Essential Apps for Traveling to France
47 apps · Apps verified August 9, 2026 · Guide written April 1, 2025
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in France?
For France, most travelers should download Revolut, Apple Pay, Wise, and Google Pay before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Sources
Links used to keep the country guide current and easy to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in France?
For France, most travelers should download Revolut, Apple Pay, Wise, and Google Pay before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is generally safe to drink.
Can I drink tap water in France?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink in France. Tap water is safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' at restaurants for free tap water. Bottled water (eau minérale) is also widely available.
Should I tip in France?
Tipping is not mandatory in France as service charge is included by law. Small tips are a gesture of appreciation, not obligation. Restaurants: Service included (service compris). Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated but never expected.
Do I need a visa to visit France?
Many nationalities can visit France visa-free for up to 90 days. Part of Schengen Area. US, Canada, Australia, UK citizens get 90 days visa-free in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. ETIAS authorization delayed - expected Q4 2026 at earliest, not yet required.
What power adapter do I need for France?
France uses Type C, E power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. Type E (with grounding pin) is standard. Type C (2-pin, no ground) also fits. US/UK travelers need an adapter. Type E is unique to France, Belgium, and Poland.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in France — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber Works here
- Yes — Uber works in France. Locals also use Bolt and BlaBlaCar.
- If you use Uber Eats Works here
- Yes — Uber Eats works in France. Locals also use Deliveroo.
- If you use WhatsApp Works here
- Yes — WhatsApp works in France.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in France. Locals also use Citymapper, SNCF Connect, and Waze.
- If you use Google Translate
- For translation, locals in France typically use DeepL.
- If you use Apple Pay Works here
- Yes — Apple Pay works in France. Locals also use Revolut, Wise, and Google Pay.
- If you use Google Pay Works here
- Yes — Google Pay works in France. Locals also use Revolut, Apple Pay, and Wise.
- If you use Amazon Works here
- Yes — Amazon works in France.
- If you use Netflix
- For streaming, locals in France typically use France 24.
Finance & Payments
5 apps
eSIM & Data Plans
5 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
5 apps
Public Transit
5 apps
Navigation
5 apps
Food Delivery
2 apps
Communication
3 apps
VPN & Privacy
2 apps
Shopping
2 apps
Tours & Experiences
4 apps
Health & Insurance
5 apps
Media & Entertainment
2 apps
Dining & Reservations
1 app
Border & Entry
1 app
💳 Payment Methods in France
Tourist Accessibility
Very tourist-friendly
International Cards
ATM availability: widespread
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 France is now card-dominant with 70% of retail transactions cashless in 2024. Contactless payments up to €50 without PIN. Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted at retailers and tourist sites. Cash still needed at open-air markets and some small merchants. Wero (replacing Paylib) launched in 2025 for bank-linked payments.
Travel Information for France
Common Requirements
- Valid passport (3 months beyond stay)
- Return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance recommended
🏧 ATM Tips
ATMs widely available. Avoid Euronet/Travelex ATMs (high fees). Use bank ATMs like BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole. Max withdrawal typically €300-500 per transaction.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
Avoid airport exchanges (poor rates). Use Revolut or Wise cards for best rates. Bureaux de change in city centers have competitive rates. Banks may require an account.
Best Time to Visit
April-June and September-October for pleasant weather. July-August crowded and hot. December magical for Christmas markets. Avoid August in cities (locals on vacation).
Languages
French English: moderate
SIM Cards & Connectivity
EU roaming means any EU SIM works without extra charges. Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile are main carriers. eSIM recommended - buy Airalo or Holafly before departure. Physical SIMs at Tabacs or phone shops (cheaper than airports).
Transportation
Excellent train network (SNCF/TGV). Book trains early for best prices. Paris has extensive metro (16 lines). Navigo Easy pass for Paris public transport. Car rental useful for countryside and Provence.
Cultural Notes
- Always greet with 'Bonjour' (daytime) or 'Bonsoir' (evening) before speaking English
- Keep voices low in public, especially on transit
- Lunch 12-2pm, dinner 7:30-9pm - restaurants may not serve outside these hours
- Many shops closed Sundays and Monday mornings
- Service charge (service compris) included in bills - small additional tips appreciated but not expected
- Dress smartly, especially in Paris restaurants and upscale areas
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Tap water is safe throughout France. Ask for 'une carafe d'eau' at restaurants for free tap water. Bottled water (eau minérale) is also widely available.
Power Outlets
230V, 50Hz
Type E (with grounding pin) is standard. Type C (2-pin, no ground) also fits. US/UK travelers need an adapter. Type E is unique to France, Belgium, and Poland.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in France as service charge is included by law. Small tips are a gesture of appreciation, not obligation.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Most popular option. Runs every 10-15 min. Direct to Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint-Michel.
RATP direct bus to Opéra Garnier. No luggage hassle. Runs every 15-20 min.
Fixed fares to Paris proper. Use official taxi stands only. Surcharge for luggage, nights, Sundays.
Pickup at designated ride-hailing areas. Price varies with demand. Can be cheaper than taxi off-peak.
Orly Airport (ORY)
Orlyval shuttle connects to Antony station for RER B, or take M14 extension (opened 2024) direct to central Paris.
Direct bus to Denfert-Rochereau Métro/RER station.
Fixed fares to Paris proper. Cheaper than CDG taxis.
⚠️ Friendship bracelet scam
Around Sacré-Cœur and Eiffel Tower, someone ties a 'friendship bracelet' on your wrist then demands payment (€10-20).
Keep hands in pockets, firmly say 'Non, merci' and walk away. Do not let anyone touch your wrist.
⚠️ Petition scam
Groups (often near tourist sites) ask you to sign a 'deaf charity' petition, then demand a donation. An accomplice may pickpocket you while distracted.
Politely decline and walk away. Never stop to engage. Keep valuables secure.
⚠️ Gold ring scam
Someone 'finds' a gold ring on the ground near you and offers to sell it. The ring is worthless.
Say 'Non merci' and walk away. Do not engage in conversation.
⚠️ Three-card Monte
Shell game/card trick near tourist areas. The game is rigged and accomplices in the crowd pretend to win.
Never play. Walking away immediately is the best response.
⚠️ Taxi meter scam
Unofficial taxis at airports or tourist spots with no meters or rigged meters charging 2-3x normal fare.
Only use official taxi stands or ride-hailing apps. Confirm the meter is running and starts at the base fare.
✈️ Download Before You Go
Get these apps ready on your phone before boarding
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