FRANCE

CASH NEEDS

In Europe in general, I think it's always helpful to carry around some amount of cash, which you can get from abundant ATMs. You never know when you're going to encounter a bathroom or a vendor that requires cash, or if you'll want some to tip for good service. That said, in this day and age, credit cards are pretty ubiquitous. Make sure you have a chip card (and know your PIN, if applicable), and consider notifying your bank of international travel if using a debit card.

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TIPPING TIPS

At restaurants, a 15% service charge is already included (required by law), so you are not obligated to tip but may add a small extra tip (between rounding up and 10%) for excellent service. Elsewhere, tips are similarly not expected. At hotels or in cabs, you may round up or give a few Euros.

The official language of France is, of course, French. That means there will be times as an English speaker when you will encounter a language barrier.

While English is one of the most common second languages in France, you will still find plenty of times when you need basic French skills. This is especially true if you are venturing out of the most touristy areas where you'll find a higher density of English speakers (i.e., Paris). In the country, you will certainly encounter folks who are either unable or unwilling to speak English. I know I've encountered some wait staff or train station terminals where English is not an option - and you have to be prepared to roll with it!

I find France a little more challenging than some other European countries because even when you try to speak French, it isn't always well-received. Best case, they will recognize your accent and simply switch to English to avoid the broken conversation. Worst case, some people will refuse to engage. If I am giving the benefit of the doubt, I think part of the difficulty lies in the difficulty of pronunciation. As a non-native speaker, it's easy to say things just slightly off enough that people truly can't understand you.

All that said, as always, I think it goes a long way to learn some basic French phrases (or at least learn some basic pronunciation patterns so you can better read from a book or translator). It shows that you're trying, and most people will be more willing to help!

Officially, the State Dept. has given France a level 2 travel advisory (out of 4), which advises "exercise increased caution." This status is given due to terrorism and unrest. For more info, read the full travel advisory from the U.S. State Dept. here: France Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov

In general, France is relatively safe for travelers with low to moderate rates of violent crime, petty theft, etc. As always, stay smart in big cities to avoid scams or pickpocketing (which is especially common in crowded tourist areas) and avoid certain areas late at night. Keep your bag or wallet in front of you, don't leave bags sitting on the ground or a chair, don't flash valuables, don't engage with people offering you anything for "free," and generally stay aware of your surroundings. France is also famous for its protests and demonstrations; it's best for tourists to avoid these areas.

Overall, France feels mostly familiar as a US Traveler. That said, France has a few cultural norms to keep in mind when traveling:

• Meals can take a very long time. Even lunch can frequently be structured as a 3-course meal, and your waiter may be surprised if you don't want dessert

• Restaurants can be weird about having reservations. We've come across a few shocked concierges or restaurant hosts when we've asked to get a table for dinner as a walk-in, even at casual, uncrowded spots. Some places have even said no. It's not the end of the world but a bit strange if you are trying to leave some flexibility or spontaneity in your plans.

• Shopkeepers and waiters are less attentive than in the US. They are trying to respect your space, so if you need help, you may need to seek out their attention

• Today France is officially secular, but it has a deep Catholic history and nearly half of the population is still Catholic. As always, be respectful when entering any religious space, do not disrupt Mass, and dress respectfully.

• France is widely recognized as one of Europe's most LGBTQ-friendly destinations.

As of 2026, Americans will need an ETIAS travel authorization to enter France and other Schengen Area countries. The EU repeatedly states that this is not a visa (since travelers from some countries do need a Schengen Visa), but that feels a bit like semantics to me. Whatever you call it, it's still paperwork you have to file to get permission to enter the country.

The ETIAS is completed entirely online, costs €20, and is valid for up to three years (unless your passport expires before then). During this period, you can use it for multiple stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You can apply for this online at this link: ETIAS France for Americans

You must have a valid passport that will remain valid at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. However, the US State Dept. recommends at least 6 months of validity. Note: France does not accept the US emergency passport.

You also may be asked (but not always) for the following when visiting the Schengen Area:

• Proof of onward travel

• Proof of accommodation

• Proof of sufficient funds

For more information, visit this official French site or visit this US Embassy site. Before traveling, I also like to check Sherpa, which has a handy travel advisory map, to know what visa & health requirements exist for everywhere you are going in Europe.

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Note: This advice is tailored to American travelers and is subject to change. Make sure to check all requirements before traveling.

At the time of writing, no specific health requirements exist to travel to France. That said, requirements are subject to change; be sure to check all official government requirements. Again, Sherpa is a helpful place to start.

Country code: (+33)

EU-wide emergency: 112

U.S. Embassy (Paris): +33 1 43 12 22 22
U.S. Consulate (Marseille): +33 1 43 12 48 85

U.S. Consulate (Strasbourg): +33 1 43 12 48 80

Types C, E, & F (230V / 50Hz)

For reference: 

• US uses 110V / 60Hz and plug types A (2-prong) and B (3-prong)

• UK uses 230V / 50Hz and plug type G

• Most of continental Europe uses 230V / 50Hz and plug types C, E, & F

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If your device is not dual-voltage (usually phones & laptops are - but hair tools are problematic), make sure to use a converter / transformer, NOT just an adapter. AND make sure your converter has a high enough power rating for your device. An adapter just makes the plug fit in the wall, but doesn't change the voltage.