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Today
4:58 am
+1h from you
Weather in France
France
12°
Slight rain showers
Wed
7
12
Thu
4
10
Fri
1
12
Sat
5
11
Sun
3
13
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.
Getting around France
Language in France
Tipping in France
Tipping is customary in France for good service, but it is not obligatory as service charges are often included. Leaving a small tip is appreciated to acknowledge satisfactory service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included (vérifiez l'addition pour 'service compris'). If the service is already included and you were extremely pleased, leave a few extra euros.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a euro or two.
Taxi
Round up the fare to the nearest euro or add 5-10% for exceptional service.
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per day of stay, left at the end of the stay.
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR per person for a good tour.
Safety in France
Tips for British travellers
France is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your passport, wallet and valuables in separate bags or pockets to reduce theft risk.
Be alert to drink spiking in bars and clubs, always buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.
You must be able to show a valid ID like a passport or photocard driving licence if asked by police.
Covering your face in public places, including with balaclavas or full veils, is illegal and can lead to a fine.
On beaches, always check the local warning flags and understand the conditions before you swim, as currents can be strong.
Bonus tips:
Drink-driving laws are strict with a lower legal limit than the UK, and police frequently conduct roadside checks.
If you are driving in mountain regions between November and March, your vehicle must be fitted with winter tyres or chains.
Driving in France
A valid UK driving license is required. Display a UK sticker on your car unless it has EU number plates.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h (110 km/h in wet conditions)
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 E, Type C
UK adapter needed?
Yes
The voltage in France is 230V at 50Hz. Plug types E and C are used. UK travellers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in France
Widely available in cities and towns.
Local name
Distributeur automatique de billets (DAB)
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily accessible in France. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. You will likely incur foreign transaction fees.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming regulations no longer automatically apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in France. Many providers offer add-ons or daily rates for using your UK allowance in Europe, but rates can be high if you do not opt-in to a specific roaming package.
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 public spaces, especially in tourist areas and larger cities.
Average speed
50 Mbps
France has good internet connectivity. Free WiFi is common, but speeds can vary. Mobile data is also reliable.
Health & vaccinations in France
As a UK resident, you can use a valid UK-issued Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state-provided healthcare in France. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance, as GHIC/EHIC might not cover all costs, including repatriation or private medical care.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, France has high standards of public health. No specific vaccinations are required for entry. Tap water is safe to drink. Be aware of potential heatwaves in the summer and take necessary precautions. Standard health advice applies: practice good hygiene, be mindful of food safety, and consult your doctor regarding any pre-existing conditions.
Calling France
Country code
+33
To call France from the UK, dial 00 33 followed by the French number (without the initial zero).
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. The international access code from France is 00.
UK Embassy in France
British Embassy Paris
35 rue du Faubourg St Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
Airports in France
Frequently asked questions
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.