Fast facts for Paris
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Climate
Located in the Ile de France region, which has the county’s lowest rainfall, Paris is nonetheless famous for its unexpected rain showers. These occur all the year round but are particularly common from January to April. The weather can be quite changeable especially in winter and spring, when there is often a biting wind. Winters are normally cold and temperatures sometimes reach freezing point with occasional snow. Paris’s summer temperatures are mild to warm with intermittent heat waves, average maximum temperatures of 25°C and minimum temperatures of around 13°C. August is the wettest month as well as the hottest.
Currency
The national currency is Euro (€).
£1 = €1.34 (an easy way to remember is €10 = £7.50)
$1 = € 0.70 (an easy way to remember is €7 = $10)
Language
French
Voltage Guide: 220V, 50Hz. Standard European two pin plugs.
Country Dialling Code: +33
City Dialling Code: 01. Dial all 10 digits for calls within France.
Visa Requirements
UK and US nationals do not need a visa to visit France and can stay as tourists for up to three months. For longer stays you will need to apply for temporary-stay visa, long-term visa or residence card.
Vaccinations
None Required
Tipping
By law restaurants, cafes and hotel bills in Paris include a service charge (usually 12% to 15%). However, occasionally the service charge will not be included in the bill (service non compris or service en sus) and it is necessary to add 15% to the total. In addition to this it is customary to leave a few coins on the table in a restaurant. Bar service is usually included, but it is customary to leave €1-2 or just round up the bill. There is no need to tip in cafes and bars after just one drink. Tipping in taxis is around 10% of the fare. VAT is 19.6% and should always be included in the posted price.
Public Holidays 2009
1 January: New Year’s Day (Jour de l’An)
12 April: Easter (Pâques)
13 April: Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques)
1 May: Labour Day (Fête du Travail) and Ascension Day (Ascension catholique)
8 May: Victory in Europe Day (Fête de la Victoire 1945)
31 May: Whit Sunday (Pentecôte)
1 June: Whit Sunday (Lundi de Pentecôte)
11 July: La Fete de la Magdalene
14 July: Bastille Day (Fête nationale)
15 August: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Assomption)
1 November: All Saints’ Day (Toussaint)
11 November: Armistice Day / Remembrance Day
25 November: St. Catherine's Day
25 December: Christmas Day (Noël)
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