Key facts
France is a member state of the European Union located in Western Europe. There are 8 countries (Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, Switzerland) that France shares its borders with. The official language of France is French. Although English is not the official language, a large number of people in France are fluent English speakers.
In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, France was ranked 31st out of 100 countries in 2021.
The national currency in France is Euro (EUR). The euro (€) is subdivided into 100 cent (c).
With today’s currency rate, 1 USD is worth 0.93 EUR.
French
Banknotes
€5€10€20€50€100€200€500
French
Coins
€1€25c10c20c50c1c2c
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in France is 290.96 Mbps and mobile is 135.72 Mbs.The global average is 159.18 Mbps and 109.61 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density France has more ATMs than most other countries.93.54 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.69.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in France, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There are 2 socket types used in France. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Public holidays
In the year 2023, France will celebrate 11 national public holidays. The next one Bastille Day will take place on July 14.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2023 | New Year’s DayJour de l’an | |
| April 10, 2023Moving holiday | Easter MondayLundi de Pâques | |
| May 1, 2023 | Labour DayFête du Travail | |
| May 8, 2023 | Victory in Europe DayVictoire 1945 | |
| May 18, 2023Moving holiday | Ascension DayAscension | |
| May 29, 2023Moving holiday | Whit MondayLundi de Pentecôte | |
| July 14, 2023 | Bastille DayFête nationale | |
| August 15, 2023 | Assumption DayAssomption | |
| November 1, 2023 | All Saints’ DayToussaint | |
| November 11, 2023 | Armistice DayArmistice 1918 | |
| December 25, 2023 | Christmas DayNoël |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in France?
There are Mariott hotels in 3 cities.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in France.
The IHG hotel chain operates in France.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in France.
There are Radisson hotels in 14 cities.
The Accor hotel chain operates in France.
What fast food chains are present in France?
The McDonald’s chain operates in France.
The KFC chain operates in France.
The Burger King chain operates in France.
The Subway chain operates in France.
The Domino’s Pizza chain operates in France.
The Starbucks chain operates in France.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Paris?
Weather data for Paris (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are passenger trains , and some of them are high-speed trains.
Subway Systems The subway system is available in 6 cities.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in France
Sources
- France Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for France (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Smoking is prohibited in all public places excluding entertainment and restaurants. Local limitations may apply in some areas.
Cananbis legality Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is prohibited.
You are not entitled to a duty-free allowance for tobacco or alcohol if you are under the age of 18.
Alcohol allowance
Travellers from EU countries:
- 90L of still wine (60L of sparkling wine)
- 110L of beer
- 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22%
- 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.
Travellers from non-EU countries:
- 4L of wine
- 16L of beer
- 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume
Tobacco allowance
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
Sources
- Volume- and value-based customs and tax allowances (French Government)
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)