Moving to France & Living in France

  • US driver’s license in France

    US driver’s license in France

    This FAQ answers questions about driving in France with a US driver’s license. How long is your foreign license valid in France? Can you exchange your US DL for a French one? Can you rent a car in France with a US DL?

  • Taxes for Americans in France

    Taxes for Americans in France

    Learn about filing taxes as an American expat in France. This guide teaches you how to be compliant with the IRS requirements.

  • Renting in France

    Renting in France

    Learn the ins and outs of renting in France. How to search for a rental? What charges and fees do you have to pay as a tenant? Should you get a renter’s insurance?

  • Port your US phone number to Google Voice

    Port your US phone number to Google Voice

    This article describes how to port a U.S. phone number to a Google Voice number. Thanks to Google Voice, you can keep your U.S. phone number while living abroad.

  • Phone carriers in France

    Phone carriers in France

    This comprehensive guide explains how phone plans work in France. Learn what to look for before signing up for a plan, how to keep your phone number, avoiding roaming fees or how to cancel your phone subscription in France…

  • Opening a bank account in France as an American

    Opening a bank account in France as an American

    How to bank in France as an American? Why would you need a French bank account? What are the different types of accounts?

  • Medical prescriptions in France

    Medical prescriptions in France

    This articles covers all aspects of French medical prescriptions: what’s on it? Do they expire? Are they valid outside France?

  • Internet providers in France

    Internet providers in France

    Where do you start when you are ready to setup internet at your new place? Which provider should you pick? What are the different fees involved? Is it easy to cancel your internet subscription? Read this guide to get your questions answered.

  • How to write numbers in French

    How to write numbers in French

    Learn how to write numbers in French. This articles compares writing numbers in French with writing numbers in American English.

  • How to use FranceConnect

    How to use FranceConnect

    FranceConnect is France ID validation system. Find out who can use FranceConnect and how to use it. Learn some workarounds for foreigners who can’t create a FranceConnect+ account.

  • How to use a Wise bank account abroad

    How to use a Wise bank account abroad

    Find out why opening a Wise bank account is highly convenient for expats. Living abroad means that you’ll need to transfer money from your home country to your new place. Find out the benefits of using Wise as an expat.

  • Going to the doctor in France

    Going to the doctor in France

    This article tells you what to expect when you go to the doctor in France and how to make a doctor appointment.

  • Getting a driver’s license in France in 4 steps

    Getting a driver’s license in France in 4 steps

    This handbook gives you precise instructions on how to get a French driver’s license as an American.

  • French road signs

    French road signs

    Driving in France? Learn French road signs visually with side-by-side American-French traffic sign pictures and their meanings in English.

  • French Pharmacy

    French Pharmacy

    French pharmacies are very different from American pharmacies and I’ll tell you how in this article.

  • French naming conventions

    French naming conventions

    This article talks about French naming conventions. Can French give any last name to their child? Why is your maiden name on your French DL?

  • French greetings—Bonjour!

    French greetings—Bonjour!

    Learning French greetings in both formal and casual settings is essential when moving to France. Find out why you should never skip Bonjour and memorize a few French sentences to use when heading out.

  • French glossary of health professionals

    This French glossary of health professionals with their English translations will help you navigate the French Healthcare system.

  • French driving test

    French driving test

    Learn the ins and outs of the French driving test: Should you use a driving school? How many points do you need to pass the French written test? Can you take the written test in English?

  • French driver’s license

    French driver’s license

    Are you familiar with the French driving point system? This article explains how to check your points or contest a a traffic fine. You’ll also learn about probationary permits and how to order a new driver’s license.

  • French documents—Justificatifs

    French documents—Justificatifs

    France is overly bureaucratic, to say the least. Getting familiar with French administrative documents will help you conquer French bureaucracy.

  • French air quality certificate

    French air quality certificate

    Do you need an air quality certificate in France? Read this FAQ to make sure you comply with the anti-pollution law when driving in France.

  • French accent names and punctuation marks

    Learn the names (in French) of the different accents and punctuation signs.

  • France bank RIB

    France bank RIB

    A bank RIB is one of the most commonly requested document in France. Learn what a RIB is, how to use it and why you need a RIB in France.

  • eSIM France—best prepaid eSIM

    eSIM France—best prepaid eSIM

    Get a prepaid eSIM for France to have a French phone number as soon as you land! Learn about the advantages of dual SIM functionality when traveling abroad.

  • Diseases in French

    This French glossary lists the most current illnesses (including kids diseases) with their English translations.

  • Dental terms in French

    This French glossary contains terms related to dental and oral care. Use it when you visit your dentist in France.

  • Can you use a US cell phone in France?

    Can you use a US cell phone in France?

    Make sure that your U.S. cell phone can work in France. Find out why you should keep a U.S. number when living abroad.

  • Best mutuelle in France

    Best mutuelle in France

    This is a comprehensive guide to help you pick a top-up insurance in France. Learn how to read benefit charts to get the best mutuelle.

  • Best French SIM card

    Best French SIM card

    This is a guide to help you buy a SIM card that you can use in France. Learn how SIM cards work in France.

  • Auto-entrepreneur status

    Auto-entrepreneur status

    Do you want to work as a freelancer in France? This article explains the 3 aspects of the auto-entrepreneur status: legal, social and fiscal. Is this French self-employed status for you?

  • Apply for carte Vitale in 3 steps

    Apply for carte Vitale in 3 steps

    Follow the instructions from this guide to enroll into the French healthcare system and obtain your carte Vitale.

  • All about French PACS

    All about French PACS

    Pacs is a very unique French concept. This article explains how Pacs compares to marriage and what the obligations of a Pacs are.