June 27 - July 2, 2010

General Info

Travel from the Airports into the City

The two main airports in Paris are Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Additional arrival information as well as meeting points for Shuttle buses into Paris, in English, can be found on the site: www.adp.fr.

From Roissy Charles de Gaulle

• The RER B is the fastest way to central Paris (allow 45 mins to Châtelet-Les Halles). From Terminal 2 (Air France Flights) there is direct access to the RER station; from Terminal 1 take the free shuttle bus. Trains (8.40€*) run every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Air France buses (recorded English info 01 41 56 89 00) leave every 12 minutes (daily 6 a.m. - 11 p.m., 12€ or 18€ RT) from all terminals and stops at Porte Maillot and Etoile (35 - 50mins). Air France buses also run to Gare Montparnasse (7 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., every 30 minutes). The Gare Montparnasse is the closest station to the PWW venue (16.50€*).
• The RATP run Roissybus runs every 15 minutes, 5:45 a.m. - 11 p.m. (9.10€*) between the airport and rue Scribe, near place de l'Opéra (45 mins).

From Orly

• The high speed Orlyval shuttle train (8.85€) runs every 4 - 7 minutes to RER Antony, then to central Paris (30 mins) from 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
• Air France buses (11.50€*) leave both terminals every 12 minutes, daily 5:50 a.m. - 11 p.m., and stop at both Invalides and Montparnasse (40 mins). Tickets from the Air France Terminus.
• The RATP run ORLYBUS to Denfert-Rochereau leaves every 15 mins (daily 5:35 a.m. - 11 p.m.). Buy tickets (9.60€*) on the bus.

Taxis and Airport Shuttles

• A taxi to central Paris can take from as little as 30 minutes to over an hour in rush hour. Expect to pay 50€ - 60€.
• A cheaper alternative to taxis are shuttle buses. Yellowvan is one. Yes, the vans are canary yellow! The website: www.yellowvanshuttle.com. The price from CDG or Orly Airport to your hotel in Paris is 27€ for 1 person and 36€ for 2. Check the website for details.

Security Warnings: Do not accept anyone proposing "cheap" transportation into Paris! Like any major city, Paris has its share of pickpockets. Keep your money and passport out of their reach. Hotels have safes for valuables which we advise you to use while in the city.

(*Prices are subject to modification)

Money

The Euro (€) (rates vary daily www.xe.com) is divided into 100 centimes. The most cost-effective way to obtain Euros is through your home bank's ATM card. Use any of the ATM machines in Paris to debit your home account. There are no special charges and there are no exchange fees. You'll need a four-digit PIN, though. For larger purchases, it's often more cost-effective and most convenient to use your credit card – VISA is the most widely accepted, MasterCard is gaining ground. Check with your card about fees on overseas purchases, though.

The Bureaux de Change generally open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. At Airports, they open daily 6 :30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. There is an exchange counter at American Express, 11 rue Scribe, 9th. Metro Opéra, opens Mon - Fri 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Exchange counters can also be found in main Post Offices (PTT) in Paris. VISA is the most widely accepted credit card, many dispensers also accept Mastercard, so remember your PIN.

Internet Cafés

There are many in Paris.

Emergencies

In the case of any sudden serious medical problem you can call the SAMU (first aid rescue team / dial 15). In the case of fire or accident call the Pompiers (firemen / dial 18). If you must see a doctor in the night, you can call SOS Medecins and they will send a doctor to your house. SOS Medecins/ dial 01 47 07 77 77. For any other other problems please don't hesistate to ask the WICE staff.

General Tip

Your hotel concierge or manager is there to answer your questions, make reservations, recommend restaurants, send faxes. Don't hesitate to ask for laundry service, ordering in food, where to buy bus or metro tickets - directions to WICE! The hotel may even offer Internet access or tell you where to find it.