My two cents
"jones" wrote in message
news:538149_7ef50a3ed47269ab83443c62d25597ea@0000.com...
> Hi! My husband and I will be in Paris for a week in May. Our first
> trip to Europe and I have LOTS of questions! ANY and ALL tips and
> information is WELCOME!!!!!! I live in US.
>
> 1. Currency - what is the easiest way to handle this? Take cash and
> convert it? Where would I do that? I called my CC company and they
> charge 3% on everything I charge!! If I take money from an ATM using
> my CC, I'm charged 3% as well, minimum charge of $10! If I take cash
> over then convert it, am I charged a fee?
just like everyone else says, get an ATM, before you leave get about 100 in
Euros for incidentals on the way to you hotel, or whatever
>
> 2. Hotel transfer - Our hotel is in the 14th district, we are flying
> into De Gaulle airport. What would be the easiest, most cost
> effective way to get to hotel?
I wonder why you are staying in the14th unless you have a special deal,
staying with someone. There is a good little two star called Hotel Muguet in
the 7th, and also in the 7th Hotel de France Invalides. I have stayed in
both and can reccommend either one, preferably Muguet
>
> 3. Dinners - how much should I expect to pay for meals? Examples
> would be great!! When we went to Hawaii, I was so shocked by meal
> prices, so I would like to have an idea before hand! :D
Like everyone else says, it's all up and down the scale. Go to Patricia
Wells' website for reviews of all different kinds and prices, from bistros
to haute. Consult her book as well. We ate at several of her places, "Z
Kitchen Gallerie, my favorite. If you are staying at a hotel and they charge
for breakfast consider finding a nearby pastry shop and having pastry and
coffee instead of paying for their breakfast unless it is a terrific one.
Consider going to the grocery and purchasing picnic stuff for lunches, etc.
There are a lot of very reasonably price places in Paris especially when you
get into the neighborhoods. All places have a menu posted outside. Usually
the noon special or the prix fixe is the best deal. I had an omelet in a
bar one AM and it was delicious. Had a coffee and wine with it.
>
> 4. What do people generally shop for in Paris? I have a friend who
> bought over 20 pairs of shoes!!! Is designer apparel less expensive
> over there? Any suggestions on a nice momento to bring home?
I don't shop for much but maybe a very corny t-shirt, and they are in
abundance, or for a pair of Mephisto shoes. They used to be 100$ cheaper in
France than in the US. If you are interested there is a Mephisto shop in
Montparnasse
>
> That's all I can think of right now! I'm sure I'll have more
> questions to come! I did purchase "Paris for Dummies" and a couple
> other books but have found conflicting info so not sure what to go by!
> Thank you!
>
>
> Edited to add:
> Electricity convertor!! I need one!! Where do I go for these? Do
> they work well?
>
Consider that nowadays most hotels provide a hair dryer. Check what you are
taking and see if it works on 220 or whatever they use in France. Ex: my
camera battery charger has a transformer that will work without a convertor
although you still need a plug adaptor and many hotels provide those as
well.
> Computer use. We will not be taking our laptop with us. Are there
> places over there where I can check my email?
As someone else told you there are internet cafes all over. To find one,
stop a young Parisian, college age or younger and ask..They always seem to
know where these things are. Check with your hotel also for internet
access.
>
> Thanks again!
I have been to Paris about 6 times and love it. I like to walk through the
neighborhoods and just poke around. There are several books that have
walking tours of Paris , it might be worth while to look at some. You must
go to Musee D'Arcy ( I am sure it is on your itinerary ) and don't forget to
look at the building , a restored, converted train station.
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