Navigating France Like a Pro: Your Ultimate Guide for a Stress-Free Vacation

So, you’ve booked your dream retreat with Maison d’Amies—exciting! But now come the logistics: Will my hairdryer work? How do I pay for things? What’s the deal with my phone? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide answers all those everyday travel questions so you can focus on relaxing, indulging, and making magical memories in France.

1. ETIAS: The New Entry Requirement You Need to Know

Starting mid-2025 (exact date TBA), travelers from visa-exempt countries (U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, etc.) will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering France.

• What is ETIAS? A quick, online pre-screening for travelers entering the Schengen Zone (This is a group of European countries where citizens can travel freely without border checks between them, due to a shared agreement to remove internal border controls)

• How do you apply? Through the official ETIAS website (once live), takes about 10 minutes and costs €7 (free for travelers under 18 or over 70).

• When should you apply? At least a few days before departure in case of delays.

• How long is it valid? Three years or until your passport expires.

• Do you need to print it? No, but carrying the confirmation email is smart.

The good news? Maison d’Amies keeps you updated on travel requirements, so we’ll make sure you have everything you need before your trip! We're anticipating this to go live this summer, but we'll keep you posted!

2. Will My Hairdryer Work? (And Other Power Questions)

France uses Type E plugs and operates on 230V voltage. This means:

✔ If your device is dual voltage (like many modern hair tools and phone chargers), all you need is a plug adapter. You can find a suitable option here: Universal Adapter.

✔ If your device is 110V only (common with older U.S. hairdryers), you’ll need a voltage converter—or better yet, leave it at home and use the one we provide!

3. How Do I Use My Phone in France?

Stay connected without ridiculous roaming fees:

📲 Check your provider’s international plans—some offer free or affordable daily rates.

📲 Consider getting an eSIM or local SIM card for data at local rates.

📲 WiFi is widely available at cafés, hotels, and at your retreat property.

4. How Do I Pay for Things? Will My Credit Card Work?

💳 Credit cards (Visa & Mastercard) are widely accepted, but some small shops prefer cash. 💳 American Express is less common, so bring a backup.

FYI: International Transaction Fees

When using credit cards for international transactions, it is important to be aware of potential fees that may apply. Here are some key points to consider:

• Foreign Transaction Fees: Many credit card issuers charge a foreign transaction fee, typically ranging from 1% to 3% of the purchase amount. This fee is applied to transactions made in a currency other than your card's default currency. This can add up quickly, so it's good to know before you travel.

• Dynamic Currency Conversion: Some merchants may offer to convert the purchase amount to your home currency at the point of sale. While this may seem convenient, it often comes with unfavorable exchange rates and additional fees. So when they give you the option to pay in Euros or your own currency (US Dollars, for example) we recommend selecting Euros!

• Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees: Consider using credit cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees, especially if you travel frequently. Many travel rewards cards offer this benefit.

• Exchange Rates: Be aware that credit card companies use their own exchange rates, which may differ from the market rate. This can affect the total cost of your purchase when converted to your home currency.

To avoid unexpected charges, it's advisable to check with your credit card issuer about their policies on international transactions and consider using a card that minimizes fees when traveling abroad.

💳 Chip & PIN cards are standard—if your card doesn’t have a PIN, you may need to sign instead. If this happens, don't worry! Just tell them you don't have a PIN and they'll print out a signature slip for you!

💶 Cash is handy for markets and small purchases—withdraw from ATMs for the best exchange rates.

💡 Pro Tip: We normally find an ATM in the airport when we land in France to withdraw euros so we don’t have to stress about it later.

☎ Call your bank/credit card company before you travel to let them know you'll be using your card abroad—this helps avoid any security holds on your account.

5. Tipping Culture in France

🇫🇷 Restaurants: Service is included, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated. In some restaurants, the credit card systems have started automatically prompting you to leave a gratuity-this is optional and if you chose to leave additional money, remember the normal 20% we do in the states is not normal in France. If you're wondering if service has been included simply review your bill at the end of a meal, if you see "service compris" it has been added to your tab.

🇫🇷 Taxis: Not required, but rounding up to the nearest euro is common.

🇫🇷 Guides & Tours: 5-10% is a nice gesture if you enjoyed the experience. You should plan ahead to have cash set aside for tipping after the tour has been completed.

6. Language Barriers & Getting Around

While English is spoken in many tourist areas, a few French phrases go a long way!

🗣 Learn the basics: “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), and “L’addition, s’il vous plaît” (Check, please). When entering into a store, shop, or restaurant please remember that you you should always say Bonjour as a greeting and Merci when you leave (even if you don't purchase anything). This is a cultural expectation in France and will help make your interactions much more pleasant.

🗺 Google Translate & offline maps are lifesavers—download them before you go.

🚶‍♀️ Public transport is easy—buses and trains are reliable, and walking is often the best way to explore.

Traveling Made Easy - Maison d’Amies

Planning a trip can be overwhelming, but we handle the details so you don’t have to:

✔ Personalized guidance—We provide all the info you need before departure.

✔ Hand-picked experiences—From boutique stays to curated excursions, everything is designed for comfort and indulgence.

✔ Support along the way—We’re here to answer any questions, whether it’s about ETIAS, hairdryers, or the best local wine (spoiler: there are many!).

So, take a deep breath, grab that glass of rosé, and get excited—France is waiting for you, and we’ll make sure it’s seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable!