Before You Go: A Practical Guide for U.S. Travelers

Planning an international trip can feel overwhelming, but traveling to France is generally very straightforward. To help you prepare, we've gathered some of the most common questions American travelers have before visiting the French Riviera.

A little preparation before you leave home will go a long way—and once you arrive, you'll be free to focus on what really matters: enjoying the Riviera.

✈️ Before You Leave

Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to make sure everything is in order.

Passport & Entry Requirements

• U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.

  
  

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. We also recommend checking that it has at least one or two blank pages for entry stamps if needed.

  
  

• The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be introduced in the future for visa-exempt travelers. If it is in effect when you travel, you'll need to complete a simple online authorization before your departure. We'll update this page if anything changes before the wedding.

  
  

Travel Insurance

While not required, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. It can provide valuable coverage for unexpected flight disruptions, lost luggage, cancellations, or medical emergencies while abroad.

We generally use Seven Corners Travel Insurance when we travel overseas.

📱 Staying Connected

Staying connected in France is easy, and there are several options depending on your travel style.

International Phone Plans

Many U.S. carriers—including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—offer international daily plans that allow you to use your phone much like you would at home. Check with your provider before your trip to see what's included and compare costs.

eSIMs

If your phone supports eSIM technology, this is often one of the easiest and most affordable options.

Popular providers include:

• Airalo

• Holafly

• Orange Holiday Europe

  
  

An eSIM can usually be installed before you leave, so you'll have data as soon as your plane lands.

Wi-Fi & Messaging

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and many public spaces.

You'll also notice that WhatsApp is commonly used throughout Europe for messaging, sharing locations, and even communicating with some hotels or tour providers.

💳 Money & Payments

Paying for everyday purchases in France is simple, and you'll rarely need to carry much cash.

Credit Cards

You'll have no trouble using:

• Visa

• Mastercard

• Apple Pay

• Google Pay

  
  

American Express is accepted at many hotels and upscale restaurants but is less common in smaller cafés, local shops, and family-run businesses.

Should You Carry Cash?

We recommend carrying around €20–€50 in cash.

While most businesses accept cards, some small bakeries, market vendors, cafés, or village boutiques may have a minimum purchase amount for card payments.

ATMs are easy to find throughout the Riviera if you need additional cash.

Tipping

Unlike in the United States, tipping is not expected in France.

Restaurant bills already include service (service compris or TTC), so there is no obligation to leave an additional percentage. If you receive exceptional service, rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is always appreciated, but it's entirely optional.

💊 Pharmacies & Medical Care

One thing that often surprises American visitors is how different French pharmacies are.

Rather than functioning like CVS or Walgreens, pharmacies in France focus almost entirely on health and wellness. Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can often recommend treatments for common illnesses without the need to see a doctor.

Inside you'll typically find:

• Prescription medications

• Over-the-counter medicines

• First aid supplies

• Baby products

• High-quality French skincare

• Vitamins and wellness products

  
  

You won't usually find groceries, snacks, household items, or general convenience-store products.

How to Find a Pharmacy

Look for the illuminated green cross, which is the universal symbol for pharmacies throughout France.

If your nearest pharmacy is closed, don't worry. There is always a pharmacie de garde (on-duty pharmacy) available. Information about the nearest one is typically posted on the pharmacy door.

Emergency Numbers

If you ever need assistance during your stay:

• 112 – European emergency number (works throughout the EU)

• 15 – Medical emergencies (SAMU ambulance service)

• 17 – Police

• 18 – Fire brigade

  
  

💡 A Few Final Tips

A few simple preparations can make your trip even smoother.

✔ Download Google Maps and save offline maps of the French Riviera before you travel (especially if you're planning on hiking or going to remote places)

✔ Download Google Translate—it's surprisingly helpful for reading menus, signs, or product labels.

✔ Bring a Type C or Type E plug adapter for charging your devices.

✔ Pack comfortable walking shoes. Many of the Riviera's most beautiful villages are built on hills with cobblestone streets and staircases.

✔ Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. June is typically warm and sunny, and you'll likely spend plenty of time outdoors.

Most importantly, don't stress too much about the logistics. France is an easy country to explore, especially along the French Riviera, and a little preparation before your trip will let you spend more time enjoying everything the region has to offer.