Local Knowledge
Telephone
Dialing Codes
Country code for France: +33 City code for Paris: 01 (drop the zero when calling from abroad)
Emergency Numbers
Police: 17 Fire: 18 Ambulance: 15
Tipping
Most restaurants add a 10-15% gratuity to bills. Although a tip (pourboire) is not
necessary, most people leave a few extra coins if the service is good.
VAT & Taxes
Posted prices include the 19.6% VAT.
Getting Around
The transit authority (RATP) operates the Métro (subway) and bus systems.
The same tickets are good on both, and discount passes are available.
Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street or picked up at stands near Métro
stations. If the “LIBRE” sign is showing, the taxi is available. The meter
tallies the fare, which is higher at night than in the daytime. Expect to pay
extra for luggage.
Métro
Paris's Métro is quick and easy to navigate. It serves around
300 stations on 16 lines. A big yellow “M” marks each entrance. If you have to
change lines and don't want to walk for miles, avoid Châtelet
and Montparnasse stations.
Buses
Stamp your ticket in the machine when you enter the bus. Buses are slower than
the Métro, but they serve all of the city's districts. The 72 goes
along the Seine, and the 95 crosses the chic sixth arrondissement and passes the
Louvre on its way to Montmartre.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day
January 1
Easter
March-April
Easter Monday
March-April
Ascension Day
Sixth Thursday after Easter (May-June)
Labor Day
May 1
1945 Victory Day
May 8
Bastille Day
July 14
Assumption
August 15
All Saints' Day
November 1
Remembrance Day
November 11
Christmas Day
December 25
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