France Road Signs                                       Stop Sign           Yield    No Traffic At All         No Car or            Bikes                                            No Parking       Stop Light      Approaching       Crosswalk  Danger Unknown                                             Prohibited       Intersection       Parking Lot     Yield to Left                                           Speed Limit   You Have Rt.of  Way Next Inter.     Obligation Do      As Directed    Road Narrows                                           Road Narrows      - Both Sides       No Passing    Danger Children         Present        No Entry                                                Oncoming           Traffic        Parking,    Start and End      Double Curve     Right of Way        in Black                                                 RR Crossing         No Gate        Danger RR         Crossing      Danger Tram        Crossing         Unguarded        RR Crossing

Credit Cards:  First and most importantly be sure that you notify your credit card companies that you'll be traveling to France [some will ask you for contact info], this is normal now.  Or you'll be in France without the use of your credit cards!  This is for your security as well as the credit card company to avoid theft and use of credit cards.

Above, I mentioned the rental car insurance offered by some credit cards.  You should also check on how much you will be charged when you get cash at a European ATM.  Some credit cards will sock it to you with ‘cash advance’ charges, and ‘conversion’ charges [dollars to euros and vice-versa] and a myriad of other charges.  Check with the issuing bank.  If you have several credit cards, check all of their rates.  The range in conversion rates, and other charges, between banks is considerable.  It is also possible that some European ATMs are more economical to use than others.

Some credit cards are virtually useless in Europe.  Unless you are a high roller, very few establishments accept American Express and fewer still ATMs respond kindly to its use.  The exception will be hotels and restaurants, but I'd carry a VISA or MasterCard just to be safe.  And, Discover Card is somewhat unknown there, but check with hotels etc. about these two cards, perhaps things have changed.

If you’re thinking about carrying American Express ‘money’ or some other type of Traveler’s Cheques, forget it!  They are more hassle, trying to get people to accept them, than they’re worth.  The best strategy is to buy enough Euros, before leaving for Europe, to get you from the Arrival airport to your first hotel.  A hundred Dollars worth of Euros should do the trick.  Use the bank ATMs [you can find all VISA and MasterCard ATMS HERE], they have the best exchange rates, and they're always easy to find..  And, before returning home, use up all your remaining Euros; if you have to change them at a bank back home, you’ll pay dearly.  I normally save some Euros for my next trip.

Travel Insurance is a must have today -- read WHY!  It isn't a necessity unless your insurance doesn't cover you abroad.  However you will find that most U.S. insurance companies today do not cover you outside of the U.S.  Check both medical and automobile insurance coverage.  Unlike most travel insurance plans, you can find inexpensive all inclusive Travel Insurance for your needs, including people with Diabetes.  Most automobile insurance agencies don't cover you abroad, however some of your credit cards do [check with them on money conversion rates too!].  So call your credit card company and find out exactly if you're covered overseas, and who you need to contact in case of an emergency.  Do the same with your medical insurance. Be prepared, because things do happen, it's a simple fact of life! 
 

© Copyright 1999 - 2008 by Sharon Atchley.  All rights reserved.  Updated:  10/16/2008