Traveling Tips: France

December 31^st, 2010

Paris, France

Wow, navigating the Paris Charles de Gaulle airport by yourself is not easy. Future warning:

·         Pay attention and always be aware of signs! For instance, when you go through customs, greet them in the language you wish to speak, otherwise you might end up with an international crisis as they believe you are refusing to answer their interrogations.

·         After passing customs, STOP. Do not go to the doors that say exit because you will be passing baggage claim altogether and may need a security escort to return to this area and they generally speak French coupled with an angry tone.

·         Ask for help! There are information desks in each terminal and, as long as you can understand a French accent, you will have your questions answered (though maybe not in the preferred or expected way).

·         It may take 30-40 minutes for your baggage to arrive on the belt. It’s not the same efficiency as US airports, so take that into consideration and keep your frustration levels to a minimum. Drawing attention to yourself is generally a negative thing in airports.

·         There are few clocks around and most of them are in the 24 hour setting. Just subtract twelve. Also, don’t be afraid to ask strangers, “Quelle heure est-il?” This will prevent you from missing your train. That’s the plan, anyway.

·         ATMs are tricky and may not like you or your card for some unspecified reason. Deal with it. You’ll find one eventually that appreciates you and your money.

·         The train stations may be under a roof and look like a building, but they are freezing in winter time. Dress warmly and be prepared for the seasons into which you are traveling.

·         Find your seat according to the platform and car locators before the train arrives. This way, you can jump right onto the train when it pulls up; they don’t wait long.

·         “Parlez-vous l’anglais?” This question will pull you out of trouble if you’re confused. Most people speak a little bit and, by combining your knowledge of the two languages, you can figure out where to go and what to do.

If you have a ticket like boarding pass, be sure to validate it before getting on the trains. If it’s printed at home with a barcode, you don’t need to validate it. The conductor, if he ever comes by, will do this.