Page 14 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

12 BACK ROADS FRANCE

Practical Information

France’s excellent health system, emergency infrastructure and
other public services operate smoothly and efficiently, although
it pays to have the right documentation in advance. Broadband
and mobile phone accessibility is almost universal, and, while
banks in smaller towns may keep seemingly erratic hours, most
have an ATM outside. The traditional French lunch break still
holds sway almost everywhere, with all but the largest shops
closing for around two hours and all day on Monday. Many
museums are closed on Tuesdays. Above Flashing green neon cross outside a
French pharmacy
Passports and Visas you for loss or theft of luggage and Department of Health before travel).
EU nationals may enter France with other belongings such as passports You should be given a signed state-
a current valid identity card, but a and money, personal accident, ment regarding your treatment (a
passport is obligatory for all other delayed or cancelled flights and even feuille de soins) to be sent to the
visitors. Citizens of the UK will be abandonment of the holiday by you nearest Sickness Insurance Office
required to show their passport at in certain cases, such as the illness of while you are still in France. The
UK passport control on leaving and a family member or business partner. refund process takes about a couple
re-entering the UK. Currently there Most also cover you for damage you of months.
are no visa requirements for EU may cause to a third party. In case of a medical emergency,
citizens or visitors from the US, In general a standard policy will you can call SAMU (Service d’Aide
Canada, Australia or New Zealand not cover you for hazardous or Médicale Urgence). However, it is
who plan to stay in France for under extreme sports, so if you decide on a often faster to call the Sapeurs
three months. For stays longer than day’s canoeing, or plan to ski or go Pompiers (the fire service), who offer
this, a visa should be applied for well rock climbing, make sure that you are a first aid and ambulance service.
in advance of your departure (allow covered. Nearly all policies cover This is especially true in rural areas,
at least four weeks) from your local legal costs up to a certain level, as do where the local fire station is likely to
French consulate. Visitors from most comprehensive motor policies (see be much closer than the ambulance
other countries require a tourist visa. p16) in the event of any legal advice service based in town. Paramedics
When applying for a visa, you should or action being needed, for example are called secouristes.
be aware that you may be asked to after an accident. Casualty departments (services des
provide details of your travel arrange- urgences) in public hospitals can
ments, accommodation address and Health deal with most medical problems.
travel insurance. Your consulate will All EU nationals are entitled to Your consulate should be able to
also keep your passport for the French social security coverage. recommend an English-speaking
duration of your application. However, treatment must be paid for doctor in the area.
and reclaimed, and hospital rates In France, pharmacists can
Travel Insurance vary widely. For EU visitors, partial diagnose health problems and
All travellers should consider getting reimbursement can be obtained if suggest appropriate treatments.
travel insurance, and non-EU citizens you have a European Health Pharmacies have a green cross
are obliged to carry medical insur- Insurance Card (EHIC, which British outside (often flashing green neon).
ance. A policy will normally cover citizens can order online from the If closed, a card in the window will