Language
Well, not surprisingly it’s French, although Paris is now a cosmopolitan melting pot where many other tongues will be heard. The Parisians would love you to try out their language. Start with Comment allez-vous? How are You?
Currency And Tipping
The French use the Euro, made up of 100 cents. All French restaurants are obliged by law to display their menus outside. The posted rates include service, but a tip for particularly good service will always be appreciated – anything from one Euro to 5 per cent of the total. Tips in hotels are unnecessary other than for exceptional service – if the concierge books you a show or if the maid does some washing for you, for instance.
Dress Code
Paris can be unbearably hot in the summer and it’s a city that calls for a lot of walking, so bring light clothes. Many say Paris in Springtime is the ideal. Some three-star restaurants demand formal dress at dinner, but for the rest, dress up or down – within reason.
Safety
For a city of 2.2 million people, Paris is surprisingly safe, but as in any other city, do try to avoid poorly lit or isolated places and beware of pickpockets, especially on the Metro during the rush hour.
Travel
Getting around Paris is fun if you enjoy subways. The Metro is old, sweaty and smelly but generally efficient. The key to not getting lost is to focus on the end station on the line you’re travelling. That’s what you’ll see on the board and that’ll tell you you’re going in the right direction.
