Best Way To Get From CDG(PARIS-CHARLES DE GAULLE) To Center Of Paris? (life, cost)
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Public transportation in Paris is safe. If you have concerns about safety or mobility with luggage, there are buses, shuttles, and taxis but the RER train is the cheapest option. http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_21879/visiting-paris/
But so late at night, taxi is probably the easiest option. Cost around 60 euros. Paris Taxi service from both airports is safe and excellent. Do you speak French? Many drivers don't speak English so you may find it useful to have your destination address written on a piece of paper.
Since March 1, 2016 taxi drivers are required to charge a fixed rate for trips to and from Orly and Charles de Gauller airports. Drivers are no longer able to charge fees for each piece of luggage, or an airport fee, but the taxi is authorized to charge an additional fee of 4€ for each passenger above 4. There is also and additional fee of 4€ to call a taxi for immediate departure and 7€ for an advance reservation.
Yep take a taxi that late and with kids. In addition to the written address - know what arrondissement the address is in and what streets it's near.
Once you're settled, the metro is easy and an experience. You can buy packets of 10 tickets at a time which will be somewhat less expensive than single tickets. Plus there are different deals online or once there that include transit and museums or activities for x number of days. That wasn't something we opted for but it works for many people.
Enjoy your time!
ETA - safety - I mostly took metro plus we had a car for a day or so (not advised). We did take a couple taxis and found them to be safe and fair. No scams for us.
Important - learn to say bonjour and merci. Say bonjour every time you enter an establishment of any kind - restaurant, hotel, museum, pharmacy, crepe stand. Say merci when you get service and when you leave. Everyone will be greeting you and they'll appreciate it if you make the effort to follow that hospitable custom. Don't worr about your accent. You'll learn that bonjour is more round and juicy than most non French speakers say it.
NEVER EVER having taken a taxi in my life.. well, looking for input and suggestions.
A few pointers.
Depending on where you are in the world, taxis can take many different forms. In Paris, they are just regular saloon cars, painted a sort of sickly cream colour.
They nearly always have four doors plus a trunk. Any larger items of luggage should be put in the trunk, while you and your family should travel in the main section of the taxi along with the owner of the taxi.
Even if you feel that you are an excellent driver and very rested after your flight, you should allow the owner of the taxi to drive, as he will feel that this is part of his job, and that he has not given you the service you will have paid for if he allows you to drive yourself.
Since you don't speak French, do speak English loudly. The French like to hear English spoken, so that they can learn new vocabulary.
Make sure to wear a baseball cap and athletic shoes everywhere, so they'll immediately know you're from the States.
The older Americans all wore Canadian sweat shirts and pants (the big Maple leaf was so hilarious, I had to laugh).
I actually dress down and simple (nice jeans with a solid color shirt or sweater and urban sneakers or loafers) that the French were surprised I was American since my pose is different (maybe visiting France almost every year has an effect on me)?
The older Americans all wore Canadian sweat shirts and pants (the big Maple leaf was so hilarious, I had to laugh).
I actually dress down and simple (nice jeans with a solid color shirt or sweater and urban sneakers or loafers) that the French were surprised I was American since my pose is different (maybe visiting France almost every year has an effect on me)?
Contrary to popular belief, not every Parisian dresses like a super model nor wear designer clothes everyday!
Most cannot afford them, so they dress simply with tailored clothes and nice city sneakers (tennis shoes that are slimmer and sleek looking with dark or neutral colors) shoes. Women do not wear heels everyday, they wear boots, flats, and city sneakers.
The big tennis shoes worn by the bus load of American seniors are only worn when playing sports or exercising.
sean ATMs are readily available. Most travel sites recommend only using ATMs of reputable banks and with a card reader that has working lights. The slot has a mini marquee that flashes. You can find info online about exchange rates and fees.
Something else to consider is to let your credit card company and bank know that you'll be traveling between certain dates. That way, if they see unusual charges they won't freeze your account. I've seen a number of sad vacationers because of that.
Assuming you'll have a cell phone and/or tablet with you. You might want to look into downloading the Ulmon app for Paris. If you get it before you leave it'll still work and navigate offline when you're in Paris. It can be useful if you get disoriented or just want to double check where the closest metro is.
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