The Parisians not only take their food and wine seriously but also their shopping. Shopping in Paris is an art. Once you know a few secrets, Paris can the best place in the world to buy discounted designer items…
ExpatWomen thanks Lost In France for supplying the following Settling In Tips for France . This is only small summary to help you get acquainted to your new country. You can find much more detailed information, including local websites (that we have not included here) at their website http://www.lost-in-france.com
Nationals of EU countries plus Andorra, Canada, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, the Slovak Republic, South Korea, Switzerland and the USA can stay in France for up to 3 months without a visa. A long-stay visa must be obtained to be allowed to remain in France for work or study. Work and Resident Permits are necessary to live and work in France. These two permits are linked and have to be obtained from the Labor Department and the Préfecture (Police Department), respectively. The non-working spouse also needs a Resident Permit, the granting of which is based on the Work Permit and financial support of the working spouse. EU nationals do not need a work permit, but they still must register with the Préfecture and obtain a resident card, which is usually valid for 5 to 10 years.
1. The work permit application is submitted by the hiring company in France. Following approval by the French Labor Department, the applicant's file is transferred to the French Embassy or Consulate in the employee's country of residence. A long-stay visa is then issued by that embassy or consulate.
2. Then, the expatriate has a mandatory medical check-up upon arrival in France.
3. If the previous steps are completed successfully, the residency permit is granted by the Préfecture (Police Department).
As a general rule, any official application in France must be backed up by official proofs of resources and residence in this country, including certain documents.
All mandatory documents must be in French and have to be translated from their original language prior to starting any procedure. A list of official translators is available in each Mairie (city hall). In addition, originals and photocopies must be readily available.
Please contact the French Embassy in your country to ensure you have the correct paperwork to enter and live in the country.
Like New York and London , Paris is one of the world's major capitals with a high cost of living to match. As such, depending on your budget, you should prepare to live in accommodations that may be smaller than what you are used to.
France Telecom- The easiest way to have your phone connected is to go to your local France Telecom shop taking with you proof of identification (Passport etc) and if you have one an EDF bill, rental agreement or house purchase papers. http://www.agence.Francetelecom.com/
There are many new telephone companies also available that cost less (example Neuf), so it is best to shop around for long distance service.
There are only 5 French television channels available so it is best to sign up for cable television.
Televisions and videos run on the PAL standard. DVD players are organized by region codes: Europe is Region 2. Make sure you buy the right DVDs for the right DVD player or, alternatively, a multi-system player.
There are many packages available from dial up services to high speed DSL.
Broadband is called ADSL in France. Beware when signing up for an internet connection that most companies require you to sign up for a years contract - once you've signed these contracts are very difficult to get out of even if the company is not fulfilling it's end of the deal.
Companies offering services are Wanadoo from France Telecom, Free, and Neuf (list not exhaustive).
Local postal service, called Correio, is reliable. Their courier service is called Sedex and will be less expensive than using international couriers such as DHL or UPS. Although you might want to use these for international deliveries.
When looking for rental accommodation in France bear in mind that short term leases are unusual when renting in France - leases tend to last for 2 or 3 years. If you need to terminate the rental agreement early 3 months notice is usually required, this is sometimes reduced to one month in exceptional circumstances or if the tenant has lost or changed employment.
Normally the amount of rent shouldn't be more than 30% of the tenants net salary - the landlord has the right to ask for proof of income and sometimes a guarantor is required .
In France it is the tenants legal responsibility to arrange fully comprehensive home insurance as any damage to the property during the agreement is the tenants responsibility. Proof in the way of an insurance certificate is required when the tenant signs the lease. The tenant must also pay the Tax de Habitation (similar to UK council tax), water and power and any other utility costs.
The official language is French. Endeavour to gain at the very least a basic knowledge of French and always try and use it, French people will appreciate that no matter how poor your French is.
The best way to exchange money is at a foreign exchange office or at any bank. It is important to carry some cash with you as some places do not accept credit cards. Automatic Teller Machines (Distributeur) are available at all major banks. When making an ATM withdrawal, pay attention to the bank that owns that particular ATM. A small fee up to 5 Euros is typically charged if you are not withdrawing from a bank within that particular network of your house bank.
Scheduled, automatic withdrawals from your bank account are a very common way to pay monthly bills, such as rent and utilities. Easy to set up by sending one's account information or RIB ( Relevé d'Identité Bancaire ) to your creditors. Checks are also readily accepted.
No vaccinations are required, but all travelers coming into France should be up-to-date on tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio and varicella immunizations. And, it is important to bring any medical certificates/records from your home country.
Check any other specific vaccination requirements carefully with your local French consulate or embassy to confirm medical requirements.
If you come to France as a détaché , or on assignment with a company, the French branch of your company will pay for private insurance for you and your family. If your status is that of an expat, with a CDI or indefinite term contract in France , the hiring company will organize your registration within the French Social Security system. In either situation, you will be covered.
If you come to France on your own (i.e, independent of an employer) you will need private insurance.
A pharmacy, known in French as a pharmacie , displays a flashing green cross.
There are many international schools where English is the main language for learning (from preschool to University level). Please see below for a list of schools (not exhaustive).
In France , people drive on the right-hand side of the road.
In order to drive in France , you need a valid driver's license and mandatory driver's insurance.
Certain countries and USA State driver's licenses are exchangeable for a French license. You need to check with the police department.
If you do have a license that can be exchanged, you have one year from the date you entered France : the date stamped on your passport or Carte de Séjour, to make the exchange.
For all others, you must obtain a French driving license 'from scratch', by going to a driving school and taking a written and driving test, a difficult and expensive process.
Toll roads do exist in France on the motorways (auto route).
Public transportation is excellent in Paris and its suburbs. Metros, buses, RER (a fast train that connects the Paris region to the heart of the capital) and SNCF trains are available.
Metro and bus tickets can be purchased at Metro stations, bus stations and at cafés which carry the blue-green symbol that represents a mass-transit ticket. At Metro stations, you can buy your tickets at a window or from a machine. Fares vary depending on how many tickets you buy or what period of time.
French buy from the local neighborhood market and food shops in their town. Each city hall or mairie hFrance main international airport is Charles DeGaule (CDG) just outside of Paris.as a list of local market trading days and times. You can also buy groceries at large supermarkets, of which there are many chains in France, such as Auchan, Leclerc and Carrefour. Within Paris , other well-priced supermarket chains include: Atac, Champion, Franprix and Monoprix.
For electrical items, DARTY and BHV and most of the large supermarkets listed above have competitive prices. FNAC has high-quality goods (music, books too), but is more expensive. Castorama, BHV, Carrefour, Leclerc, Auchan specialize in hardware items. IKEA in home furnishings
Although employing household staff is quite common in France, finding such help is another matter altogether. There are no official "Domestic Services" companies or reference networks available. Finding someone is simply a matter of word of mouth or setting out to find someone yourself.
The best way to find household cleaning staff is by way of an advertisement in your local neighborhood newspaper or on the community notice boards at supermarkets. Your ad will have to be in French.
Payment is done at an hourly rate, and depending on which area you live in and can range in price.
Babysitters are usually found through agencies or personal referrals.
Spouses are not allowed to work without an official hiring contract, as the Labor Department thoroughly screens all work permits granted to foreigners. The ANPE (National Employment Agency) works to ensure that priority is given to French nationals to fill in available positions in France. In their intent to hire a foreign national, employers must attest to that person's particular qualifications.
There are many expatriate women clubs available in France. If you speak French and are interested in making French friends, you can contact the local office of the Accueil des Villes Francaises (AVF). The AVF will keep you informed about cultural, social and sports activities organized in your neighborhood.
France is known for its food, so restaurants are readily available. Most cities have a movie theatre and sometimes even live theatre.
French love to practice sports, but normally you must pay a yearly license fee to the Federation . Popular sports include football (soccer), rugby, tennis, judo.
Average temperatures range from a usual low of 3 degrees Celsius (about 37 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and February to a high of about 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) in July and August.
Expatriate Clubs
American Club of Paris http://www.americanclubparis.org
http://www.wfi.fr/americanclub The American Club of Paris, France's oldest non-diplomatic American institution, has always had a dual purpose: to provide Americans living in and around Paris with opportunities to meet, and at the same time, to preserve the special ties America has had with France for more that two centuries. The club provides a diverse range of activities, events and speaker luncheons to facilitate these opportunities.
American Women's Group in Paris http://www.awgparis.org
The AWG offers a variety of activities from a social, cultural, educational and charity perspective. Each month starts with an open house coffee for our members and guests. Other monthly activities regularly include cooking classes, museum visits, yoga classes, wine tastings, and special exhibitions to name but a few.
Americans in Alsace http://americansinalsace.org
Americans in Alsace was founded in 1991 and is a registered association of North Americans living in Alsace and surrounding areas. AIA is financed through membership fees and, in part, by donations through North American corporations operating in the region
Americans in Toulouse http://www.americansintoulouse.com
Americans in Toulouse (AIT), has been supporting & informing the English-speaking expat community in and around Toulouse, France since 1987. Our Guidebook to Toulouse is available free of charge or can be read online at our web site. The book is extremely informative for those moving to the Toulouse area and also helpful for those moving to France.
Association of American Wives of Europeans http://www.aaweparis.org
This is a support group for Americans married to Europeans and offers links to other groups and clubs, a career centre and books to help American women in Europe.
Bordeaux Women’s Club http://www.bordeauxwomensclub.org/
THE BORDEAUX WOMEN'S CLUB was created at the end of World War II by American military wives living in France. They sought a way to welcome new arrivals and encourage friendships among American women living abroad. In 1984, we became an official association, recognized by the French government. Over the years during which international travel and relocation has become far more common, the Club has served a very large and active English-speaking community in the Bordeaux region.
Easy Expat: Paris http://www.easyexpat.com
The mission of this website is to provide English, French, Italian, Spanish and German speaking expatriates with accurate information and answers about the major cities with the most expatriates.
Horn's Social Agenda www.horns-club.com
This is a community of like-minded people sharing interests such as languages, sports, culture, conversation, parties and ballroom dancing.Most of our club members are currently living 'ex patria' or are ex-expatriates, multi-lingual, multi-cultural.
International Women’s Club of Clermont-Ferrand http://groups.yahoo.com/group/internationalwomensclub/
Our outreach group provides social interaction an networking resources for English speaking women in the Auvergne region of France. Many of the members are expatriates, expat spouses or English-speaking permanent residents. The club provides a diverse range of activities, including book clubs, children’s playtime, hiking clubs and French conversation groups as well as couples night and more.
International Women’s Club of the Riviera http://iwcriviera.free.fr/
We are an easy, relaxed Club for women of all nationalities and ages who would like to enjoy social, sportive and cultural activities. The Club covers the French départements of Alpes-Maritimes (06) and Var (83), and also Monaco - our events take place over this wide area.
Landes and Pays Basque International Women’s Club http://lpb.iwc.free.fr/
One of the Club’s main goals is to welcome and help English speaking people who wish to settle in the Landes and Basque areas, by assisting them to discover French culture and way of life. The club proposes a varied programme of cultural, social and sports activities permitting women of many different origins to meet and share their interests and hobbies in an open, friendly atmosphere.
MESSAGE - Mothers Support Group http://messageparis.org
With well over 1000 members, MESSAGE aims to provide a social and support network to expectant women, new mothers, fathers and families with children of all ages living in and around Paris, through a wide variety of local activities, including fun events, practical help and useful information.
Open House www.openhousegrenoble.org
Open House’s mission is to welcome all English-speaking people living in Grenoble and the neighbouring area, as well as French people who speak fluent English and who have lived outside France and its territories for at least one year. We offer a wide range of activities for individuals and families alike.
Americans in France http://www.americansinfrance.net
Americans in France is a web site aimed at helping Americans to better understand France, its people and culture. My goal is to make the time an American or other English speaker spends in France a little more enjoyable and more of a cultural exchange.
American Chamber of Commerce in France http://www.amchamfrance.org
AmCham France is The Voice of American Business in France, dedicated to the optimization of their investments.
Anglophone Library of Montpellier www.bibliotheque-americaine.com
Has the largest and most varied English language collection in the south of
France: 25,000 volumes and 50 periodicals.
Chicline.com www.chicline.com
The hippest Paris City Guide & Directory, France. Online Sightseeing w. Photos, Satellite Views, Webcams & Videos. Boutique of Paris-related Books, DVDs, CDs. Best of Paris hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Lettre de Paris weekly newsletter.
Electronic Guide to Working and Living in France: The Ins and Outs http://insiderparisguides.com
You may be one of those people who dream of working and living in France and don't know how to go about simply DOING IT. This guide tells how – from the INSIDE OUT.
European Professional Women's Network www.europeanpwn-paris.net
European Professional Women's Network (Paris) is a cross-sector networking and training platform for
professional women with an international outlook. The mission is to promote the professional progress of women in business.
French Entrée www.frenchentree-tarn-aveyron.com
Online resource devoted to the Tarn (81) and Aveyron (12) departments in the Midi-Pyrénées region of France.
My Week In www.myweekin.net
A site that provides all the latest events in Paris and the Loire Valley. Shopping tips, restaurants, spas and activities for the kids. Subscribers can quickly create their own agenda for visiting family members and friends.
Paris Notes http://www.parisnotes.com/
Stay connected to and learn about Paris, France: Paris history, Paris culture, current events, exciting things to do, new places to visit, restaurant reviews, hotel picks, fascinating Paris people, money-saving tips, calendar listings, local insights, and more. It's like traveling to Paris ten times a year! When you're not in Paris, Paris Notes is the next best thing to being there.
Prissy Mag www.prissymag.com
Prissy Mag is your unique look into Parisian life, brought to you by people who actually live it every single day. Our goal is to provide you with a personal, informative and entertaining look at Paris through expat eyes.
Relocation services in France http://www.inpat.fr/paris
This relocation services website is designed to give newcomers an understanding of the French customs and habits. 12 guides with essential information and addresses are available to help with a move to Paris. In addition, a forum managed by the in'pat tea.
Soho Solo http://www.soho-solo-gers.com
The official Soho Solo site for self-employed individuals working in The Gers. A Gers Chamber of Commerce and Industry project.
Understand France http://www.understandfrance.org/
Many sites about France give facts and information. This site does that too - with a plus. You'll get an insider's view of the Franco - American scene : working in Paris, tips about food, what's new, etc.. All these and much more from a Franco- American couple in Paris. Bienvenue!
Parler Parlor http://www.parlerparlor.com/
French-English Conversation Group. Join us at the ParlerParlor conversation group in Paris France for free-form conversation with native French and English speakers.
The Languedoc Sun Magazine www.languedocsun.com
The magazine attempts to build a bridge between English-speaking residents and the French culture.
Through a wide-variety of articles, our aim is to facilitate integration into this new way of life.
The European labour market contains
some unexpected hurdles as national
differences between the countries of
Europe manifest themselves not only in
different languages but also in different
recruitment practices
Looking for work in another country requires more than just the obvious CV translation. You will be confronted with issues
that probably didn't even cross your mind when you decided to go for an international career, but don't underestimate
the big impact they can have on the outcome of your adventure! Think for example about the different rules and
habits regarding immigration, job application procedures, the selection procedures and the management culture.
Immigration/Visas and Permits
Accommodation 