Shopping in France: real experience from chats

From real experience

• In France, card and Apple Pay payments are widely accepted. Ensure your card is not a Russian Mir card for broader acceptance, especially in smaller establishments.
• For purchasing Apple products in Paris, while the official Apple Store is an option, consider checking major electronics retailers like Fnac, Darty, and Boulanger. For potentially lower prices, explore the refurbished section on the Apple France website or look for used items on platforms like Leboncoin. Be cautious of scams when buying from unofficial resellers.
• Cash is widely accepted in France, though having coins is essential for public transport ticket machines (e.g., tram stops in Nice). While credit cards are recommended for convenience, cash remains a viable alternative for tourists.
• In France, as in many European countries, merchants may impose a minimum transaction amount for credit or debit card payments. This practice is common in smaller shops, bakeries, cafes, and for small purchases. Key points: 1. **Minimum Purchase Amount:** Typically, the minimum limit ranges from €3 to €5, but it can sometimes be as high as €10 or €20, depending on the establishment. 2. **Reasoning:** This policy helps merchants offset transaction fees charged by banks, which can be disproportionately high for very small purchases. 3. **Cash is Recommended:** It is advisable for travelers to carry some cash, particularly small denominations (e.g., €5, €10, €20 notes), to cover these small purchases where card payments might not be accepted. 4. **Card Acceptance Varies:** While larger stores and supermarkets usually accept cards without a minimum limit, smaller businesses might strictly enforce their policy. Always be prepared with cash for minor expenses.
• Fresh cherries are available in France during their season, typically starting in June. They can be found at local markets in cities like Menton and Nice.
• For a 3-day trip to Lyon, consider visiting the Old Town ('Vieux Lyon'), taking the funicular up to the Fourvière Basilica and Roman Theatres for panoramic city views. Explore local cuisine at places like Brasserie Georgies (look for the 'menu du jour') or the Paul Bocuse food market. Utilize hop-on-hop-off bus tours or boat excursions for efficient sightseeing. Walking is also a viable option for exploring the city center.
• Portable air conditioners can be found in Action stores in France. Users have noted that these stores offer affordable and reasonably functional units, though availability may vary, especially during peak season, and online stock checks might not be available.
• When using Euros in France, any valid Euro banknotes (old or new series) are accepted. However, it's highly recommended to carry smaller denominations (5, 10, 20, 50 EUR) for several reasons: 1. **Minimum Purchase Limits for Card Payments:** Many establishments, especially smaller shops or for basic purchases, have a minimum transaction amount (often €3-€5, sometimes up to €20) for card payments. Without small bills, you might be forced to pay cash or buy more than intended. 2. **Acceptance of Large Bills:** While not strictly illegal, large denominations like €500 notes are rarely encountered in circulation and may not be accepted by merchants due to concerns about counterfeiting and the difficulty of making change. It can be challenging to exchange them. 3. **Practicality:** Small bills are more convenient for everyday expenses, public transport tickets, and smaller purchases, avoiding the need to break large notes. While old series Euro notes are acceptable, new series notes are more common. There is no significant price difference or advantage in using old versus new notes for transactions within the Eurozone.
• For a memorable experience in Etretat, consider staying overnight. Hotel Le rayon vert offers sea views. For dining, Oyster Club is recommended for its 'plate de fruit de mer' (seafood platter).
• Recommended locations for pre-owned luxury goods in Paris include the area around 142 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen. Online alternatives include Vinted (high risk of counterfeit goods) and Farfetch (authenticated but higher price point).
• The functionality of virtual cards, such as 'Plati po miru', when used in France depends on the card issuer and the payment network it operates on (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Key considerations: 1. **Network Compatibility:** Ensure the virtual card is affiliated with a major international payment network (Visa, Mastercard) that is widely accepted in France. 2. **Merchant Acceptance:** While many large retailers, supermarkets, and public transport systems (like the Paris Metro) accept card payments, some smaller establishments might have minimum transaction limits or only accept cash (see related advice on minimum purchase limits). 3. **Online vs. In-Store:** Virtual cards can often be used for online purchases (e.g., booking tickets) or added to mobile payment systems (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) for in-store transactions, provided the merchant's terminals support contactless payments. 4. **Issuer's Policies:** Check with the provider of the virtual card for any specific restrictions or geographical limitations on their use abroad. **Recommendation:** It is advisable to test the virtual card for a small purchase initially (e.g., topping up a transport card or a small item in a shop) to confirm its functionality in France.
• To find regular, non-acidic cream in France similar to what is commonly used for cooking (without a sour taste), look for 'crème fleurette' or 'crème entière' (whole cream). Avoid 'crème fraîche épaisse' if a sour note is undesirable. Check the fat content and description for 'non-acidifié' if available.
• Average dining costs in France (excluding Paris, where prices are higher): a single dish costs 16-25 EUR. A typical meal might include a starter/salad from 15 EUR, a main course from 20 EUR, dessert from 10 EUR, and wine from 5 EUR per glass. A daily budget for eating out (lunch and dinner, non-luxurious, without alcohol) ranges from 60-100 EUR per person. A budget of 25-45 EUR per day is achievable for basic meals without extras like dessert or alcohol. Cheaper options include kebabs, crêperies, pizzerias, daily specials, and takeaway. For comparison, cooking at home for two can cost around 50 EUR per day for groceries (e.g., meat, basic salad, vegetables, pasta/rice, fruits).
• Tax-free refunds (tax-free) for purchases made within the Schengen Area must be processed in the country where the purchase was made, upon departure from that country. It is not possible to consolidate and claim refunds for purchases from multiple Schengen countries at a single exit point (e.g., upon departure from Russia if the purchases were made in France and Italy). Each country's tax-free procedure must be followed individually.
• Luxury brands in France (notably LV) enforce strict compliance policies regarding Russian citizens. Purchases often require registration in the brand's CRM system, where ID is checked. Customers with Russian passports may face refusal at the point of sale. Payments in cash exceeding certain thresholds are restricted to combat money laundering. Smaller brands are generally less restrictive, but corporate compliance varies significantly.
• When bringing alcohol into Russia from France, the duty-free allowance is 3 liters per adult. Amounts exceeding this limit will be subject to customs duties. The type of alcohol (e.g., wine, absinthe) does not affect this limit. It is advisable to check current regulations before traveling.
• To purchase an original Louis Vuitton (LV) bag in France, visit official Louis Vuitton boutiques or authorized department stores. Avoid unauthorized sellers to ensure authenticity. Be aware of potential waiting lists for popular items. You can check the official Louis Vuitton website for store locations and product availability.
• Be cautious of potential scams when paying with cash in French establishments. Instances of incorrect change being given or being overcharged for orders have been reported. It is advisable to always check your receipt and count your change carefully. If you suspect an error or overcharge, assertively request a correction or refund. Understanding the local language can be beneficial in resolving such issues. Some advise being firm with cashiers and vendors to prevent them from attempting to overcharge.

Related topics