In any type of crisis, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Your country’s embassy abroad is usually your best resource in an emergency; registering with that embassy upon arrival in the country is a good idea. The government offices listed in the Travel Advisories box can provide information on the services they offer their citizens in case of emergencies abroad.
La police in France are generally very responsive to requests for help. The emergency call number is ☎17. The legal blood-alcohol level for driving is 0.05%, 0.03% less than in New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, and the US—so exercise caution when getting behind the wheel.
Possession of illegal drugs (including marijuana) in France can result in a substantial jail sentence or fine. Police may arbitrarily stop and search anyone on the street. Prescription drugs—particularly insulin, syringes, or narcotics—should be left in their original, labeled containers and accompanied by their prescriptions and a doctor’s statement. In case of arrest, your home country’s consulate can suggest attorneys and inform your family and friends but can’t get you out of jail. For more info, US citizens can contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services (☎+1-202-501-4444; http://travel.state.gov">http://travel.state.gov">http://travel.state.gov).
The French love alcohol, but they drink carefully. Though there is no law prohibiting open containers, drinking on the street is considered uncouth. Restaurants may serve alcohol to anyone 16 years old or older. Though mention of France often conjures images of black-clad smokers in berets, France no longer allows smoking in public places as of 2008. The government has no official policy on berets.
In France, past demonstrations by students, labor groups, and other routine protesters have grown into more violent confrontations with the police. In 2006, opponents of a controversial labor deregulation bill sparked protests throughout France in February, March, and April. Millions of young protesters converged on France’s urban centers to show their dissatisfaction in demonstrations. Although tensions have calmed somewhat, protests are a common threat in France. The most common form of violence when demonstrations get out of hand is property damage, and tourists typically are not targets, but travelers are still advised to avoid demonstrations. In general, use common sense in conversation and, as in dealing with any sensitive cultural issue, be respectful of other political and religious perspectives.
Terrorism has not been as serious a problem in France as in other European countries, but after September 11, 2001, the French government heightened security in public places. For example, most train stations no longer permit luggage storage. Still, Al Qaeda cells, as well as other terrorist groups, have been identified in France. In addition, France has had tense relationships with Algeria since its colonial period, a situation that has been a source of sporadic violent outbursts. Domestic anti-Semites have firebombed several Jewish synagogues in the past few years. The box below lists offices to contact and webpages to visit to get the most updated list of your home country’s government’s advisories about travel.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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