Traveling to Paris is an exciting experience. Here are a few insider tips I’ve learned that help me have a more relaxing and fun time during my Paris travel experience.

Money

We use ATMs at Banks to get cash (they have directions in English) Currency Exchange shops are the most expensive, but you will need to get Euros when you travel to Paris, just to pay the transfers and tips. So when you land, look for an ATM and get some euros before you leave the airport. There are some money exchange machines that take dollars and exchange them for euros. They look official but charge an exorbitant amount to change your money…don’t go there.

Language

In Paris, most people speak English, so you can say “Parle Anglais?” (par-lay On-glay) to ask if they do. They will say “a little”but they are generally pretty fluent, or will find someone who can speak in English to you.

Be sure to say Bonjour Madame (or Monsieur) when entering a store or restaurant and Merci, Au Revoir when leaving. The French are polite and appreciate our being polite as well.

Eating and Shopping

Always ask your Hotel Concierge for any Paris restaurant or shopping recommendations. They can also tell you about concerts or local festivities and get you tickets. A tip is a nice (and expected) way to say thanks.

There are many restaurants in the Latin Quarter, and I would avoid most of them. When you see hawkers along the street trying to get you to enter, keep walking. The food is terrible and you really don’t get what they say you will. Look for places that are not geared toward tourists and you will have a great meal (This is the voice of experience).

The best food deals in France are the Menus, Prix Fixe or the Plat du Jour. (In France, what we call a Menu is called a Carte. A Menu is a fixed price dinner, usually three courses for a certain price, with some choices as to the courses.) Lunch is usually much less expensive than dinner in a nice restaurant; so if you are looking for a gourmet meal, lunch is an economical option. All French restaurants have their Cartes posted at the door, so you can see in advance what is available and what it will cost.

Confused about tipping? In France, all prices shown include tax and service (the latter is around 15% of the total price). However, if the service has been particularly good, you may wish to leave a small tip in order to show your appreciation. As a general rule, the amount is 5 to 10% of the total bill.

Museums

The Paris Museum Pass is an excellent deal, especially when you are traveling Paris during high season. You can purchase the pass for two, four and six consecutive day increments. It allows unlimited entrance to more than 60 museums and landmarks in Paris and vicinity. But the best part is you do not need to stand in line to enter. When you see the entry lines wrap around the buildings, you will appreciate this convenience. The passes can be purchased at the participating museums themselves and at the Paris Tourist Office, 25 rue de Pyramide and the Espace du Tourism-Ile de France, 99 Rue de Rivoli. Not every museum is covered, but The Louvre, Versailles and D’Orsay are, and they tend to have the longest lines. Note that in many museums admission is free for children under 18-years-old.

Safety and Pickpockets

You need not worry about walking around at night; there are lots of people out and about at all hours of the evening. Paris is not a dangerous city.

The main danger you face is to your property. But having your money, credit card or passport stolen can ruin a great vacation, so be careful and you will have a great time. Get a money belt that can be worn under your shirt. This is the best thing you can do to avoid becoming a victim during your French vacation. Leave your expensive jewelry home.

The Metro stations are also prime pickpocket places. You are not in personal danger (they don’t use knives or guns) but, they are quick and clever. Use the safe at your hotel for your important items, so you don’t need to carry them around.

Gare du Nord is known for pickpockets and Gypsies: keep track of your possessions. Do not carry your valuables in a place that can be easily pick-pocketed. Fanny packs are an invitation to be pick-pocketed as are backpacks. Use a money belt. Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket. If you carry it in your front pocket, keep your hand in your pocket. Use the safe at your hotel for valuables. Carry two different credit cards and keep one in the safe or each person can carry a different one in case one gets stolen. We make photocopies of our passports and credit cards and keep them in a carry-on just in case. Once there, put them in your hotel safe.

Keep as few valuable items in places that other people can get to, and keep most of your money, credit cards and ID securely tucked away out of harm’s reach in a money belt. When sitting at a restaurant table, or on a seat on the subway or bus, don’t put your bag down on the ground unattended. Hold it in your lap if possible. If not, loop the strap around your chair leg, or your chair. Don’t put anything of value in a back pack;It is easily stolen. Don’t wear a camera on a strap around your neck; it can be easily grabbed, cut and stolen.

When you see people that look like Gypsies, whether they’re really Gypsies, or others in disguise — particularly when they’re accompanied by youngsters from the age of two weeks up, avoid them. They’re usually easily walked away from and ignored. They’re aggressive, but too busy to bother with someone who doesn’t want to be an easy mark. If you are surrounded by a group of teen girls or those looking like gypsies, shout at them and they will generally leave.

If you treat others as you wish to be treated, try to eat like a Parisian, and stay aware of pickpockets, you will have a great trip to Paris!