Côte d'Azur

Time Zone

GMT +1 hour

Language

French

Currency Information

The official currency is the Euro (€). Coins are available in 1 cent, 2 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50, cent , €1 & €2 denominations. Notes are available in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 denominations.

Money Matters

Travellers cheques are widely accepted for exchange or purchase in major cities, but in more rural areas, visit a bank to exchange them for Euros. Major credit cards are widely accepted here (though a limited number of merchants have American Express accounts) and ATM access is widespread. Exchange currency only at authorized outlets such as banks and hotels, and exchange only what you think you will spend in-country. Coins cannot be reconverted on departure. Save all receipts from any currency exchange transaction. You may be asked to produce them when you exit the country, and they are required if you intend to reconvert local currency.

Tipping Suggestions

Tips in restaurants are usually added on at 10/15 % of the bill. However, it is often a subject of controversy whether this amount actually goes to the waiter or not, therefore it is your choice whether to tip more.

Arrival & Departure Formalities

Travel documents are your responsibility. In general you should have:

• A signed, valid passport that will remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of your trip. Your passport must have enough blank pages (excluding amendment pages) available for entry and exit stamps issued when entering and exiting immigration points.
• Visas are required for certain nationalities and you are strongly advised to check your status allowing plenty of time for visa application.

Weather

Due to its favourable climate and geography Côte d'Azur has an average of 300 sunny days, an average temperature of 16°C and short but periodical rain-showers. During summer it can be very hot with average temperature of 27ºC and about 11 hours of sun a day. The average water temperature in the summer months is about 20ºC. In autumn and spring you can rely on warm weather as well. With around 8 hours of sun per day, these seasons are quite mild as well. By the Mediterranean climate the winters are pleasant.

Health

It is advisable to contact your doctor before you travel if you have any specific health concerns and take out appropriate travel and medical insurance.

Electricity

Electrical service in France is supplied at 220-240 volts/50 hertz.

Driving Info

• Traffic from the RIGHT has right of way, except at roundabouts or if the road has a white line across it.
• Passport or national ID as well as driver's license/insurance papers/ownership papers must be carried all the time.
• National speed limit is 50kmh (31mph) in towns, 90kmh (56mph) on secondary non-urban highways, 110kmh (68mph) on dual carriageways, 130kmh (80mph) on motorways (auto route).
• Speeding fines: 30 – 300 Euros.
• Minimum driving age is 18.
• For use of the highways (auto route) it is invariably necessary to pay a toll before access. Payment can be made by coins or by credit card.
• There are strict laws concerning drinking and driving. Blood alcohol levels must not exceed 0.05%. There are random breathalyser tests carried out regularly by the police.
• An international driving licence is not required for European citizens. Your locally issued driving licence, as long as it is accompanied by the passport, will suffice.