Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and be proud of what he does for a living, but not because
of his salary.
This is something difi cult for Angle-Saxons and Asians to
understand, but it is simple, really: we are all people. If you
are interesting or amusing, then you have value, as a person.
How much cash lines your pocket is immaterial, as far as
your friend is concerned. Much better to come to France as
an author, a professor or a musician, if you want quick social
acceptance. A fat pocketbook does not open many hearts in
France. For example, in the summer of 2007 the new French
President, Sarkozy, spent his August holidays in Vermont,
at the home of a wealthy Microsoft executive. The French
were horrii ed that a man in such an important position in
Government would be so friendly with a mere industrialist.
This repulsion about money favours everything the
French do. The transaction is important, the cash itself is
secondary… and almost regrettable.
Getting Cash Abroad
Banking in France is very efi cient and cash transfers between
countries outside of the EU are getting less expensive, though
both the sending bank and the receiving one charge you. You will
need to have cash to live on in France when you arrive, so plan
to open up a bank account. Until then, you can get cash from the
ATM machines with your VISA card from home. The credit card
company will charge you a fee for each withdrawal, but the good
news is, you get the best rate of the day on the exchange. If your
currency is improving, that is an even better thing. However, if
you lose your card abroad, it could be disastrous. Keep handy the
details on the card and a home number to call if it is lost.
Travellers' cheques are the worst, as your money sits static on
the paper while the company uses it, and you get charged for the
privilege. One word of caution: the French ATM machines will
dispense a maximum of 500 euros in cash a week from a French
account. From your foreign account, the limit is much higher,
depending on your card.
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