Practical Information

Time zone

Only one time zone, UTC + 1h in winter, + 2h in summer. During DrupalCon Lille, 17-20 October 2023, CEST (UTC +2) .

Currency 

As in 18 other European Union countries, the euro (€) is the official currency of France. 

Payment card     

Make sure you have sufficient means of payment (cash, traveller's cheques, credit card, etc.) to cover your stay and return. 

Credit card withdrawals are limited to a certain amount per week. Check with your bank before departure. 

The payment card is now an accepted means of payment in most countries around the world. In most cases, it is not necessary to carry large sums of cash. ATMs are available in most airports and major cities. However, bank card withdrawals are limited to a certain amount per day and per week. Check with your bank before departure. 

Check here to find ATM in Lille.

Telephone and internet 

Country code for calls in France: + 33. 

Internet access is available in most hotels and accommodations, as well as in fast-food outlets and cafés. 

Use a cell phone in the EU (European Union) 

When you travel from your home country to another EU country, you don't have to pay extra to use your cell phone. This is known as "roaming" or "roaming at national rates". Your calls (to landlines and mobiles), text messages (SMS) and data services (web browsing, music and video downloads, etc.) are charged at national rates, i.e. at the same prices as calls, SMS and data within your home country. 

The same rule applies to calls or SMS messages you receive abroad: you are not charged any additional fees for receiving calls or SMS messages while roaming, even if the person calling you uses another service provider. 

SIM cards 

A local prepaid SIM card when traveling 

Your phone must be unlocked to accept any SIM card. Once you're there and have purchased your SIM card, simply change your SIM card and restart the device. You may need to go to the settings and select local network. 

You then need to activate the line, but normally the SIM card vendor will do this for you, from your device. You can find a SIM card at the airport and at train stations too. 

Easiest solution: eSIM card before you leave 

You can order it before you leave, and as soon as you land, you've got your Internet connection. You have Internet as soon as you arrive. 

Electricity 

Electricity in France runs on 220 Volts, 50 Hertz alternating current. Sockets are type E (round pin and male ground pin receptacle). 

If you're bringing electrical appliances from abroad, you may need an adapter for the plugs. You may also need a transformer (110V-220V). If in doubt, check with the manufacturer. 

Stores opening hours 

In France, stores generally open from 9:30 or 10:00 am to 7:00 or 7:30pm. In major cities, food shops may stay open later, until 8:00pm. Some stores open on Sundays.