Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What to Wear
As the cradle of haute couture, Paris is chic: don your smarter threads (and accessories).
You'll also stand out less as a tourist and therefore be less of a target for pickpockets. Dress
up rather than down for the 'nicer' restaurants, clubs and bars - no jeans, shorts or trainers/
sneakers.
Bring sturdy shoes whatever the season - cobbled streets aren't kind on high heels or thin
soles.
When visiting religious sites such as Notre Dame, be sure to dress respectfully.
Be Forewarned
A substantial number of Paris' restaurants, smaller shops and various other venues close
around August when Parisians traditionally head to the countryside or coast on summer
holidays. Precheck establishments' seasonal closures to avoid disappointment.
For a big city, Paris is generally exceptionally safe but pickpockets are an ever-present
menace, particularly in tourist hotspots. Keep an extra-close eye on your belongings.
Parisian hotel rooms are infamously small and expensive. Price-comparison online book-
ing sites can save you a bundle, or consider a short-stay apartment. In both apartments
and hotels, amenities such as air conditioning and lifts/elevators come at a premium.
Money
Visa and MasterCard are the most widely used credit cards; American Express is only ac-
cepted by upmarket establishments such as international chain hotels, luxury boutiques and
department stores.
Chip-and-pin is the norm for card transactions - few places accept swipe-and-signature.
Some foreign chip-and-pin-enabled cards require a signature - ask your bank before you
leave. ATMs ( points d'argent or distributeurs automatiques de billets ) are everywhere;
withdrawals incur international transaction fees.
You can change cash (and travellers cheques) at some banks, post offices and bureaux de
change (money-exchange offices). Many shops don't accept €200 and €500 bills.
 
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