Arrival Pack
Now that you’ve made it all the way to the land of cheese and wine, you must get the essentials!
MAP
You’re living in Paris now, you need a map! Paris maps aren’t just for tourists. You can get a Plan de Paris at any bookstore (librarie) or tabac. They cost a few euros and have a detailed map of each arrondissement. You’ll be absolutely lost without one.
OPENING A FRENCH BANK ACCOUNT
It will be more convenient to have a French carte bancaire when making purchases, or purchasing a contract mobile phone. In order to open an account in France you first need a long stay visa and a signed letter from your family saying that you are indeed residing at your address. They will also require a copy of the families passport of french identity card. You will need to take your own passport or ID card. Once you have all the documents you will be able to open the account on your own or get one of the family members to acompany you. Depending on the bank once the account is open you should have your card in about a week or two.
INSURANCE INFO
Whether you are coming from outside or within the Eueopean Union as part of your Au pair contract your insurance should be covered. So discuss this with your family to find out further details before you leave, so both you and your family are informed.
Below is the link for you to find your local assurance maladie once you are in Paris, so if you have further and specific questions i suggest you go to speak to them to discuss your personal situation. We will be updating this section when we have further detailed and clear information.
http://www.ameli.fr/assures/votre-caisse-paris/nous-rencontrer/les-centres-de-service-de-l-assurance-maladie/les-centres-des-1er-au-12eme-arrondissements_paris.php
If coming from European Union:
Insurance will change per country of origin. If you are coming from the European Union please remeber to bring your E1-11 card. You are covered in all countries if travelling within the European Union. Please note that if you are from the European Union you should have your E1-11 European Health Card. This card ensures:
"that you will get the same access to public sector health care (e.g. a doctor, a pharmacy, a hospital or a health care centre) as nationals of the country you are visiting. If you have to receive medical attention in a country that charges for health care, you will be reimbursed either immediately, or after you go home to your own country. The idea is that you are given the care you need to allow you to continue with your stay."
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559&langId=en
If coming from outside the European Union:
As previously stated, per your contract, you should be covered by your family. Speak to your family regarding any health care issues you may have.
PHONE
You have two options when choosing your plan; pay-as-you-go or contract.
-Pay-as-you-go
You’ll have to buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card from any major company. The last four suggestions are the cheapest:
orange.fr --- buy SIM in-store
sfr.fr – buy SIM in-store
virginmobile.fr-- buy SIM in-store
Universalmobile.fr -- buy SIM online
Simyo.fr -- buy SIM online
bouyguestelecom.fr – Buy the SIM card in the store*
*Look into a mobile pay-as-you-go plan with Bouygues Telecom. There is a plan that gives you an option for unlimited text messages and talk time.
This option allows you to use your existing phone. Replace the new SIM in your phone and voila! You should be good to go. This option is only available to those not coming from the US. (Note some networks will lock your mobile so that you cannot use another network's SIM card in your phone. You can typically ask your current network to unblock your mobile or purchase a new cheap mobile)
However, if you don’t have a phone, or are arriving from the States, you will have to purchase a phone compatible with European networks.
This option can become costly and time-consuming. Phone calls in France are expensive typically ranging from 0.50 centimes to 1 Euro per minute. SMS typically cost about 10 centimes for each SMS sent. With these rates you’re credit can diminish quickly. However, as long as you found the network and plan that best suits you and you keep your credit sufficient, this option can be convenient.
To buy credit for your phone, local tabacs, super marches, and some brasseries sell vouchers in amounts ranging from 6-50 euros. If you run out of credit on a Sunday, you may be out of touch until Monday as it is extremely difficult to find a tabac open. If you have a French debit card, you can register it on your phone to enable credit purchasing at any time.
-Contract Phone
To be eligible to set up a phone plan, you must have a French bank account and sign up for 12 months minimum, so only use this option if you know you will be staying longer than the school year.
Be aware that you have 2 different types of contracts: Forfaits and Forfait Bloque.
The Forfaits, are phone contracts where you receive the bill at the end of the month. These can vary in prices, from 19 euros per month to 100 euros if not more, it is up to you to choose the price range and features of your contract. I suggest shopping around to find the best option
When comparing different plans, the Forfait Bloque may be your most beneficial. This prohibits you from being able to call or text once your minutes/text allowance is used up. This may sound inconvenient, but on an au pair salary, you don’t want an expensive mobile phone bill showing up unexpectedly. Many contracts have unlimited texting permitting you to text even if your minutes are depleted.
CALLING HOME
You can buy international phone cards from any local tabac. Ask for a card specific to your country, as they will render more minutes. These calling cards can be used at landlines and pay phones.
Many times, free international calling includes a landline phone service, so ask your host family if this is available to you. Also, they might have free minutes to French landlines so you will be able you use the other numbers on the back of the international phone card and get up to 5 times more minutes. Skype is also a great way to keep in touch with family and friends via the internet.
FREE INTERNET
There are free wi-fi hot spots all over Paris. This is a scheme which was set up by the Mairie de Paris, you can access the internet for free at any library, garden, mairies and museum. To find the exact locations click on the link below to see a map of the 260 spots around Paris.
http://www.paris.fr/portail/Economie/Portal.lut?page_id=7799&document_type_id=5&document_id=29274&portlet_id=17981
For details of how to login check out the steps in the below link:
http://www.paris.fr/portail/Economie/Portal.lut?page_id=7799&document_type_id=5&document_id=29153&portlet_id=17981
For any further details on the scheme check out the below link:
http://www.paris.fr/portail/economie/portal.lut?page_id=7799
Keep an eye out for hot spots in your neighborhood, you can also access the interent in Starbucks, MacDonalds and different cafés.
Whether you are coming from outside or within the Eueopean Union as part of your Au pair contract your insurance should be covered. So discuss this with your family to find out further details before you leave, so both you and your family are informed.
Below is the link for you to find your local assurance maladie once you are in Paris, so if you have further and specific questions i suggest you go to speak to them to discuss your personal situation. We will be updating this section when we have further detailed and clear information.
http://www.ameli.fr/assures/votre-caisse-paris/nous-rencontrer/les-centres-de-service-de-l-assurance-maladie/les-centres-des-1er-au-12eme-arrondissements_paris.php
If coming from European Union:
Insurance will change per country of origin. If you are coming from the European Union please remeber to bring your E1-11 card. You are covered in all countries if travelling within the European Union. Please note that if you are from the European Union you should have your E1-11 European Health Card. This card ensures:
"that you will get the same access to public sector health care (e.g. a doctor, a pharmacy, a hospital or a health care centre) as nationals of the country you are visiting. If you have to receive medical attention in a country that charges for health care, you will be reimbursed either immediately, or after you go home to your own country. The idea is that you are given the care you need to allow you to continue with your stay."
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559&langId=en
If coming from outside the European Union:
As previously stated, per your contract, you should be covered by your family. Speak to your family regarding any health care issues you may have.
PHONE
You have two options when choosing your plan; pay-as-you-go or contract.
-Pay-as-you-go
You’ll have to buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card from any major company. The last four suggestions are the cheapest:
orange.fr --- buy SIM in-store
sfr.fr – buy SIM in-store
virginmobile.fr-- buy SIM in-store
Universalmobile.fr -- buy SIM online
Simyo.fr -- buy SIM online
bouyguestelecom.fr – Buy the SIM card in the store*
*Look into a mobile pay-as-you-go plan with Bouygues Telecom. There is a plan that gives you an option for unlimited text messages and talk time.
This option allows you to use your existing phone. Replace the new SIM in your phone and voila! You should be good to go. This option is only available to those not coming from the US. (Note some networks will lock your mobile so that you cannot use another network's SIM card in your phone. You can typically ask your current network to unblock your mobile or purchase a new cheap mobile)
However, if you don’t have a phone, or are arriving from the States, you will have to purchase a phone compatible with European networks.
This option can become costly and time-consuming. Phone calls in France are expensive typically ranging from 0.50 centimes to 1 Euro per minute. SMS typically cost about 10 centimes for each SMS sent. With these rates you’re credit can diminish quickly. However, as long as you found the network and plan that best suits you and you keep your credit sufficient, this option can be convenient.
To buy credit for your phone, local tabacs, super marches, and some brasseries sell vouchers in amounts ranging from 6-50 euros. If you run out of credit on a Sunday, you may be out of touch until Monday as it is extremely difficult to find a tabac open. If you have a French debit card, you can register it on your phone to enable credit purchasing at any time.
-Contract Phone
To be eligible to set up a phone plan, you must have a French bank account and sign up for 12 months minimum, so only use this option if you know you will be staying longer than the school year.
Be aware that you have 2 different types of contracts: Forfaits and Forfait Bloque.
The Forfaits, are phone contracts where you receive the bill at the end of the month. These can vary in prices, from 19 euros per month to 100 euros if not more, it is up to you to choose the price range and features of your contract. I suggest shopping around to find the best option
When comparing different plans, the Forfait Bloque may be your most beneficial. This prohibits you from being able to call or text once your minutes/text allowance is used up. This may sound inconvenient, but on an au pair salary, you don’t want an expensive mobile phone bill showing up unexpectedly. Many contracts have unlimited texting permitting you to text even if your minutes are depleted.
CALLING HOME
You can buy international phone cards from any local tabac. Ask for a card specific to your country, as they will render more minutes. These calling cards can be used at landlines and pay phones.
Many times, free international calling includes a landline phone service, so ask your host family if this is available to you. Also, they might have free minutes to French landlines so you will be able you use the other numbers on the back of the international phone card and get up to 5 times more minutes. Skype is also a great way to keep in touch with family and friends via the internet.
FREE INTERNET
There are free wi-fi hot spots all over Paris. This is a scheme which was set up by the Mairie de Paris, you can access the internet for free at any library, garden, mairies and museum. To find the exact locations click on the link below to see a map of the 260 spots around Paris.
http://www.paris.fr/portail/Economie/Portal.lut?page_id=7799&document_type_id=5&document_id=29274&portlet_id=17981
For details of how to login check out the steps in the below link:
http://www.paris.fr/portail/Economie/Portal.lut?page_id=7799&document_type_id=5&document_id=29153&portlet_id=17981
For any further details on the scheme check out the below link:
http://www.paris.fr/portail/economie/portal.lut?page_id=7799
Keep an eye out for hot spots in your neighborhood, you can also access the interent in Starbucks, MacDonalds and different cafés.
TRANSPORTATION
Paris has one of the best mass transportation systems in the world. That being said, you have so many options that the task can be daunting. Many choose to stick with just the metro, as it appears to be the easiest to understand, however depending on where you live in Paris, the suburbs for example, it will be advantageous to know of all the different types available to you. For further details, you can visit http://www.ratp.com.
It won't take you long to notice that the Paris metro system is basically set up on the honor system, meaning it is quite possible to use the transportation without having a ticket. I know many people who take advantage of this, however you must know that if you are caught by RATP officials the fine is substantial. I believe it's 60 euros. You've been warned!
Mètro
There are 14 different metro lines running through Paris. When you enter a metro station, you will either need a ticket or a Navigo pass to pass through the turnstall. A standard metro ticket is 1€60 and will afford you travel in all of Paris metro zones 1-2. If you are traveling to the suburbs, your ticket will be more depending on which zone (3-6) you'll be arriving. Tickets are also sold at any Mètro, RER or SNCF station. You may also consider buying a carnet (book of 10 tickets) at a discounted price of 11€60. You can buy your single tickets or carnet from a machine marked 'billets' or from the cashier.
The best way to get around Paris is the Navigo pass. This allows you unlimited travel for a set amount. This amount is dependant on the zones you’ll be frequenting and can be paid at any Metro, RER or SNCF station. To set up your Navigo, you can visit navigo.fr or go to the cashier at the station. You will need a passport-sized photo. If you are planning to be in Paris for a year and will be a student, you may want to consider buying the ImagineR Navigo pass as it is almost half the price of the normal Navigo. You will have to provide proof that you are currently a student.
If you decide not to buy a Navigo and only use tickets, there is a little known pass called the Ticket Jeune Week-end that allows the holder unlimited travel for the day purchased. This ticket is only available Saturday, Sunday, or holidays for people under 26. For zones 1-3, the cost is only 3€30; zones 1-5, 6€60; zones 1-6, 8€20. This can be a really great deal if you do the majority of your getting around Paris on the weekends. You can buy this ticket from the billet machine or the cashier.
Also, you can buy the Navigo by week if you know in advance you'll be traveling more one week than another.
RER
The RER is like an express train. It makes fewer stops but also comes less frequently. There are 5 RER lines, A-E that run through Paris and out to the suburbs. A standard metro ticket works for the RER as long as you are traveling within zones 1 and 2. If you are traveling further out, you will need to purchase a ticket indicating which zone your destination is in. The RER is also useful if you are traveling to either the CDG or Orly airport. These airports are in zone 5, therefore you will need to purchase a ticket and the cost is 9.85. After you’ve passed through the turnstile, keep your ticket handy as you will need it to exit the station at your destination. When you are on the platform of an RER train, there will be monitors overhead indicating which train is approaching and when, and most importantly which stops it will be making. Most of the RER trains split routes after leaving Paris, so just because you catch the RER A heading toward Versailles doesn’t mean it’ll be making each stop along the way. Be sure you see your stop before getting on a train. Your ticket is also good for transfers between the RER and metro.
SNCF
The SNCF trains are also suburban bound trains, however these are above-ground. A Navigo with the correct zones purchased will suffice for travel on the SNCF. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a ticket indicating departure and arrival stations. Prices differ accordingly. When on the platform for an SNCF train, it is much the same as the RER where stops are indicated on a monitor overhead. These trains do not stop frequently, usually one stop per suburban city, making them a fast mode of transportation as well. The SNCF ticket does not transfer to any other mode of transportation.
Bus
The buses in Paris are efficient, generally punctual, and offer a bit of scenery for your journey. The metro tickets work on buses and transfers between buses but not as transfers between buses and the metro/RER. Transfers between buses are good for 90 minutes from the time of the first validation to the last. If you buy a ticket on the bus, the price increases to 1.70. When entering the bus, either pass your Navigo in front of the purple indicator, or feed your ticket into the machine next to the driver. By the way, if you have a large bill and are only buying one ticket, the drivers tend to become annoyed. The bus system in Paris is extremely easy to use. At each bus stop, every bus that stops there will have a list and map indicating the stops it makes. There are usually electronic signs at each stop letting you know how long until the next arrival of the bus and the bus subsequent.
Night bus (Noctilien)
After the metros close (around 1am weekdays, 2am weekends) there are night buses that are available until early morning (usually around 6am. The metro’s resume around 530am). There are much fewer available, but they are handy if you don’t want to spring for a taxi. There are also night buses that run to the suburbs making it convenient to get home without having to wait for the metros to recommence. A regular metro or Navigo works for these as well.
Taxi
To get a taxi you must go to a designated taxi area. These are throughout the city and indicated by a large blue sign saying ‘TAXI’. In busier parts of the city, there may be a queue. Considering Paris isn’t a really large city, taxi’s aren’t too expensive (especially if you’re accustomed to taking them in NY or LA) and can be convenient. However, pay attention to the route your driver takes. Sometimes if they think you don’t know you’re way, they’ll take a longer route to capitalize on the fare.
Velib'
This is Paris’ communal bike rental. You have to have a credit card or French bank account to rent a bike. There are automated stations set up at the bike racks. You will have to insert your card, in which case it will reserve 150 euros in the event the bike is not returned. If you do not have this available on your card, you will not be able to rent the bike.
There is a bike rental fee of 1 euro for 1 day or 5 euros for 1 week. There is an additional fee for every half hour the bike is checked out for. The first half hour is free with every subsequent 30 minutes charging 1 euro. However, if you have the patience to check the bike in every 30 minutes, you will not be charged outside of the daily/weekly fee.
See velib.fr for further details
It won't take you long to notice that the Paris metro system is basically set up on the honor system, meaning it is quite possible to use the transportation without having a ticket. I know many people who take advantage of this, however you must know that if you are caught by RATP officials the fine is substantial. I believe it's 60 euros. You've been warned!
Mètro
There are 14 different metro lines running through Paris. When you enter a metro station, you will either need a ticket or a Navigo pass to pass through the turnstall. A standard metro ticket is 1€60 and will afford you travel in all of Paris metro zones 1-2. If you are traveling to the suburbs, your ticket will be more depending on which zone (3-6) you'll be arriving. Tickets are also sold at any Mètro, RER or SNCF station. You may also consider buying a carnet (book of 10 tickets) at a discounted price of 11€60. You can buy your single tickets or carnet from a machine marked 'billets' or from the cashier.
The best way to get around Paris is the Navigo pass. This allows you unlimited travel for a set amount. This amount is dependant on the zones you’ll be frequenting and can be paid at any Metro, RER or SNCF station. To set up your Navigo, you can visit navigo.fr or go to the cashier at the station. You will need a passport-sized photo. If you are planning to be in Paris for a year and will be a student, you may want to consider buying the ImagineR Navigo pass as it is almost half the price of the normal Navigo. You will have to provide proof that you are currently a student.
If you decide not to buy a Navigo and only use tickets, there is a little known pass called the Ticket Jeune Week-end that allows the holder unlimited travel for the day purchased. This ticket is only available Saturday, Sunday, or holidays for people under 26. For zones 1-3, the cost is only 3€30; zones 1-5, 6€60; zones 1-6, 8€20. This can be a really great deal if you do the majority of your getting around Paris on the weekends. You can buy this ticket from the billet machine or the cashier.
Also, you can buy the Navigo by week if you know in advance you'll be traveling more one week than another.
RER
The RER is like an express train. It makes fewer stops but also comes less frequently. There are 5 RER lines, A-E that run through Paris and out to the suburbs. A standard metro ticket works for the RER as long as you are traveling within zones 1 and 2. If you are traveling further out, you will need to purchase a ticket indicating which zone your destination is in. The RER is also useful if you are traveling to either the CDG or Orly airport. These airports are in zone 5, therefore you will need to purchase a ticket and the cost is 9.85. After you’ve passed through the turnstile, keep your ticket handy as you will need it to exit the station at your destination. When you are on the platform of an RER train, there will be monitors overhead indicating which train is approaching and when, and most importantly which stops it will be making. Most of the RER trains split routes after leaving Paris, so just because you catch the RER A heading toward Versailles doesn’t mean it’ll be making each stop along the way. Be sure you see your stop before getting on a train. Your ticket is also good for transfers between the RER and metro.
SNCF
The SNCF trains are also suburban bound trains, however these are above-ground. A Navigo with the correct zones purchased will suffice for travel on the SNCF. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a ticket indicating departure and arrival stations. Prices differ accordingly. When on the platform for an SNCF train, it is much the same as the RER where stops are indicated on a monitor overhead. These trains do not stop frequently, usually one stop per suburban city, making them a fast mode of transportation as well. The SNCF ticket does not transfer to any other mode of transportation.
Bus
The buses in Paris are efficient, generally punctual, and offer a bit of scenery for your journey. The metro tickets work on buses and transfers between buses but not as transfers between buses and the metro/RER. Transfers between buses are good for 90 minutes from the time of the first validation to the last. If you buy a ticket on the bus, the price increases to 1.70. When entering the bus, either pass your Navigo in front of the purple indicator, or feed your ticket into the machine next to the driver. By the way, if you have a large bill and are only buying one ticket, the drivers tend to become annoyed. The bus system in Paris is extremely easy to use. At each bus stop, every bus that stops there will have a list and map indicating the stops it makes. There are usually electronic signs at each stop letting you know how long until the next arrival of the bus and the bus subsequent.
Night bus (Noctilien)
After the metros close (around 1am weekdays, 2am weekends) there are night buses that are available until early morning (usually around 6am. The metro’s resume around 530am). There are much fewer available, but they are handy if you don’t want to spring for a taxi. There are also night buses that run to the suburbs making it convenient to get home without having to wait for the metros to recommence. A regular metro or Navigo works for these as well.
Taxi
To get a taxi you must go to a designated taxi area. These are throughout the city and indicated by a large blue sign saying ‘TAXI’. In busier parts of the city, there may be a queue. Considering Paris isn’t a really large city, taxi’s aren’t too expensive (especially if you’re accustomed to taking them in NY or LA) and can be convenient. However, pay attention to the route your driver takes. Sometimes if they think you don’t know you’re way, they’ll take a longer route to capitalize on the fare.
Velib'
This is Paris’ communal bike rental. You have to have a credit card or French bank account to rent a bike. There are automated stations set up at the bike racks. You will have to insert your card, in which case it will reserve 150 euros in the event the bike is not returned. If you do not have this available on your card, you will not be able to rent the bike.
There is a bike rental fee of 1 euro for 1 day or 5 euros for 1 week. There is an additional fee for every half hour the bike is checked out for. The first half hour is free with every subsequent 30 minutes charging 1 euro. However, if you have the patience to check the bike in every 30 minutes, you will not be charged outside of the daily/weekly fee.
See velib.fr for further details
