Do I rent or buy my home?
Expatriates rent homes in France because the process to buy is both costly and long. For example, upon selection of a home, the buyer pays a 10% down payment and signs a promesse de vente (promise to buy). Approximately 3 months later, the final deed of sale is signed. At this time, the buyer will pay legal fees amounting to 8 to 10 % of the purchase price.

Renting is much faster and more flexible. Most homes are usually available right away or within a reasonable time frame. The duration of standard unfurnished rental contracts is either 3 or 6 years. However, the tenant may cancel the contract at any time during the lease by providing a 3 months notice. In the event of a professional transfer, the time frame is reduced to 1 month’s notice.

Should I live in the suburbs or in the city?
If you want to live in a house, you will most probably choose to live in the suburbs. Thankfully, France offers a wonderful transportation system, allowing for a reasonable commute between the suburbs and the city.

If you prefer to live in the city, you will most likely live in an apartment.

Many different factors, however, must be evaluated before making such a decision: workplace location, transportation, children's schooling needs, pets, markets/shopping, entertainment, sports & health clubs, noise, visitors….

Our orientation program is designed to help you understand the choices available to you in order for you to see the full picture and make the right choices from the start.

What international schools are there in and around Paris?
Families moving to France have an array of international schools to choose from both in the city and in the nearby suburbs. We have included a sample * list for you:

PARIS :
École Active Bilingue : www.eab.fr
École Jeanine Manuel: www.eabjm.com
Éurécole: www.eurecole.com
International School of Paris : www.isparis.edu
Italian school:Leonardo Da Vinci – Materna / Elementare: 33 (0)1 45 51 33 09
Italian school: Leonardo Da Vinci – Media / lLiceo: 33 (0)1 45 55 86 22
Spanish school: Collège Federico Garcia Lorca:33 (0)1 47 57 51 75
Spanish school: Lycée Espagnol : 33 (0)1 47 57 51 75
Swedish school: 33 (0)1 46 22 31 05

WESTERN SUBURBS :
American School of Paris (Saint Cloud) : www.asparis.org
British School (Croissy sur Seine & Bougival) : www.atschool.eduweb.co.uk/paris
Deutsche Schule Paris (Saint Cloud) : www.deutscheschuleparis.com
Lycée International – American section (Saint Germain-en-Laye) : www.lycee-intl-american.org
Lycée International - British, Danish, Dutch, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Swedish,
Norwegian, & Portuguese Sections : www.lycee-international.com
Marymount School (Neuilly sur Seine) : www.ecole-marymount.fr
Stepping Stones Nursery (Le Vesinet) : +33 (0)1 30 53 14 73
The Children’s House in Meudon – Preschool & Kindergarden : +33 (0)1 46 26 95 97

*Please note that this list is not exhaustive. There are also a number of international schools in other major cities in France.


What should I bring with me when I come house hunting ?
Good walking shoes! Although we will accompany you by car to each selection of homes, we recommend that you walk around the neighborhoods under evaluation in order to get a better "feel" for them.

Don’t forget to bring your video or photographic camera. Not only will this document jog your memory, it is an excellent "pre-departure" tool, allowing you to show your family their new home, and show the children where they will be going to school.

If you intend to visit schools, be sure to bring your children’s school transcripts and medical records.

I hear that the kitchens are not always equipped, what does this mean ?
In France, it is not unusual for unfurnished rentals (especially apartments) to provide only a sink in the kitchen, as homeowners are not obliged to equip the kitchen.

Installing a kitchen need not frighten you. We provide a choice of solutions for every budget: from helping you "do-it-yourself" to arranging for a customized installation by a kitchen specialist.

Please keep in mind that curtains, light fixtures and bathroom fixtures are not considered standard equipment either.

Do the homes have air conditioning ?
Air conditioning is extremely rare and almost non-existent.


Can I bring my US appliances ?
The electrical current in France is 220 volts, 50 cycles.

US current is 110 volts, and therefore in some instances, you can use a “step-down” transformer (purchased in hardware stores in US or France). However, if your appliance is 60 cycles, it will not perform well, even with a transformer. Anything with a built-in timer controlled by the cycles of current will work slower on 50-cycles than on 60-cycles.

If you intend to purchase “pre-wired” US appliances prior to your move overseas, please consider the following: what will you do in the event of shipping damage, what if your appliance does not work once it is installed, will your warranty be honored. Most importantly, will the movers be able get your appliances through the doorway.

We recommend that you address your inquiries to help@appliancesoverseas.com for expert advice on how to make US appliances work overseas, as well as a complete catalog of appliances and transformers.


Can I bring my TV and VCR ?
Wherever you have purchased your TV or VCR , there is a strong possibility that they will not be able to capture French television signals. Therefore, we always recommend that you check with your TV & VCR manufacturer before packing your equipment.
For videos, France uses SECAM video system. Today new equipment purchased in France is multi-system compatible.

How do I open a French bank account?
Typically, opening a French bank account will require a Carte de séjour (residency permit) and proof of residence. Here's the "catch-22": you want to open a bank account in order to secure a home rental, but you are required to establish a residence in order to do so.

We have partners at various banks that understand the special situation of newcomers in France. Not only will you be received with open arms, our contacts are bi-lingual and can explain their banking services to you in English.

I am a non-European accompanying spouse, what opportunities are there for me?
There are plenty of opportunities for growth: numerous organizations exist to help the English speaking community adjust to life in France and provide an abundance of opportunities to meet people, get involved in local activities, volunteer your time, participate in a variety of classes, and learn new skills.
We have an extensive data base available to you in order for you to choose the activitie(s) you would like to discover and/or pursue while in France: whether it be for personal or professional growth.

Can I bring my pets?
You can bring a total maximum of 3 dogs or cats (and only one puppy or kitten from 3 to 6 months old) into France.
There is no quarantine for dogs or cats arriving to France, however, the following documents must accompany your pet:
Rabies vaccination certificate indicating that your dog or cat has been vaccinated against rabies more than one month and less than one year prior to departure.
Additionally, a medical certificate (English and French) of good health delivered by the nationally licensed veterinarian of the country of export, executed within 5 days of departure date.

As space does not allow us to elaborate on regulations for travel for all domestic animals (i.e. rodents, reptiles, pet birds, or other species), we invite you to forward your questions to us by e-mail.

Can I have my prescriptions filled?
Valid prescriptions from your home country can be filled here. However, keep in mind that if the medication does not exist in France, a French equivalent product will be substituted.
It may be possible that some over-the-counter products from your home country require a prescription in France. Until you are certain, we suggest you pack an adequate supply of items you use on a regular basis.
In any event, be sure to bring copies of your medical records with you.

Why use a relocation company?
To save time, to save money, and make the right choices FROM THE START.