FAQ

Do I need a visa or passport to travel to France?
U.S. citizens with valid passports traveling for tourism or business can enter France without a visa for a period of 90 days within each six-month period.

Make photocopies and write down your passport number, along with the date and place of issuance. Keep this information separate from your passport in case your passport is lost or stolen.

Do not pack your passport in your luggage as you will need it to access customs at the airport.
What is the time difference?
Paris time (Central European Summer Time) is 2 hours ahead of UTC, 6 hours ahead of North American Eastern Daylight Time, and 9 hours ahead of North American Pacific Daylight Time.

Events will be in CEST unless otherwise noted.
What is the temperature in France during the Olympics?
Daily high temperatures increase by 3°F, from 74°F to 77°F, rarely falling below 64°F or exceeding 88°F.
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Daily low temperatures increase by 2°F, from 57°F to 59°F, rarely falling below 51°F or exceeding 66°F. The highest daily average low temperature is 59°F on July 26.
What currency is used in France?
Euro (€): The French currency Bills: 500/200/100/50/20/10/5 Coins: 2€/1€/50 cents/20c/10c/5c/2c/1c The Euro is divided into 100 cents, or centimes.
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U.S. dollars are not accepted in most establishments, though some hotels, shops, and restaurants may accept U.S. dollars at an agreed upon exchange rate.
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1 USD = .93 EUR
1 EUR = 1.08 USD
(as of 7/4/2024)
Are credit cards accepted in France?
Credit cards are accepted in a large number of shops, hotels, and restaurants. Shopkeepers often state a minimum charge.

If you lose your credit card, contact your credit card emergency hot-line immediately to cancel the card.
Are there ATMs in France?
ATMs (known locally as distributeurs automatiques de billets) often have the best exchange rates. Think of withdrawing directly from your savings, not from your credit card, which treats the transaction as a cash advance. If you do plan to obtain cash on your credit cards using an ATM, contact the credit card company for instructions and to let them know your intentions (and that you'll be withdrawing money abroad). Virtually all ATMs in France take MasterCard and Visa, and most are linked to the Cirrus and Plus systems. American Express has ATMs in major cities.
Should I tip for services?
Almost all restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another 2-3% is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (service non compris) a 15% tip is appropriate.
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In hotels, tip porters approximately 1.50€ for each bag and chambermaids 1.50€ a day.
Taxi drivers should be given 10-15% of the metered fare.
Tip hairdressers 10%, assistant 5%.
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Small tips of around 1€ are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour guides. It is standard practice to tip tour guides and bus drivers after an excursion, generally 1.50-3.00€, depending on your level of the satisfaction.
What is VAT/TAX free shopping?
Non-European Union residents over the age of 15 who stay in France or elsewhere in the European Union (EU) for less than six months can get a refund of the value-added tax (VAT, or TVA in French) on purchases amounting to more than 175€ at any single store. In most cases, the refund represents 16.38% of the purchase amount.

When making purchases, ask the store to complete a VAT refund form, then submit the form to customs (within three months of date of purchase) when leaving France or the last EU country you visit. If leaving from an airport, arrive before your check-in time and be prepared to show your purchases. Customs will stamp the form, which must then be mailed to the store where the purchases were made within six months of the date of purchase. Refunds are credited to your credit card account or are sent by mail within a few months. Get more information on tax-free shopping in France.
What are the electricity requirements in France?
Electricity in France runs on a 220-volt, 50-hertz AC current rather than the 110-volt, 60-hertz AC current used in the United States and Canada. France also uses a Type E plug (round pin and receptacle with male grounding pin) versus the Type A/B plug (flat blade/with round grounding pin) in North America.
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If you bring electrical appliances, you will need a plug adapter. You may also require a transformer, although today, most major appliances have one built in. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer.

For France there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. For more information on electricity and adapters, see here.
How will I get to USA Basketball games?
Transportation will be provided by USA Basketball for ticketed guests to attend games in Lille and Paris.
Will public transportation be in service?
For your journeys on public transportation, you will use the Île-de-France Mobilités network, which encompasses all train, RER, metro, tramway, and bus lines in Paris and its surrounding region.
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We invite you to download the "Transport Public Paris 2024" app, which is the official public transportation app developed for the Paris 2024 Games. Start planning your route now to reach your competition venue and access real-time information on transport conditions.
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Download the Transport Public Paris 2024 mobile app: https://jo2024.page.link/default
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Guest buses and trains will be provided to and from USA Basketball games.
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If using France’s public transportation services, make sure to keep your used or “validated” ticket throughout the entire trip. Inspectors conduct intermittent, random checks during travel and upon exit; passengers who fail to present the correct validated ticket are subject to stiff and immediate fines.
Can I use a taxi or rideshare?
Use only authorized taxis or ride share services; G7 is the recommended provider, which in Paris will have an illuminated “Taxi Parisien” sign on the roof and a meter showing the cost of the trip. Taxis can also be hailed using an app or via their website G7 Taxis. G7 taxis accept credit cards.
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When traveling in vehicles, keep the doors locked and valuables out of sight. Ensure that you have all your belongings before exiting your mode of transportation.
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Do not assume cars or cyclists will stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk in Paris. Accidents involving pedestrians and scooters/bicycles occur not only when crossing the street, but also on sidewalks.
How can I retrieve my tickets?
The only way to access your tickets is by downloading the “Paris 2024 Tickets” app on your smartphone and presenting the QR code of your ticket when entering the competition venue.
I've bought tickets for my relatives, how can I transfer them?
As the purchaser, you are the default recipient of the ticket.

However, you can transfer it to another recipient directly through the “Paris 2024 tickets” app now by following the steps below:
- On the app, select the ticket and click on 'transfer'.
- Then click 'continue' after reading the information displayed on the screen.
- Click 'transfer' and select the mode of delivery (email, social media etc...) and the contact to whom you want to transfer the ticket.
- Share the claim link with the recipient.
Your ticket is being transferred: once the ticket is accepted by the recipient, you will be notified.

The ticket transfer functionality may vary depending on the origin of your ticket. If the functionality is not offered to you and you can no longer attend your session, you can return the ticket to the entity that issued it by clicking on 'return'.
What should I do if my internet connection is not available when my ticket is being checked?
A secure QR code will be displayed on your ticket in the application, as the event approaches, to enable you to access the competition site. Activation of this QR code is automatic and does not require an internet connection. It is essential to log in beforehand with your Paris 2024 login details.
Where do I watch USA Basketball events if I’m not attending in-person?
We will be hosting viewing parties for select events at the Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel.
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All Olympic/Paralympic events will be streaming LIVE on Peacock, including Peacock-exclusive events, and Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Plus, watch Full Event Replays, 24/7 Olympics Channels, and documentaries.
What events are happening in Paris?
Check out the day-by-day guide to all 329 medal events here.

For a list of all cultural celebrations and activities before, during, and after the Games, please see here.
Who may I contact for ADA inclusion and mobility concerns or questions?
Please click the link here for information on accessibility arrangements for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
General Medical Reminders
Best practices for traveling with medications and test kits includes:
- Bringing the prescription paperwork written by the physician or paperwork provided by the pharmacy.
- Keeping prescriptions medications in your carry-on luggage or personal bag (never pack them in checked luggage).
- Carrying COVID-19 tests in your carry-on luggage.
For comprehensive travel medication and vaccine recommendations, see the CDC’s traveler health website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/france
general safety reminders
- Paris is considered a safe place for tourists but the advice from the US Embassy to tourists is to be vigilant following the heightened security issues over recent years.
- Significant security measures have been successfully implemented by the Paris police but please consider your safety and that of your colleagues.
IF YOU SEE ANYTHING THAT LOOKS UNUSUAL, PLEASE REPORT
- Contact 112 for general emergency services, 17 for police, and 15 for medical services.
- Review the Country Security Report for France. U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Embassy alerts and to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the U.S. Embassy in France on Facebook and Twitter and monitor local media.
- Traveling in groups can significantly reduce crime and harassment opportunities.
- Maintain a low profile, vary your routine, and be alert to anomalies.
- Avoid walking alone at night, even in tourist areas.
- Avoid protest activity, maintain awareness of your surroundings, monitor local news, and be cognizant of any impacts to routes, public transportation, and your neighborhood.
- Do not take photos or videos of protest participants or the police.
- Minimize displays of affluence, such as expensive watches and jewelry, and carry only what you need for that day. Do not travel with large sums of cash.
- Be wary of where you use and store your laptop or smartphone. Since smart phones and computers—especially Apple products—cost more in France than in the United States, thieves often target these items.
- Keep bookbags and handbags in your line-of-sight and zipped closed.
- Use hotel safe to safeguard any valuable items.
- Attach an ID tag with a legible contact number on your luggage.
- If you are targeted by a robber do not resist; calmly hand over any requested items including valuables.
- Do not leave your drinks unattended or receive drinks from unknown individuals. There have been instances of people drugging drinks to rob or sexually assault victims.
- Use ATMs within secure locations like shopping malls or hotels. Exercise awareness when using ATMs on public streets, even those in banks, due to the possibility of robbery. If the ATM takes your card and does not give it back, go into the bank to report it immediately.
- Social engineering of data for scams and extortion schemes is a cybersecurity issue. In most scams, the victims were targets because of the large amount of personal information available on their social media accounts.
- Do not discuss travel plans, your room number, or any other personal information within earshot of strangers.
Resources for Team USA athletes with children
Please see the guide here for Team USA athletes with children.
What is Team USA House (TUSAH)?
TUSAH is a hospitality experience created specifically for Team USA athletes, alumni, coaches, families, friends, NGBs, donors, corporate partners and VIPs, and has served as a “home away from home” during the Olympic Games since 2002. For more information and operating hours, see here.
Where do I sign up for tours?
Visit the Ki-Nitro desk in the Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel lobby to register for tours. Please note pre-registration is required and tours are subject to availability.

transportation
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dining
ARE TIPS INCLUDED IN RESTAURANT BILLS?
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attractions
WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE EIFFEL TOWER TO AVOID LONG LINES?
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safety
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language
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shopping
ARE SHOPS CLOSED ON SUNDAYS?
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ACCOMMODATION
WHAT IS THE CITY TAX FOR HOTELS IN PARIS?
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which apps should i download prior to travel?
paris 2024 app
Get up to the second medal results, personalized schedules, Games Map, and ticket holder information (coming soon!). This is your go-to resource for the Olympics and Paralympic Games.
paris 2024 ticketing app
This is the ONLY way to access your tickets for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Only tickets on this app are official and authentic, allowing you access to your sessions with a unique and secure QR code. Avoid counterfeits and fully enjoy the Games experience.
PARIS 2024 TRANSPORT PUBLIC APP
‍With the multilingual “Paris 2024 Public Transport” app, you can easily travel to all the Paris 2024 sites. Calculate your route to reach the sites of Paris 2024, receive personalized traffic information on your favorite sites, buy your tickets electronically (From June), and get on the day real time route planning information.
GUIDE FOR TEAM USA ATHLETES WITH CHILDREN
The Guide for Athletes with Children at Paris 2024 has been created to provide transparency and clarity into what resources and support are available to Team USA athletes with children, competing in Paris 2024, including those who are nursing, so athletes can best prepare to meet their own expectations and expectations of their families. The guide will include information on family gathering spaces, village nursery information, lactation space information, and additional resources available.

download here
Up-to-Date Schedule & Venue Information
Check out the day-by-day guide to all 329 medal events below. The schedule information here should be considered preliminary and not definitive; the competition schedule is subject to change until the end of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Last updated 19 March 2024.All times listed here are Paris time (Central European Summer Time), except where indicated otherwise.CEST is 2 hours ahead of UTC, 6 hours ahead of North American Eastern Daylight Time, and 9 hours ahead of North American Pacific Daylight Time.
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‍https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule
competition venues
The 329 medal events that comprise the 2024 Olympic Games program and 550 medal events that comprise the Paralympic Games will be held at 41 competition venues. A venue map as well as visuals for all Paris 2024 sites can be found here
‍https://press.paris2024.org/visuals-and-maps.html
Champions Park - Olympic Only
Positioned at Trocadéro, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Champions Park will be the go-to destination for sports fans from around the world to meet up and celebrate the medal-winning athletes, their achievements, and all the incredible stories that will mark the Games.

For the first time in the history of the Summer Games, all the medal winners will be invited to meet and celebrate with thousands of fans at Trocadéro, in the heart of Paris, in a magnificent space which will be freely accessible to all.
additional paris venues
For additional non-competition venues, please visit the following link
‍https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/the-games/celebrating/celebrating-the-games
Paris 2024 Bag Policies
A list of prohibited items and other event specific information can be found here https://tickets.paris2024.org/en/sales-terms/?affiliate=24R. Each venue in Paris will have different bag policies, so it is important to understand what you’re able to bring ahead of time. All ticket holders should receive more info for their specific venue when they receive their reminder emails in advance.
accessbility information
For all information regarding your traveling through Paris, traveling to your competition venues, and services available at competition venues, please visit the following link.
‍https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/spectator/practical-information-accessibility
Watching the Olympics/Paralympics on TV
All Olympic/Paralympic events will be streaming LIVE on Peacock, including Peacock-exclusive events, and Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Plus, watch Full Event Replays, 24/7 Olympics Channels, and documentaries.
Order of Ikkos
Athletes can invite friends & family to Team USA House to participate in the awarding of the Order of Ikkos for those who medal for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Below are ticket allocations for each Team USA medalist and how many complimentary tickets they will receive for their Ikkos ceremony. More details to come via the app once we have the information to update.
Order of Ikkos
- Up to 20 passes for individual.
- Up to 40 passes for teams with 2-5 members
- Up to 60 passes for teams with 6-11 members
- Up to 80 passes for teams with 12 or more members
culture celebration calendar
For a list of all cultural celebrations and activities before, during, and after the Games, please visit https://olympiade-culturelle.paris2024.org/carte