Going to Gay Paris this Sunday!
 

I am posting this on the US Board because this is my first trip over the big pond! I have traveled extensively to every state but Alaska in the US but will be departing this Sunday to Paris on business.

My Question is... what should I know before I go, what I should be taking with me that I might not have thougt of as a first timer? (blow dryer adapters, etc...).

I have been told to not take any cash with me, to get it from an ATM while I'm there to avoid the exchange fees,

Any other hints?

You really need to post this on the Europe board. You will get a much better response.

PS You will still get charged fees for using your ATM card. You will also be charged fees for using your credit card.

Did you call your hotel to find out if your room already has a wall-mounted blowdryer? If not, buy an adapter set at Walmart.

Are you staying at the Crillon or George V?

You *really* need to post on the Europe board, it doesn't matter that it is your first trip. That's where all the Europe information is located.

For example... I would *never* get on a plane with no cash at all, that's just crazy.

kindly, Suze

Is Gay Paris an annual event? Is it in the Marais?

eks......Paris is gay all year round, therefore it is an annual event.The Marais is known among other things as a very gay friendly district.

I always carry some cash of the country I am going to so I don't have to do it at the airport where I will be exhausted and get a lousy exchange

paris is a great city--i think there still is something called a "pariscope" that lists all activities that week.

paris also is a pretty huge city. you might investigate where you are staying and where you will be working and find things of interest to you in that part of town.

"blow dryer adaptors?""""

Surely you can come up with a better stereotype than that one.

The best way to get cash is the ATM at the arrival airport. You get the best rate at ATM's and they are in every airport arrival hall. Only takes a minute and you are good to go.
I have done this at least a dozen times, never had a problem.

Just read the intro section of your guidebook-that will tell you all you need to know. If you need an electrical adapter for your cell phone charger or whatever, the package will say which one works in France.

Most hotels, unless you are staying at a very low budget place, will have a blow dryer in your room, just like in the US. You don't need to bring one.

I just get cash at the airport, too, though just in case they are all broken or something (highly unlikely) have a bit of US cash on you that you can exchange at the exchange booth (I'm sure you won't have to do this).

Learn please, thank you, excuse me, I'd like, and the numbers 1-10 in French, if you don't speak it.

dress warmly. don't eat dinner early or you'll see only Americans, walk, walk, the best way to see this grand city. Be sure your shoes are comfy! Stop along the way at the many cafés for a drink, wine or hot chocolate, sit outside(they have heaters) unless the cold really gets to you, to enjoy the human passing parade.

I'm all for using ATM's after you arrive, but still you would want to have some USD on your person &/or Euro.

I can't imagine traveling with NO money. It just doesn't seem wise.

Why don't you like the Europe board?

If you take your own electronics you need converters not just adapters.

Hi cfntmpn, posting on the Europe Board is best.

But as usual I agree with suze. When I fly to Italy I always have some US dollars (for when I return home) and some Euro's. I do not want to even think about using an ATM the moment I arrive, the next day is soon enough. But that is just me. Have a wonderful time in Paris, everyone does!

I would take a French phrase book and possibly a small dictionary.

We always get our money at the arrival city at the ATM just after Customs. Done it over a dozen times, granted the first time I was a little nervous. I always have some US dollars tucked in my money belt.

One time landed in Barcelona with friends. They brought $100 Euro from home with a $12+ fee from their bank, but we both got about 300 Euro from the ATM at the airport with no fee. They had to see, to believe, how simple it is. Be sure you have a 4 digit pin number.

Keep your Passport, Drivers License and money in your moneybelt. Keep about 20 Euro cash in your travel purse for small daily purchases.

Have fun.

In Europe there's a saying that goes like this;

'France is a beautiful place, only a pity the French live there'

The French have a different view on hospitality then for instance the US.
A simple 'Hello how are you' is something they have trouble saying.
Waiters, taxidrivers and others are often considered rude by visitors from out of Europe.
(Ofcourse there are always exceptions)

I you speak a few words in there language it will surely help but don't except wonders.
As long as you take this in mind you should be ok.

Luckily you will travel outside the busy tourist periods.

For the rest it's a lovely city. ;-)

PS.
In the US a 10 to 15% tip is considered normal if I remember correctly.
In most European country tips are considered as a little extra and are appreciated. But a tip of 5% is most of the times enough.

PPS.
We have a AC/DC currency of 220 volts with different plugs.
Some appliances work with 110 and 220 volts, so check before you pack.