I will be leaving Sunday for Paris and have so many q's!

Looking for some "first timer tips" at the moment. I'm going on business w/a very hi-profile client so I'm not concerned w/hotel.

Mostly looking for info regarding going thru customs, what to pack (not to pack), current carry-on situation, etc.

I just found out that I'm going yesterday and leaving on Sunday - so I will do my research before I go, just thought my follow-fodorites would be able to give me the insider info!

What information do you need?

Check with your country's transport security agency website for carry-on rules departing your country. Note that, if changing planes in Europe, you need to go through security again, and that EU standard rules (most easily accessible in English at the DfT website, except that Britain has exceptionally tight limits on the size of carry-one) then apply. This means that bottles you may have acquired in duty-free in your own country can't be taken on board a plane you might change on to.

Unless you're carrying drugs, weapons, porn, seeds, plants or animal-derived food, Customs in Western Europe are a non-issue. Passport control is also usually routine, as long as you have a passport that doesn't need a visa.

Simply pack whatever you think you need for mid-autumn in a temperate country.

Hi

My wife and I went to Paris in April and I have posted a trip report on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm . Maybe you can find some useful info there.

Remember to check the weather before you go so that you have an idea what the weather will be like

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Hi cf,

Lucky you.

For what is permitted in carryon see http://www.tsa.gov/

On leaving the US, ARRIVE VERY EARLY. You will go through security. You will have to remove your shoes and jacket for Xray.

You will arrive at CDG. You will deplane. You might have to board a shuttle bus.

You will get your luggage.

You will go through passport control. Bring a pen. They will make you fill out a form.

After that, you will go through customs. Go through the "Nothing to Declare" door.

Returning will be about the same.

Enjoy your visit.

cf:

How many nights will you be there?

Your airline's website likely has carry-on guidelines. Most have been keeping them updated with all the recent changes. Ask us (or your airline) if you have specific q's.

You won't go through customs until returning home. Assuming you're landing at CDG, the line will take you thru passport check b/4 you go to baggage claim. Are you taking a cab?

IRA:
I don't remember going thru customs on arrival---only upon returning to the states.

Have I sleepwalked through CDG?

JeanneB - yes, unless you transitted through a Schengen agreement country, in which case you'd have gone through Customs in the 1st country

< except that Britain has exceptionally tight limits on the size of carry-one) then apply. >

Actually they are EU wide restrictions - and the MAXIMUM size of carryon is the IATA standard. Of course individual airlines may choose to have a smaller limit.

As for OP if they are transitting through another EU airport (eg LHR, DUB, AMS) before arriving in Paris then remember that fluids above the limits - including duty free bought in the US - will be confiscated

JeanneB, you do go through customs in France but many people don't notice. You deplane, go through passport control, and then pick up your luggage. After you pick up your luggage, you walk through doors into the public area of the airport. Walking through those doors is going through customs. You need not stop unless you have anything to declare. On the other hand, a customs officer could stop you if they wanted to check something.

Anselm

" except that Britain has exceptionally tight limits on the size of carry-one) >

Actually they are EU wide restrictions"

Oh no, they're not. Unless it's April 2007 already.

Thank you for all of your feedback, it has all been helpful. I was mostly curious about the differences between traveling (air) in the states & MX versus Europe.

I can't think of anything that is really too different between flying around the US and Mexico and going to Europe, 'cept the flights longer(!) If you have traveled business often here at home, it should a similar experience. Packing would be the same, as a business trip from LA to NY for example.

For your return from Europe, they just started new carry-on rules for the liquid and gel stuff. You need to have a resealable clear 1-liter (1-quart) freezer bag for your toothpaste, creams, perfumes or whatever; nothing over 10 cl individually, and the bag must not be overstuffed. If you purchase duty free items, they will be sealed in a clear plastic bag which must stay sealed until arrival.

I'm not bringing my laptop - I have read in my research about the internet cafes in Paris - are they easy to find?

Internet "cafes" are usually just a small room with several computers, not a cafe.

As for availability, where is your hotel?

hotel is "Inter-Continental Le Grand Hotel" located at No.2, Rue Scribe

The hotel website says they have a "business center". I would think that means internet access. Have you asked them? Or ask where the nearest internet site is.

Given the level of that hotel, I imagine they do have internet access, although it may cost you more than a "cafe". Those business centers often will do FAXes and may have a computer available (which may or may not be working, in my experience). Internet cafes or whatever they call themselves are fairly easy to find in certain areas, but they aren't going to be in expensive areas because they can't afford the real estate. I doubt if you'll find a lot around that OPera/rue Scribe area but am not sure. I know you can find them in areas where people don't have as much money or there are cheaper hotels/students. I've seen them without much trouble around Les Halles/Chatelet and Bastille area, to name a few, as well as in the 14th/15th arr. There is one I particularly like on bd Beaumarchais a couple blocks north of the place de la Bastille (on the east side of street).

If you go to my neighborhood (Marx Dormoy), internet access runs about 1.50 euros an hour. It used to be 1 euro, but they got greedy.

back home from Paris - loved the city, my hotel was fabulous ~ The Intercontinental. Wine was fabulous!

A few things that I would have packed had I known.....

NO CLOCKS IN THE HOTEL!!!! Anywhere - everywhere! I will remember to bring with me a traveling clock next time.

I'll refer to my journal to list the rest - didn't want to forget to post this while I was thinking of it.

Next month I will be visiting Barcelona - anyone with tips?