic you can read here.
Yes, Uber is available in Paris and other major cities in France. We recommend to also download other apps like G7 or Bolt.
We recommend using the navigo easy pass if you plan to stay a few days and use the metro extensively. Or, you can buy tickets as you go.
We have made this video in 2024 about how to buy your metro pass.
Accommodations & Where to stay in Paris
Many areas are great and have different vibes! It all depends of what you are looking for. Here is our top 9 areas to stay and why.
Generally safe, stick to well-lit areas.
Paris downtown is safe, be cautious about your belongings, bags etc. Touristic areas usually have a few pickpockets.
Attractions & Things to do in Paris
Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre.
Purchase skip-the-line tickets online or hire a guide.
Here’s a list of attractions with skip-the-line options and guided tours
Yes, tour guides speak english a few can also speak other languages such as spanish, mandarin, Japanese, german etc.
Yes, some museums offer free entry on specific days.
Explore neighborhood markets, cafes, and less touristy areas.
One thing to do might be to start with `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl4YYqIvnZ0&t=3s
Restaurants & what to eat in Paris
It is totally ok to leave a tip in France, but in a very different proportion than in the US. In France, waiters don’t rely on tips to make a living, they make a decent salary, with 5 weeks paid vacation and free healthcare. So it is ok to leave 2 to 5€ for appreciation of the service but that’s it. Stand your ground if you have a waiter insisting… If you want to go into more details check this article about tipping in France.
Yes, tap water in Paris is safe to drink.
Smart-casual attire is generally acceptable.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options. For Vegan and Gluten free options, we would recommend you watch this video.