I’ve been in Paris for almost a year and the number of applications on my iPhone has really increased. Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 applications that I recommend downloading for your stay in France. Some of them are only available in the store App Store from France (or Google Play if you have a device Android).
10. Airline apps
I like to download apps from the airlines I use, as I find it makes traveling a lot easier. Most of them allow you to buy tickets, receive boarding passes, and accumulate points. Even though I don’t fly enough to have a so-called “priority” status, I find that using these applications still offers a better experience. I no longer have to search for all the bills and boarding passes in my inbox.
9. Crossroads
Carrefour is undoubtedly the best-known French supermarket chain. It has stores all over France: large and small, supermarkets and hypermarkets. Scanning your loyalty kitty at the checkout allows you to receive cash back, preferential prices and also digital receipts. That being said, Carrefour does not necessarily always offer the best products or the best prices. Franprix, Monoprix, Auchan, and Lidl are also popular. The choice simply depends on your needs, your location, and your budget.
8. Leboncoin
Leboncoin is a marketplace online for used (and sometimes new) goods. If you have the patience to scroll one moment, you may come across some really cool discoveries. However, be aware that anyone can put anything for sale on the platform, so watch out for scams. Double-check the legitimacy of the ad before sending money to anyone.
7. Booking.com
Booking.com is a booking platform for accommodation, flights and even transport. So far I have only booked accommodations and have had only positive experiences so far. Several hotels and youth hostels, which do not have their own online portal, can only be booked on booking.com. Since I prefer to take short trips here and there, this option is more advantageous than an Airbnb where I would have to pay cleaning fees at the same price of a long stay.
6. Meetup
Meetup is the app of choice for those looking for new friends who share common interests. On this application, you can find groups for expatriates, hobbies, language exchanges and so on. Anyone is welcome in the groups. If you don’t find a group you like, you can create a completely new one without any hassle.
5. TheFork
TheFork, formerly called LaFourchette, is an excellent tool for discovering restaurants and reserving a table. Users accumulate loyalty points which are then converted into discounts at partner restaurants. Many restaurants offer promotions directly on their menus, sometimes up to 50% of the displayed price. For the record, once I went to dinner with a friend in a Korean restaurant that had a promotion. We didn’t know about it beforehand, but we enjoyed it very cheaply. We were able to discover a great restaurant thanks to this application.
4. Word Reference
As a bilingual English speaker, I have used WordReference for years and it has never disappointed me. The translations are accompanied by example sentences and they are even identified with a CAN or a BE when it comes to Quebec or Belgian terms. The dictionary also offers languages other than French and English.
3. SNCF Connect
SNCF Connect is the essential application for those who plan to travel in France by train. Some routes even lead to other countries, including Belgium, Switzerland or even England. The application allows you to see prices, buy tickets and find good deals. Remember to book your train in advance, as prices fluctuate depending on the period and demand.
2. Wise
Wise is an application that offers multi-currency financial services. Users can request a physical card following registration. This card is capable of holding more than 40 currencies at the same time. Each account (for each currency) is accompanied by a bank identity statement. This makes direct debit possible, as well as receiving and sending transfers, for example, to your friend or landlord. Account creation can be done before or after your arrival in France.
1. WhatsApp
The queen of applications, Whatsapp is essential for communication in France and Europe. iMessage or SMS text messages are used much less. This app is free and registration only requires a valid phone number, from any country. Once the account is created, you can send messages and make calls freely to any Whatsapp user around the world. If you eventually decide to deactivate the SIM chip associated with the registration number, it will still be possible to continue using your Whatsapp account.
Applications specific to Paris and Île-de-France
France is obviously not just Paris, but for those who choose to settle in the Paris region, here are some useful applications to download to make your life easier.
Hello RATP
RATP is the organization responsible for public transport in the Paris region. The application allows you to see the status of metro and tram lines. Delays and disruptions are indicated in real time. You can buy tickets directly in the app. There are also detailed maps to see the stops of all transport lines.
Île-de-France Mobilities
The Île-de-France Mobilités application allows users to recharge their monthly Navigo pass, so they do not need to visit the metro ticket offices. It is also possible to do this in the RATP Connect application, but the advantage of IDF Mobilités is that the purchase of a pass is accompanied by a ticket displaying the name of the pass holder. This functionality is therefore relevant for those who must present a personal ticket to obtain reimbursement from their employer.
Vélib
Vélib is a self-service bicycle network available in Paris. It offers electric bikes and normal bikes. Users must first create an account and subscribe to a plan. Since I don’t cycle often, I took out the subscription with zero monthly plan. So I simply pay for the distance traveled. The prices are correct. Last time I took a normal type bike for 1 hour and 9 minutes, and I only paid €3.
Citymapper
Many Ile-de-France residents love Citymapper. For what ? This application would be more reliable than Google Maps in terms of public transport timetables. Even though, personally, I’m not yet in the habit of using it regularly, it might be worth taking a look at it from time to time. Citymapper is only available in a few major cities in the world, so it is quite possible that its targeted service is very high quality.
Some websites, such as Google Flights, have no application. These links can still be bookmarked on your home screen as an app icon for easy access.
Author Bio
A connoisseur of the digital marketplace and a master of the written word, this 30-year-old English expert brings to the table a wealth of knowledge rooted in the sale of digital products and a passion for blogging that resonates with an audience seeking expertise and insight in the online realm.
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