• Population: 67 million
• Capital: Paris
• Demographics: As a result of France’s colonial history, there is a large number of North Africans, mostly from Algeria and Morocco.
• Type of government: France is a Republic that operates under a dual executive system, with both the president and the prime minister holding certain powers.
• Regional Membership: France is part of the European Union and the Schengen region
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Common foods: Baguette, cheese, wine, cassoulet, pastries

French is the official language of France. There are also regional languages such as Breton and Alsacien, and languages of immigrant populations such as Arabic and Berber.

While it is common for young people in urban areas (especially Paris) to speak some English, locals will appreciate foreigners’ efforts to use French, and a few basic phrases will go a long way.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

Students studying abroad in France for the fall or spring semester will need to get a student visa. Read about how to apply for a visa in France.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• Check with your service provider about purchasing an international plan, though a local number may be useful for safety and communications purposes.
• Pay-as-you-go SIM cards might be the most affordable option for longer stays and will be available for purchase once you arrive in France. These no-contract plans are commonly used in France by locals. Most pay-as-you-go plans will have data options for internet use.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Calling Codes

• International Telephone Code (calling from the US): + 011
• France country code (calling from all other countries): +33

Internet

• Internet infrastructure in France is well-developed, and you will likely have internet access through your housing/campus.
• Wi-Fi service is widely available throughout the country in restaurants, and hotels, and bars. However, it may not be available for free in as many locations as students from the United States are accustomed to.

Electricity

• France uses type C and E plug types.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Payment Methods

• Credit and debit cards are the preferred payment method and are widely accepted. Cash is also common and can be used anywhere.
• If you plan to use a US credit or debit card while in France, be sure to notify your bank that you will be using it abroad and find out how much of an international surcharge will be added for each card swipe.
• When paying for items with a card, if the machine asks, keep the local currency to prevent extra costs.
• Checks (including traveler’s checks) are not commonly used in France and it will be inconvenient to cash them.

Banking Tips

• It is recommended that you travel to France with enough Euros to last you several days, or exchange dollars for Euros directly at the airport upon arrival.
• There are several wire transfer services available in France if you need money sent from the United States to France while you are abroad. Carefully research all the possible surcharges and safety concerns before selecting a wire transfer service.
• Internet banking/bank transfers are the most common payment method for regular bill payments.
• Use ATMs at a bank rather than those that are part of a store when taking money out.

Climate

• France is home to a wide variety of climates. The South (Aix-en-Provence) features a warm, Mediterranean climate. Whereas the North (Paris) can experience cold, sometimes even snowy weather in the winter, and beautiful changes of season in the spring and fall.

Packing

• Light T-shirts and cotton clothes are recommended for the summer, while warmer clothes are necessary for the winter.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• In Paris, it is easiest to use the metro system.
• Buses can be useful to get to towns in the countryside between the big city centers, and are often cheaper than trains. They are also useful in combination with the metro in Paris.
• Use websites like SNCF, the national rail line, to purchase train tickets in advance.
• France operates several types of trains:
  • Regional: Slow and often cheaper, stopping at all or most stations.
  • Eurocity (EC): Faster services operating between major cities.
  • Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV): State-of-the-art, high-velocity trains, with speeds of up to 320km/h and connections to the major cities. Marginally more expensive than some other trains, but travel times are almost cut by half.

Airports

• Paris has two major airports, with one large (Charles de Gaulle - CDG) and one medium (Orly - ORY)
• Nice has one small airport (NCE)
• Lyon has one small airport (LYS)
• Toulouse has one small airport (TLS)
• Marseille has one small airport (MRS)

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.