10 Things You Must Take To France
A checklist for your French property viewing trip
The Usual Stuff:
1) Your passport
• Must be valid for the entire length of your stay; if you are a British Citizen you will not need a visa for France.
2) Train/plane/ferry tickets
• You won't get there without them. Enough said.
3) Documentation
• Take all the documentation relating to your hotel/rental car arrangements in case of problems.
• Don't forget detailed maps and directions to your hotel and the contact details of the agent, Sextant Properties and of course any family and friends who'll be at expecting a postcard.
4) Money
• Take a combination of cash and debit/credit cards.
• Drawing money out of an ATM with a debit card once abroad is the cheapest way to get foreign currency at the moment, but beware of possible charges for foreign withdrawals; Both Nationwide and the Post Office offer accounts where no such charges are made.
• If you buy on a credit card you will be charged less for using your card abroad (compared with a debit card) and will be protected if you purchase any faulty goods worth between £100 and £30,000 under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
• Top tip – Informing your bank of your travel dates and destinations can prevent a call from the fraud squad and/or a block being placed on your card when your bank registers your first transaction in France.
5) European Health Insurance Card & travel insurance
• Make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card; If the worst happens this piece of plastic will allow you to receive emergency medical care at reduced cost – or sometimes for free – with any expenditure reimbursed by the NHS (just make sure you keep any paperwork relating to your treatment, feuilles de soins etc).
Apply for your FREE EHIC by phoning 0845 606 2030, completing an application form at the Post Office or by going to https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do
• Don't forget travel insurance; The EHIC will not cover medical repatriation costs, ongoing treatment, non-urgent treatment nor any other costs which may arise as a result of illness or an accident whilst in France (such as accommodation for a partner) as travel insurance will. Travel insurance will also cover you for things such as trip cancellation, baggage loss and personal liability.
6) Prescription medicines
• Take any prescription medication you will require during your trip with you in its original packaging bearing your name, the dosage and the prescribing doctor (as well as a copy of your prescription).
• Carry it in your hand luggage to avoid missing any doses in the event that your checked luggage gets lost or misdirected.
• If you wear glasses or contact lenses you should also bring a copy of your prescription and/or extra pairs.
• Seek advice from your doctor, the travel agent, the airline or the French embassy if you have any queries.
Other Essentials, Specific to French Property Viewing Trips
7) Photocopies
• You will need copies of your passport(s), your birth certificate(s) and your marriage certificate (if applicable) to sign the compromise de vente if you happen to find the home of your dreams.
8 ) French / English dictionary
• Always a good idea, whether you are fluent or not; after all, you never know when you might need to know the French for ‘are the helipad and private golf course included in the guide price?'
9) Mobile phone and charger / alarm clock
• A mobile will enable the agent to contact you and can double up as an alarm clock to ensure you don't sleep through that all important appointment.
And lastly…
10) Your toothbrush!!
The Usual Stuff:
1) Your passport
• Must be valid for the entire length of your stay; if you are a British Citizen you will not need a visa for France.
2) Train/plane/ferry tickets
• You won't get there without them. Enough said.
3) Documentation
• Take all the documentation relating to your hotel/rental car arrangements in case of problems.
• Don't forget detailed maps and directions to your hotel and the contact details of the agent, Sextant Properties and of course any family and friends who'll be at expecting a postcard.
4) Money
• Take a combination of cash and debit/credit cards.
• Drawing money out of an ATM with a debit card once abroad is the cheapest way to get foreign currency at the moment, but beware of possible charges for foreign withdrawals; Both Nationwide and the Post Office offer accounts where no such charges are made.
• If you buy on a credit card you will be charged less for using your card abroad (compared with a debit card) and will be protected if you purchase any faulty goods worth between £100 and £30,000 under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
• Top tip – Informing your bank of your travel dates and destinations can prevent a call from the fraud squad and/or a block being placed on your card when your bank registers your first transaction in France.
5) European Health Insurance Card & travel insurance
• Make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card; If the worst happens this piece of plastic will allow you to receive emergency medical care at reduced cost – or sometimes for free – with any expenditure reimbursed by the NHS (just make sure you keep any paperwork relating to your treatment, feuilles de soins etc).
Apply for your FREE EHIC by phoning 0845 606 2030, completing an application form at the Post Office or by going to https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do
• Don't forget travel insurance; The EHIC will not cover medical repatriation costs, ongoing treatment, non-urgent treatment nor any other costs which may arise as a result of illness or an accident whilst in France (such as accommodation for a partner) as travel insurance will. Travel insurance will also cover you for things such as trip cancellation, baggage loss and personal liability.
6) Prescription medicines
• Take any prescription medication you will require during your trip with you in its original packaging bearing your name, the dosage and the prescribing doctor (as well as a copy of your prescription).
• Carry it in your hand luggage to avoid missing any doses in the event that your checked luggage gets lost or misdirected.
• If you wear glasses or contact lenses you should also bring a copy of your prescription and/or extra pairs.
• Seek advice from your doctor, the travel agent, the airline or the French embassy if you have any queries.
Other Essentials, Specific to French Property Viewing Trips
7) Photocopies
• You will need copies of your passport(s), your birth certificate(s) and your marriage certificate (if applicable) to sign the compromise de vente if you happen to find the home of your dreams.
8 ) French / English dictionary
• Always a good idea, whether you are fluent or not; after all, you never know when you might need to know the French for ‘are the helipad and private golf course included in the guide price?'
9) Mobile phone and charger / alarm clock
• A mobile will enable the agent to contact you and can double up as an alarm clock to ensure you don't sleep through that all important appointment.
And lastly…
10) Your toothbrush!!
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