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Country Commercial Guides FY 2000: France Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Paris, released July 1999 Note*

CHAPTER IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL

Although French executives are becoming increasingly international in their outlook, Americans will occasionally encounter differences in business practices and cultural standards. Attention to the following points may improve the chances of a successful business trip to France.

A. Business Etiquette

The most important characteristics of French business behavior are its emphasis on courtesy, and a certain formality. Appointment schedules and hierarchical titles are to be respected and correspondence--whether by mail or by fax--should be acknowledged promptly. A hand-shake is customary upon initiating and closing a business meeting, accompanied by an appropriate greeting. Professional attire is expected.

Today, many French executives put less emphasis on long, heavy business lunches for reasons of health and time. Nevertheless, informal business discussions in restaurants where everyone appreciates a good meal are one of the best ways to promote good working relations.

The working days abutting the French holidays and vacation periods are not "prime time" for business meetings; this could include the month of August and the several vacation periods between Christmas and Easter. Business hours in France are generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (banking hours 9:00-4:30) Monday through Friday while stores are generally open 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. To ensure availability, advance appointments are recommended.

B. Entry of persons and things

Every U.S. citizen entering France must present a valid American passport; for stays of less than 3 months there is no requirement for visas, entry permits or health certificates.

Bona fide personal effects in a visitor's luggage (or hand-carried) are not normally subject to customs duties nor the 20.6 percent value-added tax. Items to be declared, however, include those intended to be left in France, goods for professional/commercial use as well as any prohibited items. Goods imported for exhibition may enter under bond, deposit or an ATA carnet. Professional equipment may be temporarily imported into France free of duty and tax under the Customs Convention on Temporary Importation of Professional Equipment; the appropriate carnet may be obtained from the U.S. Council of the International Chamber of Commerce.

C. Electrical Characteristics/Communications

Electric current in France is 220 volts AC, 50 cycles. A transformer is needed for most U.S. electrical equipment and appliances.

Telecommunications to and from Paris compare favorably with those in any large U.S. city. A direct-dial telephone system links France to the U.S. and most of the world. Calls to the States may be charged to international telephone cards such as AT&T, MCI and Sprint; international directory inquiries may be reached by dialing 0-800-99-00-11 (AT&T Direct U.S. operator). Most public phones in France are equipped for the convenient "Telecartes" (pre-paid cards) available in tobacco shops, post offices and subway/railway stations at 50 francs for 50 units.

D. Transportation

Frequent direct air service is available to many U.S. and French cities. The two airports serving Paris--Charles De Gaulle (Roissy) and Orly--are easily accessible by excellent bus (Air France) and rail service. The French railway system is among the best in the world; its efficient network ties in conveniently with public transportation in most French cities.

Buses and the Metro (subway) may be crowded during rush hours but they provide fast and efficient service, however, a word to the wise: as in many large cities world-wide, one should be alert to the dangers of pick-pockets while in public places.

E. Climate and Clothing

France's climate is temperate which varies somewhat from north to south. Rain is frequent and most experienced travelers carry collapsible umbrellas. Average temperatures in Paris range from 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees F) in mid-summer to 6 Celsius (43 degrees F) in winter. Collar, tie and a dark business suit for men are very useful, especially in Paris. For women, similar attire is appropriate, but it should be noted that women in France do not dress as conservatively as in the U.S.

F. Bed and Board in Paris

February 1998 estimates of the Department of State for reasonable lodging and meal/incidental expenses for a business traveler are respectively $151 and $96, per day. One could pay less or a great deal more than this $247 amount.

In France the ground floor in buildings is identified as "RC" (Rez-de-Chaussee) and the next floor up is considered the first floor.

Tipping in France is largely optional since a 15 percent service charge is normally included in restaurant bills. Small, additional tips are often left for particularly good service. Parisian taxi drivers may be tipped by rounding up the payment to include up to 10 percent of the fare. At no time in France are tips obligatory.

G. Commercial Language

While French is the official language in France, many business people speak English. Product literature, correspondence and negotiations in the French language provide a distinct advantage over competitors who use only English. It should be noted that other EU suppliers are accustomed to dealing in the French language.

H. Useful Addresses

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
U.S. Embassy
2, avenue Gabriel
75382 Paris Cedex 08
TEL: (33) 1.43.12.22.45
FAX: (33) 1.43.12.26.62
Internet: http://www.amb-usa.fr/fas/fas/htm
E-mail: fasparis@compuserve.com

The Commercial Service (CS)
U.S. Embassy
2, avenue Gabriel
75382 Paris Cedex 08
TEL: (33) 1.43.12.22.22
FAX: (33) 1.43.12.21.72
Internet: http://www.ita.doc.gov/uscs
E-mail: Paris.Office.Box@mail.doc

American Hospital in Paris
63, boulevard Victor Hugo
92202 Neuilly sur Seine
Telephone: (33) 1.46.41.25.25
(24-hour English-speaking medical and dental emergency service;
credit cards accepted.)

Emergency Medical Team and Ambulance (SAMU)
Telephone: 15 or (33) 1.45.67.50.50

Police Department
Telephone: 17

Fire Department
Telephone: 18

I. French Holidays

January 1, 2000     New Year's Day
April 24, 2000      Easter Monday
May 1, 2000      Labor Day
May 8, 2000      Veterans' Day (WWII)/Ascension Day
June 1,2000     Ascension Day
June 12,2000      Whit Monday
July 14, 2000      French National Day
August 15, 2000     Assumption Day
November 1, 20000      All Saints' Day
November 11, 2000      Veterans' Day (WWI)
December 25, 2000     Christmas