Useful information before traveling to Paris with children

When planning our trip there are several factors to consider: the weather, the currency of the country, the outlets, the location of the tourist offices ... that's why we recommend that you consult these little tips. All these consultations are especially important when traveling with children, sinc

All these consultations are especially important when traveling with children, since unforeseen events such as a small medical emergency may arise or discover that museums are closed. To avoid this, here is some useful information.

Tips before traveling to Paris with children

Climate

The climate of Paris is considered as semicontinental oceanic. With great humidity despite its remoteness from the coast due to the presence of the Seine river, but generally mild temperatures.

In winter the temperature is on average 5ºC, and in summer it can be quite hot and reach 30ºC. The temperatures of autumn and spring are between them, above 15ºC.

Always wear rainwear and umbrellas, since rain is unpredictable throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn.

Business hours

Schedules are the usual ones in European territory. Most stores open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., closing at noon, Monday through Friday or Saturday. The department stores usually extend their hours until 8:30 or 9:00 pm, and the most tourist areas can be found shops open on Sundays.

The supermarkets have a similar schedule to the rest of the stores, but usually they also open on Saturdays.

Currency

Since the establishment of the euro (€) as European currency, this is the country's official one.

The coins are: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 euro and 2 euros.

Tickets: 5 euros, 10 euros, 20 euros, 50 euros, 100 euros, 200 euros, 500 euros.

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard ...) are accepted at most establishments.

Normally foreign currencies can be exchanged in establishments of the main European countries, as well as in banks in the city. However, it is cheaper to do it before traveling, since commissions are usually established around 5%.

Plugs and electricity

Electricity in France is 220 volts, and round plug plugs are used. Before connecting any device, make sure that the voltage and the shape of the plug are correct.

Otherwise you can use a voltage adapter or transformer, usually offered in hotels or hardware stores.

Medical assistance and police

France has Social Security, for European tourists the European Health Card (TSE) is required, which can be requested at the social security offices.

There is also the possibility of hiring private travel insurance that includes medical care, since consultations can cost between € 20 and € 30.

Some emergency telephones are:

SOS Hospitals: 01 47 07 77 77

Police: 17

Emergencies: 112

Passport and visa

The citizens of the European Union do not need any type of visa for their stay, it is enough to have the passport current identity.

For visitors who do not belong to the European Union, as long as the visit is for a period of less than 90 days, only the valid passport is needed. For higher stays you have to apply for a special visa.

The identification documentation must always be carried over at all times, as it may be required by the authorities.

Customs

Items with a value greater than € 175 must be declared if they are non-EU travelers. Some products like alcohol or tobacco have their own taxes, but you can take certain amounts without paying taxes for them.

Holidays

The national holidays of France are as follows:

January 1 (New Year)

First Monday after Easter (in 2012, April 9)

May 1 (Labor Day)

May 8 (Victory Day) )

Ascension Day (in 2012, May 17)

Whit Monday (in 2012, May 28)

July 14 (Bastille Day)

Assumption Day: August 15 .

November 1 (All Saints' Day)

November 11 (Armistice Day)