PREPARING YOUR BUDGET
Food, healthcare, transportation, entertainment… the cost of living in France can be fairly high, especially in Paris and the big cities. It's better to prepare your budget to avoid unpleasant surprises when you move here.
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT IN FRANCE
It can be very handy to open a bank account in France, in particular for paying bills (electricity, telephone, rent) and subscriptions (transportation, Internet). You will also be able to cash any wages you receive and it's easier to be reimbursed for healthcare expenses. A French payment card also lets you pay for most things so you don't have to carry large amounts of cash with you.
Owning a French bank account is a right recognised by French authorities. A foreign student can open a bank account in any bank in France. The different banks have branches in most cities; just open the door and make an appointment with a counsellor.
Compare what the different banks offer. The costs of the bank card, international transfers and cash withdrawals abroad may vary noticeably from one bank to another.
Three documents are needed to open a bank account: identification, proof of residence and an attestation of enrolment or a student card. If you still don't have any accommodation, you may be able to use the address of the service of international relations of your institution.
After you open a bank account, you will have the right to a bank card and a cheque book. With your Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB - bank account information slip), you will be able to easily make the different monthly payments you have.
If you face difficulties to open an account, a process called "droit au compte" (right to account) can help you: the Banque de France will appoint a bank and force it to open an account for you. Details of this process, documents to provide and associations offering help are available on the Banque de France website.
YOUR FOOD BUDGET
In average, the French dedicate about 300€/month to food expenses. Of course, this value varies depending on the city you are living in, and your personal habits. Overall, everyday life cost is slightly more expensive in Paris.
Here are the average prices of a few base products:
- a baguette: 1 Euro;
- a croissant: 1.10 Euros;
- 1 kg of pasta: 1.50 Euros;
- 1 litre of milk: 1.20 Euros;
- 6 eggs: 1.50 Euros;
- a coffee in a bar or restaurant: 2 Euros;
- a meal in the university restaurant (RU): 3,25 Euros;
- a fastfood meal: 7 Euros;
- a meal in a restaurant: 10 to 20 Euros;
- a sandwich from a bakery with a drink: 5 to 8 Euros.
meal in a "restaurant universitaire" (RU, for university restaurant): 3.25 Euros;
