Europe
France
France flexes to fit the trip you want - a single-city stay or a multi-region loop stitched together by one of the fastest rail networks in Europe. It's largely cashless, though a few euros still smooth small markets and vendors. As part of the Schengen Area, its entry and stay-length rules are shared across much of continental Europe, so the limits apply zone-wide rather than country by country. A little French goes a long way socially, even though English is understood across most tourist areas.
Last updated May 2026
Money & Payments
Currency
€
Euro
EUR
Cash Tip
Cards are universally accepted across France, with contactless payments up to €50 common at cafés and bakeries.
Cash remains useful for certain market stalls and toll roads.
When using ATMs, selecting payment in local currency (Euros) avoids high dynamic currency conversion fees.
Card Rating
How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted
9 / 10.0
Contactless card and mobile device payments are standard across commercial outlets, including small bakeries and public transport networks. International credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are preferred, while American Express has limited acceptance. Cash is useful primarily for select open-air markets and street vendors.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily costs per person
Budget
Meals & Transit
€35–€50
Boulangerie lunches and supermarket dinners (€10–20/day), Paris Métro day pass (€9.10).
≈ $37–$55
Meals & Transit
€35–€50
≈ $37–$55
Boulangerie lunches and supermarket dinners (€10–20/day), Paris Métro day pass (€9.10).
Accommodation
€40–€70
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
≈ $43–$75
Accommodation
€40–€70
≈ $43–$75
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Meals & Transit
€65–€105
Bistro and brasserie meals (€20–45 per meal), wine, train travel.
≈ $70–$115
Entry & Documents
Visa Requirements
Check entry requirements for your passport
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
On the Ground
Power & Plugs
Voltage, frequency, and plug types
Type E230V50Hz
Bring a universal travel adapter to stay powered up regardless of plug type.
SIM Card Guide
Stay connected while traveling
Typical price range
€15–€30
≈ $16–$32 USD
Validity: 14-day tourist SIM
Practical Info
Apps & Getting Around
Essential apps and transport info
Transport
- CitymapperForeigner-friendly
Provides real-time public transit routing for Paris, covering metro, bus, RER, and bike networks. Works offline after initial map download.
- UberForeigner-friendly
Widely available in Paris and major cities. Accepts foreign cards. 'Uber Green' (electric vehicles) is popular in Paris. G7 Taxi is the main alternative for traditional taxis.
- SNCF ConnectForeigner-friendly
Official French rail booking app. Book TGV tickets well in advance for Standard prices (available 90 days ahead). Accepts foreign cards. Compulsory seat reservations on TGV.
- Navigo App (Île-de-France Mobilités)Locals mainlyRequires local SIM
Official Paris transit app for Navigo card management. Requires French phone number. Use contactless bank card instead for most short-stay tourists - works on all Paris metro/bus validators without registration.
Navigation
Before You Go
Rules & Restrictions
Important laws and customs to be aware of
Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
Legal
- The Entry/Exit System (EES) went live at all Schengen borders in April 2026. Non-EU travellers undergo biometric registration (fingerprints + photo) at the border on first entry - allow 10–15 extra minutes for your first Schengen crossing. The system replaces passport stamps. EES data is stored for 3 years.
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to launch in Q4 2026 for visa-exempt travellers (US, UK, AU, CA, JP, KR, etc.). It requires a pre-travel online application (~€7, instant approval) before boarding any flight or train to the Schengen Area. Monitor etias.europa.eu for the exact launch date.
- Overstaying the 90-day Schengen limit is a serious offence. EES now automatically tracks your entry and exit dates - overstays are detected and result in removal, entry ban, and difficulty obtaining future Schengen visas. Use the official Schengen stay calculator to track your days.
Cultural
- France has a strong 'laïcité' (secularism) tradition. Public schools and government buildings prohibit conspicuous religious symbols. Mosques, churches, and synagogues are private spaces where religious dress is appropriate. Be respectful at all religious sites.
- Greetings matter - a simple 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) before any interaction is considered essential politeness. Failing to greet staff before ordering or asking a question can be seen as rude. 'S'il vous plaît' (please) and 'Merci' (thank you) go a long way.
- Sunday trading: Many shops, especially in smaller cities and non-tourist areas, are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets in Paris close at 1pm on Sunday. Museums and tourist sites generally stay open. Boulangeries (bakeries) are often open Sunday morning - a French institution.
Be the first to share your France trip
Log a trip to add tips and help other travelers see what's possible in France.
Log my France trip