10:33 pm
+1h from you
Weather in France
France
5°
Light drizzle
Sun
2
5
Mon
5
11
Tue
3
8
Wed
3
9
Thu
-1
6
SPF level in France
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Transportation in France
Language in France
Tipping in France
Tipping is customary in France for good service, but it is not obligatory as service is usually included. A small tip is appreciated for exceptional service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service was exceptional. Check if 'service compris' is already included.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small amount (e.g., €1-2) for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add a small tip (5-10%) for good service.
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per day, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour.
Safety & security in France
Tips for British travellers
France is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry accepted ID such as a passport or photocard driving licence, as you must be able to prove your identity when asked.
Be alert to drink spiking, buy your own drinks and keep them in sight as drinks in France are often stronger than in the UK.
Keep valuables separate, carry bags across your body, and stay vigilant against pickpockets, especially on the Paris Metro, RER lines, and at main stations.
Before swimming, understand the beach warning flag system and follow lifeguard advice due to dangerous currents, particularly on the Atlantic coast.
The legal alcohol limit for driving is a third lower than in England and Wales, with police conducting regular roadside checks for alcohol and drugs.
Bonus tips:
Covering your face in public with items like balaclavas or full veils is illegal and can result in a fine.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle and keep car doors locked, especially in slow-moving traffic or at ports.
Driving in France
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h (110 km/h when raining)
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: France drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
17
Ambulance
15
Fire
18
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in France
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Cards & payments
Widely accepted in most establishments, especially in tourist areas. Smaller businesses may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in France
Widely available in cities and tourist areas; less common in rural areas.
Local name
Distributeur automatique de billets
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily available in France. Ensure you have a four-digit PIN and that your bank knows you will be using your card abroad. Check for fees from both your bank and the ATM operator.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming rules no longer automatically apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in France. Many providers offer daily or monthly roaming packages. It may be cheaper to purchase a local SIM card if you plan to use a lot of data.
Local SIM data package
20 GB for 30 EUR (~£25)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and other public places, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is generally good in France. Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is also widely available.
Health & vaccinations
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in France. However, it's advisable to also have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any medical expenses that GHIC/EHIC might not, including repatriation.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, France has good healthcare facilities and no specific vaccinations are mandatory for entry. It's always a good idea to consult your doctor before travelling to discuss any pre-existing health conditions and necessary precautions.
Calling France
Country code
+33
To call France from the UK, dial 00 33 followed by the French number (omitting the initial zero if there is one).
To call a Paris number (01 xx xx xx xx) from the UK, you would dial 00 33 1 xx xx xx xx.
The country code for France is 33. When calling France from abroad, you need to use the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the French country code, and then the phone number.
UK Embassy in France
British Embassy Paris
35 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75383 Paris Cedex 08, France
Airports in France
Frequently asked questions about France
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.