Information On France To Help You Settle In

Getting yourself set up in a new country takes time and research. Here’s some information on France to get you started when relocating to France.

Relocating to France - Important Information

There are a variety of ways for expats to get their language skills up to scratch. Residential, intensive study programs are available across France. Evening classes and part time study are also widely available, as well as online classes and resources to help you understand the basics. Of course the best way to improve your skills is by immersing yourself in local life and speaking to the French people.

Information on France - Keeping in Touch

A telephone line needs to be organised through France Telecom to enable a telephone and internet connection (except in some highly populated locations where you can separate the line and internet connection).

Internet in France is available through France Telecom or a third party provider in the form of dial up, ISDN, cable/satellite or ADSL. If you live in a rural area it is wise to check the availability of broadband.

Mobile phones in France operate within the GSM networks so your phone from the US, or some parts of Asia, might not work by default. Again, if you are living in a rural area, check the coverage before you sign up to a provider.

Informtion on France - French Education System

Schooling in France is through both public and private schools and around 20% of students attend the latter, which tend to be catholic schools. There are also a number of international schools in France that offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Education in France is compulsory from the age of six up to sixteen.

Informtion on France - France Healthcare System

Healthcare in France is excellent and based on contributions through the social security system.

EU citizens temporarily qualify for free use of the healthcare system. Non-EU citizens must be registered in the French social security system to qualify for healthcare, unless there is a reciprocal health agreement. To do this you must be employed or be living with, or married to, a French resident. You are then entitled to basic state cover, which amounts to 80% of healthcare costs being reimbursed.

If you are not registered in the French social security system you should consider private health insurance. Even if you have basic state cover, you may wish to top up your cover to 100% with a private healthcare insurer like a majority of French people.

Informtion on France - French Banking

To open a bank account you will need your passport, residency card and proof of ID. If you cannot show a residency card then you will be allowed to open a non-resident account that provides no form of credit.

The main banks in France are Crédit Agricole, Caisse d’Epargne, BNP Paribas and Société Générale. You can also open an account with La Poste (the Post Office).

Information on France -French Television

The French dub television programs so there is little to see in the way of English language programs. You will need satellite TV to receive programs in languages other than French.

You also need to buy a TV licence (€118 in 2010), which covers all of your televisions, wherever they are located.