Location: Europe
Local Time: GMT+1
From 30 Oct 11 to 25 Mar 12 GMT +1
From 25 Mar 12 to 28 Oct 12 GMT +2
From 29 Oct 12 to 30 Mar 13 GMT +1
From 31 Mar 13 to 27 Oct 13 GMT +2
Capital City: Paris
Population: 64 million
Area: 547,030357,021 square km, 211,209 square miles.
Language(s): French
Dialling Code: 33
Emergency: Police: 17. Fire: 18. Ambulance: 15
TV Standard: SECAM/PAL
Driving: Driving is on the right. National licence required. Minimum driving age is 18
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Currency: Euro (EUR 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: EUR: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500
Coins: EUR: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 0900-1200 & 1400-1600 Mon-Fri (some banks in Paris 1000-1700)
Office: 0900-1200 & 1400-1800 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0900-1830 Mon-Sat (some shops close between 1200-1430 Mon-Fri & many close all or pm Mon)
Public Holidays
2012
25 Dec : Christmas Day
Business/Social Hints: Business is conducted in French, most executives speak English or some German or Spanish. Smoking is very restricted in many public places and always request permission before smoking. Request permission before smoking in offices and cars. Smoking in restaurants is now restricted to specific areas. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
Tipping: Service charges are normally added to bills, if so tips are not necessary, but it is customary to leave small change. Tips for taxis around 10%
