singlemalt a =E9crit :
> 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 cha=
rge
> 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, et=
c=2E
> 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. Usual=
ly
> 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 a=
re
> 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 convert=
or
> 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.
You may find the "mus=E9e d'Arcy" difficult to locate.
I suggest you go to the Louvre and choose which part you want to see.
It is too big for one visit !
The Egyptian section is what I like best.
Then if you want more, cross the Seine river to Mus=E9e d'Orsay (19t
century art).
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