USEFUL INFORMATION

• In Paris, French and English are spoken.
• The currency is the euro (€)
• Paris is in GMT + 1 time zone
• The electricity network has adpoted the European standard of a tension of 230 V, with a frequency of 50 Hz
• Tap water is drinkable
• Wi-Fi is widespread and available, thanks to the City Council, in 260 places (museums, gardens, etc...)
• Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday; automatic cash distributors function 24/24.
• Shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm (on average); they are closed on Sunday and public holidays, except in five districts of Paris.
• Tips are appreciated, but not obligatory
• Not all taxis accept payment by banker's card
• In the event of a strike, the law of 2007 imposes a minimum service during busy times on public transport.

Tourist tax: The Paris City Council collects a visitor tax that applies to paying accommodation. The tax varies from €0.20 to €1.50 per person and per day, and is included in the price of rooms.

French public holidays