About France
General Information
France is the largest country in Western Europe, and has a long history of cultural
influence both within Europe and accross the world as a result of it's former colonial power.
History can be relived all throughout France. Prehistoric paintings decorate the
walls of caves in the Southwest, whereas the Southeast is filled with bridges,
acqueducts and amphitheaters built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The soaring
spires of the great cathedrals are expressions of the religious faith that dominated
the Middle Ages.
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Practical Information
Documentation:
Always have your valid identification papers with you. They can be checked at any time
as you are walking down the street or driving your car.To drive in France, you must
have a driver's license, the registration document called a "carte grise" (grey card)
and a insurance certificate. If you plan to stay less than 6 months, you can drive
freely throughout France with your vehicle.
Tourism Tax:
During a stay in France, visitors are usually asked to pay a tourism tax or a flat-rate
tourism tax which is fixed by the local authority and varies from € 0.15 to € 1.07 per
person per day, according to the quality and standard of the accommodation. Where the
tourism tax is not flat rate, children under 4 years of age are exempt and children under
10 are charged half the rate. This tax is collected by the owner of the accommodation
and will be included in your hotel bill, rent, etc…
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Customs and Excise:
If you are travelling within the European Community, there is no limit to your purchases -
providing they are for personal use - except for the following : new vehicles and mail-order
purchases, cigarettes (800) and alcohol (spirits 10 litres and wines 90 litres). Travellers
from other countries (outside the E.C.) must declare transported goods and should pay duty or
tax on goods with a value of more than € 175. In all cases, certain goods are forbidden or
subject to strict control: drugs, counterfeit goods, weapons, plants, ivory…
Finally, for everyone, entering or leaving with sums of money higher than € 7600 must
declare the amount to customs.
In case of doubt, please enquire at the Customs and Office in Paris.
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For More Information
For more information on France visit the Offical French Tourist Information site
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