Paris, France
Do I need to speak French to get around?
It is always great to learn a few basic words in French although many locals speak English well enough especially in the city.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
Travel Insurance is not required but it is recommended. You can purchase travel insurance here
What is common to eat in Paris, France?
Crepes, Baguettes, Croissants, Snails, Ratatouille, Duck Confit and many other delicious foods!
What language is spoken in French?
French.
Do I need a rental car?
No, transportation will be provided to activities and the public transportation is fantastic.
Is tipping expected in Paris?
Service is usually included in the bill at restaurants, but it is common to leave a small tip (5-10%) for excellent service.
What is the currency in Paris?
The currency in Paris is the Euro (€).
Can I drink tap water in Paris?
Yes, tap water in Paris is safe to drink.
What is the dress code in Paris?
Parisians tend to dress stylishly. Casual attire is fine for most tourist activities, but it’s recommended to dress a bit more formally for dining out or visiting more upscale locations.
Is Paris safe for tourists?
Yes, Paris is generally safe, but like any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas where pickpocketing can occur.
Can I use my credit cards in Paris?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Paris, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, especially at markets or smaller cafes.
What public transportation options are available in Paris?
Paris has an excellent public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, and trams. You can buy single tickets or multi-day passes.
Is Paris a good destination for families?
Absolutely! Paris has many family-friendly attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and the Cité des Enfants, a science museum for kids.
What is the local etiquette when dining out?
It’s customary to greet the staff upon entering a restaurant and say "bonjour" (hello) or "bonsoir" (good evening). It's also considered polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting your meal.
Is Wi-Fi available in Paris?
Yes, many cafes, restaurants, and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi. The city also provides free Wi-Fi in certain areas, including parks and public libraries.
Do I need a Visa to visit Paris?
If you are from a Schengen Agreement country, no visa is needed for stays under 90 days. If you're from outside the EU, check the visa requirements specific to your country. Check Here
Spain
What language is spoken in Spain?
The national language of Spain is Spanish.
What is the main currency in Spain?
Euros.
Is Spain safe?
Spain is safe. To avoid incidences refrain from overt displays of wealth, secure valuables in hotel safes, and keep an eye on your personal belongings.
What is the typical food eaten in Spain?
Pan con Tomate, Gambas al Ajillo, Tortilla Espanola, Croquetas, Jamon Iberico, Manchego cheese, Almejas a la Marinera, Paella and so many other delicious foods!
Is tap water safe in Spain?
Yes, Spain's tap water is safe to drink.
What is the time zone in Spain?
Spain operates on Central European Time (CET), which is 8 hours ahead of Salt Lake City Mountain Time.
What is the public transportation like in Spain?
Spain has an extensive public transportation system, including trains, metros, buses, and trams. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona have efficient metro systems, and high-speed trains (AVE) connect major cities.
Can I drink tap water in Spain?
Yes, tap water in Spain is generally safe to drink. However, if you're in a rural area, it's best to check locally.
What are the Visa Requirements?
Check visa requirements here
Portugal
Do I need to speak Portuguese to get around?
It’s always helpful to learn a few basic Portuguese phrases, but many locals in tourist areas speak English well enough for communication.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
Travel Insurance is not required but it is recommended. You can purchase travel insurance here
What is common to eat in Portugal?
Popular Portuguese dishes include bacalhau (salted cod), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), francesinha (a hearty sandwich from Porto), piri-piri chicken, and caldo verde (a traditional soup).
What language is spoken in Portugal?
Portuguese.
Do I need a rental car?
No, transportation will be provided for activities, and Portugal has excellent public transportation, including metros, buses, and trains.
Is tipping expected in Portugal?
Service is usually included in restaurant bills, but leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated for great service.
What is the currency in Portugal?
The currency in Portugal is the Euro (€).
Can I drink tap water in Portugal?
Yes, tap water in Portugal is safe to drink.
What is the dress code in Portugal?
Casual attire is fine for most activities, but if you plan to visit high-end restaurants or religious sites, consider dressing more formally.
Is Portugal safe for tourists?
Yes, Portugal is generally very safe. However, as in any major city, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Can I use my credit cards in Portugal?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in markets or rural areas.
Is Portugal a good destination for families?
Absolutely! Portugal offers many family-friendly attractions such as the Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium), Pena Palace in Sintra, and beautiful beaches along the Algarve coast.
What is the local etiquette when dining out?
It’s polite to greet restaurant staff with “bom dia” (good morning) or “boa tarde” (good afternoon). In Portugal, it’s common to enjoy a relaxed dining experience, so don’t expect rushed service.
Is Wi-Fi available in Portugal?
Yes, many cafes, restaurants, and public areas offer free Wi-Fi, and cities like Lisbon provide public Wi-Fi in certain locations.
Do I need a Visa to visit Portugal?
If you are from a Schengen Agreement country, no visa is needed for stays under 90 days. If you're from outside the EU, check the visa requirements specific to your country.