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ADVISE TRAVEL GUIDE

Macedonia Place to gp Get a adventure in Skopje, Macedonia's capital. There are plenty of attractions to see.

Eat in China Food in China varies widely from region to region so the term "Chinese food" is pretty much a b

Finland Festival New Year Eve & New Year (January 1st) Spirit Day on 6th January Passion Day and Easter

FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE - STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY

World Travel Guide Europe France Stay Safe and Healthy

Picture choosen by: MissKan Kongsom Stay Safe&Healthy in France Stay safe
Crimes
France is rather safe for tourists, but there is still amount of pick pocketing and purse-snatching. You could report the crime to the toll-free number 17.Try to avoid parts of the suburban are sometimes grounds for youth gang violent activities and drug dealing. Common sense applies: it is very easy to spot derelict areas. When it comes to a crowd, crime-related, you should probably not express any opinion on the issue. If driving along the AutoRoutes particulary near Nice be warned of a robbery that has become incresingly common in recent years. Gangs either in cars or on motorcycle surround cars (especially foreign and rental cars) and force them to stop. During this time the crooks
smash your windows and grab what they can. If it appears a gang are attempting that robbery remain calm and keep driving. Get off at the next rest area, these are nearly always well Policed. Gangs will usually give up if you pull into a rest stop. If you are traveling alone, especially if you are a woman, you should avoid using public transportation during the nights (e.g. Noctambus in Paris) especially on links between the city center and the suburbs.
While it is not compulsory for French citizens to carry identification, they usually do so. Foreigners should carry some kind of official identity document. Due to the terrorist factor, police, with the help of military units, are patrolling monuments, the Paris subway, train stations and airports. Depending on the status of the "Vigipirate" plan (anti-terrorist units) it is not uncommon to see armed patrols in those areas. This presence of police is a help for tourists, as it also deters pickpockets and the like; however, suspicious behaviour, public disturbances etc. may result in policemen asking to see an ID.
In France, failing to offer assistance to 'a person in danger' is illegal.

Controlled substances
Carrying or using narcotic substances, from marijuana to hard drugs, is illegal whatever the quantity. The penalty can be severe especially if you are suspected of dealing. France has a liberal policy with respect to alcohol; there are usually no ID checks for purchasing alcohol (if you look older than 18, of course!) However, causing problems due to public drunkenness is a misdemeanor and may result in a night in a police station until the person can behave themselves. Drunk driving is a severe offense and may result in heavy fines and jail sentences.
A little etiquette note: while it is common to drink beer straight from the bottle at informal meetings, doing the same with wine is normally only done by bums (clochards).

Stay healthy
Medical help
The health care in France is considered to be in very high standards. The World Health Organization (WHO) even considers France's health care to be one of the best in the world (In addition, the WHO ranks their health care to be number one). Pharmacies in France are denoted by a green cross, usually in neon. Contrary to the US habit, they don't double as general stores, and only sell medicine, contraceptives and often beauty and related products (though these can be very expensive). Medicines must be ordered from the counter, even for non-prescription medicines. The pharmacist is able to help you about various medicines and can propose you generic drugs.
Since drug brand names vary across countries even though the effective ingredients stay the same, it is better to carry prescriptions using the international nomenclature in addition to the commercial brand name. Prescription drugs, including oral contraceptives (aka "the pill"), will only be delivered if a doctor's prescription is shown. In addition, supermarkets sell condoms (préservatifs) and also often personal lubricant, bandages, disinfectant and other minor medical helps. Préservatif machines are often found outside pharmacies and in bar toilets etc. Medical treatment can be obtained from self-employed physicians, clinics and hospitals. Most general practitioners, specialists (e.g. gynecologists), and dentists are self-employed; look for signs saying Docteur (médicine générale = general practitioner, etc.). The normal
price for a consultation with a general practitioner is €21, though some physicians charge more (this is the full price and not a co-payment). Physicians may also do home calls, but these are more expensive. Residents of the European Union are covered by the French social security system, which will reimburse or directly pay for 70% of health expenses (30% co-payment) in general, though many physicians and surgeons apply surcharges. Other travellers are not covered and will be billed the full price, even if at a public hospital; non-EU travellers should thus probably have a travel insurance covering medical costs. Note, however, that, in general, medical fees in France, even when paying the full price, are low compared to those in the United States.

Emergencies
Hospitals will have an emergency room signposted Urgences.
The following numbers are toll-free:
15 Medical emergencies
17 Law enforcement emergencies (for e.g. reporting a crime)
18 Firefighters
112 European standard emergency numbers.
Operators at these numbers can transfer requests to other services if needed (e.g. some medical emergencies may be answered by firefighter groups).

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited by law in all enclosed spaces accessible to the public (this includes train and subway cars, train and subway station enclosures, workplaces, restaurants and cafés) unless in areas specifically designated for smoking, and there are few of these.
There was an exception for restaurants and cafés, but since the 1st January 2008, the smoking ban law is also enforced there. You may face a fine of €68 if you are found smoking in these places. Smoking is banned in métro and trains, as well as enclosed stations. Subway and train conductors do enforce the law and will fine you for smoking in non-designated places; if you encounter problems with a smoker in train, you may go find the conductor. As hotels are not considered as public places, some offer smoking vs non-smoking rooms.
Only people over the age 16 may purchase tobacco products. Shopkeepers may request a photo ID. Other France Travel Guides Getting There Communication General Information Night Life and Entertainment Accommodation Money Climate Public Holidays Food and Drink Stay Safe and Healthy Getting Around Shopping Key Facts

RECENTLY SUBMITTED IN France

Getting to France Posted by Miss Kan Kongsom on 12 April 2010 04:33:52

France is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement. European visa policy will be covered in the article about the EU. No visa is required for citizens of other EU member states, and those of some selected nations with whom the European Union or France have special treaties can enter... More

Shopping in France Posted by Miss Kan Kongsom on 12 April 2010 04:33:43

Shopping The special purchases for your trip in France will include lace, wines, crystal glass, cheeses, and coffee, etc. Arques, the home of Crystal D'Arques, is situated between St Omer and Calais. Lille, the main town of French Flanders, is known for its textiles, particularly fine lace... More

Nightlife&Entertainment in France Posted by Miss Kan Kongsom on 12 April 2010 04:33:35

There are many lively night clubs in main cities such as Paris, Lyon or Marseille. The drinks are likely to be more expensive. However, most of the entrances are free of charge. Nightclubs can also be found in rural areas even the remotest corners of France. There is no fixed style and music varies ... More

FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE

Paris Accommodation, Communication, General Information