🧳 Packing & Checklist · 2026
Paris Travel
Essentials
What to actually pack for Paris — power adapter, currency & cards, clothing by season, and mandatory Schengen travel insurance. A real checklist, not a generic list. Updated June 2026.
Type C/E
plug type · 230V
₹1,200+
travel insurance, per trip
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Power Adapter & Electronics
TYPE C / E · 230V
France uses round two-pin Type C and Type E sockets at 230V, 50Hz. Indian Type D/M plugs (the three round-pin kind) won't fit — you need an adapter, not necessarily a voltage converter.
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Do I need a converter too?
Usually no. Most phone chargers, laptop chargers, cameras and power banks are rated 100-240V — check the fine print on the charger brick. Only hair dryers/straighteners (fixed-voltage) may need a converter.
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Universal adapter is the safe bet
A universal travel adapter with multiple USB ports covers France and most of Europe — useful if your itinerary includes other Schengen cities too.
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Power bank
Carry a 10,000mAh+ power bank — useful on long museum/walking days where charging points are sparse. Keep it within carry-on limits (under 100Wh, no airline issues).
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Hotel sockets
Most mid-range and above Paris hotels have at least one universal or USB socket near the bed — but older buildings can be sparse on outlets, so don't rely on charging multiple devices at once.
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Universal Travel Adapter
Multi-country plug + 2 USB-A + 1 USB-C ports
₹699–₹1,200
VIEW →
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10,000mAh Power Bank
Slim, airline-cabin compliant, fast charging
₹999–₹1,800
VIEW →
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Europe eSIM (10GB)
Instant activation, covers 30+ Schengen countries
₹1,100–₹2,200
VIEW →
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Currency & Money Tools
EUR · EURO
Paris runs on the Euro (EUR). Cards do far more of the work here than in Southeast Asia — the best setup is a zero-markup card as your primary payment method, with modest cash on hand for the rest.
| Method | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|
| Forex / zero-markup card | Restaurants, shops, metro, hotels — nearly everything | Always choose "charge in EUR", not INR, at the terminal |
| ATM withdrawal (BNP, SocGen) | Topping up cash as needed | Per-transaction fees — withdraw larger amounts less often |
| Licensed bureau de change | Converting bulk cash if needed | Avoid airport kiosks — poor rates |
| Cash (small denominations) | Markets, small tips, rare card-only-refused spots | Carry roughly €100-150 (₹9,200-13,800) at a time |
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Zero-Markup Forex Card
Multi-currency, no forex markup, ATM withdrawal abroad
Free–₹500 issuance
VIEW →
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RFID Travel Money Belt
Hidden under-clothing pouch for cash & passport
₹399–₹799
VIEW →
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Paris Budget Planner
Free tool — estimate exactly how much cash to carry
Free
USE TOOL →
💡 Tip: Use the
Factvisit Budget Planner to get a personalised daily-spend number, then carry roughly 2 days' worth of cash at a time.
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Clothing By Season
FOUR REAL SEASONS
Unlike Bali's near-constant heat, Paris has four distinct seasons — temperature is what changes, not rainfall, which stays fairly steady year-round.
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Spring / Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov)
Layers are essential — mornings and evenings run cool (7-16°C) even when afternoons feel mild. A light jacket, scarf and comfortable layers work best.
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Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm days (15-25°C) but evenings still cool down noticeably — pack a light layer even in July/August. Breathable fabrics for daytime walking.
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Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold (3-8°C), sometimes damp. A proper warm coat, gloves and a scarf are non-negotiable — Paris interiors are heated, but you'll spend real time outdoors.
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Footwear
Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes are essential — cobblestones and long museum days are hard on flimsy soles or brand-new shoes.
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Lightweight Wool Scarf
Packable, doubles as warmth and style
₹499–₹999
VIEW →
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Comfortable Walking Shoes
Cushioned sole, cobblestone-tested
₹1,500–₹3,500
VIEW →
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Compact Umbrella
Wind-resistant, fits in a daypack
₹499–₹999
VIEW →
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Travel Insurance
MANDATORY FOR VISA
Unlike Bali, where insurance is just strongly recommended, France's Schengen visa requires proof of travel insurance with at least €30,000 medical coverage before your application can even be approved.
| What To Check | Why It Matters |
|---|
| €30,000 minimum medical cover | Hard requirement for Schengen visa approval — check the policy states this explicitly |
| Full Schengen-area coverage | Must cover all 29 Schengen countries, not just France, for the visa to be accepted |
| Trip cancellation/interruption | Covers non-refundable flights/hotels if plans change last-minute |
| Baggage delay/loss | Useful for layover-heavy routes and cold-weather essentials |
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RECOMMENDED
Schengen-Compliant Cover
€50,000+ medical, trip cancellation and baggage — meets the visa requirement with margin to spare.
GET A QUOTE →
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BUDGET PICK
Minimum-Compliant Cover
Exactly meets the €30,000 threshold — cheaper, but confirm it's explicitly Schengen-labelled.
COMPARE PLANS →
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INSTANT
Digital Travel Insurance App
Buy in minutes, get an instant visa-ready certificate — useful if you're applying close to your appointment date.
BUY ONLINE →
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Full Paris Checklist
PRINT & PACK
DOCUMENTS & MONEY
✓ Passport (3+ months validity beyond stay) + approved Schengen visa
✓ Printed/digital hotel bookings & return ticket
✓ Schengen-compliant travel insurance certificate (digital + printed)
✓ Forex/zero-markup card
✓ Small EUR cash carried from home or exchanged on arrival
✓ Cover letter & day-wise itinerary (backup copy)
ELECTRONICS
✓ Universal travel adapter (Type C/E)
✓ Power bank (10,000mAh+)
✓ Europe eSIM activated / physical SIM plan
✓ Compact umbrella
✓ Camera + charger (optional)
CLOTHING
✓ Layered clothing for the season
✓ Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
✓ Scarf
✓ Smart-casual outfit for nicer dinners
✓ Warm coat (Dec–Feb)
HEALTH & MISC
✓ Personal medication (if any)
✓ Basic French phrases app or phrasebook
✓ Cross-body bag for museums & valuables
✓ Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe)
✓ Sunscreen (spring/summer)
✓ Hand sanitiser / wet wipes
🧳 Tip: Pack light — laundries (laveries) are common and affordable (₹700-₹1,200 a load, same-day) throughout Paris, so you don't need 10 days of clothing for a 10-day trip.
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FAQ
What plug adapter do I need for Paris?
France uses Type C and Type E sockets at 230V. Indian Type D/M plugs do not fit, so you need a universal travel adapter. Most Indian appliances rated 220-240V will work without a separate voltage converter.
How much cash should I carry to Paris?
Carry roughly €100-150 (about ₹9,200-₹13,800) at any time for daily spends, plus a forex or zero-markup debit/credit card, which is accepted almost everywhere in Paris. Carrying everything in cash is unnecessary.
What clothes should I pack for Paris?
Layered clothing for changeable weather, a smart-casual outfit for nicer restaurants, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, and a compact umbrella or light rain jacket year-round.
Is travel insurance necessary for Paris?
Yes, and unlike Bali, it's legally mandatory. Your Schengen visa application requires proof of travel insurance with at least €30,000 medical coverage for the whole Schengen area, valid for your entire trip.