CURRENCY
The official currency of Nice is the Euro. People who come to Nice from outside the European Union who are not familiar with this currency should learn coins refer to 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and to 1 and 2 euro coins. Banknotes range from 5 to 500 euro bills. The so-called bureuax de change can be resorted to by people who want to exchange money in Nice. Banks too can be spotted throughout Nice, and, as usual, they offer the most convenient exchange rates. As a rule, banks open weekdays between 8.30am and 4.30pm, with an approximately 2-hour lunch break in the middle of the program. People tend to believe traveler’s checks have turned into an obsolete tourist tool, given credit cards and ATMs seem to come in handy and to replace the use of traveler’s checks. More and more tourism-related establishments accept credit cards and gradually reject traveler’s checks, which is why tourists should learn about the policy of such venues apply before heading for a certain destination. In Nice there are plenty of ATMs from where visitors can withdraw cash, and most of the top restaurants, shopping centers, boutiques, guided tour companies, hotels and the like accept credit cards..
VISA AND ENTRY
Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. You will need to apply for a short-stay visa. Regulations and types of visas vary according to the French territory you intend to visit: For European territory (mainland France), France complies with Schengen regulations related to the Schengen area, and issues a short-stay Uniform Schengen visa; For non-European territories (French overseas territories), France issues a short-stay national visa; For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a long-stay national visa.
POWER OUTLETS
Power plugs in France have the particularity of being male and female at the same time. Electrical outlets in France usually deliver power at 220-240 volts. It is much stronger than most North American sockets, which usually deliver 110-120 V. Plugging 110V hairdryer to a 240V French socket may result in ruining the device or worse, starting a fire.
MEDICATIONS
The French health care system is generally recognized as offering one of the best, services of public health care in the world. Above all, it is a system that works, provides universal cover, and is a system that is strongly defended by virtually everyone in France. A cornerstone of France’s revered healthcare system, the pharmacy is included in the basic amenities you will find in every medium-sized town and even in some relatively small villages. In fact, there are some 23,000 pharmacies across the whole country.
TRAIN TRAVEL
These companies link Nice to destinations throughout Europe, but they also transport passengers from Canada, the Middle East and Africa, may it be seasonally or all the year round. Train travel Nice-Ville train station is located on Avenue Thiers, between the Vernier district and the Thiers quarter of the city. Nice-Ville train station is the city’s main train station, although the city is also served by Nice-Riquier. There are 154 connections running every day. High-speed TGV trains connect Nice to Paris in 5h30, whilst Lyon can be reached in 4h30. Intercity trains carry passengers to cities in the South of France, such as Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier and Marseille.
AIR TRAVEL
Located a little over 3 kilometers southwest of Nice, Nice Cote d’Azur Airport is the third busiest airport in France, only after the two airports which service Paris. It is the main airport on the French Riviera, and this statute is reflected on its busy flight schedule. Almost 40 airline companies operate at Terminal 1, whereas Terminal 2 is where other 13 airline companies coordinate their flight operations. These companies offer both low-cost and business-class flights to and from Nice, some of the most resonant names referring to Blue Air, Ryanair, Luxair, Air France, Alitalia, Finnair and Tarom, just to give a few examples.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
International trains also run to and from this station, including Milan-Nice in 4h40. After arriving at Nice-Ville train station, many visitors walk to the nearby city center. Once there, it’s easy to get around — simply hop on the Azur bus line or the number 1 tram line. If travelers need to get to the airport, it can be easily accessed by the number 99 shuttle bus. Public transport The best way to get around Nice is on foot, especially if you plan on sticking close to the city’s center. Like many other French cities, Nice is equipped with a reliable and convenient public transportation system. Buses serve all major tourist attractions as well as the Nice-Ville train station and the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport (NCE).