Die Zufahrtsmöglichkeiten
Geld / Steuern
Currency:
Since January 1, 2002 people from European countries which have converted to the Euro (€) no longer have a currency problem. This new currency can therefore be used in 12 European countries (national currencies are no longer in circulation).
For others, euros can be bought in banks or at specialized booths (each resort has at least one booth).
Automatic booths can be found almost everywhere in the different resorts.Bank opening hours:
Banks are usually open from 10 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Saturday (they usually close between 1 pm and 3 pm). Be aware that on days preceding bank holidays banks often close earlier than usual.
Foreign exchange:
Foreign exchange operations are done in all foreign exchange offices, banks and certain post offices. Foreign exchange offices can also be found in train stations, airports and near to tourist areas. Be aware that even if the exchange rate is fixed, the commission depends on the bank. It must therefore be clearly posted.
To know the exchange rate between the Euro and your currency, check your local stock exchange websites.
Bank cards:
They are accepted in many shops, hotels and restaurants. Shopkeepers often post a minimum spending amount.
If you loose your card, counter it as soon as possible. In order to do this, telephone your local customer service centre according to your type of card:
Eurocard-Mastercard: 01 45 67 84 84 http://www.eurocardmastercard.tm.fr/
Visa: 01 42 77 45 45 http://www.carte-bleue.com/
Diners club: 01 47 62 75 75 http://www.dinersclub.fr/
American Express: 01 47 77 72 00 http://www.americanexpress.fr/
Taxes:
In France, there are three applicable VAT rates:
- The normal rate of 19.6% which applies to all sales of goods or services except for those that are subjected by law to another rate;
- The reduced rate of 5.5% for essential products and products for regular consumption: unprocessed food products for example, as well as certain cultural items such as books.
- The super-reduced rate of 2.1%, which only concerns very few categories of goods, for example drugs that are reimbursable by Social Security, press publications and the ticket offices of the first 140 theatre presentations of work newly created or presented in a new production.
Please note that in all commercial places, posted prices include the applicable VAT. Prices therefore are inclusive of tax.
