TRAVEL TO FRANCE
Welcome to France! We're delighted to welcome you to IDF WDS Paris 2024.
To ensure you have a pleasant and carefree stay, here are a few useful tips to bear in mind:
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General
Paris is in the GMT+1 time zone.​
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Visas and documents / Embassy or Consulate
Check visa requirements according to your nationality. European Union citizens do not need a visa to enter France as tourists. Make sure you have a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay.
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Website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/
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Visitors can find information about the French embassy or consulate in their home country, as well as travel advice.
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Language
The official language in France is French, but in tourist areas English is widely understood. Learning a few basic phrases in French can be useful.
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Currency
The official currency in France is the Euro (€). Most establishments accept credit and debit cards. Be sure to check exchange rates before your trip if you plan to use cash.
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Transport
Explore transport options, including public transport, taxis, VTC services such as Uber or Bolt, and popular car-sharing apps such as BlaBlaCar.
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RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens): as our event is taking place in La Défense/Paris, you can check this site for information on public transport in Paris, including metros, buses and trams: https://www.ratp.fr/en/
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SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français): For train travel in France, you can visit the SNCF website for timetables and bookings: https://www.sncf.com/en
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Please note that in the event of a strike, a minimum service is guaranteed during busy times on public transport.
Taxis: Most taxis accept payment by banker’s card.
Touristic information
The official Paris website for tourism offers information on destinations, attractions, events and much more: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/
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Climate
The official Météo-France website provides accurate weather forecasts for all regions of France: https://meteofrance.com/
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Electricity
Electrical sockets in France are generally type C (two round pins) or E (two round pins with an earth pin). If your appliances use another type of plug, consider bringing an adaptor.
The electricity network has adopted the European standard voltage of 230V, with frequency of 50Hz.
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Security
As in the rest of the world, keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in tourist areas. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in your car and be vigilant at night.
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Emergency numbers
Dial 112 for all emergencies (police, fire, medical). Callers will then be placed through to the appropriate emergency service.
