🇫🇷 Travel facts France
✓ Last checked:The most important practical answers for your trip to France — entry, tipping, plug, customs and more. Compactly verified, with source references.
| Capital | Paris |
|---|---|
| Language | French |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Timezone | UTC+1 |
| Flight time from Germany | approx. 1.5 hours (Paris) |
| Emergency number | 112 · Police 17 · Ambulance 15 |
| Plug | Type C/E · 230 V / 50 Hz |
| EU / Schengen | EU · Schengen |
Do I need a visa for France?
An identity card is sufficient — France is a member of the EU and Schengen.
No visa, no residence limit for tourists. Binding information: German Federal Foreign Office.
How much tip should I give in France?
Service compris — round up or 5–10% for good service
Hotel: 1–2 € per service
Taxi: Round up
Which plug adapter do I need in France?
No adapter needed — Type C / E (230 V / 50 Hz), German plugs fit.
Schuko usually fits; with very old sockets without a notch, it may be tight.
Can you drink tap water in France?
Yes, tap water is drinkable.
In restaurants, 'une carafe d’eau' (tap water) is free and completely normal.
What can I bring from France to Germany?
EU internal market: no customs borders. For personal use, guideline amounts apply (e.g. 800 cigarettes, 10 l spirits).
Will my mobile phone work in France?
EU roaming: The German mobile tariff applies without extra charge ('Roam like at Home').
Card or cash — how do you pay in France?
Euro; card payment (contactless) is almost standard everywhere.
What should I know about health in France?
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid; additional travel health insurance is advisable.
Sources & Note
Information from the perspective of German citizens, as of August 2026, without guarantee. Entry and security information can change at short notice — binding is the German Federal Foreign Office (France travel information) . Health information does not replace travel medical advice.
