Heading to Paris soon? Before you board the plane, there are a few things you absolutely want sorted. Not glamorous things. But the kind that decide whether your first day feels smooth — or stressful.
After 20 years living in Paris and planning trips for readers every week, I’ve seen the same small mistakes ruin the start of a beautiful trip. A passport that’s about to expire. Tickets that sold out. A phone with no data on arrival.
And yes — I’ve learned this the hard way myself. When my youngest broke his collarbone at Niagara Falls, I discovered exactly how travel insurance works. The hospital was excellent. The bill was unforgettable.
So this isn’t a fluffy “travel inspiration” list. It’s a practical, do-this-before-you-go checklist.
Sort these steps now — and you’ll land in Paris calm, connected, and ready to enjoy it.
Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷
📌 200+ handpicked spots I actually love – Get free access to my Paris map 🗺️
✈️ Start Here: Secure These Before You Fly
If you only do a few things before traveling to Paris, make it these:
→ Get a France eSIM – So your phone works the second you land. No airport Wi-Fi hunt. (I use this company because set up takes minutes and just works)
→ Buy travel insurance – Medical care in France is excellent. It’s not free. (Get a quote instantly )
→ Book your airport transfer or train tickets – Avoid decision fatigue after a long flight. (I book this transfer after red-eye flights)
→ Reserve major attraction tickets – Eiffel Tower and Louvre time slots sell out regularly.
Before You Go to Paris: Your 9-Step Checklist
Without further ado, here’s your checklist that covers the essential steps you need to complete before heading to Paris. Let’s get you ready for an unforgettable adventure!
#1 Verify Your Passport ✔️
To enter France, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. It also must have been issued within the last 10 years. If either rule isn’t met, the airline can refuse boarding before you even leave home.
I recommend aiming for six months of validity, even though three is the official minimum. It removes any gray area and gives you peace of mind.
This takes less than a minute to verify. It can save you a canceled trip.
For the most up-to-date entry requirements, always double-check the official French government website before you travel.
#2 Buy an eSim to Stay Connected ✔️
→ my recommendation: eSim from Airalo. Check data packages here.
Landing in Paris without data is stressful. Google Maps won’t load. Uber won’t connect. You’re hunting for airport Wi-Fi while jet-lagged.
That’s why I always set up an eSIM before I fly.
I personally use Airalo, and honestly? I don’t fully understand how it works technically. I download the app, it tells me to click here and there, and a few minutes later it’s done. When I land, my phone just connects.
No roaming shock. No SIM card counters. No fiddling with tiny plastic cards.
I also like that I stay in control of my spending.
For example, 10 GB costs around €13 — more than enough for maps, messages, and restaurant searches.
Airalo works in over 200 countries, so if Paris isn’t your only stop, you’re covered. It sounds complicated. It really isn’t. The app guides you step by step.
→ Check the available France data packages here.
#3 Get Travel Insurance ✔️
I’ll say it clearly: don’t travel to Paris without travel insurance → Get a quote here
It’s a small expense for real peace of mind. Rates with VisitorCoverage start at around €14 for a week in Paris, and their Trustpilot rating is 4.8/5.0 — which is reassuring when you’re choosing something this important.
Accidents and illnesses don’t wait for convenient timing. Lost luggage and flight cancellations happen. And dealing with that abroad is stressful enough.
When my youngest broke his collarbone at Niagara Falls, just knowing we were insured was a huge relief. The situation was already overwhelming.
The lesson we learned later? Call the insurance before going to the hospital. But that’s another story.
Travel insurance can cover medical emergencies, cancellations, delays, and lost baggage — depending on the plan you choose. It means you can explore Paris calmly, knowing you’re protected if something unexpected happens.
→ Compare plans and get a quote with VisitorCoverage here.
#4 Apply for Visa or ETIAS (If Required) ✔️
Before heading to Paris, make sure you have the correct travel authorization.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a Schengen visa. The French Government’s “Visa Wizard” tool is the easiest way to check your exact requirements.
If you’ve traveled to Europe visa-free in the past, pay attention: the rules are changing.
From late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering the Schengen Area.
The application itself is meant to be quick and online. But here’s something important: make absolutely sure you’re on the official website.
I almost fell for a third-party site myself when traveling to the UK recently. Everything looked official — until I noticed the price was over €100. That’s when I realized it wasn’t the real government page.
For ETIAS, use only the official EU website:
Without a valid visa or ETIAS (once implemented), the airline will not let you board your flight.
Check this early. It’s not something you want to discover at the airport.
#5 Get a Travel Adapter (& Check Voltage) ✔️
→ This is the travel adapter I use
→ This is the voltage converter if your device isn’t dual voltage
→ This is the power bank my family uses
France uses Type C and Type E plugs, so your devices may not fit into local sockets. Discovering that on your first night — with a low phone battery — is not ideal.
I’ve used this adapter for years. It’s compact, reliable, and works in multiple countries, which is helpful if Paris isn’t your only stop.
Now the important part many people overlook: voltage.
France operates on 230V. If you’re coming from the US, some devices — especially hair tools — may not support that.
Check the small label on your device:
If it says 100–240V, you only need a plug adapter.
If it does not, you’ll need a voltage converter to avoid damaging your device.
I once saw someone trip the electricity in an entire apartment using the wrong straightener. Not the best first impression in Paris.
And one more thing: bring a power bank. (My family uses this one)
You’ll be out all day using maps, digital tickets, and taking photos. Charging options aren’t always convenient. I use a Anker power bank — it’s reliable and holds a charge for hours.
#6 Organize Your Airport Transfer Before You Land ✔️
→ my recommendation: Book a ride with Welcome Pickup
After a long red-eye flight, the last thing you want is to make decisions while jet-lagged and surrounded by airport chaos.
Figuring out which RER train to take, where to buy tickets, or whether that taxi is legitimate is not fun when you’re tired. It’s also an easy moment to overpay.
Plan your transfer before you leave home. Decide exactly how you’ll get from the airport to your hotel — train, taxi, or pre-booked car.
My personal tip: after overnight flights, I book a Welcome Pickups transfer.
It’s often only slightly more than a regular taxi. And if you’re three or more people, it can even cost about the same as the train. Your driver waits at arrivals with your name, helps with luggage, and takes you straight to your hotel.
No ticket machines. No guesswork. Just a smooth start.
→ Check availability and book your airport transfer here.
If you’re still deciding between train, taxi, or private transfer, I break down all options step by step in this guide:
5 Ways to Get from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris: The Complete Guide.
#7 Buy Paris Attraction Tickets ✔️
→ Here’s my list of 7 Paris Sights to Book in Advance – and 5 NOT to
Paris is home to some of the world’s most visited sights. And many of them sell out days — sometimes weeks — ahead.
Just showing up and hoping for a ticket often doesn’t work anymore. Especially for the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre…
If there are attractions you absolutely don’t want to miss, book them before you leave home. It guarantees your entry time and saves you from standing in long ticket lines.
And those lines can easily eat up one to two hours of your day and often there are no tickets anymore available.
I’ve put together a clear breakdown of what you should reserve in advance — and what you can safely leave flexible.
#8 Call Your Bank Before You Travel ✔️
Before heading to Paris, check how your bank handles international payments.
Some banks still require a travel notice. Others don’t — but they may flag foreign charges as suspicious if they suddenly see transactions from France.
A blocked credit card on day one is not how you want to start your trip.
Log into your banking app or call your bank and confirm:
→ Your card works internationally
→ Your daily ATM withdrawal limit
→ Any foreign transaction fees
Those small fees can add up quickly if you’re not aware of them. This also helps you decide whether to exchange a small amount of cash at home, rely mostly on your card in Paris, or use a mix of both.
Paris is very card-friendly. But having a simple money plan before you leave removes one more thing to worry about.
#9 Download Paris Travel Apps ✔️
→ Before you leave home, download the essential Paris travel apps.
They’ll help you navigate the metro, find restaurants, store your tickets, check museum hours, and translate menus in seconds. It makes everything easier — especially on your first day.
If you’ve already set up your eSIM, you won’t have to worry about data. Your maps and tickets will just work. (I use this eSim)
I’ve put together a clear list of the apps I actually use and recommend — no fluff, just the useful ones.
→ Read: 9 Paris Apps You Need to Download Before Traveling
Download them before departure, log in, and set them up. It’s one of those small steps that makes a big difference once you’re here.
Ready for Takeoff?
If you’ve worked through this checklist, you’re already ahead of most travelers.
Paris rewards a little preparation. Once you’ve covered these essentials, you can land calm, connected, and ready to enjoy the city instead of solving problems.
Before you board, quickly confirm:
→ Passport validity
→ Travel authorization (if required)
→ Insurance coverage
→ Airport transfer
→ Major attraction tickets
These small steps make a real difference on day one.
Paris isn’t always effortless. But with a bit of planning, it can feel that way.
Now all that’s left?
Order your café crème, look around, and enjoy the fact that everything is already handled.
If this guide helped you plan your trip to Paris and you’d like to support my work, you can buy me a coffee here ☕ Merci ❤️
It means more than you know.
Parisienne since 2006
Expert in: Parisian Life &
French Culture, Travel
Planning, Crochet & Food and Drinks
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NEW: The Salut from Paris Travel Guide:
Must-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to stay online while in Paris. I used Airalo for my travels.
- You likely need a travel adapter to plug your devices.
- Travel Insurance – if you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is a good option.
- If your flight is delayed or even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Tours & Attractions:
- I book tours & activities through Get Your Guide or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets can be cheaper on the official page, but they are often sold out.
- I love the GoCity Travel Passes for easy planning
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Hotels in Europe I mostly book through Booking.com (check reviews carefully)
- Vacation Rentals through Airbnb or VRBO
