We have put together a few international travel tips to assist you on your journey to celebrate our wedding!

First and foremost, don't forget a valid passport! France requires at least one blank page and a passport that expires at least three months after your intended departure date. Additionally, it can be useful to make a photocopy of your passport to bring along on your trip. In the event of a lost or stolen passport, a photocopy can greatly assist the U.S. Embassy in quickly issuing a replacement for your travels home.

Don't yet have your passport? If you do not have one, allocate at least 6-8 weeks of processing and mailing time. Fill out and print an online application, then bring required documents and photos to an application location and pay the fee. Your passport will then be mailed to you. More specific instructions can be found here.

There are a few methods to follow in order for your phone's texting, calling, and cellular data to work overseas! The simplest (but most expensive) method is to pay for an international plan through your carrier's network. You'll have to reach out to your carrier to learn what options they offer, but most major carriers can provide international coverage for an extra $10-20 per day of your trip.

The other method to obtain international coverage is by changing your phone's SIM card. You can easily purchase a physical SIM card once you arrive in France, through a network like Orange, but then you'll have to hold on to your existing SIM card throughout your trip. New e-SIM cards are available through apps such as Airlo and are an even simpler method of purchasing a virtual SIM card without having to replace your physical card.

In order to use a foreign SIM or an e-SIM, your phone needs to be “network unlocked”. You can follow the steps on this website to check if this is the case for your phone. If not, you will have to contact your phone company and possibly pay to unlock it. Once your phone is unlocked, I recommend buying data through an eSIM, as you can easily do it on your phone in advance to be ready for your trip. Download the app “Airlo” and search for France. It will allow you to select the plan you would like to pay for. If you run out of data in the middle of your trip you can easily purchase more data through the app. You can also easily view how much data you have used in the app. Data can be used quickly if you are navigating a lot with maps so you should check how much you have used after the first day and then gauge how conservative you should be for the rest of your trip.

France uses the Euro (which right now is fairly close to the cost of the US Dollar). Credit cards are widely accepted in France and it’s rare that a place will only accept cash. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash with you in the local currency in case of emergency. Before leaving, verify that your credit card does not charge extra fees for international use, or things will become quite expensive! When paying with a US credit card, most payment terminals will ask if you want to pay in US Dollars or Euro. Always select the "Euro" option, otherwise your credit card company will convert Dollars to Euro for you at a much poorer conversion rate. If you'd like to pay with cash, you can use a US debit card to withdraw Euro from ATMs in France. I have found that ATM fees are often very high in France though. Be sure to inform your bank about your travel plans in advance so they do not restrict any foreign transactions you'll be trying to make! You can also withdraw cash from your bank in the US before traveling and exchange it in France.

France (and most of Europe) uses type C outlets, so make sure to bring an outlet adapter for your U.S. plugs! They can be found for as little as $10.

Be aware that curling irons and hair dryers should be dual voltage and used on a low setting even when using an adapter.

Trains~

Public transportation in Paris and throughout France is amazing and usually pretty easy to navigate. Google maps can usually provide good directions that list which metro or bus lines to take, which direction to take them, and where they leave from. Departure times may vary a little.

If you are taking a long distance train to Châlons-en-Champagne or another city in France you will need to purchase tickets ahead of time. The times listed on your ticket/the board are DEPARTURE times and they are very prompt, so make sure you always arrive ~20 minutes early to the train station!

Rental Cars~

If you decide to rent a car to get around France the process is relatively easy, but there are several requirements that you will need to be prepared for. You can find more information here, but this is a basic list of what you must have:

- Driver’s license

- International driver’s permit (very easy to get for around $25 at AAA)

- The credit card must be in the name of the person driving the vehicle

- Passport

Be sure to follow the speed limits closely as speed cameras are common throughout France and you may be fined.

Many people in Paris will speak enough English to help with whatever you may need, especially in more touristy locations. You of course can’t assume that everyone will though! If you don’t speak French I recommend downloading the Google Translate app on your phone and saving French before you arrive. If you have French downloaded it will allow you to access translation even if you are not using data. Additionally, a great feature of the Google Translate app is the camera translation, where you can take a picture of words and it will translate the photo into English. It's invaluable when trying to decipher menus, signs, etc.!

You’re sure to find an abundance of amazing food while in France! Something to be careful about is the hours that most French restaurants hold. They very often close for a few hours in the afternoon, with lunch hours from around 12-2:30. If you decide to eat a late lunch you may have to find a chain establishment as more local restaurants will be closed.

France is not a tipping culture so it is very uncommon and not expected to leave a tip at restaurants or cafes.

While not necessary, travel insurance can provide some peace of mind while traveling abroad. Lost luggage/trip interruptions are standard, but plans can also cover hospital visits or medical transport--this may not always be covered by U.S. health insurance while out of the country. Popular brands include Allianz, World Nomads, and SafetyWing.

Paris is a charming, beautiful place; however, it is not without its potential risks (just like any other major city). Pick-pocketing is a known crime that is worth being aware of while transiting the city (you'll probably notice signs in the Metro stations stating, "Attention aux Pickpockets!") Keep an eye (or a hand) on wallets, purses, and phones while in crowded areas and train/Metro stations. Neither of us have ever encountered any pickpocketing--just don't lose your awareness while in awe of the stunning sights of the city and you'll be perfectly fine!