Useful information

Banks

There are many French and foreign banks in Alsace's towns. These are generally open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Monday to Friday. Most closed for lunch between half past noon and 2 p.m.

If you need to change currency, you can either go to a bank or a bureau de change. These establishments are free to set their own exchange rates, which fluctuate on a daily basis. In addition to the exchange rate, you also need to pay a commission which varies according to the establishment concerned.

The many ATMs (cashpoint machines) enable you to withdraw euros 24 hours a day using your international bankcard. The machines provide a choice of languages, including French, English, German and sometimes other languages. Please check with your bank to find out how much commission they will charge and details of any withdrawal limits which may apply.

Tips

Service is already included in the restaurant and hotel bills. However, if the service has been satisfactory then a tip equal to around 5 to 10 % of the value of the bill will certainly be appreciated.

Car hire

To rent a car in France, you will need to bring along your national and international driving licence. Additionally, you must also be over 21 years of age and have held your driving licence for more than one year.

Drink-driving is severely punished in France. The maximum tolerated blood alcohol concentration is 0.5 g of alcohol per litre of blood, which is equal to approximately 3 glasses of beer or two glasses of wine.

Duty-free shopping

If you live outside the EU and you have purchased items for a value exceeding €175, you can take advantage of duty-free shopping to obtain a refund of the VAT you have paid. When purchasing your items, the sales assistant will give you an export sales slip. You should then have this approved by the customs office.

In order to benefit from the possibility of duty-free shopping you must…
- Live outside the EU and simply be visiting or passing through France for a stay of less than six months.
- Have purchased more than €175 worth of goods (VAT-inclusive prices) in the same store and on the same day.
- Have purchased the items during the last three months.

For further information: Please visit the French customs department's website

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Tourist visas

- Member states of the European Union:

As a citizen of the European Union, you do not require a visa to enter France. You can enter the country with only your national identity card (this must be valid), or your national passport (which must be valid, or expired no more than five years ago).

- Switzerland:

You do not require a visa to enter France. You can enter the country with only your national identity card (this must be valid), or your national passport (which must be valid, or expired no more than five years ago).
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- United States:

If you are staying for less than three months, you do not require a visa to enter France.

- China:

An application must be submitted.

- Japan:

If you are staying for less than three months, you do not require a visa to enter France.

- Other countries:
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/venir/visas/

Health / Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required in order to enter France. However, pets must be vaccinated against rabies and you must be able to produce their health record booklet.

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden in public places (public transport and hospitals, etc.). From 2008 onwards, this ban will also apply to bars, restaurants and discotheques.