Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
your phone in “Airplane Mode” and then turn your Wi-Fi back on). If you're on a
longtrip,arepositiveyouwon'tbeusingyourphoneforvoiceordataroaming,and
want to save some money, ask your provider about suspending those services alto-
gether while you're gone.
By sticking with Wi-Fi wherever possible and budgeting your use of data, you
can easily and affordably stay connected while you travel.
You can buy the cards at newsstand kiosks and
tabacs
(tobacco shops). Ask the clerk
for a
“carte à code pour les Etats-Unis”
(for the US; cart-ah-code poor lay-zay-tah-oo-
nee). Buy a lower denomination in case the card is a dud. Tell the vendor where you'll be
making most calls (to the US), and he'll select the brand with the best deal. Some shops
also sell cardless codes, printed right on the receipt.
To make a call, dial the free (usually 4-digit) access number. If the access code on
the card doesn't work from your hotel-room phone, try the card's 10-digit, toll-free code
that starts with 08. Either way, a voice in French (followed by English) tells you to enter
your(usually 12-digit) code. Before orafter entering yourcode, youmay need to press (or
touche,
pronounced toosh) the pound key (#,
dièse
, dee-ehz) or the star key (*,
étoile
, ay-
twahl). At the next message, dial the number you're calling (possibly followed by pound
or star key; you don't have to listen to the entire sales pitch).
Sinceyoudon'tneedtheactualcardorreceipttousetheaccount,youcanwritedown
the access number and code and share it with friends.
US Calling Cards:
These cards, such as the ones offered by AT&T, Verizon, and
Sprint, are a rotten value, and are being phased out. Try any of the options outlined earlier.
For tips on making calls, including specifics on dialing toll-free service numbers, see
Emergency Needs
Police:
Tel. 17
Emergency Medical Assistance
(called “SAMU”): Tel. 15
Ambulance in Paris:
Tel. 01 45 67 50 50 (message asks for your address and name)
Collect Calls to the US:
Tel. 00 00 11
