Paris
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 https://www.travelexinsurance.com/homepage?location=44-0110&go=bp
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. https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
Amsterdam
Do I need to speak Dutch to get around?
It’s always great to learn a few basic Dutch phrases, but most locals in Amsterdam speak English fluently, so getting around without Dutch won’t be an issue.
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 Amsterdam?
Traditional Dutch foods include stroopwafels, herring, bitterballen, poffertjes, and Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam.
What language is spoken in Amsterdam?
Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Do I need a rental car?
No, you don’t need a rental car. Amsterdam has excellent public transportation, including trams, buses, and trains. It’s also very bike-friendly, with bike rentals widely available.
Is tipping expected in Amsterdam?
Service charges are typically included in the bill, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5-10%) for good service is appreciated.
What is the currency in Amsterdam?
Can I drink tap water in Amsterdam?
Can I drink tap water in Amsterdam?
Yes, tap water in Amsterdam is safe to drink and of excellent quality.
What is the dress code in Amsterdam?
Casual attire is fine for most activities, but if you plan to visit upscale restaurants or venues, smart-casual clothing is recommended.
Is Amsterdam safe for tourists?
Yes, Amsterdam is generally safe. However, be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and follow traffic rules, especially when cycling.
Can I use my credit cards in Amsterdam?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Amsterdam. However, some smaller establishments may only accept local debit cards or cash, so it’s good to carry a small amount of cash.
What public transportation options are available in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a reliable public transportation network, including trams, buses, ferries, and metro services. You can purchase single-use tickets or a multi-day travel pass.
Is Amsterdam a good destination for families?
Absolutely! Family-friendly attractions include the Artis Zoo, NEMO Science Museum, and canal cruises.
What is the local etiquette when dining out?
It’s polite to greet restaurant staff with "hallo" (hello) or "goedemiddag" (good afternoon) when entering. At the end of your meal, it’s common to ask for the bill by saying "de rekening, alstublieft."
Is Wi-Fi available in Amsterdam?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, restaurants, and public spaces. The city also offers free Wi-Fi at some hotspots.
Do I need a Visa to visit Amsterdam?
If you’re from a Schengen Agreement country, no visa is needed for stays under 90 days. For others, check your country’s visa requirements here