The law in France Generally speaking if you manage to stay out of trouble at home you should be fine as a visitor to France. Be aware that the legal system in France is different to that of Australia and New Zealand. Offences and penalties may differ considerably. Common offences committed by visitors to France: - Traffic related - speeding, accidents, drunk driving etc
- Antisocial offences - disturbing the peace, fighting, public drunkenness
- Dishonesty offences - skipping on hotel or restaurant bills
- Visa offences - Overstaying or working on a visitor visa
If you get in trouble Australian or New Zealand consular officials are limited as to how much they can assist you. Australian Embassy information on consular assistance Smart Traveller FAQs on getting arrested overseas List of English speaking lawyers in France as provided by the Australian Embassy in Paris. French Police Explained  The three main law enforcement agencies in France are:
Police Nationale is the civil law enforcement agency of France, with primary jurisdiction in cities and large towns. The Gendarmerie is technically part of the military but acts as a police force in smaller towns, rural areas as well as highways and autoroutes. The Douanes is the French Customs Department who are in charge of border control. Since the European borders were opened the Doune Officers have a roving commission to pull over suspect motorists to check for contraband. Common misadventures befalling visitors to France: - Pedestrian accidents caused by looking the wrong way when crossing the road
- Falls caused by uneven cobblestones
- Skiing accidents
- Road accidents due to severe weather conditions
- Road accidents caused by crossing over into oncoming lane
Road Safety in France What to do if you have a car accident in France Greate article on the Gendarmerie patrolling the Autoroutes Drink driving in France The limit is the same in France as it is at home - 0.05. The consequences of getting caught can be worse. | The French Health System The French Health system is rated by the World Health Organisation as the best in the world. The Australian and New Zealand governments do not have reciprocal health care agreement with France so any treatment will cost you. Travel Insurance Adequate cover High risk sports such as skiing needs additional cover. TravelInsurance.com.au widget Travel insurance is essential and it is irresponsible not to take it out. IF YOU CANT AFFORD TRAVEL INSURANCE, YOU CANT AFFORD TO TRAVEL!! The Australian or New Zealand Governments will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. Emergency numbers in France Police (Gendarmerie or Police Nationale) dial 17 Ambulance (known as SAMU) dial 15 Fire (called Pompiers) dial 18 Football Hooliganism  Stay away from major football stadiums on match day unless you are actually going to the match. Marseille in particluar has had a number of incidents in recent times. Major stadiums and public transport leading to them are normally heavily policed by no-nonsense para-military type riot cops (right) with no sense of humour.
High risk areas Large high rise housing estates on the edge of the major cities are best to stay away from. Tourist scams As the most visited city in the world, Paris has more than its share of scams targeting tourists. Be alert and skeptical of unsolicited approaches by strangers offering you things. Read this blog on tourist scams in Paris. Terrorism France has had its share of Terrorist attacks, peaking in the 1980s and 1990s. Just be extra vigilant on public transport, airports and train stations. Smart Traveller Travel Advisories on France Smart Traveller registration |
