Pre-departure Preparation
Locate and photo copy your travel documents. Grab your passport, government ID, any Visa documents if applicable, and have copies of each!
Check your cell phone provider's international plan options.
Start thinking about your packing list. What clothes and personal items do you want to have with you on-site?
Prepare your methods of payment. Make sure to have a card you can use abroad, including at the ATM, and alert your bank of your travels if necessary.
Sort out your home! Contact the necessary providers about pausing any services while you're away, such as shutting off the water.
Gather your prescription medications and other needed medical items.
Purchase outlet adaptors and voltage converters for your devices. Read more below in Power Outlets, Adapters, & Voltage.
Packing Suggestions
Below are some suggestions of what to bring with you on-site. There is no one-size-fits-all packing list, so consult your manager if you have specific questions about what to pack!
Your passport and a color copy of your passport
Your laptop and desired accessories, like adapters
A portable power bank
Outlet adapters and voltage converters
Any prescription medications you need
Professional but comfortable attire for non-uniform
working days
Weather appropriate clothes, layers for cooler nights
Supplemental uniform apparel: black or dark charcoal
pants, shorts, and skirts; pure white blouses, collared shirts,
and crisp white tees. Consult the Workforce Manual website
for more details!
Comfortable, clean shoes: all white or all black shoes
without branding, or with subtle branding that is white on
white or black on black
Maps
The different neighborhoods of Paris are called arrondissements. There are 20 arrondissements, as shown here.
See the maps we’ve included for sightseeing points of interest and to locate the general areas of P24 venues.
Public Transport in Paris
Public transport in Paris covers the entire city thoroughly and even extends beyond Paris. Transport options include busses, the metro, RER trains, rental bikes and e-scooters, and taxis or Ubers. You will use individual tickets or a Navigo pass to take the metro, busses, and RER trains in Paris.
It is recommended to use the following navigation apps:
Paris 2024 Transport Public | Ile de France Mobilites | Citymapper | Google Maps
P24 Buses: There will be special bus routes added for Games Time to make it easier to travel between venues.
Metro tips: When taking the metro, make sure that you are following the correct line number and destination,
as each line has at least two destinations.
If you cannot find the entrance to the metro, many of them have a ‘Metropolitan’ sign. When you exit the metro onto the street, follow the exit number or street name indicated on your navigation app. This will lead you to the exit closest to your destination.
Bikes & E-Scooter Rentals: The city has been redesigned to accommodate bicycles, and there are high-quality bike lanes throughout Paris. However, be prepared for an adventurous ride, as the traffic in Paris can be quite hectic.
Lime - #RideGreen (e-scooters & bikes)
Vélib' Métropole (bikes only)
YEGO Mobility (e-scooters & bikes)
Purchase your Pass Navigo!
The Pass Navigo grants you access to Paris’ public transport network, including the metro, buses, RER trains, and trams. Many locals use a physical card as their pass, but you can also use your phone as your Navigo pass.
To purchase the digital pass, download the Ile de France Mobilités app >>
*You may have to wait until you arrive in France to purchase your pass since that feature of the app does not work for some countries.
Do not click on a Paris 2024 Pass option or use the Paris 2024 Transport Public app to purchase a public transport pass, otherwise you will pay inflated Olympic prices!
Standard Rates:
1 MONTH: 86,40 € (valid 1 - 31 July) • 1 WEEK : 30,75€ • 1 DAY: 8,65€
Additional Tips:
Buy your July Navigo pass from 20 June - 19 July to pay the standard rates. From 20 July, people will be forced to pay inflated Olympic rates if they have not already purchased a Navigo pass, according to RATP. However, if you have already purchased a pass for the standard rates before 20 July, you will be locked into these rates and can continue to pay the same price for your August pass. See below for directions and purchasing windows.
Timezone & Weather
In Paris, during the Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2), the sunrise and sunset times can be around 6:50 am and 8:45 pm.
In July and August, Paris typically experiences warm and sunny weather, with occasional hot spells or rain. Average temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 25°C (77°F), but it's not uncommon for temperatures to climb higher, sometimes reaching into the 30s°C (86°F+), especially during heatwaves.
Given the variability, it's best to pack a mix of clothing options. Overall, dressing in light, breathable layers and being prepared for fluctuations in temperature will help you stay comfortable
Currency, Cards & Cash
France uses the euro, with exchange rates fluctuating daily. Consult apps like XE Currency Converter to check the value compared to your home currency.
Cash exchange: It is recommended to carry some cash with you, around 20€, as small purchases may require cash. It is advised to take out euros out at an ATM once you arrive in the city. ATMs can be located on Google Maps.
Credit cards: Credit cards are accepted in most establishments but may charge foreign transaction and currency conversion fees. Check your card’s policy on international use. MasterCard and Visa cards are widely accepted; however, American Express is not always accepted, and a having an alternate option is recommended.
Official Payment of the Games: Please note that Visa is the official payment service for the Games and is the only payment service accepted at all official Olympic and Paralympic venues.
*If you plan to use a debit card on-site, it is advised to alert your bank of your travel plans in advance.
Power Outlets, Adapters, & Voltage
For anyone traveling from outside of Europe, outlet adapters and voltage converters are essential for using your devices, as power outlets in France are a different shape and emit a different voltage (Type A & B, 100-120V in the U.S. vs. Type C & E, 220-240V in France).
Outlet adapters simply change the shape of the plug, while converters actually convert the voltage of the electricity to match.
Compatible with an adapter or converter: most smartphones, laptops, and other portable electronic devices
Must use a converter: hair tools, electric shavers, toothbrushes, anything with a motor
*Always check the small print on your device to see what voltage it can handle. If you see 100-240V printed on a device it is dual voltage and will work without a converter.
Recommended Apps to Download
Public Transit & Navigation
Transit routes: Paris 2024 Transport Public, City Mapper, Google Maps
Rentals: Bonjour RATP, Velib, Lime
Dining
Delivery: Uber Eats, Deliveroo
Restaurants: The Fork
Bars: Mister Good Beer
Translation
Laundry
LaundryHeap is a laundry service that will pick up your clothes, wash and dry them for you, then deliver the load back to you within 24 hours!
Download the app or use the LaundryHeap website to create an account and get started. Use the discount code ONLOC15 for a 15% discount!
Another option is to use a local lavarie automatique where you can do your own laundry. Search “lavarie automatique” to see all of the options closest to you, and keep in mind that it typically takes an hour or more to wash and dry your clothes.
Emergency Numbers & Safety
Emergency numbers:
General: 112
Medical emergencies: 15
Police: 17
Firefighters: 18
Use 114 if you are deaf or hard of hearing
Your safety is of utmost importance while onsite for the Olympic Games. The Préfecture de Police has prepared a helpful document on general safety for tourists visiting Paris. While the website is in French, the document is available in English and can be downloaded here >>
Additional safety tips:
Pickpockets operate in touristy areas and the metro. Make sure your belongings are secure in these places and stay vigilant of your surroundings.
Exercise caution at night, especially around train stations and on transport. Public transport, including the Metro and RER, stops around midnight, but the "Noctilien" night bus network keeps the city connected.
It is especially recommended to be cautious of areas such as Stalingrad, Gare du Nord, La Porte de Clignancourt, Barbès-Rochechouart, and La Goutte d’Or.
French Culture
French culture is unique and may be different than what you’re used to at home. Here are some things to be aware of:
Always say “Bonjour” when entering an establishment or starting a conversation! This is considered polite.
Sundays in France are typically observed as a day of rest, and many shops, restaurants, and businesses remain closed.
Leaving tips at restaurants or bars is not obligatory or expected; it’s entirely at your discretion if you still want to leave a small tip.
Public toilets are widely accessible, especially near areas of interest. Some toilets require a payment in coins.
Useful Words & Phrases
While you don’t need to be fluent in French, it is very helpful to learn the following words and phrases! Click each phrase below to hear how it is pronounced.
Bonjour = Hello (during the day)
Bonsoir = Hello, good evening
Merci = Thank you
Au revoir = Goodbye
Pardon = Excuse me, sorry
Excusez-moi = I’m sorry
Je ne parle pas français. Parlez-vous anglais? = I don’t speak French. Do you speak English?
Dining & Grocery Recommendations
Paris is full of delightful restaurants featuring cuisines from across the globe. There are very fancy establishments, charming brasseries, and if you’re in the mood to savor an authentic traditional French meal, you must visit “Le Bouillon.”
Supermarkets: Carrefour, Intermarché, Franprix, Monoprix
Near the On Location WeWork office:
Restaurant Lakshmi Bhavan: great Indian food
Bouillon Pigalle: good and inexpensive French food
Peppe Pizzeria: fantastic pizza
Café Ventura: nice French brasserie
Popotes: an elevated cantine with rotating selections
Mamiche: bakery
Evi Evane: Greek & French fusion
Sightseeing & Activities
Iconic sites:
The Louvre, Château de Versailles, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, the Catacombes, Tour Eiffel, Opera Garnier, Tour Montparnasse, Moulin Rouge, the Grand Palais, Basilica of Sacré-Cœur
Activities:
Musée de l’Orangerie and other museums, wine tasting, fitness classes, Bateaux Mouches, shows at the theatre, visting local markets like Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, concerts
Getting outdoors:
Jardin de Luxembourg, Jardin des Tuileries, Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes, Square de Batignolles, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Paris XIX, Parc Monceau, Parc des Princes
Check out these articles for more suggestions!
Paris Bucket List: 25 of the Most Unique Things to do in Paris - France Voyager
Paris Bucket List: 40 Epic Things to Do in Paris – Earth Trekkers
The 17 Best Experiences In Paris (theculturetrip.com)
Click the link below to see other sightseeing recommendations we’ve covered in our newsletters!
We use cookies to improve your experience and to help us understand how you use our site. Please refer to our cookie notice and privacy statement for more information regarding cookies and other third-party tracking that may be enabled.
On Location Workforce Operations