Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25–50 | €80–150 |
| Food | €15–25 | €35–60 |
| Transport | €5–10 | €12–20 |
| Activities | €0–15 | €20–45 |
| Drinks | €5–10 | €15–25 |
| Daily Total | €50–110 | €162–300 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone — most nationalities get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period
- Passport must be valid for 3+ months beyond your planned departure date
- No border checks arriving from other Schengen countries (but carry ID)
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe to drink — ask for une carafe d'eau at restaurants (free)
- Pickpocketing is common at tourist hotspots, metro lines 1/4, and around Gare du Nord — use a money belt
- Emergency number 112 (EU-wide) or 15 (medical). Pharmacies marked by green crosses are everywhere
Getting Around
- Paris Metro: 16 lines, runs 5:30am–1:15am (2:15am Fri/Sat). Navigo Easy card (€2) + t+ tickets (€2.15 each)
- Weekly Navigo Découverte (€30.75, Mon–Sun) covers all zones including CDG/Orly airport RER — bring a passport photo
- Walking is the best way to explore — most major sights are within 30 minutes of each other on foot
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes, all McDonald's, libraries, and some parks. Paris WiFi hotspots marked with purple signs
- EU roaming: if you have an EU SIM, it works at home rates. Otherwise, Orange or SFR tourist SIMs from €10 for 10GB
- Download CityMapper (best Paris transport app) and Google Maps offline before arrival
Money
- Cards accepted almost everywhere — even small cafes. Contactless widely used. Carry €20–30 cash for markets and small shops
- ATMs (distributeur) are everywhere. Avoid currency exchange bureaus — use your bank card for best rates
- Tipping is not expected (service included by law) but rounding up or leaving €1–2 for good service is appreciated
Packing Tips
- Layers — Paris weather changes quickly. A light jacket works year-round. Umbrella essential Oct–Mar
- Comfortable walking shoes — cobblestones destroy unsupported soles. Break in shoes before the trip
- A reusable water bottle (free refills at green Wallace fountains found across the city) and a tote bag for market shopping
Cultural tips
Greet in French
Always say "Bonjour" when entering a shop, cafe, or restaurant, and "Au revoir" when leaving. This is not optional — skipping it is considered rude and will get you worse service.
Café Culture
Standing at the bar (au comptoir) is cheaper than sitting at a table (en salle). Terrace seats cost even more. A coffee can take an hour — nobody rushes you, and that is the point.
Bread Etiquette
Bread comes with every meal and goes directly on the table, not on a plate. Tear it with your hands, never cut it. Use it to push food onto your fork — it is expected, not rude.
Service Included
Service est compris — a service charge is included in all restaurant bills by law. You do not need to tip, but leaving small change or rounding up for good service is a nice gesture.
Metro Etiquette
Stand on the right side of escalators, walk on the left. Let passengers exit before boarding. Keep your bag in front of you. Eating on the metro is frowned upon.
Sunday Closures
Most shops close on Sundays. Le Marais and the Champs-Élysées are exceptions. Supermarkets open until 1pm. Plan your shopping accordingly — Monday mornings many museums are also closed.
