What type of clothing and shoes should I wear in Paris?
Paris is a city that is best seen on foot. Between walking down the main streets such as Champs Elysees, to exploring the narrow avenues of the Latin Quarter, to climbing the steps to the top of the Notre Dame, your feet will take quite a battering during your trip. Wear comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing. With 16 million tourists to the central Paris area alone, you'll see every type of clothing, but if you don't want to stand out as a stereotypical tourist then dress appropriately. Parisiens don't typically wear hoodies, sweatpants, fanny packs or white tennis shoes.
At the end of the day what's important is that you're comfortable.
Will my credit cards work in Paris?
For transactions using a regular terminal, such as in restaurants or at manned ticket counters your credit cards should work fine. A good practice is to let your bank know you're travelling so your card doesn't get blocked when your bank starts seeing transactions from a new place.
For automated transactions, such as the automated ticket machines in most metro stations and renting bicycles from automated machines, you will need a credit card that has a Chip and Pin system. Note that most United States banks do not provide these cards, and you will either need to use cash, or find a manned counter where they can swipe your card.
What power sockets are available for my appliances in Paris?
Power sockets in France use a round plug with two round pins measuring 4.8 by 19 mm (0.189 by 0.748 in), spaced 19 mm (0.748 in) apart and with a hole for the socket's ground pin. This standard will also accept Europlugs and Schuko socket plugs. The voltage is 220-240 Volts, but keep in mind that most electronics will work from 110-240 volts, check your adapter or device and the label on it should tell you what voltages will work. You will still need an adapter to allow you to plug your device into a French socket, visit your local electronics store to get one.
|