Your GHIC card (formerly EHIC) is your golden ticket. It’s free and gets you state healthcare in France at the same cost as a local. Apply for it before you go—it’s a post-Brexit thing, and it takes about two weeks to arrive. Don’t have one? Get travel insurance. Seriously. I’m not your mum, but I’m playing her now. Emergency surgery in France can cost thousands. A simple insurance policy costs less than a nice dinner. Buy it.
Also, pack basic medicine. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines—France has pharmacies, but they might have different brand names and you’ll end up trying to explain a headache in mime. Save yourself the embarrassment. And bring a reusable water bottle. Tap water in France is fine, and the heat can sneak up on you. Drink up.
Travel Rules For Uk Citizens Visiting France | QuartzMountain
The “Oh, One More Thing” Section
France operates on Europe 1 sockets (two round pins, 230V). Your UK plugs won’t work. Buy an adapter before you go—they’re cheaper at home and you won’t be hunting through a Parisian bazaar at midnight. Also, download Google Maps offline for your route. French mobile data is fine, but roaming charges are a thing if you’re not careful. Most UK networks include France in their “Roam Like at Home” deals, but check first. A surprise £50 bill is not a souvenir anyone wants.
Lastly, learn a few French phrases. “Bonjour,” “merci,” “s’il vous plaît,” and “un croissant, s’il vous plaît” will get you so far. Even if your pronunciation is terrible (I once asked for a “sweet” instead of a “dirty” wine—don’t ask), the effort alone makes locals smile. They’ll forgive you for being British. Probably.
