Travel tips · Nice · France
Nice travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Nice belonged to the House of Savoy and was only joined to France in 1860, so its food, street names and dialect (Nissart) still feel partly Italian. Old-town signs are often bilingual in French and Nissart. Daily life is relaxed and outdoors, but the usual French courtesies apply in shops and restaurants.
Key facts
- Language
- French
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and there are drinking fountains in parks and on…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Say 'Bonjour' when entering a shop or café and 'Merci, au revoir' when leaving.
- Cover up when leaving the beach: walking around town or into shops in swimwear is frowned upon.
- Ask for the bill when you are ready; it will not be brought unasked.
- Cover shoulders and keep quiet in churches, especially the Russian Orthodox cathedral.
- Private beach clubs expect you to rent a sunbed; public stretches between them are free for everyone.
- Public beaches are free; bring your own towel or a cheap beach mat instead of renting a sunbed.
Tipping
Service is included in restaurant prices by law. Rounding up or leaving a euro or two for good service is common, and around 5–10% in upscale restaurants is generous but optional.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello / good day |
| Merci beaucoup | Thank you very much |
| L'addition, s'il vous plaît | The bill, please |
| Une part de socca | A portion of socca |
| Une carafe d'eau | A jug of tap water |
What to wear
Casual resort clothing is fine by day; locals dress smart-casual for dinner. Bring water shoes for the pebble beaches.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and there are drinking fountains in parks and on the Promenade.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is good across the city and coast; EU roaming covers European SIMs and eSIMs work well for other visitors.
- Time zone
- Europe/Paris
Pickpocketing and bag theft are the main issues, especially on the Promenade, in the old town, at the station and on crowded trams and trains in summer. Watch for distraction tricks, and be careful of cyclists on the Promenade's cycle lane.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check France's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Nice?
Service is included in restaurant prices by law. Rounding up or leaving a euro or two for good service is common, and around 5–10% in upscale restaurants is generous but optional.
+Can you drink the tap water in Nice?
Tap water is safe to drink, and there are drinking fountains in parks and on the Promenade.
+What plugs are used in Nice?
Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Nice?
French.