Passport & Visa
British and other EU nationals require a full valid passport; other nationals are advised to contact the French Embassy, 58 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7JT (0207 2011000)
Vaccinations
None required, but please check with your GP or visit www.dh.gov.uk
Currency
The currency is the euro (€) – there are seven banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500, and eight coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cent and €1 and €2. The notes are identical in all the countries with the euro currency although each country has their own coins. However, all notes and all coins can be used throughout the euro area (i.e. a French euro coin can be used in Germany). ATM’s (cash machines) are generally available in most tourist areas, but ask your British bank about withdrawal charges, as these can be heavy, especially if you withdraw only a small amount of cash. Travellers’ cheques are still the safest way to carry money and can be obtained in sterling or euro denominations. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops in the tourist areas. Remember to make a record of your credit card or travellers cheques numbers and the emergency phone number for cancelling your card or cheques, should you need to.
Local time - GMT + 1
Tourist Information -
Calais, Office de Tourisme, 12, Boulevard Clémenceau, 62100 Calais (0033 3 21 96 62 40)
Calais, Côte d’Opale Tourist Office, Boulevard du Parc, 62231 Coquelles (0033 3 21 96 23 15)
British Honorary Consul, Calais, (0033 3 21 96 33 76)
British Consulate General, 11 square Dutilleul, 59800 Lille, (0033 3 20 12 82 72)
Mobile phones - For details of roaming implications, please contact your service provider.
Personal Safety, please note the following:
- Leave all valuables, passports, tickets, credit cards and money etc in the hotel safe; only carry with you what you need for that day.
- Be aware of pickpockets, especially in tourist areas, on public transport, markets etc.
- When leaving a car, do not leave anything visible.
- If anything is stolen, please ensure you receive a police report.
For further detailed information on specific destinations, please visit the Foreign Office website.
