✈️ Life Saving Tips for Those Moving to France

Anıl GOKTAS
2 days ago
2 min read

First Steps and Survival Guide for Newcomers to France

Everyone makes plans before coming to France, but reality starts when the plane's wheels touch the ground. Small mistakes in the first weeks can turn into months of problems. This article contains details that newcomers to France wish they had known.

📄 The First 7 Days Rule: Time Management Saves Lives Things that must be done in the first week:

• Determine an address, even if temporary 🏠
• Get a French phone line 📱
• Arrange a bank where you can get a RIB 💳
• Open accounts for CAF and CPAM 🌐

📱 Nothing Happens Without a Phone Line If you don't have a phone line in France, you don't exist in the system. Why it's important:

• Bank and CAF verification codes.
• Landlords will call you back here.
• Prefecture messages are sent here.
Recommended operators: Free, Orange, SFR.

🏦 What You Need to Know When Opening a Bank Account Opening a bank account in France requires patience.

• They will ask for proof of address.
• Online banks (Nickel, Revolut, N26) are faster.
• These accounts are sufficient for CAF and salary.

🏠 Critical Mistakes When Looking for a House

• Falling for the first ad ❌
• Moving in without a contract ❌
• Paying the deposit and first month in cash ❌ Remember: In France, if there is no document, there is no right.

🪪 Do Not Delay Residence Procedures

• Keep proof of appointments 📧
• Do not delete emails.
• Keep documents in a digital folder.

🏥 The Reality of the Healthcare System and CPAM If you don't apply for CPAM early, you will pay expenses out of pocket for months. With CPAM, doctor costs are covered and medicines become cheaper.

💬 Communication Culture with the French