Practical A–Z

EU Citizens

As an EU citizen, you need no visa. France is a Schengen member — you only need a valid ID card or passport.

Swiss Citizens

Same rules as EU citizens (Schengen Agreement). Passport or ID is sufficient.

Taxe de Séjour (Tourist Tax)

Paris charges a tourist tax depending on the accommodation category:

Collected at check-in or check-out. Children under 18 are exempt.

Paris is generally a safe city — but like any major metropolis, it has its problem areas. Violent crime against tourists is rare, pickpocketing is the main issue.

Pickpocket Hotspots

• Metro (all lines): Especially Line 1 (Louvre, Champs-Élysées) and Line 4 (Montmartre, Gare du Nord). In crowded cars, organized gangs are active — often young women or children who distract you.
• Eiffel Tower & Trocadéro: In the crowds on the lawns and in the queue.
• Montmartre: Sacré-Cœur steps, Place du Tertre.
• Gare du Nord: The station and its surroundings — especially at night.
• Louvre & Musée d'Orsay: In the queues.

Common Scams

• Bracelet Trick (Sacré-Cœur): Men tie a braided bracelet around your wrist — quickly, skillfully, seemingly harmless. Then they demand 10–20€. Firmly say “Non, merci!" and pull your hand away.
• Petition Trick: Young women ask you to sign a “petition for the deaf-mute" — while you sign, an accomplice searches your pockets. Ignore.
• Gold Ring Trick: Someone “finds" a gold ring in front of you and wants a reward. The ring is worthless. Ignore.
• Fake Taxi Drivers: At the airport and stations, private individuals offer rides — overpriced and unsafe. Only use official taxis (sign on the roof).

Parisians have a reputation for being rude — and that is not true. What is true: They have very strict rules of courtesy, and those who don't know them are treated coldly. The most important rule:

Bonjour — The Open Sesame

“Bonjour!" is the first thing you say — always, everywhere, to everyone. When entering a shop, bakery, restaurant, hotel, taxi. Without “Bonjour," no Parisian will help you — it is considered extremely rude to place an order or ask a question without a greeting.

• In the morning: “Bonjour!" (until about 6 PM)
• In the evening: “Bonsoir!" (from about 6 PM)
• When leaving: “Au revoir!" or “Bonne journée!" (Have a good day) / “Bonne soirée!" (Have a good evening)
• Always: “S'il vous plaît" (Please) and “Merci" (Thank you)

In the Restaurant

• Addressing the waiter: “Excusez-moi!" or simply make eye contact and nod slightly. Never snap your fingers or call “Garçon!"
• The bill: “L'addition, s'il vous plaît." The waiter never brings the bill unprompted — he doesn't want to rush you.
• Tipping: In France, service is included in the price (service compris). Tipping is not obligatory, but 5–10% for satisfaction is appreciated. In cafés: leave small change on the counter.

Useful Phrases

• Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?) — Always ask first before starting in English.
• Je voudrais... (I would like...) — More polite than “Je veux" (I want).
• Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît. (A carafe of water, please.) — Free tap water in the restaurant.
• Où sont les toilettes? (Where are the toilets?)
• C'est combien? (How much does it cost?)

What to Pack?

• Comfortable Shoes: Paris is explored on foot — cobblestones, stairs, and long museum corridors. Elegant yet comfortable is the Parisian motto.
• Layers: Parisian weather is unpredictable — cool in the morning, warm at noon, windy in the evening. A light jacket and a scarf are sensible year-round.
• Umbrella: Small and compact — Parisian rain is brief but frequent.
• Small Backpack / Crossbody Bag: Practical and theft-proof. Large backpacks are not allowed in many museums.
• Adapter: Type C fits (German plug without grounding contact). Schuko plugs with grounding pin may need an adapter (Type E — the socket has a pin).
• Water Bottle: To refill at the Wallace fountains (green cast-iron fountains, everywhere in the city).

Important Notes

• Sunday Opening: Most shops are closed on Sundays (exception: Marais, Champs-Élysées, Grands Magasins on certain Sundays). Supermarkets in the center (Monoprix, Carrefour City, Franprix) often open until 1 PM on Sundays.
• August: Many traditional restaurants, bakeries, and small shops close for 2–4 weeks “vacances annuelles" (annual holidays). Check in advance!
• Toilets: Public toilets (Sanisettes) are free and self-cleaning — green cabins on sidewalks. In cafés: order at least an espresso.
• Smoking: Prohibited indoors, but widespread on café terraces. If it bothers you: choose an indoor seat.
• Strikes (Grèves): Strikes are part of French culture. Metro, trains, and airports can be affected. Before traveling: check ratp.fr (Metro/Bus) and sncf.com (trains) for real-time information.