• Euros: France is a member of the European Union and one of 23 countries in the region that uses the euro (abbreviated €) as its national currency.
• Mastercard & Visa:  are widely accepted throughout the city, though some merchants have a minimum purchase amount for credit card payments. American Express cards are accepted to a lesser extent, while Discover cards are usually not accepted. Call your bank ahead of your trip to let them know that you would like to use it abroad and make sure to get a breakdown of the fees they charge.
• ATMs: are located throughout Paris and enable you to withdraw cash in euros 24 hours a day. They almost all accept Mastercard and Visa cards and offer instruction in French and English. As a general rule, it is more cost-effective to use a debit card as opposed to a credit card in a foreign ATM, as fees tend to be lower.

To find the current exchange rate for the euro, visit www.xe.com

The best electrical outlet adapter to buy for use in Paris and elsewhere in France is Type E, which accommodates both grounded and ungrounded devices.

For more information, visit the Paris Discovery Guide on Travel Adapters & Converters. 

French is the official language in France. 

Paris is generally a safe city for visitors, but like any major urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft and potential scams.

• Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the Metro, tourist attractions, and markets.
• Keep valuables secure, such as your passport, money, and phone, and consider using a crossbody bag with zippers.
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid those in isolated areas.

• European emergency number is 112.
  • This is a Europe-wide number. You can be connected to an English-speaking operator, if needed.
• For accidents, medical situations are 15 (SAMU) or 18 (Pompiers de Paris)
• Pharmacies, which their illuminated green cross can identify, are generally open from 8 am to 8 pm, and some may be open on Sundays or late at night. 
• Hospitals in Paris provide a 24/7 service.

• Paris generally has a temperate climate with mild winters and summers, experiencing frequent rain and changeable weather conditions
• Summers are typically warm and pleasant, with average temperatures between 15 and 25 °C (59 and 77 °F). However, it can get hot, sometimes reaching 86°F (30°C) or even 90°F (35°C). 
• While rain is common, Paris also gets a fair amount of sunshine, especially during the summer months