Paris Tips
- The Paris Metro no longer sells disposable physical tickets. You can buy a pass from the machines for a couple euros, add the Navigo Pass to your Apple Wallet, or use one of the apps.
- U.S. travelers can still visit France visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), but the EU's new ETIAS travel authorization is expected to start in late 2026. Check the official ETIAS page for launch timing and application steps.
- Train tickets to/from the airport are different (and more expensive) than standard metro tickets. Make sure you're buying the right one.
- French taxis usually don't let you sit in the front passenger seat. Three people for a standard car. For Ubers, check the app for seat numbers for each type.
- Tipping in Paris is not necessary but is appreciated for sit-down meals or prepared drinks. Tipping with cash is highly preferred but tipping on card is sometimes possible, to do so tell the server the total amount (including your tip) you want to pay before they enter it into the machine. Most French people who tip just round up the numbers rather than doing anything based on %.
- If you want to take advantage of well-known tourist activities (the Louvre, Notre Dame, etc) on Saturday morning or otherwise we recommend checking to see how long before tickets go on sale and pre-purchasing tickets since lines can get long.