Practical Information
Paris airports connections:
All options are well described at https://www.parisaeroport.fr/
Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Options ordered by convenience:
- by taxi (about 50-60€ to Paris center);
- by RER-B (train): buy an RER ticket to Paris-section-urbaine (metro ticket included);
- by RoissyBus (private company coaches);
- by public busses (BUS 350, BUS 351);
ORLY (ORL)
Available options
- by taxi (about 40-50€ to Paris center);
- by Orlyval bus (until Antony) + RER-B (train)
Tickets for public transport in Paris
You can move around Paris using Metro, Buses, Trams and RER. Within Paris, one ticket is valid for one ride of any of these options. But if your journey requires changes (e.g., metro + tram or tram + bus) you might need multiple tickets.
Important: The ticketing system has been going through some changes so please be aware the the following:
- To arrive to the social event you will need to use public transportation (unless you plan to use a taxi).
- The purchase of individual or packs of paper t+ ticket is being phased out. A good option is to purchase a Navigo Easy pass (at a metro station office) which allows you to top up tickets.
- To purchase tickets for the Navigo Easy pass, you can use either a Metro station tickets vending machines or you can use the Bonjour RATP apps(but notice that it does not currently support some Android devices).
Time zone
Paris Time Zone is GMT + 2 hours.
Weather
Paris has a typical Western European oceanic climate which is affected by the North Atlantic Current. The overall climate throughout the year is mild and moderately wet. Summer days are usually warm and pleasant with average temperatures between 15 and 25 °C (59 and 77 °F), and a fair amount of sunshine
Use this link for weather forecast in Paris.
Power Supply
The standard domestic electricity supply in France is single phase 220 volts, 50Hz. It is also common to find a 3–phase 380v distributed supply in larger properties.
Voltage and sockets vary from country to country and so an adapter and a transformer too may be necessary. In France, plugs are type C (unearthed CEE 7/16 and CEE 7/17) and earthed types E and F.
Currency
On 1 January 2002, along with 11 other Member States of the European Union, France adopted the eurocurrency.
€1 is made up of 100 centimes or cents.
Notes: €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200.
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes, as well as €1 and 2€.
In France, most merchants accept credit card NFC payment or mobile payment.
This function makes it possible to make small purchases for a maximum amount of € 30 (€ 20 for cards issued before October 2017), and within the limit of a cumulative amount of one hundred euros on average.
We discourage attendees to use 200-Euro banknotes.
Banks and currency exchange
There is a multitude of banks in Paris, both French and foreign. They are generally open from 9am to 5pm, or 6pm, from Monday to Friday, sometimes from Tuesday to Saturday. some branches may close at lunchtime, between 12.30pm and 2pm.
Even though you may find some banks who will accept your currency in exchange for euros, you are more likely to come across exchange offices, which specialize in this type of transactions. Make sure to have your ID with you.
Banks and exchange offices, such as the CCF, fix their rates according to the market which fluctuates from day to day. All rates should be displayed outside the agency. The exchange rate is correct if the difference between buying and selling rates is approximately 5%.
Your credit card will enable you to withdraw cash in euros 24 hours a day at hundreds of automatic cashpoints in the city. They often give you the choice of instructions in French, English or other languages. The majority of international cards are accepted by cash dispensers at the principal French and foreign banks. However, not all banks provide a currency exchange service.
In Paris, you will find numerous exchange offices and they are usually open on Sundays too.
Shopping
Paris is unique for shopping with famous big department stores and exclusive boutiques in almost all districts. Not enough space to list them all.
Shops are usually open from 9:00 am till 7:00 pm.
Some small shops are closed on Mondays.