Trip prep: United Kingdom → Paris
A complete checklist for traveling from United Kingdom to Paris, France. Synthesized from every layer — visa, plugs, tipping, weather, packing, transit, embassy.
1 Passport & entry
- Visa/entry: Visa-free for up to 90 days. Schengen — 90/180. ETIAS late 2025.
- Passport expiry: Most countries require 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check yours now.
- Photo your passport: store a scan in cloud + email it to yourself for emergencies.
2 Money
- Tipping in France: Tipping is light/optional.
- Cards vs cash: Notify your bank of your travel dates. Bring 2 cards from different networks (Visa + Mastercard) in case one is locked.
- ATM strategy: Use bank ATMs (not currency exchange counters). Withdraw in larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees.
- Foreign transaction fees: Use a card with no foreign transaction fees (most travel rewards cards). Pay in LOCAL currency when card terminals ask — never accept "your home currency" conversion (DCC steals 5-8%).
3 Health & safety
- Emergency number: 112 — save this to your phone with country code.
- Healthcare: Healthcare is excellent and relatively cheap. Pharmacies (green cross) can treat minor issues without GP visit.
- Travel insurance: Pick a policy with $100K+ medical and $250K+ evacuation. Buy within 14 days of your first booking for Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) eligibility.
- Vaccinations: Check the CDC destination page 4-6 weeks before travel.
- Prescription meds: Bring 2× what you need + a doctor's note for controlled substances. In original bottles.
4 Power & tech
- Power plugs: Voltage matches but plug shape differs. Pack a Type E adapter.
- SIM/data plan: Check if your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones + Pixels since 2018). Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad sell affordable data eSIMs for France — far cheaper than roaming.
- VPN: Install before travel. Some hotels/cafes have insecure wifi; some countries block apps you use at home.
- Power bank: 10,000+ mAh, with at least one USB-C port. Long sightseeing days drain phones fast.
5 Weather & what to pack
January
7°C / 2°C
cold · rainy
May
20°C / 11°C
mild · rainy
September
22°C / 12°C
mild · moderate rain
- Layers: t-shirts + sweaters + a packable rain jacket
- Walking shoes (broken in)
- Rain jacket and umbrella
6 Once you're in Paris
- Public transit: Métro + RER + Bus + Tram — single fare €2.15, day pass €8.65 (Navigo Easy day). If staying 5+ days starting Monday, get a Navigo Découverte weekly pass (€31.60) — vastly cheaper than daily. Need a passport photo. The Métro runs until 1:15 AM weekdays, 2:15 AM Fri/Sat.
- Where to stay: First-timers usually pick Le Marais (3rd + 4th) — Trendy, historic, Jewish quarter + LGBT hub + boutique shopping. Full neighborhood guide →
- Day trips worth planning: Versailles, Giverny (Monet's garden), Reims (Champagne). Full day-trips guide →
- Scams to know: Petition/ring scams in Paris tourist areas, gypsy 'gold ring' finders, taxi over-charging from CDG — use Uber or the official taxi line (fixed rate to city).
7 The night before you fly
- Hold mail, water plants, set out-of-office
- Download offline maps for France in Google Maps
- Pre-book airport parking or ride share
- Print boarding passes + first night's hotel reservation
- Set 3 alarms for the morning of departure
- Phone wallpaper = your booking confirmation