Today's Date:

Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, stores and shops.
To report a lost card, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, tel. : Mastercard :08.00.90.13.87
Visa : 08.36.69.08.80 (or cal collect to the United States 410/581-3836)
American Express : 01.47.77.72.00
Diner’s Club : 01.49.06.17.50

Non-European residents who stay in France less than six months can get a refund of the Value-Added Tax (VAT or TVA in French) on purchases amounting to € 183 or more. When making purchases, ask the store to complete a VAT refund form, then submit the form to customs when leaving France (be prepared to show the goods). Customs will stamp the form, which then must be mailed to the store where purchases were made. Refunds are credited to your credit card account or sent to you by mail.

As a rule, prices for hotels and restaurants in the French regions, and for other goods and services -- major cities included -- are significantly less expensive than in Paris.

There are also significant discounts for senior citizens, students and children under 18 for domestic transportation, museums and monuments for some leisure activities like the movies.

RESTAURANTS : Restaurants usually charge for meals in two ways: a prix-fixe menu (also called a "menu"). This includes 2 or 3 courses, with cheese and/or dessert, and sometimes a half-bottle of wine -- all for a stated price -- or ordering "a la carte" - The more expensive way, with each course ordered separately.

CAFES : Prices at cafes can vary considerably depending on the location of a particular cafe as well as where one is seated in the establishment. Prices in areas that attract a high volume of tourists (for example, the vicinity of the Champs-Elysees, around Notre Dame) tend to be more expensive. Every cafe has different prices depending on whether one stands at the counter or sits at a table.

For more information: www.francetourism.com