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Helpful hints
Documents
These documents are compulsory for entry into France by car: ˇ A passport for each passenger. ˇ The vehicle registration certificate. ˇ A current certificate of motor insurance. ˇ A valid driving licence.
Customs allowances
There is no limit on the importation of tax-paid goods purchased in France provided the goods are intended for the importer's personal use, which includes gifts for family and friends. However, the UK Customs authorities will ask importers to justify the intended use of their goods if they bring back per individual more than 3,200 cigarettes, 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine and 10 litres of spirits on any one trip or make the same trip regularly and import similar quantities.
Health
It is essential you obtain an EHIC card (The European Health Insurance Card). The form is obtainable from a full Post Office or local DoHS office but it is easier and quicker to complete the form online (www.dh.gov.uk/traveller) as the card will be delivered within 7 days rather than 21. The card guarantees reduced cost for medical treatment at public French hospitals but the cost of drugs and out-patient care may not always be covered.
Cafés and restaurants
Prices are displayed outside. Tax and service charges are always included.
French time
Clocks in France are one hour ahead of those in the UK.
Money
Cash: Avoid taking large denomination Euro notes as they may not be easily changed due to strict moneylaundering regulations. Supermarkets will not accept 500 Euro notes for purchases below a total of 200 Euros. Banking hours vary throughout France. Some banks are open weekdays from 0900 to 1700, often with a lunch break which can be as long as from 1200 to 1400; others open Saturday and close on Mondays. Banks: A few banks still close at 1530. Most post offices offer similar Bureau de Change services and are open for much longer hours, sometimes 0800 to 1900 weekdays, and on Saturdays 0800 to 1200. Cash dispensers: Automatic cash dispensers, available in all towns and some villages, make a charge for international cash withdrawals. Users are allowed only two attempts at entering their correct pin number before the card is retained by the machine and can only be retrieved from the bank. Credit cards: French card reading systems operate differently from those in the UK and sometimes have difficulty in reading UK credit cards, even those used in the UK in conjunction with pin numbers. It is usually possible to persuade the establishment to override their system manually.
Public holidays in France
Most shops, banks and businesses close. Most restaurants remain open, as do some museums. National holidays during our 2008 rental season are: 24 March, 1 & 8 May, 14 July, 15 August, 1 & 11 November.
Telephone
France Telecom Cards are widely used throughout France and are available at Post Offices and many shops. Public telephones that accept coins are difficult to find. To call the UK from France: first dial 00, wait for the continuous tone, then dial 44 followed by your STD code minus the 0, then your number. British Telecom's own Charge Card provides a much faster direct access for calls to the UK.
Electricity
The voltage in France, 220-240, is compatible with appliances used in the UK but you will need a plug adaptor. They are widely available in high street shops, airports and ferries.
TV, satellite, DVD & video
French satellite broadcast systems, DVDs and video players sometimes operate on a different system to those in the UK. Some DVDs and video players at our properties cannot play UK DVDs or video cassettes. Satellite channels available in the UK many not be available, and at some villas programmes may be broadcast in French only.
Driving in France
Seat belts must be worn at all times. Use of mobile phones is prohibited. Children under ten are forbidden to sit in front seats. It is compulsory for all vehicles to carry a warning triangle in case of breakdown or accident. To avoid your headlights dazzling approaching vehicles you are required to adjust beams to the right hand side of the road by applying stick-on deflectors. Always give priority to the right at any intersection unless you are on a road with a yellow diamond "priority road" sign (and even then be very careful), or on a roundabout where you also have priority. You are required to display a GB sticker on the back of your car.
Conversion table
1° fahrenheit = 9/5C°+32° 1 inch = 2.54 centimetres 1 foot = 30 centimetres 1 yard = 0.914 metres 1 mile = 1609 metres 1 acre = 0.405 hectares 1 acre = 4,046.9 square metres 1 pint = 0.5683 litres 1 gallon = 4.456 litres 1 pound = 453.59 grammes
For further information on travelling to France please see our website www.dominiquesvillas.co.uk
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