Our Paris Tips
Yes there are a number of other websites that have published tips about Paris, but we have created the following list from our own personal experience(s). For those of you who have never been to Paris previously, some of these tips might seem unusual or perhaps "harsh", but we can definitely assure you that these things take place in Paris and you will have an even more enjoyable time in Paris if you take advantage of these tips & warnings!
Eiffel Tower: Be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time online prior to your trip if you
want to go up to the top. If you don’t book online and try to buy your tickets that day
they may be completely booked. They do check ticket times and are pretty
strict about not allowing you up to the top in until the time printed. You
are allowed to go through security along the perimeter without tickets. The
ticket office is behind the security. See the
Official Eiffel Tower Website for more information.
Learn some French: A lot of Americans complain about the French being rude.
We’ve found the opposite to be true. If you take a little time to learn some
French and don’t expect everyone to speak english it’s appreciated. One waiter
completely changed his attitude when I asked him to speak more slowly in French.
He winked at me and the rest of the meal was perfect. Remember you are in their
country, so don’t expect them to be American-like.
The French Rail System: (including the Metro) in Paris is excellent, and the cost
of an RER Train ticket from Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport to the Gare du Nord
station is considerably less expensive than a taxi or Uber fare. Be careful of
pickpockets on this rail line, they operate here just like everywhere else! You
can purchase Metro tickets (or the Paris Visite ticket) at any Metro ticket
machine or ticket window, anywhere in Paris, at CDG/Orly airports or at any of
the major intercity train stations throughout Paris.
A Paris Metro single day ticket is called the Ticket Mobilis which is good for
unlimited rides on the Metro system during operating hours for the day it is
used. (Not valid for airports) Physically it’s a coupon of about the same size
as the Paris Metro Ticket "t+". Ticket Mobilis is available in various fare zone
coverage from 1-2 zones to 1-5 zones. If you’ll be traveling strictly within
central Paris, zones 1 & 2 cover the entire Metro system, and a 1-2 zone Ticket
Mobilis is the recommended ticket. Price as of January 1, 2019 is 7.50€.
Metro Tickets Warning: The police often check metro tickets inside Metro Stations; if you are using a single use ticket do
not dispose of it until you depart the Station or the police will assume you have
cheated and they will fine you.
Credit Cards: Don’t expect your credit card to always work. Even with the chip
embedded there are times when a pin is required. This is especially true at
some of the metro ticket machines.
Cell phones: Cell phones are required these days for maps usage and Uber, etc.
Roaming can be expensive so have a plan and investigate your options before you
go. For those of you using (or needing) cellular phone service, AT&T offers a
$10 per day plan (unlimited data) for certain family subscription plans.
Points of Interest & Museum Hours: If you are not on a tour, be sure to check the places you
plan to visit for days they are closed, and what their open hours are. Some of the Paris Museums are
closed on not so intuitive days of the week! Just about every place you could possibly visit has
a website where you can find that type of information.
Petition Scams: Ignore teens who ask you to read & sign their petitions! Most frequently, once you
are distracted, one of their accomplices will attempt to pick your pocket! This type of
scam is very common at or near the more iconic Paris landmarks, but you will see them on
connecting streets or routes as well.
Pickpocket Safety: If you use a backpack, the best type to use are the types that have a chest strap
that interconnects & locks the shoulder straps. Keeping that chest strap
connected, precludes a pickpocket (or street thief) from yanking your backpack
off your shoulders! It’s best to keep your credit cards and valuables in an
inside pocket rather and an outside pocket that could be unzipped while you
are in a crowd. Better yet, keep it around your neck under your shirt. Be aware of when people
start crowding closer to you because a pickpocket has to be very close
to you to be able to rob you.
Metro Ticket Machine Scam: We almost got ripped off by someone trying to “help” us at a metro ticket machine. He
was trying to sell us a ticket for some ungodly amount of money when the metro price is very reasonable. Don’t
fall for these scams. Go to the official ticket booth if you have questions.
Consider Paris Passes: There are a number of companies who offer passes that provide you with
various ways to save on Paris attractions & transportation. Their web sites have a complete list of what
they offer. Click any of the icons below to be taken to their web site.
