Settling In France Has Never Been This EASY...

You have gotten everything set and you are finally moving to a new country and your destination is France. First of all, congratulations! I know how hard it must have been to plan everything from start to finishand also making the decision to leave your home. Whether it's for Work, Studies or even if it's just for a visit, it must not have been easy especially if you are coming from Africa like me where the process is slow and sometimes you have to fail a couple of times before you finally get on that plane...alors, Bravo!

For those who have lived in France even if for a few months know how much paper work is needed and the administration is not as easy as biting into your baguette or croissant. You don't arrive in Paris and head straight to the Eiffel Tower for your picnic with your red beret without thinking about validating your visa and applying for your social security number not forgetting opening a bank account. These, among other things are some of the difficulties foreigners encounter (Including me) when they first arrive in France and realise it may take some time before you finally enjoy your 'une petite balade' along the Seine river worry free. Especially if you don't know the language!!

I have been here for a few months which is not enough to say i know everything, but i will share a few tips that really helped me ease into the system and i was finally able to enjoy my stay in Paris...worry free. Each step is dependent on the latter so it may be better to follow them chronologically.

1. Get a French Simcard...this will not only help you get around but also make you easily reachable for any administration inquiries or even by friends and family. And it is also important to have internet especially if you like to explore like me, you need google maps. In as much as there is free WiFi connection around the region, it is always safe to have your own. The number of times i got lost in the Metro...story for another day.

2. Open a bank account...because how will you get housing or pay for groceries or validate your visa or most importantly receive your salary! You will be very limited without a French bank account in the number of things you would like to do especially as a non-European citizen. I should also mention a few requirements you may need to successfully have an account with any of the French banks:

- Your Identity Card

- A valid Visa

- Your host's ID if you are hosted by a family

- A physical address and proof that you are actually living in France (Attestation d'Herbegement)

- Justificatif de domicile <3 Months (Utility bills eg Electricity, Water, Etc..)

-Your Work Contract

I will not emphasize enough how important it is to have a physical bank account with your own bank advisor because you really need someone to explain to you how everything works and how your account will be run. And in case you lose your bank card (Happens a lot) you need someone to call immediately to stop any transactions and keep your money safe.

Also, if you don't speak and understand any French, please go with someone who can help you, this is very important.

3. Validate your visa...you must do this within the first three months of your arrival in France. This entitles you to live in France lawfully for the entire period that your visa is valid. Basically to inform the government 'Hey, i'm here..legally!!' You will be given a unique 10 digit number on the validation form which will come in handy in other situations.

You will need your French number, Home address and bank details for this because they need to deduct some fees for the validation. Prices differ depending on your type of visa (Student, Aupair, Work, etc...)

4. Apply for Social security number (SSN)...we all need to obtain health care services especially at a reduced fee...Yes, healthcare insurance covers 70-100% of necessary treatment only if you have your social security number. please note i said 'necessary'. This number will help you benefit from the public health insurance system and get reimbursements from the government when you pay for health services. You will also get your Carte Vitale using your SSN. Carte Vitale is a health insurance card that carries your electronic documents which help you in the treatment process.

Here is a list of documents i sent to the Assurance Maladie of Paris that helped me obtain my ssn and carte vitale.

- Passport ID

- Valid Visa

- Visa validation form

- Copy of your Birth Certificate

-Contrat de travail (Work contract)

-Attestation d'hébergement

-Justificatif de domicile (Utility bills)

-D'identité bancaire (French IBAN/RIB)

You can send these documents to the CPAM of where you live or to the CPAM of Paris (ASSURANCE MALADIE DE PARIS, 75948 PARIS, CEDEX 19). This worked faster for me but the process takes time so patience is key here. And sometimes they need to be nudged a little so here is their English Helpline to contact them in case you need help: +33974753646

5. Learn French...if you don't know the language already this is a must do. French is a beautiful language but only if you can understand and speak it. Trust me you don't want to walk out of the supermarket with shower gel thinking it's lotion, or asking directions at the metro and getting the 'No English madame/monsieur' especially in Paris where everyone is always in rush. You see how important it is to have your own internet connection...?

But you will definitely get a few people willing to help for sure so nothing much to worry about.

This list is definitely not exhaustive but it will help you in one way or another to navigate your way as a foreigner in France. I might also add that it is important to join social groups on social media and attend meet ups it really helps to learn new information, to discover places to visit & restaurants and make friends...that walk to Montmarte is really beautiful with company plus, who is going to take gorgeous pictures of you for your memories or for the gram...Life, especially in a new country is always better and easier with friends.

What other tips do you have that you would like to share with us? feel free to comment below with your thoughts and/or questions. Also feel free to share this post :-)

Until our next read...

Beth Agonya.

La Tour Eiffel