Travel tips · Paris · France
Paris 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
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Quick answer
Parisian manners are more formal than many visitors expect, and a little French goes a long way. Shopkeepers, waiters and receptionists expect a greeting before any question, and meals are unhurried by design: the bill comes when you ask for it, not before.
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 public Wallace fountains provide free drinking…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Always say 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after dark) when entering a shop or café, and 'Merci, au revoir' when you leave.
- Ask for the bill ('l'addition, s'il vous plaît'); bringing it unasked would be considered rude.
- Keep your voice down on the Métro and in restaurants; Parisians speak quietly in public.
- Dress smart-casual for dinner; athletic wear stands out outside sports settings.
- In churches, cover shoulders and keep quiet, especially during services.
- Book Eiffel Tower ahead: Summit tickets sell out in summer and school holidays; book timed tickets on the official site weeks ahead.
- Book Louvre Museum ahead: Timed-entry tickets are effectively required; reserve online before you go.
- Book Musée d'Orsay ahead: Book a timed slot online, especially for weekends and Thursday late openings.
- Many national museums are free on the first Sunday of certain months and free for EU residents under 26; check each museum's policy.
Tipping
Service is included in French restaurant prices by law. Locals round up or leave a euro or two for good service, and up to about 5–10% in finer 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 carafe d'eau | A jug of tap water |
| Excusez-moi | Excuse me |
What to wear
Parisians dress neatly and in muted colours; comfortable but smart shoes are the best choice for cobbles and long walking days.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and public Wallace fountains provide free drinking water.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- Free public Wi-Fi is available in many parks and city buildings; EU roaming applies to European SIMs, and eSIMs work well for other visitors.
- Time zone
- Europe/Paris
Paris is generally safe for visitors, but pickpocketing is common on the Métro, at major sights and around big stations. Watch out for petition and 'found ring' scams near monuments, and keep phones out of reach on café tables.
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 Paris?
Service is included in French restaurant prices by law. Locals round up or leave a euro or two for good service, and up to about 5–10% in finer restaurants is generous but optional.
+Can you drink the tap water in Paris?
Tap water is safe to drink, and public Wallace fountains provide free drinking water.
+What plugs are used in Paris?
Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Paris?
French.