Page 559 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

long as they are not enclosed. The possession of La Poste also runs the mail services in Andorra
narcotics is prohibited and could result in a and Monaco.
prison sentence. Unless stated otherwise, La Poste
alcohol consumption on the streets is permitted. ∑ laposte.fr
France has a strict limit of 0.05 per cent BAC
(blood alcohol content) for drivers. Taxes and Refunds

ID VAT is around 20 per cent in France. Non-EU
residents can claim back tax on certain goods
There is no requirement for visitors to carry ID, and purchases over €175. Look out for the Global
but in the event of a routine check you may be Refund Tax-Free sign, and ask the retailer for a
asked to show your passport. If you don’t have it form for a détaxe receipt. Present the goods
with you, the police may escort you to wherever receipt, détaxe receipt and passport at customs
your passport is being kept. when you depart to receive your refund.
Local Customs Discount Cards

Etiquette (la politesse) is important to the Entry to some national and municipal museums
French. On entering and leaving a store or café, is free on the first Sunday of each month. Under-
you are expected to say “bonjour” and “au revoir” 18s and EU passport holders aged 18–26 years
to staff. Be sure to add “s’il vous plaît” (please) are usually admitted free of charge to national
when ordering, and “pardon” if you accidentally museums, and there are sometimes discounts
bump into someone. The French usually shake for students and over-60s who have ID showing
hands on meeting someone for the first time. their date of birth. The Paris Pass offers access
Friends and colleagues who know each other to 60 sights for two, four or six days, fast-track
well greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. Louvre access, unlimited travel on the metro,
If you are unsure about what’s expected, wait buses and RER within central Paris and a hop-on
to see if they proffer a hand or a cheek. hop-off bus tour. The French Riviera Pass
allows free access to many sights, tours and
Visiting Churches and activities, plus free public transport throughout
Cathedrals the Nice-Côte d’Azur metropolitan area.
French Riviera Pass
Dress respectfully. Cover your torso and upper ∑ en.frenchrivierapass.com
arms; ensure shorts and skirts cover your knees. Paris Pass
∑ parispass.com
Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi
WEBSITES AND APPS
With a part of its ambitious 5G network already
operating, France offers strong mobile signals France Tourism
throughout. Visitors on EU tariffs will be able Find information and inspiration on
to use their devices without being affected by www.francetourism.com.
data roaming charges. Free Wi-Fi hotspots are Happy Hours Paris
widely available in public spaces. Cafés and A fun app which guides you to the most
restaurants usually permit the use of their convivial bars and the cheapest drinks.
Wi-Fi to customers who make a purchase.
PaybyPhone
Post Pay for on-street parking quickly and
easily with this app.
RATP
Stamps (timbres) can be bought at post offices
and tabacs (tobacconists). Most post offices have The official app from RATP, Paris’s public
self-service machines to weigh and frank your transport operator.
mail. Yellow post boxes are ubiquitous. France’s

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