2014

PARIS
Information package
for international students

A guide to Grenoble Ecole de Management and life in France

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY

TO PREPARE YOUR STAY
THIS WILL BE YOUR SURVIVAL GUIDE AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN FRANCE

The following information is to help you understand the practical and administrative
side of the adventure you are about to begin. It should answer most of your questions
concerning housing and integration in Paris-France.

Please quote your program in all your correspondence with us.

International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

Page 1

Table of Contents
1.

ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS...................................................................................................... 4
Before arriving in France .................................................................................................................................................. 4
THE STUDENT VISA ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
EVIDENCE OF ADEQUATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT ........................................................................................................... 4
DOCUMENTS YOU SHOULD BRING WITH YOU ............................................................................................................. 4
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 7
HOUSING ISSUE ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Upon arrival...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
FINDING HOUSING ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
APPLYING FOR HOUSING INSURANCE .......................................................................................................................... 8
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT ........................................................................................................................................ 8
CHECK INSURANCE DOCUMENTS ................................................................................................................................. 8
VALIDATE YOUR VISA AS A RESIDENCE PERMIT............................................................................................................ 9
APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH ACCOMMODATION (CAF) .......................................................................... 9

2.

BUDGET SUMMARY..................................................................................................................................... 10

3.

VISA & Residence Permit ........................................................................................................................ 12

HOW TO GET THE OFII STAMP .................................................................................................................................... 12

4.

HELP GETTING SETTLED IN PARIS .................................................................................................... 12

WELCOME OFFICES OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ................................................................................................. 12
FROM MID-SEPTEMBER TO MID- NOVEMBER ........................................................................................................... 13
GETTING TO MEET OTHER STUDENTS ........................................................................................................................ 13
DISCOVERING THE CITY .............................................................................................................................................. 14
LEARNING FRENCH IN PARIS ...................................................................................................................................... 14

5.

HOUSING .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
ADDRESSES FOR TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION .................................................................................................... 14
STAYING WITH A FRENCH FAMILY .............................................................................................................................. 16
PRIVATE STUDENTS RESIDENCES .............................................................................................................................. 16
PUBLIC STUDENTS RESIDENCES................................................................................................................................. 17
HOW TO POST A REQUEST?........................................................................................................................................ 19
THE CLJT : CENTRE DU LOGEMENT DES JEUNES TRAVAILLEURS, ETUDIANTS ET STAGIAIRES..19
LOOKING FOR A STUDIO OR A FLAT BY CONSULTING ADS ......................................................................................... 20
HOUSING BENEFIT OR ASSISTANCE, CAF .................................................................................................................... 21

6.

INSURANCE ..................................................................................................................................................... 22
HEALTH INSURANCE (SECURITE SOCIALE) .................................................................................................................. 22
OTHER COMPULSORY INSURANCES ........................................................................................................................... 22

7.

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN FRANCE ..................................................................................... 233

8.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT .................................................................................................................................. 25

International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

Page 2

The GEM Paris Campus is located at 64, rue Ranelagh, 75016 in the 16th arrondissement or district.
This guide provides all the information you need to organize your stay in Paris and France and integrate
seamlessly into French life! Paris is big and merits anticipation, time and curiosity! Enjoy discovering and
learning about Paris and start learning the basics of French.
Useful links to give you a main idea of the steps to follow:

http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/infospratiques/Foreign%20Students

Nevertheless, please note, though, that some of the information and a few titles on the site are in French: a
good opportunity to improve your French! Some information is also not always updated but we are here to
provide you the correct information.
Here are some examples from the site, to help get you started:
In the first tab named INFOS PRATIQUES//Foreign Students, you can choose your option
(tittle written in French: CHOISISSEZ UNE CATEGORIE)

http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_20527/travelling/

http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_21879/tourists/

Upload the application RATP on your phone and always use it in your research, check the walking
distance to where you would like to go. See more details in the section Transport.

http://www.expatica.com/fr/main.html

A lot of general and precious information and news about France for the International community
moving to France!
Bon courage and get ready for the big adventure. Here are the steps to follow to make the most of it.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1416469415309128/

Please join our Facebook group: GEM Paris Campus.

This is a place where GEM Paris Campus students can meet and exchange with each other, find
roommates, share useful information that most of the students encounter while moving to Paris (Housing,
Insurances, Bank Accounts, Administrative procedures, etc). Housing offers when available by private
landlords will be posted there too.
It is also a good place to organize events, network with GEM Alumni working in Paris, create interest groups,
and make the most out of your Paris experience.
Good luck in your search and be proactive with this Facebook group.
International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

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1. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
Interesting Link to read.
You need to bear in mind that Grenoble Ecole de Management has no influence whatsoever on French laws
regarding international citizens traveling to and/or residing neither in France nor on any change that may
occur between the time you read this document and the date of your application. This document should only
help you clarify the process.

Before arriving in France

THE STUDENT VISA
Do you need a visa?
The student visa is mandatory for non-European students who come to study in France. Before your
arrival in France, please click on this link to facilitate the compulsory steps you have to go
through: http://issuu.com/gem_international_students/docs/visa_-_paris
EVIDENCE OF ADEQUATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The required level of financial resources is set by the Ministry of the Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity
at approximately 615 Euros per month. However, each consular service is free to refer to this sum or to
require more at the time of the request for a visa.
In practice, a budget between 1000 and 1300 Euros is more realistic. It is important to have a sufficient
budget for your needs without putting your health or your studies in danger. (See chapter Budget)
The person who will provide support must furnish a signed statement of responsibility (following a model
obtainable from the French consular services in your country of origin). Nevertheless, the financial
resources of 625 euros required by the consular authorities are not sufficient to be able to live even as
students. (See chapter Budget)
Please plan your budget to have enough money to avoid a precarious lifestyle or the need to ask for help.
Option 1: Bring an international credit card.
Option 2: Bring an international debit card with a code.
Option 3: Set up a wire transfer from your home bank and once you get the account in France, send a
wire to your IBAN number. It should clear in 5 days. (There is a fee associated with this)
DOCUMENTS YOU SHOULD BRING WITH YOU
Your passport and French Visa if needed.
Extra passport photos, 4 or 5 and this only applies for non-European students
Health insurance documents. Please check the medical insurance section to see which kind of
insurance you need.
Your birth certificate to be accepted in France, this certificate needs to state the name, birth date
and birthplace of your parents. It also requires an official French translation. This translation has to be
carried out by a certified translator. Ideally you should have this translated before you arrive in
Grenoble. Contact the nearest French Embassy for addresses of certified translators in your country.
This is not compulsory for European students.
International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

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Note about birth certificate for French Health Insurance

and Financial assistance with accommodation (CAF) (CAF)
Instructions for non-European students : The LMDE or SMEREP, (health insurance for students
under 28 years old), the CMU (health insurance for students over 28 years old) and the CAF (financial
assistance with accommodation) are requesting legal certification on your birth certificate
(Apostille or Legalisation both are intended to confirm authenticity of a legal document) in
order for your registration in the French Health Insurance System and the CAF (financial assistance
with accommodation).
Only students from certain countries are affected by this requirement (please see the list below).
For those of you who are concerned by this there are two ways to proceed:
Apostille: this is a simplified procedure, which only applies to certain countries, and which is issued
by a Competent Authority in these countries. The following link provides the list of Competent
Authorities designated by each Contracting State, the contact details of Competent Authorities and
other practical information: http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=conventions.authorities&cid=41

Lgalisation: this is a more complex process which retraces the origins of the original document in
order to certify its authenticity. For this you will need to go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
from the country which the birth certificate comes from and then with the French Consular Services
from the same country.

Please note, a permanent French Health Insurance number leads to the creation of a Health Insurance
Card (Carte Vitale) whereas a provisional Health Insurance Number is given in the form of an
Attestation. The medical reimbursement rights are the same for both, but the rights can only be
renewed if you are in receipt of the Carte Vitale.
This is very important for those of you who intend to undertake an internship, as a temporary Health
Insurance Number will not allow you do the internship you will need a permanent number which can
only be obtained by providing this legally certified copy of your birth certificate.
Please note that you will be required to provide two documents the copy of your original birth
certificate with the Apostille or Legalisation plus a legal translation of this birth certificate.

International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

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LIST OF COUNTRIES CONCERNED BY FRENCH HEALTH INSURANCE REGULATION:

L for Legalisation and A for Apostille
PAYS
AFGHANISTAN
ANGOLA
SAOUDI ARABIA
BAHRAIN
BANGLADESH
BELAU (PALAU)
BHUTAN
BIRMANIA (MYANMAR)
BOLIVIA
BURUNDI
CAMBODIA
CANADA
CHILE
CHINA
COMOROS
CONGO (REP. DEMOCRAT.)
NORTH KOREA
COSTA RICA
CUBA
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
ERITREA
ETHIOPIA
GAMBIA (THE)
GHANA
GUATEMALA
GUINEA
GUINEA-BISSAU
GUINEE EQUATORIALE
GUYANA
HAITI
INDONESIA
IRAN
IRAQ
JAMAICA
JORDAN
KENYA
KYRGYZSTAN
KOSOVO
KUWAIT
LAOS
LEBANON
LIBYA
MALAYSIA
MALDIVES
MICRONESIA
MOZAMBIQUE
NAURU
NEPAL
NICARAGUA
NIGERIA
OMAN
OUGANDA
OUZBEKISTAN
PAKISTAN
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
PARAGUAY
PHILIPPINES
QATAR
RWANDA
SAINT-SIEGE (VATICAN)
SOLOMON ISLANDS
SIERRA LEONE
SINGAPORE
SOMALIA
SUDAN
SRI LANKA
SYRIA
TAJIKISTAN
TAIWAN
TANZANIA
EASTERN TIMOR
THAILAND

LEGALISATION
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L
L

PAYS
SOUTH AFRICA
ALBANIA
ANDORRA
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
ARGENTINA
ARMENIA
AUSTRALIA
AZERBAIJAN
BAHAMAS
BARBADOS
BELIZE
BIELORUSSIA
BOSTWANA
BRUNEI
CAPE VERDE
CYPRUS
COLOMBIA
SOUTH KOREA
DOMINICAN (REP)
DOMINICA
ECUADOR
ESTONIA
UNITED STATES
FIJI
FINLAND
GEORGIA
GREECE
GRENADA
HONDURAS
INDIA
ICELAND
ISRAEL
JAPAN
KAZAKHSTAN
LESOTHO
LIBERIA
LIECHTENSTEIN
LITHUANIA
MALAWI
MALTA
MARSHALL (ISLANDS)
MAURITIUS
MEXICO
MOLDOVA
MONGOLIA
NAMIBIA
NETHERLANDS
NEW ZEALAND
PANAMA
PERU
RUSSIA (FEDERATION OF)
ST CHRISTOPHE
SAINT LUCIA
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
SALVADOR
WESTERN SAMOA
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
SEYCHELLES
SWEDEN
SURINAME
SWAZILAND
TONGA
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
UKRAINE
VANUATU
VENEZUELA
TUVALU
URUGUAY
YEMEN
ZAMBIA
ZIMBABWE
TURKMENISTAN

APOSTILLE
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
L
L
L
L
L
L

International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

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TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENTS
You can contact : traductions-juridiques@sogedicom.com
Web site: http://www.traduction-juridique-paris.com/pages/anglais.html
*Please note that the French administration does not generally accept translated birth certificates that are
older than 3 months.
For Hindu and Muslim students, you may have a problem because your birth certificate is issued by the
government department which does not mention in detail your parents birth date and birth place.
Therefore, you will need to have your passport translated to use as proof of birth instead of your birth
certificate. It should be translated by a certified translator such as, for example, lAlliance Franaise.
Your last few bank statements or those of your parents if you are relying on them financially while
you are in France. This is necessary to apply for your residence permit or to live in private
residencies. You need to show that you have around 615 Euros per month of your stay in
France.
You might need official documents showing your revenue for the previous year. If you were a student
please bring official documents indicating this.
Your car registration papers If you are bringing your car with you, dont forget to bring your car
registration papers and to make sure that your car is insured while staying in France.

HOUSING ISSUE
Book housing from home, for those who need a visa or to be sure to have accommodation before the start
of classes (Housing section).
Start booking by mid-May to Mid-June for certain type of residences, especially at the Cit
Internationale
Living in Paris requires a certain budget. It takes time to find housing at a reasonable price, so we advise
you to start your search as soon as possible. Please check again the housing section of the guide.
Where to live in Paris: when searching for an apartment in Paris, it is important to understand the Paris
arrondissements, or districts. Get familiar before starting searching.
http://www.expatica.com/fr/housing/where_to_live/Where-to-live-in-Paris_15554.html
In short, there are 20 arrondissements, and each arrondissement is attributed with its own number,
according to the pattern of a spiral, beginning with the 1st arrondissement in the heart of the capital and
ending with the 20th on the outer northwest.
Parisians describe their neighborhood by the arrondissement number instead of place names. So, more
often than not, you'll find yourself being offered a home in le 1er or le 10me. A broader division is applied
by Rive Gauche (meaning the Left Bank, the south side of the river Seine) or Rive Droite (meaning the
Right Bank, north side of the Seine).
Some of the arrondissements are big enough to contain neighborhoods which vary in social character
like the 13th, 17th, 10th and 20th but, on the whole, the mere mention of the arrondissement number on
a postcode is a social statement.
The 16th is synonymous with the very wealthy, the 18th with working class and ethnic populations, and
the 6th with the fashionable and chic.

International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

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BOOKING A HOTEL
If you have not arranged accommodation for your stay in Paris, you should think about reserving a hotel
for the first few days, while you look for housing. Alternatively, read about temporary housing. (Housing
section)

Upon arrival
FINDING HOUSING
You must have a permanent address in Paris for the length of your stay. Keep your lease carefully filed
away. See section HOUSING.
APPLYING FOR HOUSING INSURANCE
Once you start renting a place, you have to obtain housing insurance within two days. (See Insurances
section)
Housing insurance is compulsory to cover the tenant's risks (fire or water damage) and natural disasters
(storms, floods). This insurance is often called multi-risk renters insurance. A document will be required
by the owner as proof. This insurance not only protects accommodation but also the tenant. If the tenant
causes an accident or hurts somebody, even outside the housing, it will require the Civil liability
insurance (damage to a third party).
The mutuelles tudiantes proposes multi-risk renters insurance at advantageous prices. You can also
subscribe to this insurance in private companies or banks.
Beware! According to the types of insurance, the risks covered are not the same - you should pay
attention to the contracts proposed. In the event of theft, you must report this to the police and do not
touch anything before authorization. It is then necessary to make a statement to your insurance company.
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT
You will need one in order to receive financial assistance if you qualify, and for medical refunds. Do not
forget to ask for a RIB or RIP (Relev dIdentit Bancaire or Postal), i.e. the details of your bank account
or post-office bank account.
To open an account you will need:
Passport
GEM student registration certificate (acceptance letter)
Housing contract
Some money for a deposit
Dont forget to ask for a carte bleue - which acts like a debit card, and a chquier (cheque book). A
cheque book is necessary for all your administrative procedures in France.
CHECK INSURANCE DOCUMENTS
You need to have the 4 compulsory insurances which MUST BE VALID FOR THE WHOLE
ACADEMIC YEAR in order to become an enrolled student at GEM:
Medical/Health Insurance
European students need to show your European Health Card; non-European students under 28
need to subscribe to it through the program administrator, non-Europeans over 28 can buy an health
insurance at home, with our AXA partner our apply for the CMU, this last one can take 3 months,
however. For more detailed information read the Insurance Section in our guide).
International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

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 Temporary travel and health insurance

For the first weeks of your stay, we insist that each student comes to France with some kind of temporary
travel and health insurance. Students applying for a French visa will be asked to provide this insurance to
the French Consulate but it should not be taken it a health insurance policy. Temporary travel insurance is
only for emergencies.
Note for GGSB students: In order to be covered for your 2 years program, you will need to pay for the
health coverage again for the second academic year. Please be sure to include this in your budget.
Internships: If you need to do an internship as part of your program you must take out repatriation
insurance according to your destination. I.e.: Internship in USA, China, France, Germany, etc.
Check with your insurance company if you can renew the insurance you bought at the beginning of the
academic year of if you need to buy a new one.
Remember that this insurance should cover repatriation in case of serious illness and death.
Note for students who must subscribe to the French Health System: Please note that the French
Health Insurance will ask you the certified/legalized birth certificate, check with French embassy in
your home country for the correct form and ask for apostille. You need to legalize this document before
your arrival in France in order to obtain your health insurance card (Carte Vitale). Remember that if you
plan to do an internship or work you MUST hold this insurance card.
Repatriation (you can buy it at home or here in France with AXA/LMDE or SMEREP). This
insurance should cover repatriation in case of serious illness and death.
Civil liability and Housing insurance (they usually come together) please note that you need
first to find an address in France to obtain this insurance.

VALIDATE YOUR VISA AS A RESIDENCE PERMIT

Get the OFII stamp Office Franais de lImmigration et de lIntgration (only necessary for certain
non-European students.)
*Please read the visa & residence permit section: Validation of your visa upon arrival in France

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH ACCOMMODATION (CAF)

You will only be eligible for financial assistance if you have the OFII stamp in your VISA or the
CESEDA inscription on it, you can try to get the CAF at the beginning but after some time they will
block the payment until you provide a copy of this stamp.
Students whose visa states Dispens temporaire de carte de sjour are not entitled to this
benefit. European students can apply without problem.
It is now obligatory to apply on-line at www.caf.fr;
Detailed information:
http://issuu.com/gem_international_students/docs/how_to_apply_for_the_housing_benefi

International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

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2. BUDGET SUMMARY
Type of expense
Upon arrival
Hotel (2 3 star)
Accommodation through an agency
Accommodation deposit (private/direct)
First month's rent
Housing Tax
Fiscal Stamp
Insurance per year
Health Insurance (compulsory, covers 70 % of total
costs):
Under 28
*GGSB students: You will be asked to provide a
cheque upon arrival to cover your French health
insurance and this will cover you for one academic
year. You will then need to renew your health
insurance for the second year of your program and
this can be done at the end of the 1st academic
year.
Over 28 (Private insurance)
* Important Note: Remember to renew your health
insurance for the second year of your program.
Mutuelle (recommended complementary health
insurance, covers the remaining 30 %)
Housing (compulsory)
Repatriation Insurance (compulsory)
Other Expenses
Books
Revenue stamps/Timbre Fiscal for your OFII
stamp
Resit examination/assignment for 30 or 15 hour
module
Replacement of lost or stolen student cards
Total recommended cash in hand upon arrival
(Travellers Cheques recommended)
Monthly Expenses
Rent
Gas/Electricity
Water
Telephone/internet
Food
Transport - Bus pass
Miscellaneous

70 - 120
per night approx.
750.
one month rent
1500
one or two months
rent
450-900
approx.
Your usual rent per month
per year
49 - 58
per year *Only for visa holders

211 *

approx. Non-EU students*

40-63
approx.*

per month

60 - 150

approx.

65

approx.

12,50/month or 16/year
150 - 400

approx.

58

Non-EU students

75
40 (card) 20 (sticker)
1600 - 2600

approx.

450 - 900
30 - 50
15
30
300
26.50 - 34.30

per month approx.

per month approx.
per month approx.
per month approx.
per month approx.
per month

International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

Page 10

Eating out
Toiletries/cleaning supplies
Mobile phone
Personal Travel
Emergency cash (recommended)
Special Event/Evenings during the semester
Integration weekend
Gala (twice a year)
Altigliss (ski trip)
Soires (Multiple evenings during the semester)
Total monthly expenses

From 10 to 30 - personal preference/ less expensive at

noon (per day)
Personal preference
From 30 to 50 per month approx.. - personal pref.
Personal preference
Personal preference
200 (optional)
40 per ticket
1400 (optional)
15 average
preference
1000 1500
approx.

recommended
personal
per month

Monthly expenses in Paris:

- Rent: 500 to 900 for a studio / 850 in average in a students residence
Apply to the Caisse dAllocations Familiales (CAF) for a rent allowance. This body will refund part of your rent
(for further information >>).
- Transport: 1.70 for a metro/bus/RER ticket, 65 for a monthly pass and 35 for a Carte Imagine-R
(monthly pass for students under 26)
- Food: at least 200
A meal in a CROUS university restaurant costs 3.15.
A sandwich and a meal in a restaurant will typically cost around 4 and 15, respectively.
- Electricity: around 25
- Telephone & Internet subscription: around 30
Leisure- some prices:
- A cinema ticket: 9 to 11 standard rate, and around 7 student rate. 6 to 7 in certain cinemas with the
Carte Imagine-R.
- A theatre ticket: 8 to 20 for young people under 26 (sometimes under 30).
- Swimming pool: 1.70 for students and young people under 26
Check our Agenda section regularly for invitations and special rates for exhibitions, shows and other
activities, and for news of free events in Paris.
If you do not obtain a scholarship and your family cannot provide sufficient financial assistance, you will
undoubtedly need to find a job. For details of work regulations for foreign students in France, see the sheet
entitled Working in France during your studies.
Always be sure to put study before work. You will find it difficult to study successfully if you work more than
10 hours per week.
Accommodation:
- Deposit ("caution") for studio or apartment: 1 month rent, refunded when you leave (for further
information >>)
- Home insurance (obligatory): 17,60 to 67 (for further information >>)
- Real estate agencies' fees: if you rent a studio through a real estate agency, you will have to pay agency
fees, corresponding to one month rent.

International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

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3. VISA & Residence Permit

Link to read
HOW TO GET THE OFII STAMP
Please follow the detailed instructions found on this downloadable guide :
http://issuu.com/fourniermanon/docs/validation_of_your_visa_upon_arrival

4. HELP GETTING SETTLED IN PARIS

Interesting Link to read.
Do you need help in sorting out administrative matters? Would you like to improve your French? Do you wish
to meet other students? Contact one of the international students associations in Paris. These work to bring
French and international students together with a program of cultural outings, conversation exchanges and
much more!
WELCOME OFFICES OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Interesting Link to read.
Throughout the year, the International Students Welcome offices at the the Cit Internationale and at
Paris CROUS can help you.

Access Paris Centre (APC) (the new name of BAEM: the welcome office for international students
in Paris), at the Cit Internationale. The mission of this welcome office is to help you, throughout
the year, to organize your stay before you arrive and to integrate well into life in France and in the
Paris region while you are here. A wide range of services is available: assistance for administrative
formalities, help searching for an apartment, job ads, practicing the French language, visits, meetings
and discussions.

Please note that help with housing is provided only to Postgraduate students, doctoral students
and researchers, by the welcome offices.
Address: Cit Internationale Universitaire de Paris - Maison internationale, 17 boulevard Jourdan 75014
Paris
Tl : 01 44 16 64 00
E-mail: access@ciup.fr
Transport : RER B Cit Universitaire
- Tramway T3
- Tube : Mtro line 4 (Porte dOrlans)
Web site: www.ciup.fr
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. (on Thursday: from 2 to 5 p.m.)

The Cellule d'Accueil International (International Welcome Office) at CROUS

The Paris CROUS International Welcome Office facilitates international students stay in Paris. They can
answer all your questions and will be able to give you the information you need.
International Student Guide GEM Paris July 2014

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Address: CROUS de Paris - Btiment Jean Sarrailh - 39 avenue Georges Bernanos - 2me tage 75005 Paris. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12.30 and from 1.30 to 4.30 pm.
Transport: RER B Port-Royal
Tel.: 01 40 51 37 65 or 01 40 51 37 67;
Web Site: http://www.crous-paris.fr/article.asp?idcat=AAG ; E-mail: international@crous-paris.fr ;

FROM MID-SEPTEMBER TO MID- NOVEMBER

Autumn welcome services for foreign students in Paris
There are two welcome services in Paris, Paris CROUS and the Paris Cit Internationale
Universitaire open from 16 September to 22 November from 9 am to 5 am.
Both offices are open to answer your questions from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday during the
year. Established by the City of Paris, these organizations cater for international students coming to
study in Paris and its surroundings. These can assist you in your search for accommodation, your
applications for student social security, work permits, rent allowance, residence permits, the opening of a
bank account, your search for French classes, etc
These organizations can be found in Paris Crous and in the Paris Cit internationale universitaire
and are open to answer your questions from 9 am to 7 pm every day in these autumn months.

If you would like to speak to a psychologist or a counselor, please know that you have
access to the services of the CROUS at the APASO-PARIS.
COUNSELING SERVICE CROUS
If you would like to speak to a psychologist or a counselor, please know that you have access to the services of the
CROUS at the APASO-PARIS.
The appointments are confidential and free for students.
You can contact the secretary at 04 40 47 55 47, or email at etudiants@apaso.fr to book an
appointment the psychologist/ counselor is available on
Wednesdays from 3pm 8pm.
The address is as follows:
Rsidence Universitaire Mnilmontant 2
109-111 rue de Mnilmontant
75020
http://www.crous-paris.fr/article.asp?idcat=AAFD
GETTING TO MEET OTHER STUDENTS
There is a long list of associations. To name a few :
MELTEAMPOT
The aim of Melteampot is simple: connect people! Should they be locals, foreign tourists, students,
expats... it can help anyone. The app is available on iPhone and soon on Android.
Find more information on www.melteampot.com and Facebook.
CLUB INTERNATIONAL DES JEUNES A PARIS (CIJP) (The paris international youth club)
Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5 pm to 8 pm
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Tel : 01 43 06 23 16
Find more information on www.club-international.org and Facebook or via com@club-international.org

DISCOVERING THE CITY

http://www.parisgreeters.fr/?lang=en

LEARNING FRENCH IN PARIS

French classes are part of your program. Nevertheless, to make a success of your stay in France, it is
therefore important for you to have a good level in French. Here are a few tips to improve your French.
Cit Internationale de Paris
Once more the recommended Cit internationale offers you a whole range of activities to improve your
French, whether you live at the Cit or not :
- The multimedia center for self-teaching in languages, Esp@ce langues, proposes, among others,
groups of conversation.
Contact: espacelangues@ciup.fr Web site : www.ciup.fr/langues.htm
- The Reception Office for Mobile Students. Web site: http://www.ciup.

5. HOUSING
There are various ways for international students to find accommodation:
1. Come for a pre-visit in June
2. Arrange your own accommodation before arriving in Paris
3. Look by yourself by consulting ads, end of July is the latest deadline
4. Come along to the Welcome Desk at the cite Internationale but classes will have already started and
offers will be very scarce and expensive!
5. Sharing an apartment
6. Get familiar with a certain number of French expressions by clicking on the following links will help you in
your search and understand the ads: Finding accommodation in Paris: French expressions you
need to know. Looking for a studio or a flat
Use this link to get around Paris! http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_20527/travelling/
ADDRESSES FOR TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
INEXPENSIVE HOTELS
Be careful: if the prices are low, the quality may be low too. We have made a selection for according the
journey to get the fastest as possible to GEM Paris.
Among these, the closest hotels to our campus are:
Htel Idal (from 60 ), 22 minutes from the School
49 rue des Trois Bornes
75011 Paris
Tl : 01 40 21 48 18

Htel Savoy (from 44 ), 20 minutes from the School

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16 rue Fermat
75014 Paris
Tl : 01 43 22 60 63

Htel Paris Saint Honor (from 69 ), 22 minutes from the School

21 rue de Penthivre
75008 Paris
Tl : 01 43 59 87 63

Studio Hotel (from 70 ), 21 minutes from the School

25, rue Alain Chartier
75015 Paris
Tl: 01 48 28 66 48

Hotel Eiffel villa Garibaldi (from 115 ), 23 minutes from the School
48, Boulevard Garibaldi
75015 Paris
Tl: 01 56 58 56 58

YOUTH HOSTELS
Bureau des Voyages de la Jeunesse
(BVJ) Louvre
20 rue JJ Rousseau
75001 Paris
Mtro Louvre-Rivoli ou Palais-Royal
Tl : 01 53 00 90 90
E-mail : bvj@wanadoo.fr
www.bvjhotel.com
OOPS Hostel
50, avenue des Gobelins
75013 Paris
Mtro : Les Gobelins
Tl. : 01.47.07.47.00
E-mail : bonjour@oops-paris.com
www.oops-paris.com
Foyer International dAccueil de Paris
(FIAP) Jean Monnet
30 rue Cabanis
75014 Paris
Mtro Glacire
Booking : 01 43 13 17 17
www.fiap.asso.fr
Aloha Hostel
1 rue Borrome
75015 Paris
Mtro Volontaires
Tl. : 01 42 73 03 03
E-mail : friends@aloha.fr
www.aloha.fr

Maisons Internationales de la Jeunesse et

des Etudiants (MIJE)
6 rue de Fourcy 75004 Paris
11 rue du Fauconnier 75004 Paris
12 rue des Barres 75004 Paris
Mtro Saint-Paul ou Pont-Marie
Tl : 01 42 74 23 45
E-mail : info@mije.com
www.mije.com
Centre International de Sjour de Paris
(CISP) Kellerman
17 bd Kellerman
75013 Paris
Mtro Porte dItalie
Booking : 01 43 58 96 00
Tel : 01 44 16 37 38
www.cisp.fr
The 3 Ducks Hostel
6, place Etienne Pernet
75015 Paris
Mtro Commerce
Tl. : 01 48 42 04 05
E-mail : backpack@3ducks.fr
www.3ducks.fr
Le Village Hostel
20 rue dOrsel
75018 Paris
Mtro Anvers
Tl. : 01 42 64 22 02
E-mail : bonjour@villagehostel.fr
www.villagehostel.fr

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STAYING WITH A FRENCH FAMILY Link

Finding a host family:
There are a number of entities that can arrange accommodation with a host family prior to your arrival.
This is a good option and transition for the Bachelor programs, to improve your French and get to
understand the French.
Advice: You need to apply from May to July. August will be far too late for this option as French
people will be on vacation

HomeStay in Paris
www.homestay-in-paris.com

Atome
www.atomeparis.com

Sjour France Famille

www.sejoursfrancefamille.fr

France Accommodation & Culture

www.fac-paris.fr

France Student Home Stays

www.francestudenthomestays.com

Accommodation in exchange for services:

This arrangement involves the provision of accommodation free of charge or at a very attractive
rate in exchange for services (e.g. housework, babysitting or company for an elderly person)
PRIVATE STUDENTS RESIDENCES Link
Among a large choice of residences, we have made for you a selection of residences the closest
as possible of our campus.
STUDLITES - www.studelites.com
In Paris
4 residences, in the 13th, 14th and 19th districts.
Rent from 599 to 1,350 from studio to 2 bedrooms.
Administrative fees: one month's rent.
Le Capitole in the 13th: 38 min from GEM Campus
Le Consul in the 14th: 37 min
In Ile de France, Boulogne
2 residences: Le Vendme and the Castiglione: 23 min !
Rent from 662 to 1,180 from studio to 2 rooms.
Administrative fees: one month's rent.
Security deposit: 2 months rent

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Contact: alix.gomez@bnpparibas.com

LES ESTUDINES - http://www.estudines.com/uk/

3 residences, in the 11th, 19th and 20th districts.
The others are located in Ile de France.
Security Deposit: 1 month rent up
In Paris : the closest
Les Estudines Rpublique: 100 rue Oberkampf - 75011 PARIS
40 minutes from GEM Paris Campus
193 apartments ranging from studios to one-bedroom units
Monthly Rent : from 958.00
Les Estudines Clos Saint Germain
105 rue de Bagnolet - 75020 PARIS
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 72 54 32
Monthly Rent : from 850.00
51minutes from GEM Paris campus but the journey by underground is direct, there is no change.
153 apartments ranging from studios to one-bedroom units
Near shops and restaurants
Gym available
Free unlimited Internet

In Ile de France
Les Estudines Grande Arche
11 alle des Tilleuls - 92400 COURBEVOIE
42 minutes from GEM Paris Campus
167 apartments ranging from studios to one-bedroom units
In the heart of the Faubourg de l'Arche neighborhood A quiet and green environment
Monthly Rent : from 835.00
Les Estudines la colline de l'arche
49 rue des Etudiants - 92400 COURBEVOIE
Tel: +33 (0)1 49 97 40 00
Les Estudines St Mande
72 rue Claude Erignac - 93100 MONTREUIL
Tel: +33 (0)1 48 18 02 13

PUBLIC STUDENTS RESIDENCES

CITE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITAIRE DE PARIS

Located in the South of Paris, the Cit internationale is one of the main accommodation centers for
international students where residents from the all over the world find a very enjoyable living
environment. The cit has 40 houses, each with its own character and 5 800 residents: students,
researchers, artists and top-level sportspeople are accommodated in a beautiful environment.
Admission conditions
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Due to a strong demand, accommodation at the Cit Universitaire is not accessible to all.
Rooms are reserved to students who have signed up for, at the very least, a Master 1 in a higher
educational institution or one of the universities of the Paris.
How to apply
Each residence represents a country, an institution or a foundation.
Note that if your country is represented by one of the following houses : Argentina, Armenia, Belgium,
Brazil, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, Denmark, Great-Britain and Commonwealth countries, Greece,
India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, Tunisia, and USA
You can consult the list of the residences and their details at: http://www.ciup.fr/en/houses/
If your country is not on the list, you can fill the admission form on the Cit web site:
http://www.ciup.fr/en/houses/admission-conditions/
Register through this link : http://workflow.ciup.fr/citeu/site/login.php?langue=en
Rooms and prices
The rooms have a surface area of 11 to 18 m. Each room offers access to a washbasin, a shower,
toilets and a kitchen, within the room or on the same floor. The 40 residences on the International
Campus charge different prices. As a general rule, a student aged less than 30 years can expect to pay
a monthly amount in the order of 400-550 for the year.
Factors which cause variations in the price of lodging for students:
Age
Level of comfort
Length of stay
For further information click on http://www.ciup.fr/en/houses/admission-conditions/ and www.ciup.fr
Please note that it is not possible to welcome all the applicants at the Cit Internationale. We
therefore recommend you not to wait for the answer of the Cit and to also look for a room elsewhere.
Please apply between 15 May and before 15 June!

SHORT STAYS

Rooms at Cit Internationale are also available during the summer period (internships...).
You must:
- be a student above 18
- be able to present a copy of your student card of the past academic year as a proof of your status.
To apply, you must fill a special form for summer stays: http://workflow.ciup.fr/citeu/site/login.php

CENTRE REGIONAL DES UVRES UNIVERSITAIRES ET SCOLAIRES (CROUS)

CROUS is a state subsidized housing service for students on a tight budget. Unfortunately, we do not
have a partnership with them concerning their residences, as they consider that any student registering
to a private business school has a large budget to spend on housing. Consequently, they wont accept
your application if you contact them directly to rent a room in their residences.
Nevertheless, you can consult their web site : http://www.crous-paris.fr/ or visit them, 33 avenue
Bernanos, 75005 Paris, RER B - Port-Royal, Bus 38 / 83 / 91 from 9h30 -12h30 and 13h30-16h30.
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You will find very useful information on the website; but get ready; most of the information on the website
is in French! It is a good exercise for you, to push you to learn French.

You can also consult this page http://www.lokaviz.fr/ where a lot of accommodation ads are
available.
If you do not have a guarantor, click on the tab CAUTION CLE. The CL (Caution Locative
Etudiante) is a State insurance, which allows students without a guarantor to have easier access to
housing.
The CL is handled by CROUS. After being tested in 2013, it is now available all over mainland France.
The CL can be used by any students that:
o

Have a steady income but no family, friend or bank guarantor;

Are looking for housing in France for their studies;

Are 28 years old or less on September 1st of the year when the lease is signed;

The insurance is personal. If roommates rent a flat, each roommate must sign up for insurance and meet
the necessary requirements. Furthermore, the lease must not include a solidarity clause.
Any beneficiary on a multi-person lease will only be granted a single warranty related to the CL. 1
insurance = 1 contract per lease, 1 insurance file, 1 student representing roommates, 1 contribution
shared amongst roommates.
For shared flat where the landlord does not require solidarity between roommates, each beneficiary will
be able to get an individual insurance for his own rental agreement = 1 insurance file per student, 1 lease
detailing each roommates share, 1 contribution per roommate.

HOW TO POST A REQUEST?

Signing up for the CLE is done by pointing your web browser to www.lokaviz.fr and logging into your
personal account.
To access your personal account you must create a student account or sign in with your credentials on
top of the page if you already have an account.
Once logged in, go to the main menu to Ma caution locative to access the CL request form.

FORUM DU LOGEMENT ETUDIANT: CROUS also organizes a housing forum for students from 8 to
13 September 2014 with private landlords.
http://www.crous-paris.fr/Actualite.asp?idact=2578 During that period, you can go to CROUS Paris, 33
avenue Bernanos and take part in this event.
CROUS will be gathering many partners such as ADIL 75, Amallia, Astria, BNP Paribas, la CAF de Paris, le
CLLAJ de Paris, le PariSolidaire, Ple Emploi, La RATP, le Richemont, la LMDE and la SMEREP. Do not hesitate
to go there. You need to be proactive and confident. You will find nice people who will help you even if
you do not speak good French. You will, however, need to at least try to speak French and it will be a
good exercise to push you to learn French.
Forum du logement tudiant
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From 8 to 13 September 2014, from 9h30 to 17h

Galerie du Crous de Paris
33 avenue Georges Bernanos 75005 Paris
RER B - Port-Royal
Bus 38 / 83 / 91
Coloc'dating : a day dedicated to finding a roommate, coloc is the short name to say colocation which
means sharing an apartment in French
Saturday 13 Septembers 2014, from 9h30 to 17h.

THE CLJT : CENTRE DU LOGEMENT DES JEUNES TRAVAILLEURS, ETUDIANTS ET STAGIAIRES

A cheaper accommodation solution for young adults : http://www.cljt.com/?lang=en
The Centre du Logement des Jeunes Travailleurs, Etudiants et Stagiaires (C.L.J.T -centre for accommodation of
young workers, students and trainees) is an association that offers cheaper accommodation. Through its social
project angle, the association aims to facilitate young peoples integration into social, civic and professional life.
The members of the Board work on a wholly voluntary basis and have specific skills in the area of accommodation
and social action targeting young people.

Please apply before June. Nevertheless, keep on insisting, you might be lucky. Try residence les Amandiers.
http://www.cljt.com/residence-amandiers
or the one at Suresnes : suresnes@cljt.com

LOOKING FOR A STUDIO OR A FLAT BY CONSULTING ADS

If you have not been admitted to a students residence (room managed by the CROUS or the Paris Cit
Internationale Universitaire), you will have to rent a studio or a flat. Looking for a flat in Paris is timeconsuming and difficult. It will take you a lot of time and you will have to visit a large number of flats.
Provided below is some information on Paris housing and a list of places where you can consult ads.
WHAT TYPE OF HOUSING?
Studettes (small studio)
Also called "chambre de bonne" (attic room), "studettes" are located on the top floor (often 6th or 7th
floor, without lift) of buildings in comfortable residential areas (in the 5th, 6th, 7th, 16th districts). They are
often rented to students and are often furnished. Generally, the toilets are on the landing and must be
shared with a few neighbors.
Please note that not all attic rooms have a shower. Dont forget to check:
Surface : approximately 9 to 17 m
Rent : from 500 to 800 euros
Studio
Studios have a main room and a bathroom. Please note that studettes" are sometimes called "studio" by
their owners
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Surface : approximately 18 to 35 m
Rent : from 650 to 900 euros

Apartments
Renting a flat in Paris is rather expensive for a students budget. But you can rent a flat with roommates
and share the rent. You must know that prices vary according to the neighbourhood.
WHERE TO FIND ADS
FUSAC online magazine : http://www.fusac.fr/
American Church: http://www.acparis.org/
Among a long list found through this link http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/node/30
There are plenty of links :
www.smoovup.com
SmoovUp helps to find the perfect flat mates by common interests
www.appartager.com
The world's largest flat share site with a huge choice of rooms to rent
www.metroroommates.com
MetroRoommates.com provides flat share ads and posts all types of room availabilities: furnished and
unfurnished rooms, corporate rooms, and all other types of roommate situations.
www.sublet.com
Sublet.com provides a global marketplace where tenants and landlords can match all their rental housing
needs (furnished and unfurnished, with roommates and without)

www.keysunited.com

The idea of keysunited.com is to swap apartments with someone else

www.paris-housing.com
Paris-housing.com has a wide choice of exclusive properties on offer to rent or for sale in Paris
www.lokaviz.fr
Lokaviz proposes student housing offers: private apartment, CROUS residencies, flat share or rental
room.
www.recherche-colocation.com
With this website, you can find a flat share with flat mates.
www.colocationfrance.fr
This website allows you to find a room for rent or a sharing accommodation

HOUSING BENEFIT OR ASSISTANCE, CAF

Students, regardless of their nationality, can apply for a housing subsidy at the Caisse dAllocations
Familiales CAF (Family Benefit Fund). This financial aid to housing is paid every month and covers part of
the rent. The application for a student housing subsidy can be made directly on the CAF website or at one of
the several CAF offices in Paris (see below for the names and addresses).
In order to help you to fill out the form, please dowload this document and read carefully the CAF procedure:
http://issuu.com/gem_international_students/docs/how_to_apply_for_the_housing_benefi
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How to contact the CAF?

On the web: www.caf.fr
Telephone: 0810 29 29 29 (costs the same as calling a landline), from Monday to Friday -> 9am to 5pm
CAF offices:
From Monday to Friday -> 8:30am to 4:30pm.
- Centre de Gestion Finlay ( beneficiaries living in the districts 7e, 8e, 14e, 15e et 16e )
50, rue du Docteur Finlay 75015 Paris Mtro Dupleix / Bus 42 station Dupleix
- Centre de Gestion La Chapelle ( beneficiaries living in the districts 17e et 18e )
47, rue de La Chapelle 75018 PARIS Mtro Marx Dormoy / Bus 65 station Les Roses
- Centre de Gestion Laumire ( beneficiaries living in the districts 9e, 10e and 19e )
67-69, avenue Jean Jaurs 75019 PARIS Mtro Laumire / Bus 60 station Laumire
- Centre de Gestion Nationale ( beneficiaries living in the districts 11e, 12e, 13e et 20e )
101, rue nationale 75013 PARIS Mtro Nationale ou Olympiades / Bus 62, 64, 83 station Olympiades
- Centre de Gestion Pot-de-Fer ( beneficiaries living in the districts 1er, 2e, 3e, 4e, 5e et 6e )
19, rue du Pot-de-Fer 75005 PARIS Mtro Place Monge /

6. INSURANCE
Important Link to read
HEALTH INSURANCE (SECURITE SOCIALE)
The French health system includes mandatory basic health insurance (Health Insurance: Scurit Sociale)
and optional extra health insurance to supplement this.
The minute you enroll in a higher educational institution, affiliation to the student Social Security is
mandatory and there is an admission charge except for European and Quebec students and those
students that have been granted a scholarship from the French Government. It entitles you to obtain
the refunding of your medical care throughout your stay.

OTHER COMPULSORY INSURANCES

To know all about the compulsory insurances including housing insurance, civil liability and
repatriation you have to buy please read and upload the following document:
http://issuu.com/gem_international_students/docs/how_to_deal_with_the_3_compulsory_i_fc6a41f6f5b00f.
http://www.lmde.com/etudiants-etrangers/foreign-students.html

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7. OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN FRANCE

Before coming to France, ask your bank if it has a partnership with a French network. It would then be
easier for you to open a bank account in France. If this is not the case, when you arrive in Paris, look for
the banks closest to the place where you are going to study or live and compare the services they
offer.
Certain banks offer preferential fares (half price credit card, loyalty program) to students or young people
under 25. Go in the bank and arrange an appointment.
The opening of an account allows you to obtain a credit card and a check book that are very largely used in
France.

NON-RESIDENT BANK ACCOUNT

All international students who stay in France at least 3 months can open a bank account.
Certain banks do not accept the opening of an account for less than 6 months.
To open a non-resident account, you will need your passport or your residence permit (students from
outside the EU), your student card or the certificate of registration at the university as well as a proof of
address in your country of origin (if you live in private home, you need to provide the statement of the
residence of the person housing you, photocopies of their identity card and the last 3 monthly salary slips).
Some banks have facilities for an account to be opened from outside France, check this in your home
country.
Beware! If you come from a non-French speaking country, you will be asked to show certified
translations of these documents.
A FRENCH RESIDENT'S BANK ACCOUNT
All international students who stay in France at least 3 months must open a bank account.
Documents required:
3 important documents for opening a bank account:
- The passport
- Your French VISA (for Non EU students)
- Proof of address (telephone or electricity bill, rent receipt, statement of residence of the person housing
you, etc)
The student card may also be required - if so, you can profit from certain advantages intended exclusively for
students. Certain banks accept the opening of accounts without the residence permit (if you make the
request). The final permit must be presented later.
Opening an account can be done in a day and methods of making payments (bank/debit cards and
cheque books) will usually arrive within a week to ten days of the account being opened.
French banks will charge for certain items, for example, in some, a fee is payable to have an account, or a
fee to have a card (and second card), there may be a charge for the Internet banking facility and for
transactions in certain banks.

Which bank?
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The closest banks to our GEM Paris Campus:

BANK
ADDRESS
45 Avenue Mozart 75016 Paris
HSBC
https://www.hsbc.fr/1/2/en/personal
Crdit Agricole

39 Avenue Mozart 75016 Paris

http://www.credit-agricole.fr/espace-non-residents/

Socit Gnrale

60 Avenue Mozart 75016 Paris

Bred - Banque Populaire

46 Avenue Mozart 75016 Paris

BNP Paribas - Paris Mozart

27 Avenue Mozart 75016 Paris

LCL - Le Crdit Lyonnais

36 Avenue Mozart 75016 Paris

Caisse dEpargne

35 avenue Mozart 75016 Paris

Banking Hours
In general banks are opened from Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:30 and many banks are closed at
lunchtime. Some banks are opened on Saturday morning and closed on Mondays.
Banking Terms
Une carte bleue = a credit card
Un chque = a cheque
Un chquier = a cheque book

1 - Amount in full letters

2 - Amount in figures
3 Beneficiarys name
4 - The place where you are
when writing out the cheque
5 - Date
6 - Signature

Useful vocabulary
Transfers
Un virement = a money transfer / wire
Un versement en espces = a cash deposit into your account
Un versement en chques = a cheque deposit into your account
Relev dIdentit Bancaire (RIB)
This is a paper that gives your account number, name, and the address of the bank. When you open your
account ask the bank or post office to give you several relevs didentit bancaire (RIB). With the RIB, you
will be able to have your electricity and gas automatically deducted from your account (so you don't need to
send in a cheque).
Bank overdraft fees and interest
A bank overdraft can be very expensive: when your account goes into the red, the bank makes charges
called "agios". When you open your account, the bank will stipulate an overdraft figure you must never
exceed. If you do, you may face an "interdiction bancaire", which means loss of cheque and bank card
facilities. All charges such as bills, rents, purchases must then be paid in cash.
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Loss or theft of a chequebook or bank card

Should your cheque book be lost or stolen, you must warn the bank to stop any subsequent cheques. If you
do not do this, another person may use your account. Warn your bank as quickly as possible or call the
permanent emergency number indicated on the contract you signed when applying for the card. You must
then confirm to your bank by registered mail.
Opposition to Carte Bleue payments: 08 92 70 57 05 (0,34 euros+taxes/min.)
Loss or theft of a chequebook/bank card: 08 92 68 32 08 (0,34 euros+taxes/min.)

8. PUBLIC TRANSPORT
METRO
The Metro
The easiest way to get around the city is by metro. The Network is made up of a series of
numbered lines. It is useful to always look at the name of the last station on the line that you
want to take to ensure that you are going in the right direction.

http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_21879/tourists/

Hours: 5:30 a.m. 1:15 a.m. daily

The RER
The RER is a high speed, commuter train that goes out to the suburbs. There are 5 lines: A B C D and E.
Check before you use it and buy an individual ticket if travelling beyond the zones (1-2) covered by your
Mtro pass.

BUS
To get off, press the arrt demand button to let the driver know that you intend to get off at the next stop.
Beware of ticket inspectors! They carry out regular checks and fines are high. Make sure you
have a valid ticket with you at all times.

TAXI
Taxis usually take up to 3 people, although some take up to 6 people (a small supplement will be added to
the meter fare). Taxis may be hailed in the street or engaged at taxi ranks. There will be an extra charge if a
taxi is called to the hotel. Expect to pay up to 10 for an average journey and add a 10% tip. Its a good idea
to ask for the approximate journey cost before getting into the cab and to ensure that once the cab begins
moving the meter is running!

We hope that you enjoy your stay in Paris and get the most out of life la franaise

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