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Geography
France is the largest country in Western Europe, (1/5 of the European Union), with a total area of 550,000km©÷, approximately 2.5 times the size of Korea. Water and mountains border France, except the northeast flat lands that border Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
Climate
Due to its mountainous and oceanic regions, the climate in France varies considerably. Western France has an average winter temperature of 6”ĘC, summer temperatures between 15 ~ 19”ĘC, and plenty of rainfall 180 ~ 240 days a year. Eastern France has very cold, snowy winters and humid, rainy summers. Southern France has the mildest temperatures, with short comfortable winters (8”ĘC) and warm summers (23”ĘC). Overall, the average temperature in France is between 15 ~ 20”ĘC, with the highest temperatures in the summer (20 ~ 30”ĘC) and the lowest temperatures in the winter (8 ~ 2”ĘC). Daylight hours are long in the summer months, when the sundown doesn't occur until around 9pm. The winter months are short, but there's heavy rainfall (average annual rainfall between 500 ~ 800mm), with short daylight hours, when sundown occurs around 5pm. |
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Currency
1 FF (French Franc) = 100 Centimes
The main units of currency in France are French Francs and Centimes. Bills come in denominations of 20FF - 50FF - 100FF - 200FF - 500FF. Coins come in denominations of 5 Centimes - 10 Centimes - 20 Centimes - 1/2FF - 1FF - 2FF - 5FF - 10FF - 20FF.
Exchange Rates
1 French Franc = 169 Won (as of June 2001)
$1 US Dollar = 7.7 FF
1 EUR = 6.5 FF
Currency Exchange
It is best to exchange the Korean Won into French Francs before traveling to France. Credit cards and travellers cheques are the preferred forms of payment in France, therefore do not exchange large amounts of cash, and only take what is absolutely necessary.
The Euro
The Euro is Europe's new currency as of January 1,1999 used along with the French Francs and other present forms of currency in several European countries. After December 31st, 2001, Euros will be in effect, not in circulation, but banks will begin to transfer accounts, issue credit cards and travellers cheques in Euros, until February 17th, 2002, French Francs will no longer be used. After June 30th, 2002, Euros will transition into the main currency in all of Europe. |
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Tips
Pourboire (Tip) is not required in France because a 15% service charge is included in the bill. However, for good service, leaving a tip is appropriate.
- Hotel Bell Hops: 5 ~ 10FF
- Barbers & Beauticians: 10 ~ 15FF
- Theater Attendants: 1 ~ 5FF
- Restroom Attendants: 1 ~ 2.50FF
- Porters: 4 ~ 5FF per 1 piece of luggage
Making Purchases/Tax Refund
France is one of the most expensive cities in Europe to shop due to TVA. The TVA is a Value-Added Tax of 19.6% that's included in all prices at restaurants, hotels, and stores. You are eligible for a refund if you meet the following criteria: Purchases worth more than 1200FF & departing a European Union country in less than 3 months. Travelers can request a refund form at the time of purchase. Present the completed form and a valid passport at the Tax Counter and have it stamped by a customs official at the airport before departure. Then insert the stamped form into the indicated post box, located at the airport, and the shop will reimburse you by mail or via a bank transfer. |
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Paris |
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Korean Time - 8 hours
Daylight Savings Time: Korean Time - 7 hours (April ~ October) |
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France |
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85% of the population are Roman Catholics and approximately 2% Protestants. |
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Voltage: 110V / 220V
Travelers from Korea will need an adaptor to use their electrical appliances. |
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The population of France is approximately 60,000,000. |
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French
English is only spoken at airports, large hotels, and at the office of tourism (Office de Tourisme). In the remote areas, French is the only language spoken. Travelers are advised to learn some French to communicate. |
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France is not only the largest country in Western Europe, but also the most diverse. France has become home to millions of immigrants during the past centuries, evident in the country's unique mix of culture, cuisine and the arts. Through its rich history of the French Renaissance Period, the French Revolution, Napoleon's First Empire, all the way through WWI and WWII to the Fifth Republic, France has always remained a powerful and influential force in Europe. |
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| Important Contact Information |
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Korean Embassy in Paris
Address: 125, rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France
(Metro Line 13 to Varenne Station)
Phone: (1) 4753-0101
Hours: 9:30am ~ 12:30pm, 2:30pm ~ 6pm Monday ~ Friday |
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