Paris Transportation Guidelines
To truly experience Paris, you have to spend some time strolling her streets. I recommend walking and avoiding public transport where possible. Having said that, when it's easier to use it, the Métro process is effective and makes it simple to get around Paris and you will need it occasionally.
Purchase metro tickets in books of five, referred to as a 'carnet', as you'll spend closer to 1€ per ticket instead of 1,70€.
You can also get a Métro map any place, or you are able to pre-plan your trip using the RATP's useful web site (in French):
http://www.ratp.fr/itineraires/fr/ratp/recherche-avancee
If you're residing in a hotel, ask the reception desk to provide you a card with their address on it, and ask them to instruct you on how to articulate their street address properly to ensure that taxi drivers comprehend you.
France and Money for Travellers
ATMs in France take many different bank cards, nonetheless they only understand pincodes of 4 digits in length. Talk with your bank before leaving if your PIN is not 4 digits long.
It's advisable to bring some Euros in cash with you. Note that the exchange rate is definitely better if you withdraw straight from the ATM instead of exchanging cash.
It's also a good idea to alert your bank that you're heading overseas and have them to put a note in your account so that you're not as likely to end up with a blocked account because of a dubious transaction. Jot down the 24-hour global help-line also and keep it in your wallet.
Paris Restaurants
Learn how to dine on the cheap! It will save you money so you can splurge later. Some tips for budget dining in Paris and other French cities:
- Chain Bakeries - maybe not as romantic, but very affordable.
- Street food vendors - hot food carts like middle eastern food carts and crepe stands usually serve savory dishes at an affordable price.
- Grocery Stores - Don't be scared of supermarkets in France. In Paris, several have prepared to eat foods and snacks with useful plastic forks. Some good grocery stores include Monoprix and Franprix.
Accommodations in Paris
Many hotels in Paris will attempt to offer you breakfast with your room for approximately 20-30€ per person. It usually includes freezing croissants, commercial baguettes and inexpensive orange juice. Skip it and ask hotel staff for their favorite local bakery or café and head there instead for a nice breakfast where you rub elbows with the locals.
Getting into the city of Paris proper
Engaging in the town from the airport can be very an ordeal, even for somebody who knows the transportation system and speaks French. My advice, is simply do not make an effort to understand the RER and the Métro. You can pre-book an organized transfer which allows for longer transfer allowances.
There's a bus that stops at specified places in Paris but you'll typically need to transfer and switch busses or trains. It's just not worth the hassle when you factor in the price and the work of lugging your bags from one bus to the next.
Paris transportation information in English:
http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_21879/tourists
Useful French Terms
Although 'Excusez-moi' is just a expression many visitors know about, 'Pardon' is additionally utilized in situations where you'd want some one to make room for you.
'Bonjour' and 'Au Revoir' are ethical greetings you're likely to present as you enter or exit a store or restaurant.
'Desolee je ne parle pas francais' (Sorry, I do not talk French) at least means you made the effort to say something in French. Locals appreciate tourists who at least make an effort with French.
