Visas and Legal Formalities
Visas are delivered by the French diplomatic authorities in the country of origin of the applicant.
The paper acceptance email usually suffices to obtain a visa to enter France. However, if you need nonetheless an invitation letter from the organizers in order to obtain a visa to enter France, please send to itc21@see.asso.fr

• Last Name:
• First Name:
• Company:
• Address + country:
• Date and Place of birth:
• Citizenship:
• Passport number:

An invitation letter will be emailed to you afterwards. Please note that a Visa letter can only be sent to you once your registration and payment for ITC 21 have been received.

Time zone
 Paris Time Zone is GMT + 2 hours.

Weather forecast
Use this link for weather forecast in Paris

Electricity
In France the norm is 220 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz, while in the United States or Canada, for example, it is 110 volts for 60 Hz. Voltage and sockets vary from country to country and so an adapter and a transformer too may be necessary. In France, plugs are type C (unearthed CEE 7/16 and CEE 7/17) and earthed types E and F.

Mailing
French mail boxes are yellow and they can easily be found in public places and on the outer walls of post offices. Collection times are indicated on each box.
Stamps are available in post offices, which are open from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday through Friday, and on Saturday Mornings, but also through tobacconists.

Money
The European Union's currency is the Euro (€).

• Notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.
• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents; €1 and €2.

Value of the euro against the dollar: 1 € = 1.33864 US$ (rate on June 15).
Conversion information is available at http://www.xe.com/ucc/.

Banking Hours
All banks are offering a change service and are generally open from 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. In smaller towns and cities banks may close from 12 noon to 2.00 pm. Be aware that on the eve of public holidays, banks often close early.

Credit cards
One of the most economical ways to use your money in France is by paying directly with your credit card and to get cash directly from ATMs or banks.

Using credit cards for purchases is easy and reliable throughout France. Visa is the most widely accepted, followed by MasterCard. American Express is more often accepted in premium establishments. Most establishments post signs indicating the cards they accept. If you intend to use credit cards in smaller shops and restaurants, it is a good idea to ask what cards they take before ordering.

ATM machines are available anywhere in France, and they often offer the best exchange rates. Virtually, all ATMs in France take Visa and Mastercard, and many are linked to the Cirrus and Plus systems. American Express has ATMs in major cities as well. Be sure to remember your PIN number: you will often be asked for it when paying at hotels, restaurants, shops, etc…

Shopping hours
Most of the Department stores and shops are open on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. till 7:30 p.m.

Shopping Tax
A sales tax of 19.6 % (the Value Added Tax) is tacked on to almost every purchase. However, provided that you are non-resident of the European Union, if you spend more than amount at any participating store, you can get the VAT amount refunded before you depart

The VAT can be refunded for goods but not services.

Tipping
Most restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge ("service compris") in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another E Euros (or 2-3 %) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included ("service non compris") a 15 % tip is appropriate.
Tip is not mandatory but expected from hotel porters, taxi drivers or hairdressers depending on your satisfaction.