Paris

In France, foreign tourists can get a value-added tax exemption when making a purchase of €100.01 or more in one day at one store (amount varies by store). This applies to products taken out of the EU without being used. Show your passport and complete the tax exemption procedure application.

Fees charged in places such as restaurants and hotels include a service charge, so basically there is no obligation to tip. It may be a good idea to leave a tip as a thank you when receiving good service or when asking for a special favor.

Blue Ray discs can be played on a Japanese DVD player if it is compatible with the region code A used in Japan.

There are many national holidays related to Christianity. Note that some national holidays fall on different days, depending on the year.

Below are guidelines for general business hours, which differ by shop and restaurant, and are extremely changeable. Note that many establishments are closed for long periods during the summer vacation season, etc.

Mon. to Fri. 9:00 to 17:00, closed on Sat., Sun., holidays. Differs by bank.

Mon. to Fri. 8:00 to 20:00, Sat. 9:00 to 13:00, closed on Sun., holidays (may differ according to post office).

Mon.–Sat. around 9:30–20:00, Sun. around 11:00–19:00, some closed on national holidays

Mon. to Sat. around 10:00 to 19:00. Some shops are closed for lunch. Many shops close on Sun. and holidays.

around 8:00 to 24:00.

12:00 noon to 14:00, around 19:30 to 22:00 at night, some restaurants are closed on Sun. and holidays.

Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces (such as train stations and museums). Some hotels, cafés, and restaurants have designated smoking areas that are exceptions (smoking is allowed in outdoor areas at cafés and restaurants). Violators will be fined €450. Similarly, tossing cigarette butts, etc. onto the road attracts a fine, so beware.