Which just goes to show the importance of having multiple ways to pay. I always take 3 cards with me (two debit, one credit - 2 visa, 1 mastercard), because you just never know when your bank is going to decide it’s time to run a security check on this weird foreign transaction, or have a computer meltdown.
I also wouldn’t rely on anything other than Visa or Mastercard as things like Amex and Diner’s Club are only patchily accepted in Europe.
If you really need a card, but for some reason your bank will not issue you one, you could try buying a pre-paid card at a tobacco shop or post office. But fees may make this an expensive option: e.g., this one appears to cost €20 per year; perhaps they will have something better on offer.
This is also good advice in the event of loss or theft. And keep each card in a different location. I once went to Spain with three credit cards in my wallet, but the wallet was stolen before I even left the airport.
Indeed, I usually keep one back up card in the room safe. I also carry my driving license, as I have occasionally been asked for photo ID if I’m spending over, say, 300-400 euro (kinds depends on the country and venue for that - mostly Italy - but better safe than sorry).
Hello, most small transactions in shops can be done with “paiement sans contact” where you just pass your card on the terminal and it’s debited. Limit is usually 40 to 50 €.
for more, you will need a PIN.
If you bring $, you can change them to € in banks, or offices in airports and great train stations (Lyon for example).
If you plan to buy on markets or cafés, you will need small change (1€, 2€ as coins and 5€ or 10€ as bank notes)
As for COVID, masks are still mandatory in closed spaces (not in streets, except when heavily crowded). You will need a vaccination proof as San Vito said to enter museums and others places.
Welcome and enjoy the vine !
Don’t have any great advice, but have a good time.
Do not go to restaurants or bars close to tourist attractions. Pop is pricy as the French do not drink as much as tourists.
Do consider buying cheese, salami, pies, bread, snacks and other baked goods at grocery or specialty stores and eating picnic style from time to time - no better place to do that.
It is polite to say bonjour/bonsoir to the shop owner, baker, etc on entering a store.
If you like art or museums soak up all that you wish - truly great.
If you are American the French may confuse you for the president and discuss what they dislike about “your” politics. Do not take it personally.
Learning even a few phrases in French goes a long way
I’m sure there are good websites on places to eat and things to see and how to do so more cheaply and with smaller crowds. The Lonely Planet book helped me.
Hotel rooms in central Paris are small but location is everything despite good subways.
Consider using ATMs taking only a small quantity of euros, if any. Count your change carefully if trading dollars - not usually the best idea.
I have run into this in many foreign nations I’ve visited. I usually reply that i am on vacation and hope to avoid my nation’s politics until i am home. It’s a gentle way to remind them that i may not be a fan of “my” politics. I find people are generally sympathetic to that perspective.
I’m going to second this point. I’ve been to Paris about 10 times.
One of the best meals I have eaten in Paris was when I was backpacking in ‘91 and eating as cheaply as we could. We ended up on one of the market areas that exist in every arrondissement in Paris and bought a hot roast chicken, some cheese, fresh baguette, and some fruit. Sitting by the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Couer, or outside the Louvre with that kind food is a real Parisian experience.
And above all else: Wear comfortable walking shoes, and take some Moleskin with you.
Don’t rent a car for Paris. The rest of France is great driving country but Paris has both horrendous traffic and also very few easy places to park. Use public transportation for everything as it’s actually very well set-up for most places in the city.
I found most French people opened up when they find out you’re American or Canadian. Every single British tourist I met openly complained about everything in France so I’m assuming there’s a general animosity between French and Brits, but the French upon hearing I was American were always super friendly and curious what I thought about their country.
If you’re looking for American style coffee you’re best bet is to purchase a coffee maker over there and make it yourself. There’s a few Starbucks I found in Paris that did have American style coffee but it was always easier to set up a small coffee maker and make it myself.
I’ll third this. I always buy bread and cheese and sausage when i visit France (or Germany, or Scandinavia) and it’s a wonderful lunch. Bring a sharp pocket knife to best enjoy the food.
Just to pick up on the point about markets:
https://en.parisinfo.com/shopping/gastronomic-shopping-in-paris/food-and-specialist-markets