Travellers' Needs

    

If you're planning to visit France, here is some helpful info.

    

                             Climate

 

Maritime in the west, Mediterranean in the south, continental in the center and the east.

 

                              French time

 

France is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The French use the 24 hour clock, so 7pm = 19:00, for example.

 

Tourist Information

 

All major cities and large towns have offices de tourisme. Small towns and even village have syndicat d'initiative. Both will give you town plans, advice on accomodation, and information on regional recreational and cultural activities.

 

Electrical adaptors

 

 

The voltage in France is 220 volts. Plugs have two round pins, or three round pins for applications whch need to be earthed.

 

                                           Medical Treatment

 

All European Union nationals are entitled to French social security coverage. However, treatment must be paid for and hospital rates vary widely. Reimbursements may be obtained if you have acquired your E111 form (European form) before you travel. All travellers should consider purchasing travel insurance. Non-EU nationals are obliged to carry medical insurance. In the case of a medical emergency call SAMU (Service d'Aide Médicale Urgence).

 

                          Emergency numbers

 

Ambulance (SAMU): 15

Fire (pompiers): 18

Police: 17

 

                        Banking and Currency

 

Currency: The French unit of currency is the Euro.

 

Using banks: Most French banks have a bureau de change. Many banks now have ATMs (automatic teller machines) outside, which you can normally use with cards in the Visa or Mastercard groups.  Instructions are often given in French, English and German.

 

Cards and cheques: Traveller's cheques are widely accepted in France. They can be obtained from American Express, Thomas Cook or your bank. Because of the high commissions charged, many French businesses do not accept the American Express credit card. The most commonly used credit card is Carte Bleue/Visa. Eurocard/Mastercard is also widely accepted.

 

Lost cards (24h/24): 08 36 69 08 80

Lost cheques (Banque de France): 08 36 68 32 08

 

Conversion chart

 

Imperial to metric:

1 inch = 2.54 centimetres

1 foot = 30 centimetres

1 mile = 1.6 kilometres

1 ounce = 28 grams

1 pound = 454 grams

1 pint = 0.6 litre

1 gallon = 4.6 litres

  

Metric to imperial:

1 millimetre = 0.04 inch

1 centimetre = 0.4 inch

1 metre = 3 feet 3 inches

1 kilometre = 0.6 mile

1 gram = 0.04 ounce

1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds

1 litre = 1.8 pints