The Ultimate Checklist for Your First Business Stay in Paris

1) Pre‑Trip Preparation

• Documents: Valid passport, visa (if required), invitation letters, digital & printed backups. Store scans in a secure cloud folder.
• Travel insurance: Verify medical coverage in France; add trip interruption and tech coverage for laptops/phones.
• Calendar hygiene: Set meetings in Central European Time (CET/CEST); include full addresses, building codes (digicode), and arrival buffers.
• Contacts: Save mobile numbers and WhatsApp of assistants, drivers, and hosts. Confirm who can escort you past reception security.
• Language prep: Learn basics: Bonjour (hello), Enchanté(e) (pleased to meet you), Merci (thank you). It goes a long way.

2) Accommodation & Neighborhoods

Pick a base that minimizes commute time, not just star ratings.

• Near La Défense (business district): Consider modern hotels with direct RER A and Metro 1 access.
• 8^e/Opéra: Ideal for meetings with financiers and luxury maisons; easy Metro hub for cross‑town moves.
• Left Bank (6^e/7^e): Quieter, executive‑friendly, abundant cafés for informal catch‑ups.
• Amenities checklist: Reliable Wi‑Fi, desk with ergonomic chair, blackout shades, quiet floor, 24/7 front desk.

3) Transportation & Transfers

• Airports: CDG is the main international hub; ORY is closer for many European hops.
• Getting to the city: Book a car with extra time for traffic, or use RER B (CDG) / Orlyval+RER B (ORY) to reach central Paris.
• In‑city: Metro is fastest during rush hour. Buy a Navigo Easy (reloadable) or use contactless tap‑in with your card/phone.
• Contingency: Schedule 15–20 minutes of buffer time for rail strikes or heavy rain.

4) Workspace & Connectivity

• Roaming: Activate an international plan or pick up an eSIM with ample data.
• Power: France uses Type C/E plugs at 230V. Bring a compact universal adapter with USB‑C PD.
• Backups: Carry offline copies of presentations and a HDMI/USB‑C dongle. Test your slide deck on local hardware.
• Quiet time: Block focused work sprints (08:00–10:00 or 14:00–16:00) when inbox pressure is lowest.

5) Meetings, Protocol & Networking

• Timing: Punctuality matters. If late, send a quick WhatsApp with ETA.
• Greetings: A firm handshake and eye contact are standard in professional settings.
• Titles: Use Monsieur/Madame plus last name until invited to switch to first names.
• Cards: Bring bilingual business cards if you work with public sector or luxury maisons.

6) Dining & Client Entertainment

• Reservations: Book early. Lunch runs 12:30–14:30; dinner 19:30–22:30.
• Etiquette: Bread goes directly on the tablecloth; keep hands visible above the table; tipping is modest (service is included).
• Alcohol: Accepting wine is fine; declining politely is equally acceptable.
• Receipts: Ask for a VAT invoice (facture) for expense claims.

7) Health, Security & Well‑Being

• Pharmacies: Widely available and extremely helpful for minor ailments.
• Medical: Know the nearest clinic to your hotel; keep your insurance card handy.
• Safety: Paris is generally safe; watch for pickpockets in tourist corridors and on the Metro.
• Fitness: Book hotel gyms or buy a day pass to stay energized across time zones.

8) Cultural Savvy

Directness is appreciated when paired with courtesy. Meetings value clarity, structure, and preparation. A little French shows respect and often opens doors.

• Start with context, then present options and a clear recommendation.
• Confirm decisions and next steps in a same‑day recap email.
• Dress one notch above your norm—tailored, simple, and polished.

9) Time Management & Buffering

• Cluster meetings by arrondissement to minimize cross‑town travel.
• Book 15‑minute pre‑meeting buffers for building security, elevators, and check‑in desks.
• Block a daily admin window to clear approvals, invoices, and internal comms.

10) Packing Essentials for Executives

• Two interchangeable outfits (navy/charcoal), one elevated jacket, and comfortable leather shoes for cobblestones.
• Compact umbrella, scarf (seasonal), and a wrinkle‑resistant shirt for last‑minute dinners.
• Travel router or hotspot, universal adapter, and spare chargers.
• Small gift from your home city for key hosts (optional but memorable).

11) Money, VAT & Admin

• Most places accept cards and contactless; keep a small amount of cash for taxis or markets.
• For reclaimable expenses, request itemized invoices with your company details.
• Set card travel notices and enable transaction alerts for peace of mind.

Learning New Languages as an Expat: Strategies for Quick Success

Arriving in Paris as an expat or frequent visitor, fast language wins multiply your effectiveness. You don’t need fluency overnight—just enough to greet, navigate logistics, and build rapport. Here’s a focused plan you can execute in your first 30–60 days.

Focus on What You’ll Actually Use

• Create a 100‑phrase deck tied to your work week: greetings, meeting openers, scheduling, receipts, and small talk.
• Practice micro‑dialogues—two lines you can deliver confidently at reception, cafés, and taxis.

Build Daily, Bite‑Size Habits

• Ten minutes of spaced‑repetition flashcards morning and night (apps like Anki).
• Shadow one native podcast episode per day at 0.8× speed to tune your ear.

Leverage Your Workday

• Switch interfaces and calendar to French; draft short emails in French with an English translation below.
• Ask a colleague to “red‑pen” your recurring phrases once a week.

Make It Social

• Join a conversation meetup near your arrondissement once a week.
• Order in French first; if stuck, switch to English without apology—consistency beats perfection.

With this approach, you’ll gain functional confidence quickly, deepen relationships, and navigate Paris with ease.