Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
United States citizens need a passport, but not a visa, to visit France (and you will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes your identity and nationality to re-enter the United States). We recommend that you keep a photocopy of the first page of your passport in a separate place in case of an emergency; you can leave your actual passport in the safe in your home.
Visas and other entry requirements, such as vaccinations, vary for individual countries. We recommend that you call the nearest consulate well in advance of your trip to confirm what you will need prior to travel. For the consulate nearest you, please visit www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en.
In the case of minors, when traveling with your children, but without your spouse or partner, please have a notarized letter from the non-present parent authorizing the child’s travel. If not, the child may be held at security and unable to travel. This letter is highly recommended for any international destination (airlines include Hawaii in this case), and suggested for travel within the continental United States.
Annual Average Temperatures
Annual Average High: 53; Annual Average Low: 42
Currency
The Euro is the official currency of France. EUR or € are the abbreviations you may see during your visit. Exchange rates of participating countries are locked into a common currency fluctuating against the dollar. For more details on the euro, please visit www.europa.eu.int/euro.
Conversion ratios between the United States dollar and other currencies fluctuate, and their differences could affect the relative costs of your trip. If you’re planning on any major transactions, check for updated rates prior to making any serious commitments. You can exchange money at the airport, although the rate may not be as favorable as a local bank or the American Express or Thomas Cook office.
Banks in Paris have varying hours but are generally open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Only a few are open on Saturday so make sure you’ve allowed enough funds for the weekend.
Time Zone
France is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. French Daylight Saving Time lasts from around April to September, when clocks are set one hour ahead of the standard time.
Voltage
Electricity in Paris is generally 220 volts AC (60 cycles), though you will encounter 110 and 115 volts in some older establishments. It is always a good idea to carry a voltage converter.
Tipping Guide
Although a small tip is included in most services in France, it is always nice to leave a good gratuity if you enjoyed the service provided.
- Taxi Drivers: €1 to €2, if the service was particularly friendly and helpful
- Baggage Porters: €1 to €5, or more if the service was particularly friendly and helpful
- Tours and Tour Guides: 10 to 15 percent, at your discretion, based upon your experience
- Restaurants: 5 to 10 percent
- Bars and Lounges: €1 to €2 per drink
- Cloakroom Attendants in Nightclubs, et al: €1 to €2
- Spa Treatments: 5 to 10 percent, or gratuity may be included in your final bill
- Hairdresser: 15 percent of the price and €1 to €2 for the person who shampoos your hair
- In Home Chef: 18 to 20 percent, or gratuity may be included in your final bill
- Housekeeping: Your housekeeping team may be tipped at your discretion, based upon your experience. A general guideline is €8 or more per night based upon your travel party size and in-residence activities.
- Destination Host: Your Destination Host may be tipped at your discretion, based upon the amount of travel planning you required and your overall in-residence experience.
Traveling with Prescription Medicine
If you are traveling with prescription medicines, carry them in their original containers and bring a copy of your prescription. If you buy medications abroad, be aware that they may not be FDA-approved or allowed into the United States. For more information on customs rules and regulations, please contact 202.354.1000 or visit www.cbp.gov.
