Make sure your passport is up to date and those you’re traveling with.
Call your credit card and bank company to let them know you’re traveling out of the country. Use a card that can be used without international fees. Try to use Visa or Mastercard, as American Express isn’t widely accepted in Paris or France. However, the last two trips to Paris, more places are starting to accept AMEX.
Update your cell phone plan. Currently, I use my AT&T $ 10-a-day international plan.
Everyone’s cell phone carrier is different, so double-check. You can also purchase a SIM card to use.
Most hotels will have Wi-Fi to use as well, which helps to limit data usage.
Make a copy of your itinerary and passport and give it to someone you trust in case of an emergency. This has come in handy for me before.
Make sure you have all the proper travel essentials needed. You can find my Paris Travel suggestions here.
Currency
Paris uses Euros for currency. You can easily find out currency conversion by downloading a currency app.
You can use your debit/credit card at the majority of places around Paris. You still want some cash on hand for tipping and smaller places like Boulangeries, taxis, and markets.
You can withdraw money out of any ATM, however, I take some out immediately once I’ve landed at Charles de Gaulle. There are a few ATM machines down by baggage claim. Do not go to one of the currency exchange kiosks, as they will charge extra fees and aren’t necessary.
When you check out at a store, the machine will ask you to pay in euros or dollars. I always select the euro option, this way your card will do the conversion and it will save you money in the end.
