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Aug 16, 2024 · Americans can enter France and other Schengen countries without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes. However, for longer stays, a visa or travel permit is necessary. Visit the French embassy’s website well in advance to check your visa requirements.
- Things to Know Before Traveling to Paris from Us
- Americans Traveling to Paris from Us: Hotel Check in
- American Tourists in Paris: What to Wear
- Visiting Paris as An American Tourist: Getting Around & Experiencing Paris
- Visiting Paris as An American Tourist: What to Eat and Drink
- Visiting Paris as An American Tourist: Paying For Things
- Americans in Paris: Odds & Ends
- American Tourist in Paris: Coming Home
1- Do Your Homework
Americans are notoriously ignorant about the world outside of our borders. Rise above the reputation by knowing a few basics like the language spoken (French), the currency (Euro), and that Paris is France’s capital city.
2- Research Local Holidays in Paris
While the French and Americans share holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day, other holidays are unique to each country. While Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, that’s just another lovely summer day in Paris. But on July 14th, France’s National Dayis an important holiday in France. Expect many businesses and venues to be closed on holidays in Paris so that the nation can celebrate with family and friends. FUN FACT: Did you know that the key to the Bastille is on display her...
3- Learn a Few Words en Français Before Visiting Paris for the First Time
Although English is widely spoken in Paris, knowing a few phrases in the local language will enhance your experience. From basic greetings to “Do you speak English?” here are nine phrases to knowin French that Americans in Paris should learn when visiting Paris for the first time.
6- A Room for One
While Americans are used to hotel rooms that nearly always contain either a king or two queen-sized beds and enough bath towels for four people, accommodations in Parisare usually quite different. There is such a thing as a single room, and it’s what it sounds like: a room with a single bed and one bath towel. A room with a larger bed is typically two single beds pushed together.
7- The Key to Managing Electricity Costs
Many hotels in Paris require that you insert your plastic room key in a special slot near the door before any of the lights or electrical outlets will power on. When you leave the room and grab your key, the power outlets will often stop working. I learned this the hard way when I left my laptop charging while I went to grab breakfast, only to come back to a dead computer. PRO TIP: Most hotels will give you a second room key upon request. So consider this option if you need to charge an item...
8- Stairway to Heaven
Like most large cities, Americans in Paris need to expect everything to be more compact in Paris. From the cars you see on the road to the space in your hotel room. Expect the elevators to be equally small. And by small, I mean that you and your bag may be all that fits in some elevators. Unless you are on a high floor, are lugging heavy suitcases, or have a physical condition that makes it difficult, use the stairs and leave the elevator open for other guests.
10- Bring Good Walking Shoes for Paris
One of the best ways to explore the cobblestone streets of St. Germain-des-Prés, the tree-lined Champs-Élysées, or the beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, is on foot. Americans traveling to Paris should be sure to bring a comfortable pair of shoes before walking a daily marathon while visiting Paris for the first time.
11- Snazz Up Your Suitcase
The French aren’t just known for their flaky croissants, colorful macarons, and exceptional wine. They’re also known for their fashion sense. What to wear when traveling to Paris? Replace your comfy yoga pants with loose-fitting slacks and your sloppy sweats with a sundress so that you don’t stand out like a gauche tourist when traveling to Paris for the first time. In terms of comfy footwear, opt for stylish flats, boots, or sandals instead of your broken-in and battered-up sneakers.
12- Leave Your Stars & Stripes Speedo at Home
If you are an American tourist in Paris, do your best to blend in rather than shine a bright spotlight on your nationality. Leave any clothing, suitcases, backpacks, or purses with the American flag on them at home. The same goes for anything sporting your favorite American sports team or college alma mater.
14- Take Advantage of Public Transportation in Paris
If at all possible, avoid driving when visiting Paris. The cars, roads, and parking posts are much smaller than in the US. The signs will be different than in the US and often in French. From taxis to the Parisian Metro or the (oh so) trendy bikes in Paris, there are many more convenient (and less stressful) ways to get around Paris than driving. Well, as long as you don’t experience…
15- Transportation Strikes
Transportation strikes are not uncommon in Paris. While they are an absolute nuisance, the strikes are usually announced in advance and last a clearly defined period of time. Watch for signs announcing an upcoming strike, and ask your hotel front desk for additional information and guidance. During one of my visits to Paris, a transportation strike hit the day I was scheduled to fly home. The hotel staff knew how to contact an independent Vietnamese cab driver who wasn’t striking, and I was a...
16- Be Mindful of Pickpockets in Paris
Just like you would in New York, Los Angeles, or any other major city around the world, be mindful of pickpockets when traveling to Paris for the first time. You should be especially vigilant when exploring touristy areas, stopping to observe a street performer, and using mass transit. I recommend a small, cross-body bag for women or an anti-theft backpackin general. Men, put your wallet in your front pocket. Split your cash and bank cards up, storing them in different pockets or bags. Do not...
19- Expect Mind-Blowingly Amazing Food
While it is possible to find a bad meal in Paris, it’s pretty hard. From a traditional French breakfast with a buttery croissant to a jambon-beurre sandwich at lunch, from a terrine of cassoulet to a burnt sugar-topped crème brûlée, there are so many amazing foods to try when visiting Paris. To increase your chances of an amazing meal, eat at Parisian bistros, little crêperies, or other local places away from the main attractions. Research your options online, read reviews, or ask a local con...
20- Request an English Menu
If one is not automatically offered to you, ask your server if they have an English menu. Most restaurants have a few available, and they are a helpful way to help you select your meal.
21- Washing It All Down
From water to beer, drinks in Paris are typically served without ice and at warmer temperatures than Americans expect at home. Another drinkable difference is the concept of unlimited refills. This is very much an American phenomenon and not something you should expect if you are traveling to Paris from US. I’ve read several theories about why there aren’t unlimited refills. One potential reason is that drinks in Paris are served from glass bottles rather than the huge fountain dispensers com...
26- Always Pay in Euros When Visiting Paris
When swiping your debit or credit card to make a purchase, you may be asked if you’d like to pay in US dollars or in Euros. Always pick Euros, or you may unknowingly be charged an additional 3-5% for the “convenience” of having your purchase converted from euros to dollars.
27- Don’t Let Your Card Out of Your Sight
While Americans routinely slip their cards in bill portfolios that waiters whisk away to run at a register elsewhere in the restaurant, that doesn’t happen in Europe. The wait staff will always bring a portable reader to your table to settle up with you.
28- Carry Enough Cash
While just about every business in America, including some vending machines, accept debit and credit cards, some small businesses and eateries in Paris may have a €10-15 minimum. To increase your motivation to carry at least a small amount of cash with you when visiting Paris, know that it’s usually not free to pee. That’s right. You may need to pay a small fee, either via a coin-operated entry door or to a restroom hostess, to use the restroom in Europe. TIP: The first Euro bill is a €5. Eve...
29- 24 Hours in a Day
Europeans use 24-hour time rather than AM and PM. Additionally, it’s typically written with the hour, the local language abbreviation for an hour, and the minutes. So what would be 4:24 pm here in Kansas Citywould be written as 16h24 in Paris. While it does take some getting used to, it’s simple to convert any afternoon time to PM by simply subtracting 12.
30- It’s a Date
In addition to using 24-hour time, dates follow a Day/Month/Year format in France rather than the Month/Day/Year format used most commonly in America.
31- Eight Days a Week
Unlike American calendars that start on Sunday and end on Saturday, French calendars typically start on Monday (Lundi) and end on Sunday (Dimanche).
35- Perishable Items
At some point, your first trip to Paris will come to an end. When that time comes, you’ll have to be sure you’ve fully consumed any perishable items that you carried on or received during your flight. This includes everything from fresh fruit to that one last amazing croissant.
36- Liquid Refreshment
If your initial destination in the US is not your final destination, be wise about purchasing wine, beer, spirits, perfume, or other liquids in the duty-free shop at the airport or on the plane. If you are transferring to another flight within the US, you’ll have to collect your luggage and will want to immediately place these items in your checked baggage before sending them to your final destination. Otherwise, when you go back through security (yes, even though you don’t really leave the s...
37- Anything to Declare?
Shortly before your Transatlantic flight lands back in America, flight attendants will distribute declaration forms. Read the form carefully and thoroughly before you start to complete it. There’s a very good chance that you won’t have anything to declare if the items you purchased abroad are for your personal use or gifts.
Jun 20, 2024 · Sacré Coeur. Paris overall is a very safe city and you are unlikely to encounter violent crime. Pickpockets are a concern in crowds and at main tourist sites, but a little precaution goes a long way. Additionally, there are a few scams and pushy behavior that you may encounter in Paris. The first is the bracelet scam.
Oct 28, 2024 · February 2023 – Laura Bronner of Eternal Expat, American traveler: “I visited Paris for 4 days as part of a 10-day trip around France in February 2023. Paris feels completely back to normal. All museums and tourist attractions are back open with normal opening hours. The metro is clean and operating at normal and frequent times.
- You will want more time in Paris than you think. As the busiest city in France, Paris isn’t short of events, attractions or activities. A glimpse of it can be caught in just a couple of days, but to truly experience the city's diverse sights and experiences, five days to a week is considered ideal.
- Book some main attractions in advance. With limited time, pinpoint in advance the main attractions you want to visit. Booking online for museums, exhibitions or theater performances will save you a lot of time waiting in lines.
- Leave some time to wander. If you’re more the type who goes with the flow, you might want to stroll until you find yourself surprisingly lost, discovering the unique identity of each arrondissement (district).
- Dress like a Parisian. Wear something comfortable, because Paris is best explored on foot. Dark clothes will generally help you blend in with the Parisians and help deter pickpockets.
When in France, please carry a photocopy of your passport separately from your passport. The copy will facilitate issuance of a replacement ($75 fee for adults, $85 for children). The American Embassy in Paris is at 2, avenue Gabriel, tel. 01 43 12 22 22. The Passport Section is nearby at 4, avenue Gabriel (open 9a.m.-noon, Monday- Friday).
Jun 28, 2024 · A 1-day pass costs €13.95 for zones 1-3 and €29.25 for zones 1-5. A 2-day pass costs €22.65 for zones 1-3 and €44.45 for zones 1-5. A 3-day pass costs €30.90 for zones 1-5 and €62.30 for zones 1-5. The Paris Visite pass is sold in metro and RER stations. Learn more and get updated pricing here.
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