The France Business Travel Guide provides business travellers with a wide array of resources to assist them. Included within the guide are facts on France, business customs and tips, visa information and more. A better understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and protocols can be a definite advantage for business visitors helping to avoid any cross cultural misunderstandings, resulting in successful business trips.
France Guide
Quick Facts on France
France Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
France Map
France Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
France Hotels & Flights
Travel Insurance
France Travel Videos
Quick Facts on France
Country: France
Capital: Paris
Currency: Euro
Population: 60.9 Million
Area total: 550,000 sq km
Languages: French
Time Zone: GMT +1
Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late October
Electricity: 230V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 33
GDP: USD 2,582bn (2010)
Religion: Predominately Christian (Catholic) with Muslim and Jewish minorities.
Political System: Republic
Internet Domain: .fr
France Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to France. There is information on entry requirements for France, advice on local laws and customs, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in France. The information posted is usually up to date making it a useful resource for both business and leisure travellers to check before beginning their trips. For more information please see: France Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for national of EU member states. No visa need for US and Canadian nationals for visits less than six months. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: France Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is conservative but elegant and stylish. In meetings usually a handshake is used to greet. During discussions maintain eye contact and note there is usually strict adherence to protocol, rules and regulations so may need to be patient to wait for decisions after several meetings. Discussions in meetings can be on the intense side with the proposal scrutinised in detail, be well prepared for this. High pressure methods tend not to work well in France.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to France by business travellers and tourists go without incident. There are things to we aware of though, beware of pick pocketing particularly in crowded tourist and public areas. It is sensible to keep valuables well out of public view. Car crime is a problem in certain areas no valuables should be kept in parked cars and nothing on show for thieves to see. You should always remain alert to your surroundings and environment to help stay away from potential trouble.
Travel Checklist: See our Packing Checklist & Tips containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: Check with your GP to get the latest advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
9.00 to 12.00 then 13.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday
Note: Some banks remain closed on Mondays.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2012):
January 1: New Year's Day
April 6: Good Friday
April 8: Easter
April 9: Easter Monday
May 1: Labour Day
May 8: Victory Day 1945 (VE Day)
May 17: Ascension Day
May 28: Whitmonday
July 14: Bastille Day
August 15: Assumption
November 1: All Saint's Day (Toussaint)
November 11: Armistice Day 1918
December 25: Christmas Day
France Map
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Related Resources
France Weather
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
