France
Last checked:
- Capital
- Paris
- Currency
- EUR · Euro
- Languages
- French
- Plugs
- Type C, E · 230 V
Emergency numbers
Top 5 places
- Eiffel Tower · Paris
The city's symbol; book timed tickets online to skip long queues.
- Louvre Museum · Paris
One of the world's largest art museums; timed entry booking is strongly advised.
- Palace of Versailles · Versailles
Royal palace and gardens, an easy RER C trip from Paris.
- Mont-Saint-Michel · Normandy
Medieval abbey on a tidal island; check tide times for the best views.
- French Riviera · Nice / Cannes / Antibes
Mediterranean coast with old towns, beaches and easy regional trains.
Getting around
Public transport
Bonjour RATP / IDF Mobilites
Official Paris region apps for routes and tickets. Since 2025 a metro/RER/train ticket costs about 2.50 EUR and a bus/tram ticket about 2 EUR (varies). Load tickets onto a Navigo Easy card (2 EUR) or your phone; paper ticket books are being phased out.
Public transport
Navigo Decouverte / weekly pass
Weekly pass (Monday to Sunday) covering all zones including airports; good value for stays of 4+ days. Needs a passport photo.
Ride-hailing app
Uber / Bolt / Heetch
Uber and Bolt work in Paris and other big cities; Heetch is a cheaper local option, popular at night. Prices surge at peak times.
Taxi
G7 / FREENOW
G7 is the largest Paris taxi company with its own app; FREENOW books licensed taxis. Paris airport taxis use fixed fares: CDG to the Right Bank about 56 EUR, to the Left Bank about 65 EUR (2026 rates).
Bike share
Velib' Metropole
Paris bike share with classic and e-bikes; day and 3-day passes available. Note that Paris banned rental e-scooters in 2023, but Lime, Dott and others still run e-bikes.
Trains
SNCF Connect
Official app for TGV, Intercites and regional TER trains. Book TGV early for lower fares; OUIGO is the low-cost high-speed option.
Money and cash
Currency: EUR · Euro
Cards and contactless phone payments work almost everywhere, including bakeries, cafes and most taxis. Some small shops and markets have a card minimum or prefer cash, so carry 20-40 EUR. Use bank ATMs and always choose to be charged in EUR.
Tipping
Tipping in France is optional. By law, restaurant and cafe prices must include service (service compris, about 15%), and staff receive a regular wage. Locals often round up or leave a few euros for good service; tourists are not expected to add 15-20%.
| Restaurants | Service is included in menu prices. Leaving 5-10% or a few euros for good service is a kind gesture, not an obligation. |
|---|---|
| Cafés and bars | Leave small change or round up, for example 1 EUR on a coffee and pastry. Nothing is expected at the counter. |
| Taxis and ride apps | Round up to the nearest euro or add up to 10% for help with bags. Not expected for ride apps. |
| Hotels | 1-2 EUR per bag for porters and a few euros for housekeeping are appreciated; tip the concierge only for special help. |
| Tours and guides | Tip guides on free walking tours (they rely on tips); 5-10% for good paid tours is common but optional. |
| Food delivery | Not expected; a euro or two in the app for bad weather or a big order is a nice extra. |
Service charge: what’s true
Since 1987 French law requires displayed prices to include service, so every bill is effectively 'service compris'. Receipts may say 'service compris' or 'prix nets'. This amount is part of staff pay, not an extra line you can refuse. A separate service line added on top of menu prices is not standard practice in France.
Pressure tactics to watch for
Some tourist-area waiters and card terminals suggest a percentage tip, or bills in English say 'service not included'. Since service is legally included in prices, any extra tip is voluntary. You can politely say 'Le service est compris, merci' and pay the bill amount.
Useful phrases
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît. The bill, please.
- Le service est compris ? Is service included?
- Gardez la monnaie. Keep the change.
Etiquette
- Always say 'Bonjour, madame/monsieur' when entering a shop, cafe or bus, and 'Au revoir' when leaving. Skipping it is seen as rude.
- Greet friends with 'la bise' (light cheek kisses); handshakes are normal for strangers and business.
- Waiters will not bring the bill until you ask for it; lingering at the table is normal.
- Speak quietly on public transport and in restaurants.
- Dress modestly in churches: cover shoulders, remove hats.
- Meal times are fixed outside big cities: lunch about 12:00-14:00, dinner from about 19:30. Many kitchens close in between.
Scams and how to handle them
Gold ring trick
Where: Paris: Seine quays, Tuileries, Eiffel Tower, Louvre
How it works: Someone pretends to find a gold ring next to you, offers it as luck, then asks for money. The ring is worthless brass.
How to avoid it: Say 'Non, merci' and keep walking. Do not take anything handed to you.
Petition clipboard
Where: Paris: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Louvre, train stations
How it works: Groups ask you to sign a fake petition for a deaf or disabled charity, then demand a donation; the distraction is often used to pickpocket.
How to avoid it: Do not stop or sign. Keep a hand on your bag.
Friendship bracelet
Where: Paris: steps of Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre
How it works: Men tie a string bracelet on your wrist and then demand payment, sometimes surrounding you.
How to avoid it: Keep your hands in your pockets and walk past firmly.
Shell game (bonneteau)
Where: Paris: bridges near the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars
How it works: A street game with cups and a ball; fake winners in the crowd encourage you to bet. You cannot win, and pickpockets work the crowd.
How to avoid it: Do not play or watch closely.
Unlicensed taxi drivers
Where: Paris CDG and Orly airports, Gare du Nord
How it works: Drivers approach you inside the terminal or station and charge far above the official fixed fare.
How to avoid it: Only use the official taxi rank (taxis have a lit 'TAXI PARISIEN' sign and meter) or book via an app.
Metro ticket 'helpers'
Where: Paris metro and RER stations, especially Gare du Nord and airport stations
How it works: People offer to help at ticket machines, then sell used or invalid tickets or watch your PIN.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets in the official app or at machines yourself; ask staff at the counter.
Distraction pickpocketing
Where: Paris metro lines 1 and 4, RER B and D, crowded sights
How it works: Groups block doors, bump into you or ask questions while an accomplice takes phones and wallets.
How to avoid it: Carry your bag across your body, keep phones out of back pockets, and stand away from doors.
Safety
- Pickpocketing is the main risk, especially on the Paris metro, RER lines B and D and at mainline stations.
- Serious assaults have been reported on RER B (airports, Gare du Nord) and RER D (Stade de France); be alert, especially at night.
- Keep passports and cards in separate inside pockets and carry bags across your body.
- Drink spiking is reported in bars: buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.
- Do not leave valuables visible in cars; break-ins and thefts in slow traffic happen.
- Strikes and demonstrations are common; check RATP/SNCF apps and avoid protest areas.
How widely English is spoken
Fair in Paris and tourist areas, especially among younger people; limited in rural areas. Starting with 'Bonjour' and a few words of French makes a big difference.
Sources
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: France, safety and security
- Service-Public.fr: new Ile-de-France transport tariff from January 2025
- Paris Aeroport: taxis at Charles de Gaulle
- NPR: Paris rental electric scooter ban takes effect
- The Local France: Five street scams to avoid in Paris
- Rick Steves forum: Tipping in restaurants (France)
- Expat Focus: France taxis and ride-hailing services
We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.