Are you thinking about moving to France? Congratulations! This is an exciting time in your life, and you have a lot of things to look forward to. From the delicious cuisine and world-class museums to the fascinating history and culture, there’s no shortage of adventure waiting for you here.
However, before you get too carried away, we wanted to provide some advice from expats who have already made the move. Here are a few tips that will help make your transition smoother.
Is it Hard for a US Citizen to Move to France?
Moving to France from the United States is an exciting prospect and a great opportunity to explore a new culture. Despite it being quite a complicated endeavor, there are several steps one can take to make the relocation smoother:
- First, potential immigrants will have to obtain a French residence permit.
- Focus on finding employment in your field of work or talent as work opportunities are essential and are included within residency permits.
- Learning basic French phrases and customs is essential for fitting into French society, so immersing yourself in local life will give you an insight into the everyday protocols practiced in France.
- Last but not least, managing visa requirements and paperwork should never be overlooked as it can become quite extensive if done improperly.
All in all, relocating to France requires hard work and dedication but with adequate preparation, can become a worthwhile experience for anyone brave enough!
Ready for your ultimate checklist for moving to France? Keep reading to learn more advice you need to hear.
And if you’re still curious about the experience of moving to France from USA, be sure to ask your French teacher for some insight. Not only can a French teacher tell you all the things to know before moving to France, but he or she can also teach you valuable conversational skills like the ones you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q0seNqBccM
American Moving to France – Expert Advice from Those Who Have Done It
Congratulations, you’ve finally made the decision to move to France. Now comes the hard part, getting you and your stuff there.
If you thought making the decision the leave your friends and family was hard, you’ve got another thing coming. Moving to France—or any foreign country for that matter—isn’t easy.
After all, you’re moving to a country where you don’t speak the language and you’re mostly unfamiliar with the customs and culture.
Lucky for you, we’ve interviewed several expats who’ve made the big move and asked them what they wish someone would have told them before moving to France.
Let’s take a look at what these experienced expats had to say about moving to France.
1. Find Temporary Housing
“One of my pieces of advice to people is about finding housing. Searching for housing from afar is not easy and can often be wrought with pitfalls,” says Melissa Ladd, creator of Prête-Moi Paris.
“Paris is a difficult place to find an apartment to rent or buy, because prices are very high and it is a rather small city so there is less space for everyone, thus less available housing. I suggest getting a temporary rental for a month or few when you first arrive, to give you the time you need to find something long term or permanent.”
2. Do Your Homework
“Before moving to France (or any other country) do your homework so you will know what you’re getting into. Also realize France will be quite different from where you’re coming from. There will be adjustment and a learning curve. Contact your nearest French consulate to find out what’s needed for your move,” says Jeff Steiner, creator of Americans in France.
“I often see people asking online what paperwork they need to move to France. Well the only place you’ll get an answer is at the consulate. If the consulate is unhelpful or doesn’t answer your question the way you’d like, then maybe France isn’t for you. If you can’t take the paperwork demanded to move to France you’re not going to like the paperwork needed to live here on a daily bases. That said it can be a great place to live.”
So how do you learn about moving to France? Reading articles like this can help, as can reading books about moving to France.
3. Learn the Language
It can be extremely difficult–not to mention frustrating–trying to navigate an unfamiliar city without knowing how to speak the language. Before moving to France, you might want to consider learning some French.
While being fluent in French is ideal, it’s not always possible. We suggest learning basic phrases that will help you hold a conversation with a native. Check out these 25 conversational French phrases to get you started.
4. Read Reviews en Français
“So you just moved here and you want to go to a bar. Or a restaurant. Or even find some decent chocolate to bring to a dinner party. I suggest reading reviews, but not in English. Visit the French version of sites like Timeout, TripAdvisor, and even Yelp. If your French is good enough, you can get the gist of what the review says. If it’s not so good, use Google Translate,” suggests Whitney Donaldson, creator of Whitney in Paris.
“Reading in French will steer you away from reviews left by those who are only in town for a few days a.k.a Anglophones who don’t live in France. There is nothing wrong with that but if you want a feel for the local flavor right off the bat, do a little searching en Français.”
5. Don’t Lose Your Cool
“Be patient and remain calm at all times. There are many great aspects about living in France, but many that make me want to pull my hair out. I used to get upset every time something took longer than I thought it should or if something didn’t go exactly as planned,” says Audrey Hickey, author of Audrey Meets World.
“Take it from me, this is a sure way to exhaust yourself very quickly. Know your rights, know the rules, and keep every single piece of paperwork; you never know.”
6. Greet People Properly
“Kiss don’t hug – on the whole, the French are not huggers and will be horrified if you throw your arms around them and pull them close against you – kissing them on the face four times is fine though,” says Janine Marsh, editor of The Good Life France.
“The French can be quite formal at times so don’t expect to be on first name times for a while. When you’re introduced it will often be as Monsieur or Madame this or that and you’re expected to call them as such until they invite you to call them by their first name. It’s not that they’re aloof, it’s just a way of life in France.”
7. Mind Your Ps and Qs
“Never forget to say ‘bonjour’ upon entering an establishment, and ‘merci, au revoir’ upon leaving. This is an essential part of French culture and to not do so is considered incredibly impolite,” says Edna, creator of Expat Edna.
“Even if I enter a shop and accidentally blurt out my order, I’ll stop, backtrack, say ‘Bonjour’ and start over to show that I respect them.”
What Are the Pitfalls of Moving to France?
Moving to a new country is an exciting experience, but it can also be full of unexpected challenges. If you’re thinking about moving to France, you’ll want to be aware of some of the potential pitfalls that may come with such a move.
From bureaucracy and paperwork to cultural differences and language barriers, there are plenty of things that can take you by surprise. Let’s take a look at some of the less obvious challenges you may face when you make the move across the pond.
Cultural Differences
France has a very distinct culture with its own customs and traditions. While these customs can be fascinating and enjoyable, it’s important to remember that they may be very different from those in your home country.
You may encounter odd looks if you try to order food or purchase items outside of their traditional hours or use terms that are not accepted in France. It is also important to note that French people tend to dress more formally than in many other countries, so keep this in mind when packing for your big move!
Bureaucracy & Paperwork
One thing that most people don’t think about until they’re already living in France is the amount of paperwork required for just about everything. Whether it’s getting a driver’s license, setting up utilities, or even opening a bank account – getting anything done without completing endless forms can seem impossible!
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time for all of the bureaucratic tasks involved with settling into your new life in France before trying to tackle any other goals or dreams you have planned for the future there.
Language Barrier
Speaking French is essential if you plan on living in France long-term; most French people do not speak English as a first language, so learning French will open up many opportunities for socializing and networking within your community as well as making everyday tasks much easier!
This could prove challenging if you don’t already speak the language fluently, but there are plenty of resources available both online and offline which can help get you up-to-speed quickly.
7 Biggest Mistakes When Moving to France
If you’re planning on moving to France, you probably can’t wait to get settled in and enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes, and culture of this beautiful country. But before you move, you’ll want to make sure that you avoid some common mistakes made by newcomers. Read on for a list of the seven biggest mistakes when moving to France.
1. Not Learning French
This is probably the most important mistake a newcomer can make. Even if you don’t plan on living in France long-term, it pays to learn at least a few phrases so that you can converse with locals and understand basic instructions in stores or restaurants. Plus, learning the language will help you better integrate into French society.
2. Not Doing Your Research
Before moving to France, be sure to do your research about the city or region where you plan on living so that there aren’t any surprises once you arrive. For example, if you are considering living in Paris make sure that you research everything from housing prices to local customs and laws so that your transition is as smooth as possible.
3. Ignoring Local Customs
Every culture has its own set of customs and norms that should be respected by newcomers. In France, for example, it is polite to kiss someone on both cheeks when greeting them (unless they offer their hand instead). Learning about these customs before arriving will help ensure that no one accidentally offends anyone else with their behavior or gestures.
4. Not Having Enough Money Saved Up
Moving costs money—and lots of it! It pays to save up enough money ahead of time so that once you arrive in your new home country, you have enough cash saved up for rent deposits or other unforeseen expenses like furniture or appliances rentals/purchases etc..
5. Forgetting Important Documents
When traveling abroad make sure that all of your vital documents such as passports and visas are accounted for and valid before leaving your current home country—otherwise this could cause big problems later down the line! A good idea is to keep an inventory of all important documents in case they get misplaced during travel or while settling into your new home base in France.
6. Taking On Too Much Too Soon
Moving somewhere new can be overwhelming at times—especially if it’s a foreign country with its own language and culture! Don’t try to take on too much too soon—instead,take things one step at a time until eventually, everything falls into place naturally.
7. Not Networking Enough
Once settled in, one of the best ways to get connected with other people who live nearby is by networking either online or through joining local clubs & groups. Finding people with similar interests will help create positive experiences & memories. This also helps build relationships that may prove invaluable further down the road!
FAQ From an American Moving to France
You’re about to embark on an incredible journey of exploration, adventure, and the potential for a new, exciting life.
But before you start packing your bags, there are a few questions you should be asking yourself—namely, how much money do you need to move to France and is it possible to move with no money? We’ve put together a quick FAQ guide to help answer some of your most pressing questions when it comes to moving abroad.
Can You Move to France Without a Job?
You don’t necessarily need secure employment before you arrive in France, as the government’s immigration policies are designed to make it straightforward and open to those with limited resources.
Of course, like most places, a work permit will be required if you plan to settle and stay long term in the country. However, if you’re just passing through or looking for a change of pace without an imminent job offer, there are many ways to make your presence in France approved regardless of your financial security.
What is the Cost of Moving Furniture to France?
Moving furniture to France from another location is no small feat. The cost associated with such a move will depend on numerous factors, including the size and weight of the items being shipped and the difficulty of navigating the route.
For example, if the furniture is located on one side of the country and you need it sent to somewhere on the other side of the country or even internationally, this will necessitate more time, effort, and resources which then leads to higher costs.
Also, you must factor in transport costs like petrol as well as any taxes and/or customs fees that might be applicable. In all cases, finding a trustworthy moving company with competitive prices is essential.
How Much Money Do You Need to Move to France?
This is a tricky question because everyone’s situation is different. It really depends on your financial situation as well as what type of lifestyle you plan on leading in France.
That being said, it’s generally recommended that you have at least 6 months worth of living expenses saved up before making the move. This way you have time to settle into your new home without having to worry about money too soon after arriving.
How to Move to France With No Money?
It may sound like an impossible dream, but it’s not! The key here is finding ways to make money while abroad. Consider teaching English or working remotely for an employer back home as two potential ways of earning an income in France without having any money saved up beforehand.
Other Things to Know Before Moving to France
Make sure that all of your paperwork is in order before making the big leap across the pond – visa requirements vary from country-to-country so make sure that all of your documents are properly filled out and ready-to-go prior to leaving the United States. Also, don’t forget about healthcare!
Also, be sure you know what kind of health coverage (if any) you will have access to once in France – this can save a lot of headaches down the road if something unexpected ever happens while living abroad.
Plan Ahead for Moving to France as an American – You’ll Thank Yourself!
Moving to France can be scary, even for the most seasoned travelers. Make the transition easier by taking advice from the experts above.
The entire process can be exciting—and sometimes intimidating—but we hope these tips from experienced expats will help make your transition easier.
Don’t forget to appreciate all that France has to offer during this journey; from its vibrant culture and stunning architecture to its rich history and delicious food. Bonne chance!
Have you recently moved to France? We want to hear from you! Share some of your expert advice in the comment section below.
Brooke Neuman