10 Things to Keep in Mind When You Are Moving to France.

Whether it is a new job, life partner, or living in Alps to live life in a new way, there are several reasons why one would move from the United Kingdom to France. In fact, thousands of British are now living in France, with millions coming each year to enjoy the beauty of their neighbour across the channel. While France may be some miles away from the UK, it is drastically different in terms of variety of aspects such as working hours, dining, university education, and socializing with people. Several things are done quite differently in France than in Britain. While cheaper wine and better weather seem appealing, different studying style and too much paperwork are bound to feel unappealing. This indicates that there are some things to be kept in mind while moving to France. Here are such things.

France Remains Closed on Sundays

Most things are at their disposal 24x7 for people living in Britain, particularly London. Well, this is not the case in France. It is a pain to find an open departmental store or a supermarket on a Sunday. Most shops and buildings are closed on Sundays in France. So, you will have to shop in advance! Sunday is reserved for families as a day for relaxing and eating with them.

The Local Government is Genuinely Accessible.

The nation has over 35,000 communes, which are the lowest local government tiers with each being governed by a Mairie (town hall). Surprisingly, these local Mairies are quickly accessible and are usually the first aid for all local issues or official matters. They are very helpful as well as welcoming. Pets are Given Royal Treatment in France although They Lead to Poop Issue Pets in France are a part of family. French usually love dogs, which are allowed to enter into different places, including those where you might not expect them. They can go to a restaurant, provided you are ready to sit outside or on a terrace. Dogs can also be at train stations, airports, and everywhere on streets. However, dogs are quite socialized and usually give no trouble at all. Even homeless young men look after a dog or two for sympathy purpose. However, these dogs are ill-suited for society due to their poop on sidewalks. This is true especially for Paris. Therefore, keep your eyes open and heads down.

The Local Government is Genuinely Accessible.

Pets are Given Royal Treatment in France.

Pets are Given Royal Treatment in France although They Lead to Poop Issue Pets in France are a part of family. French usually love dogs, which are allowed to enter into different places, including those where you might not expect them. They can go to a restaurant, provided you are ready to sit outside or on a terrace. Dogs can also be at train stations, airports, and everywhere on streets. However, dogs are quite socialized and usually give no trouble at all. Even homeless young men look after a dog or two for sympathy purpose. However, these dogs are ill-suited for society due to their poop on sidewalks. This is true especially for Paris. Therefore, keep your eyes open and heads down.

French Children Have Full Freedom to do Dangerous things.

Do not be afraid! Avoid taking it in wrong sense. Kids in France are allowed to do adventurous things such as visiting places without parents and climbing trees. Well, there is pure logic behind this. The French society is of the cultural opinion that kids must experience all kind of things in life to grow into proficient adults. Don't be alarmed when you see young kids alone in the metro, on the bus or at walking places. Their parents are not with them at that time. However, this is not something to worry about as France is a safe nation. There is no need to worry about abductions, on-road violence, or shootouts. In fact, the most dangerous thing in France is to trust any taxi driver by sitting into the car directly. The rest is all safe.

Winter Can Get Chillier.

The fact is that no one will tell you, not even the estate agents, about how cold it can get in winters, even if you are inland. The winter temperature here can easily drop to minus 20°C. While this is not the norm, the general inference is that the thermometer can show a drop below zero. This indicates to save much, as you need to be prepared for a heating bill that is actually higher than what you might be getting in England.

Bureaucracy is Certainly not Friendly.

Paperwork is much like the country's informal national sport. Regardless of whether you are setting up a phone in your home or filing tax returns, it is essential to give proof of everything, right from the place of birth to address proof. Much of proofs are sent by post. As a tip, keep photocopies of these documents with you along with every memo, payslip, tax bill, and bank statement you get in France.

Follow the Flow.

While in France, you will come across the complex face of bureaucracy, get accustomed to closing restaurants between mealtimes with shops at lunchtime, and wonder at the fact that most people go for long summer holidays just when they are needed. Well, do not get irritated for all these things, just accept and shrug them off, and plan your ideas or dealings accordingly.

Eating Vegetarian is Difficult.

France is a carnivorous country relying on meat-based stuff served even in cafés and brassieres. For the vegetarians, this indicates going for some custom dish or finding something far interesting on the menu. However, many restaurants are ready to prepare and serve you salads and omelettes as per your ingredients, provided you ask nicely.

French Wine, Bread, and Cheese Are Everywhere and More Economical.

Do not rush to get an expensive, international health insurance without knowing whether or not you are entitled to such a cover under the public system of France. Healthcare in France is among the best world's systems. There is no really no need to have such coverage for moving to France with some grave illness. If not entitled, you can yet join such coverage by paying 8% of the total income. In the state, the system refunds almost 66.66% of medical expenses, which is again considering the official rate limits. A local conventional doctor adheres to these rates, while other doctors are allowed to specify their rates. The difference is usually paid through a complementary insurance.

Eating Al Fresco is Eating on the Pathway.

Trains are more Feasible than Planes.

Asking for Help in French is the Quickest Way to Make Friends or Socialize.

Learn at least a few French words and you are good to go for making friends in France. BONJOUR is the most magic word to say before you say anything else. Say it to anyone and you will take no time in socializing even at the metro. After this greeting, try to speak some French phrases or words (if not full sentences), and you will get help instantly.

Review from Rob Davies.

Dear Sir,
We contracted Hunts Removals & Storage ltd to move us from Watford UK to Toulouse in France. Every stage of the move was carried out with professionalism, skill and courtesy. The two guys who came to pack up arrived spot on time, got everything packed and loaded in just 5 hours or so. We recommend the full packing service: it was faster and easier than I could have dreamed and well worth the money. As it happened the same guys delivered our belongings in Toulouse and were just as efficient. They did everything right: they were on time, professional, thorough, careful, astonishingly hard-working and at the same time courteous and friendly. It was truly a pleasure to deal with them and they are a credit to Hunts Removals & Storage ltd. Communication with Hunts was superb throughout, a big thank you to all the staff who were there behind the scenes. What more can I say? This was a big upheaval for us and Hunts made the removal the easiest part of it all. Thank you!.

Kind regards

Rob Davies