boatman1940
American expat in France
Forum posts
127
Contacts
2
About me
American
Lives in Figarol
Speaks English US - My wife is French.
Registration: 13 July 2015
1.5 Years out from Moving - Looking for Planning Help by realfitpug4life
Bonjour a tous! I am retiring in 2027 and plan to move to France. I plan to get a long stay visa and live there as an expat for the foreseeable future. If I live long enough, I might become a French citizen. I have started the research on making ...
@nicole8535 EverBank in the US has a Currency Section, and I worked with the Euro value. So I was able to transfer the Euros to my French Bank. But one of the bumps in the road is that you cannot open a Government-approved French Bank account until ... Read More
Winter driving in the French Alps - what surprised me the most by Odacova
Hi everyone,I wanted to share a few observations and also hear from others who spend time driving in the French Alps during winter. I’m often surprised by how differently things work in practice compared to what many travelers expect.A few ...
@SimCityAT My Bad. I have been there as well. And found winter driving the same as everywhere. You have to consider the pavement and use the correct tires for the surface and weather. Read More
Winter driving in the French Alps - what surprised me the most by Odacova
Hi everyone,I wanted to share a few observations and also hear from others who spend time driving in the French Alps during winter. I’m often surprised by how differently things work in practice compared to what many travelers expect.A few ...
I like winter mountain driving. Until the snow gets too deep for the vehicles Clearance. Though I avoid driving at night when it's snowing if possible. Alaska, Wisconsin, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Poland. It is a ... Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in France by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in France as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
The Mailbox at your home or apartment is not secure. So be careful about what you have sent here. That is mainly true anywhere in any country. Google it ... Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in France by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in France as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
We have a mailbox located on the edge of the village, where mail is placed outside the gate. Suppose they need a larger space or paperwork to be signed. They will come to the door. If we are not at home, it will be dropped off at the post office in ... Read More
Elderly couple looking to relocate seeking advice on EVERYTHING by wysemanjohn
My wife and I are in our 70's, happily retired in a single flat home with a golf course view in the suburb town of New Orleans La area. We are considering making a radicle decission for our stage of life to move to France as it is difficult to ...
@wysemanjohn54 Yes, buying is more straightforward than renting. It is a little complicated. But the fix is easy. You start with a Real Estate Lawyer because there are many ways to get taken here. All real estate people lie, I am told. But the real ... Read More
Elderly couple looking to relocate seeking advice on EVERYTHING by wysemanjohn
My wife and I are in our 70's, happily retired in a single flat home with a golf course view in the suburb town of New Orleans La area. We are considering making a radicle decission for our stage of life to move to France as it is difficult to ...
@wysemanjohn I did this with a French wife, and we had her family's house. We spend only 182 days a year in France, so we do not lose our place in the US. You have hit all the problems. And it will not be easy. We live in a small village where she ... Read More
New members of the Northern Ireland forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Northern Ireland forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
@Julien My Maternal Great Great Grandfather, Daniel Knilans, left Castlederg on the Derg River, April 30, 1849, with his wife Sara Allen, and their seven children, his family, to the United States. On May 1st, he and his family sail from Dublin on ... Read More
Most common scams in France by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in France as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it’s immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
I am not much help except to individuals. At my age, I have seen many scams, but I have yet to be scammed. I have maybe missed some good things paying off. But they did not smell or taste right. We have encountered many people with whom we have not ... Read More
Dual citizenship by boatman1940
Hello, I am John, a US citizen. My great-grandfather was 1 year old when he moved to Wisconsin in 1848 with his large family after his grandfather passed away. And his father decided to go to Wisconsin in the US. He bought a ticket on a ship from ...
@SimCityAT The ETA application at GOV.UK is straightforward to do on the Internet.Ours was approved in less than 10 minutes. And you can pay with a credit card in your own country's currency. No papers are needed at the border. They connect your ... Read More
Refills of wine in own container by GuestPoster4456
How do i ask if they sell bulk refill wine for my own containers?
Wine is food; it can be found anywhere in the southern EU. You keep your eyes and ears open and ask if you can. A bar is a good place to ask after you have been there for a while. Being a customer always helps. Read More
Refills of wine in own container by GuestPoster4456
How do i ask if they sell bulk refill wine for my own containers?
@SGfrance You speak French. It would be a dealer in a village or at the village market. Since my father-in-law died, I have not had a connection. The seller at the weekly market may or may not pay tax. I do not ask. Read More
Dual citizenship by boatman1940
Hello, I am John, a US citizen. My great-grandfather was 1 year old when he moved to Wisconsin in 1848 with his large family after his grandfather passed away. And his father decided to go to Wisconsin in the US. He bought a ticket on a ship from ...
@SimCityAT Thank you very much. I will comply with the rule. And Thank you for the web site.John Read More
Dual citizenship by boatman1940
Hello, I am John, a US citizen. My great-grandfather was 1 year old when he moved to Wisconsin in 1848 with his large family after his grandfather passed away. And his father decided to go to Wisconsin in the US. He bought a ticket on a ship from ...
Hello again. When looking at the Chunnel website in France, they are talking about needing a visa to go to the UK in 2025. Using the Chunnel. This last summer, we drove to Calis and loaded onto the train after a passport check both of us with US ... Read More
Dual citizenship by boatman1940
Hello, I am John, a US citizen. My great-grandfather was 1 year old when he moved to Wisconsin in 1848 with his large family after his grandfather passed away. And his father decided to go to Wisconsin in the US. He bought a ticket on a ship from ...
Thank you for your reply. I'm sorry I was slow to see it. Too many things are happening in the US, but the six months will be fine for the search. This summer, I plan to find the flax farms on the Derg River for us old people in the family.My wife ... Read More
New members of the Northern Ireland forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025
Hello, I am John, a US citizen. My great-grandfather was 1 year old when he moved to Wisconsin in 1848 with his large family after his grandfather passed away. And his father decided to go to Wisconsin in the US. He bought a ticket on a ship from ... Read More
VLS-T - Long Stay Visa -Tourist by Nmomtazi7
I have been living in France for last three years on a VLS-T (Long Stay Visa -tourist) renewing it each year from France. I get a new carte de séjour each time good for a year. Does that count towards 5 years permanently residing in France?
Mine took one year plus. That is what the Prefecture of Toulouse said when I had my first appointment. France has agreements with some places and some US states as part of international agreements. But the part of the French Government that does the ... Read More
French drivers license (Beziers) by orcuttnyc
Unfortunately New York is not on the license exchange list.I've been trying to find out with no success.As an older driver, will I have to take the theory test as well as the road test?I don't speak French, but i've 'read' that I can get the theory ...
After applying, getting your French driver's License will take a year if things are the same as 4 years ago. They do not like doing this and make it difficult because all French people have to go to driving school. After the Prefecture accepts your ... Read More
American expats: how do you think the US elections will affect you? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the ...
@Fred I think it is going bad right now. Read More
VLS-T - Long Stay Visa -Tourist by Nmomtazi7
I have been living in France for last three years on a VLS-T (Long Stay Visa -tourist) renewing it each year from France. I get a new carte de séjour each time good for a year. Does that count towards 5 years permanently residing in France?
@Nmomtazi7 Have you been to the OFII office and system? When I started coming to France, it was easy; I just came and went. But the EU rules and controls forced me to get a Visa, and I only wanted six months, but it was not possible. There was only ... Read More
American expats: how do you think the US elections will affect you? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the ...
@gulruu94 That is for sure. If you vote for the Democratic women, there is still a chance Drump will fail or Musk will quit. Or the next storm gets him. It is winding up. #18 Read More
American expats: how do you think the US elections will affect you? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the ...
@roblex If Drump wins or just takes over, he will sell us all out to Putie for a Moscow Hotel and a Golf Club. But if that happens, Putie will go after Nato and the EU, and it will be a mess. Project 2025 owns the Supreme Courts, and they have ... Read More
American expats: how do you think the US elections will affect you? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the ...
@gulruu94 Vote him Drump off the island Read More
American expats: how do you think the US elections will affect you? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the ...
@Raevon1 Vote before you leave for France. We need the help and votes of all reasonable Americans. Read More
American expats: how do you think the US elections will affect you? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the ...
Last night, Trump said he would declare victory on election day when he was in NewYork last night at Madison Square Garden. The same place His Father and Grandfather were in 1939 at the Rally for Hitler at the big Nazi Rally in Madison Square ... Read More
American expats: how do you think the US elections will affect you? by Ameerah Arjanee
Hi everyone. I’m a content writer for Expat Magazine, and we are planning on writing an article about what American expats abroad (and non-American expats living in the US) think about the upcoming presidential elections. How do you think the ...
If the Rethugs win, the US will end. Trump wants Putin to let him build his Moscow Hotel. We will not know until Jan 20, 2025. Read More
Study in France - Application by ClementineLH
Hi all,I've messaged EEF in their mail system, but I've yet to hear back. I'm trying to fill this out as quickly as possible, so any tips on these questions would be much appreciated!Does 68.5 class days between Sep '24 and Oct '25 qualify me for a ...
Everything has to be translated into French. If you are writing it, use Google Translate to translate it, and have a French person proofread everything. A government-certified translator can translate documents for the French government on the ... Read More
Driver's License Exchange Processing Time by mrice30
I have a US driver’s license from a state that qualifies for the French license exchange program. I submitted my documents online and received a message that processing time is 6 to 8 months. Is this accurate? Can expect (hope for) a shorter ...
Mine took a Year, but you can get a good AAA International Driving License for a year to hold you over. If you do the application carefully, it will help—a translation of your license, both sides by a French State-approved translator. Which ... Read More
ANTES driving me insane. Advice re Exchange of license? by Sepharad
I have been trying to exchange my Portuguese Drivers license for a French one...for MONTHS. I have been sent to the National police, Local police, France Services, 2 different Mairies, the Prefecture and finally ANTS.I had all the forms, had a ...
@Sepharad, the address may be the email address in the email they sent you. That would be my guess without seeing the document they sent you. I started with the Prefecture, and it took three times to get that right. They had asked for a license ... Read More
ANTES driving me insane. Advice re Exchange of license? by Sepharad
I have been trying to exchange my Portuguese Drivers license for a French one...for MONTHS. I have been sent to the National police, Local police, France Services, 2 different Mairies, the Prefecture and finally ANTS.I had all the forms, had a ...
@SepharadIt took a year for me in 2017. Read More
Transfer money out of US for property purchase by Julie M72
Hi, buying an apartment in France of €300K +. Wanted to know if anyone has experience in hedging the foreign currency exchange risk, such as buying forward contract etc. Lately EUR is gaining momentum, I am worried that in 45 days when paying ...
I had this problem, so I opened an investment account for buying euros, bought low and sold high, and found that I could wire the Euros from My US account to my French Account. You have to talk to both banks and make them feel safe. You will pay low ... Read More
Moving to France with dual American/Irish citizenship by nmfarano
Hi - I would like to move to France within the next couple years and become a French citizen. I am an American but also have dual citizenship with Ireland, and I have a current legal passport from both countries. Would I be able to enter France ...
@nmfaranoIf you are an EU Irish, you can travel anywhere in the EU. The UK (Northern Ireland) but I think you are still stuck with the 90-day rule in any EU country. I think you have Imagrate with Long Stay Visa and get a third Passport. Read More
Time between receiving a VLS-TS and going to France by France7890
I have a general question about the VLS-TS VISA. Scenario:Step 1: I apply for a VLS-TS and get approved. Step 2: Travel to my address in FranceStep 3: Within three months register my VLS-TS in FranceIs there a maximum time period between Step 1 and ...
@France7890Time is dependent on how carefully you collect all the pieces. Start by going to the French website. You will not know where to go or call until later. ... Read More
France VLS-TS and travelling outside France by France7890
I read that once to get our VLS-TS from the USA and then within three months register in-person in France you cannot return to the USA. Is this true?I was going to move permanently to France with a VLS-TS and have my primary residence, address, in ...
My wife says the knife thing is about the length of the blade. She says it can not be longer than the width of your palm. Or switch a blade. I have carried a kike all my life with a locking blade so I do not cut off my fingers. As a farm boy or ... Read More
France VLS-TS and travelling outside France by France7890
I read that once to get our VLS-TS from the USA and then within three months register in-person in France you cannot return to the USA. Is this true?I was going to move permanently to France with a VLS-TS and have my primary residence, address, in ...
I got my first VLS in 2017 after I was warned that if I stayed over 90 days, I could be barred from the EU for an overstay and forever. Then, when I got there, I found out I was emigrating, and it took until 2023 to get my Titre De Sejour so I could ... Read More
France VLS-TS and travelling outside France by France7890
I read that once to get our VLS-TS from the USA and then within three months register in-person in France you cannot return to the USA. Is this true?I was going to move permanently to France with a VLS-TS and have my primary residence, address, in ...
@France7890That is not the law, but a VLS-TS puts you in as an immigrant into OFFI. So they think you want to stay forever. The French do not understand the wanderlust of Americans. And things are changing. We Americans could always come and go from ... Read More
Timeframe of processes from exam to civic and language class? by bruce susel
Helloi entered on a long stay visa on Feb 7, and my physical exam was approx Marxh 15.i was given no timeframe for the next process, (agreement, civic class, language class)is there a general rule when to expect these events? From what I gather, ...
@bruce suselIn my experience, every step takes 90-plus days. Your case takes 90 days to get to the top of the pile. Then, it gets reviewed, and if it has trouble, you will hear sooner. But you will get a letter or email with the next step or a ... Read More
Opening a French bank account from outside the country by GuestPoster5109
HiHas anyone any knowledge of opening a French bank account from outside the country? I'm looking at Bunq and similar entities at the moment. Are they safe?Is it a useful thing to do? Or should we wait until were in France to open a bank ...
@adrie14Ireland is an EU country. That Speaks English and is the Euro account that you need. So you can control when you buy Euros to keep from paying way too much because you time the buys, and if they keep your money, you should be able to control ... Read More
Renewal of carte de séjour pluriannuelle by Jennifer_Nguyen
Hello expat community! I'm new here - nice to e-meet you 👋 I'm looking for more information concerning the duration of the creation of my renewed carte de séjour pluriannuelle. Back in December 2022, I submitted a renewal request for ...
Very Good. I am happy that it went well. Have a good fall season. John Read More
Renewal of carte de séjour pluriannuelle by Jennifer_Nguyen
Hello expat community! I'm new here - nice to e-meet you 👋 I'm looking for more information concerning the duration of the creation of my renewed carte de séjour pluriannuelle. Back in December 2022, I submitted a renewal request for ...
But are they responding to your file? Things are constantly changing. Sometimes, not in a good way. Did they find your file? Read More
Renewal of carte de séjour pluriannuelle by Jennifer_Nguyen
Hello expat community! I'm new here - nice to e-meet you 👋 I'm looking for more information concerning the duration of the creation of my renewed carte de séjour pluriannuelle. Back in December 2022, I submitted a renewal request for ...
@Jennifer_NguyenGood Luck. The list of Documents you will need may be available on the internet by form number. But are different by Department. Or on the department web page or use your old one. I put all the papers in the order of the list. I use ... Read More
Renewal of carte de séjour pluriannuelle by Jennifer_Nguyen
Hello expat community! I'm new here - nice to e-meet you 👋 I'm looking for more information concerning the duration of the creation of my renewed carte de séjour pluriannuelle. Back in December 2022, I submitted a renewal request for ...
@westincaThe driver's license change took me a year and 2 months and four trips to the Prefecture. They said a year at the start. And I got the first email a week over the year. They did not understand that my license was only 2 years old. Because ... Read More
Renewal of carte de séjour pluriannuelle by Jennifer_Nguyen
Hello expat community! I'm new here - nice to e-meet you 👋 I'm looking for more information concerning the duration of the creation of my renewed carte de séjour pluriannuelle. Back in December 2022, I submitted a renewal request for ...
@Jennifer_NguyenYou need to inquire to the office you sent it to. That is too long. When you file something to the Prefecture in Toulouse, they never look at it until close to 90 days, but I have always gotten a written postal response within four ... Read More
Buying a car questions by GuestPoster90401
I’ll be travelling to France in December and one of the first items is to buy a used compact car. To save having to pay VAT I’d prefer to buy private but there are a few obstacles. Is it possible to obtain car insurance before having a ...
@Rustic islanderGood Luck. Someone will try to stop you. And there will be fees but they are not big. Do not get angry just try another agent. Read More
Buying a car questions by GuestPoster90401
I’ll be travelling to France in December and one of the first items is to buy a used compact car. To save having to pay VAT I’d prefer to buy private but there are a few obstacles. Is it possible to obtain car insurance before having a ...
It looks like you can do it. Someone will resist so it will take time. And the seller has to have the inspection sticker. The technical inspection must be less than six months old at the time of signing the transfer certificate. So if the ... Read More
Buying a car questions by GuestPoster90401
I’ll be travelling to France in December and one of the first items is to buy a used compact car. To save having to pay VAT I’d prefer to buy private but there are a few obstacles. Is it possible to obtain car insurance before having a ...
@Rustic islanderIf you sell a used vehicle, you are required to complete Cerfa 15776*01 . This form allows you to make a declaration of transfer of the vehicle, thus indicating to the administration that you are transferring ownership of your car or ... Read More
Buying a car questions by GuestPoster90401
I’ll be travelling to France in December and one of the first items is to buy a used compact car. To save having to pay VAT I’d prefer to buy private but there are a few obstacles. Is it possible to obtain car insurance before having a ...
@Rustic islanderSo I missed on the Buying part. Being part of the EU that is the Key. That is your IDTransferring the registration Is just paperwork, but the seller has to file the sale to you. It can be done online. If the number plate is of the ... Read More
Buying a car questions by GuestPoster90401
I’ll be travelling to France in December and one of the first items is to buy a used compact car. To save having to pay VAT I’d prefer to buy private but there are a few obstacles. Is it possible to obtain car insurance before having a ...
@Rustic islanderYou can not register a car in France unless you are French or maybe you can with a French ID Card. The workaround is rent. But the cheap renters are the Food Stores require a French ID Or lease a car. There are people who will lease ... Read More
How do I extend my carte de sejour ? by swinn614
We have applied for citizenship in France. At the conclusion of our November 2022 interview, CL told us --- if we had not received written notificaiton of our results by June or July --- to write to the perfecture of Herault to ask for an extension ...
@swinn614 I just tried prefecture herault offii contact in GoogleAbout 31,700 results (0.42 seconds) September 16, 2020: Hello aa1963, For your information, the OFII is open to the public without an appointment from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. ... Read More
How do I extend my carte de sejour ? by swinn614
We have applied for citizenship in France. At the conclusion of our November 2022 interview, CL told us --- if we had not received written notificaiton of our results by June or July --- to write to the perfecture of Herault to ask for an extension ...
@swinn614 It is different by Department. I am in Department 31 I go to Google with "prefecture haute garonne"I use Google Translate which is free and works well except for he and she. You load translate in the first tab Perfect in the next tab. ... Read More
How do I extend my carte de sejour ? by swinn614
We have applied for citizenship in France. At the conclusion of our November 2022 interview, CL told us --- if we had not received written notificaiton of our results by June or July --- to write to the perfecture of Herault to ask for an extension ...
@Each Prefecture is independent on setting procedures. In Toulouse, it is not possible to talk to people. The best place is the Prefeces website. With some work, you can find the answer. I had to send the complete document package again on their ... Read More
Opening a French bank account from outside the country by GuestPoster5109
HiHas anyone any knowledge of opening a French bank account from outside the country? I'm looking at Bunq and similar entities at the moment. Are they safe?Is it a useful thing to do? Or should we wait until were in France to open a bank ...
But there are other banks in the EU. You to Check them out on the Internet. Use Google with Translate, and you may need VPN on your computer to get to some websites. And you can have only an account or accounts in one Bank. Read More
Opening a French bank account from outside the country by GuestPoster5109
HiHas anyone any knowledge of opening a French bank account from outside the country? I'm looking at Bunq and similar entities at the moment. Are they safe?Is it a useful thing to do? Or should we wait until were in France to open a bank ...
@adrie14 You can not open a French Bank Account without being a resident. Read More
carte de sejour visiteur versus long stay shengen visa by GreenMountain
Hi, my wife and I (retired and in our 70s) would like to spend 6 to 7 months in France yearly and 5 or 6 months back in the US. If anyone has an opinion would getting a long stay shengen tourist visa or the renewable carte de sejour temporaire be ...
@GreenMountain The carte de sejour is a long road and requires that have been there legally for min 6 months. The Long Stay Visa is the easiest start. I did that for three years. I have a French Wife, and we have a house in France. And I has been ... Read More
what is "funding of travel costs" ? French visa application by georgekhutia
I am going there to work, and have French work permit + job contract.if I choose to fund my travel costs, how much money should I have on the bank account, and what is the correct option to choose here ?
@georgekhutia I think it means an open ticket back to your home country. Read More
Visa application got rejected - need help by georgekhutia
Hello, my employer ( which is also my close friend ) got the work permit for me, and then I collected documents and applied to get a visa ( I applied in my country, Georgia )I got rejected, the reason was that they suspect I would stay after visa ...
Their rejection is clear. You and your friend did not sell the deal to the person reading your application, and the person who approves the application has to sell it to their boss and then to the Prefecture that it is an excellent idea to let you ... Read More
Visa application got rejected - need help by georgekhutia
Hello, my employer ( which is also my close friend ) got the work permit for me, and then I collected documents and applied to get a visa ( I applied in my country, Georgia )I got rejected, the reason was that they suspect I would stay after visa ...
@georgekhutia What your problem is your employer has to request you for a good reason and agree to be responsible for your actions. The details I do not know a lawyer would help, maybe. The Government believes there are enough workers in France, so ... Read More
Confusion around filling the French visa application by georgekhutia
Hello, I have a work permit and the contract, and I just want to fill the application, but none of the options regarding "your plans" lets me explain my situation, that I have a work permit, and I just want to go and work as of work permit...Can ...
@georgekhutia You must follow each of the tracks through the app to the end and stop. Do not pick a visa until you know that it is right. It makes you look bad. It takes time, and I use screenshots to keep track of the branches. Their logical way of ... Read More
Location longue duree seychelles by Shareexperience
HelloWe are looking at spending 6 mths in France and 6 months in Australia. We would love to hear about others who split their time in two countries generally speaking and any advice on how they manage health care and taxes Health care: can they ...
@Shareexperience It is complicated. The first rule is that to avoid taxes, you must remain a Citizen of your home country. For me, as a US Citizen, 181 days in France is the limit. Health care is available to anyone. The prices are posted for ... Read More
Trying since May to get a visa appointment for France by GuestPoster52210
Hi there,we have been trying since May to get a Visa appointment for a year in France (family of four) to no avail. Any thoughts or recommendations? We have everything in order, accommodations arranged, even a bank account-- and the kids are already ...
The Link under review is the French Embassy Web Site in the Country of your current residency. And VFS Global is the subcontractor France uses in the US and maybe everywhere. I do not know. But the Embassy web Site is the best. ... Read More
Trying since May to get a visa appointment for France by GuestPoster52210
Hi there,we have been trying since May to get a Visa appointment for a year in France (family of four) to no avail. Any thoughts or recommendations? We have everything in order, accommodations arranged, even a bank account-- and the kids are already ...
@VercorsFam If you live in a small town go to the Vice Mayor or friendly-looking person in the Mayor's office for help. A visa is gotten in your home country. If you came here legally as a tourist and overstayed they believe you broke the ... Read More
French long stay visa by dvvn
Hi, I am a US citizen from New York, I applied for a long-stay visa to stay in France for one year helping out senior parents (who now live there and both have one year visas). I received my visa in the mail after a tedious process but see that ...
@ZeeTee75 hcbgroup.com HCB Solicitors I just Googled it but know nothing about themJohn Read More
New members of the France forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the France forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hello KarlJohn LeeJust ask what you want to know about. I live near Figarol 31260 from April to Oct since 2014. Since we started working on my Wife's family home. The Menu is at the top. Or just ask a question. I have had to deal with visas ... Read More
USA to France by sunshine1475
Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone in this group is currently looking to move to France?
@All4me You do not need Visa to visit France for 10 days. Or any other EU country. Your Passport and a return ticket are all you need. It would be a good idea to have some EURO's $ will work most places but expensive. And for ... Read More
Canadian nurse wanting to work and live in France by Bumblebee995
Hi everyone. I have always wanted to do travel nursing in my life but don’t know how to go about it. I don’t want to go to the states and would rather try to find a way to work in Europe. I am either looking at the UK or France. I want ...
@Bumblebee995 Why not try and connect to a Nurses Group in France, look for a job, or make a connection through any medical group or friend. To get into France with a Long Stay Visa and get a CarteSejour you need a job or classes. You could ... Read More
French Long Stay Visa by jdh12
We (non-EU citizens) have made an offer and it was accepted and signed off on on a property in France. We were delaying applying for the long stay visa because we don't know exactly when we will be freed from responsibilities in present ...
You got it! And after I finished the last comment. I realized why it is so strange. The first question is what kind of visa do you what. And that was really the answer I was really looking for. Anyway, you got there fast. Really consider each ... Read More
French Long Stay Visa by jdh12
We (non-EU citizens) have made an offer and it was accepted and signed off on on a property in France. We were delaying applying for the long stay visa because we don't know exactly when we will be freed from responsibilities in present ...
@cleoUK Yes, it gets confusing. If it is much the same for people from the UK as it is for me USA. You make the application on the Internet. And they do not want you to push the button applying more than three months before your travel ... Read More
French Long Stay Visa by jdh12
We (non-EU citizens) have made an offer and it was accepted and signed off on on a property in France. We were delaying applying for the long stay visa because we don't know exactly when we will be freed from responsibilities in present ...
@cleoUK A long stay visa can be up to a year from the US so maybe from the UK also. It normally starts on the 1st day of a month. So I set my flight for early in the month. But that is from the US and may not apply. You have to ask. But 6 ... Read More
What's so special about French girls/women?
@travelbuddy69 Maybe you are causing your own problem with your own opinions. You are free to go somewhere else.I left the US because of haters and they are not needed in France. Being kind and respecting other people generally gets the same ... Read More
French Long Stay Visa by jdh12
We (non-EU citizens) have made an offer and it was accepted and signed off on on a property in France. We were delaying applying for the long stay visa because we don't know exactly when we will be freed from responsibilities in present ...
Visas are gotten in Your Legal Home Country to go to countries that require a Visa for entry. You get a Visa from the Embassy of the country that you wish to go to. France has agreements with some countries that allow tourism for up to 90 days ... Read More
Accounting Firms with US CPAs and French expert-comptables by uncaged
Hello, I'm looking for an accounting firm to handle both my US and French taxes, both personal and business. Someone who knows their way around the tax treaty, etc. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks,
Thank You, Kay I do not need it now. But it is always good to know. Information is always important.John Read More
Cost of living in France in 2022 by Cheryl
Hi everyone, Two years after the start of the pandemic, it is time to take stock of the evolution of the cost of living in France or more specifically, in the region where you live. The idea is to help people get ready for their expatriation to ...
Yes, the uber-rich and the corporate bosses get paid based on corporate profit. After all the material costs, labor costs, advertising costs, interest, and insurance, they pad it up as high as they can, so the stockholders get a little piece, and ... Read More
overstaying in france 2 days over 90 day limit without visa by Robare
as a US citizen I am allowed 90 days in france without a visa, but my return ticket is booked 2 days after the 90 day limit. will I have any issue with being 2 days over? pretty difficult to change the ticket since it's booked right around new ...
@dvvn Getting a long-stay visa only works in your home country. If you go to France with a 4-month visa you would have to find a Lawyer that can fix it and unless you are rich that will be very hard. They are not looking for people that want to ... Read More
overstaying in france 2 days over 90 day limit without visa by Robare
as a US citizen I am allowed 90 days in france without a visa, but my return ticket is booked 2 days after the 90 day limit. will I have any issue with being 2 days over? pretty difficult to change the ticket since it's booked right around new ...
@dvvn They have many rules but. They just want you to leave and you had the ticket. If you ever go again it is in the file. But since you could not get a seat you did the best you could. They will not go all Border Patrol like the good old USA. ... Read More
Gathering information on changes in France post crisis... by Anne-Lise Mty
Hello everyone, I hope you’re all doing well in France. We are putting together an article on the post-crisis changes in France for to-be expats or expats looking to get updates. And no one would be in a better position to provide us with, ...
The French way is to respect other people's space and choices. So I have my mask with me at all times. I still wear it inside stores and around anyone that is wearing a mask or looks uncomfortable. Nothing is 100% protection so I am as careful ... Read More
French phone number by chrissychris01
Hello everyone! I will be officially moving to France next month and was wondering if it would be good to get a French cellphone number? My boyfriend gave me a phone that I can use while living there, but I would just need to set it up with a new ...
One of the problems with phones for two countries is that my U.S. contacts just can not deal with a non-U.S. Phone number layout and to have figure out which country I am in. And I found the same thing with the french People they wish to have only ... Read More
French Health insurance system by Robare
I have a one year visa for France I’m now here for four months. I know now after my first three months are over, that I’m now entitled to join the French health insurance system. I’m looking for the best way to understand the ...
fabienffi That really does not work. Only if you are an immigrant or a returning French Expat. So you have to look at your Longstay Visa, if it is for tourism you will not be able to get Social Security. You will not be refused health care in an ... Read More
French Health insurance system by Robare
I have a one year visa for France I’m now here for four months. I know now after my first three months are over, that I’m now entitled to join the French health insurance system. I’m looking for the best way to understand the ...
Hi James, This one worked for us. For my, Long Stay Visa 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. When I filed for the visa and at the interview. They looked at the contract. OFII asked for it when I checked in and paid my stamps before 90 Days. It has to ... Read More
French Health insurance system by Robare
I have a one year visa for France I’m now here for four months. I know now after my first three months are over, that I’m now entitled to join the French health insurance system. I’m looking for the best way to understand the ...
I am happy if it helped Read More
The best age to move to France by Cheryl
Hello everybody, No two people experience expatriation in France in the same way, depending on their age and personal situation. We would like to know more about you and ask you to share with us when you decided to move to France. How old were ...
There are wolves in every country and city. When you are in a new territory you have to be careful who you pick. The professionals in France are controlled by many rules. And they will follow them if you are all understanding the same thing. Written ... Read More
French phone number by chrissychris01
Hello everyone! I will be officially moving to France next month and was wondering if it would be good to get a French cellphone number? My boyfriend gave me a phone that I can use while living there, but I would just need to set it up with a new ...
Getting a phone sim if you are not French is from the Tabac and you have to use it and top it up or lose the #. And that requires cash or a debit card and I think French ID. If the boyfriend is French he can handle getting a number but it will be ... Read More
Living in France for 6 months (less than 183 days). by toshedina
My name is T Max. I am a US citizen who is thinking of living in France up to 182 days a year. I like somewhere around Nice. If someone can give me some tax advice, I'd be really happy. Thanks.
Nice is big and Nice. But the streets are small and parking is a problem. You can lease a car for 6 months in France. It is a way around buying or shipping a Suburban. Ok for the 4 lanes and the large department Highways. Ship it the second year if ... Read More
Living in France for 6 months (less than 183 days). by toshedina
My name is T Max. I am a US citizen who is thinking of living in France up to 182 days a year. I like somewhere around Nice. If someone can give me some tax advice, I'd be really happy. Thanks.
If you are only doing this 182 days one time and not buying a car, house, or land. No, you do not need a bank account. Your Schwab card will likely do fine. Since you can get cash from the ATM. I was thinking that like we retired ex-pats were going ... Read More
Living in France for 6 months (less than 183 days). by toshedina
My name is T Max. I am a US citizen who is thinking of living in France up to 182 days a year. I like somewhere around Nice. If someone can give me some tax advice, I'd be really happy. Thanks.
They make up the transaction fees with the rate of exchange. I had a euro account in the US and traded in euros to build enough for the yearly trip and wired it to my wife's French bank, emailing them in advance. They do not like surprises so I ... Read More
Living in France for 6 months (less than 183 days). by toshedina
My name is T Max. I am a US citizen who is thinking of living in France up to 182 days a year. I like somewhere around Nice. If someone can give me some tax advice, I'd be really happy. Thanks.
If you move money you should talk to your banker first. You do not want to surprise them. Because they get in trouble with the bosses. The boss's rules are unquestioned and the help gets the blame. Have your own contact at the bank. At Credit ... Read More
Living in France for 6 months (less than 183 days). by toshedina
My name is T Max. I am a US citizen who is thinking of living in France up to 182 days a year. I like somewhere around Nice. If someone can give me some tax advice, I'd be really happy. Thanks.
I have a French wife that has had a Credit Agr account since she was a child. And I was not able to get my SS number or Carte Vitale until I had my own I-BAN #. But our bank is in a smallish village. And were not inclined to let me in until I got my ... Read More
Living in France for 6 months (less than 183 days). by toshedina
My name is T Max. I am a US citizen who is thinking of living in France up to 182 days a year. I like somewhere around Nice. If someone can give me some tax advice, I'd be really happy. Thanks.
USE VPN so you are in the US. But I do not believe they a watching you. Respect is very important in France. And not giving information not asked for is totally ok. The internet is only a problem if you receive the money in France sent by customers, ... Read More
Living in France for 6 months (less than 183 days). by toshedina
My name is T Max. I am a US citizen who is thinking of living in France up to 182 days a year. I like somewhere around Nice. If someone can give me some tax advice, I'd be really happy. Thanks.
That is what I am doing. As long as you do not work in France and your income is from the US you do not have to pay taxes except if you buy a house. Occupation Taxes and Property taxes. Income from the Internet is tricky it has to stay in the US ... Read More
French Health insurance system by Robare
I have a one year visa for France I’m now here for four months. I know now after my first three months are over, that I’m now entitled to join the French health insurance system. I’m looking for the best way to understand the ...
If you are from the US. Yes, you can get service but it is not easy or free. Your Long Stay Visa application required you have private insurance. Emergency Services will take you with a problem. After you explain to the hospital and they will tell ... Read More
USA to France by sunshine1475
Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone in this group is currently looking to move to France?
I am no help on that we just started over with our bags. And we go 6 here and 6 there. Read More
USA to France by sunshine1475
Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone in this group is currently looking to move to France?
When you get to France with your Long-stay Visa you have to check in with OFII (Immigration) within 90 days. It is best to do it as soon as you can. The check-in is done on the website of the local Prefecture. They will send you a letter to your ... Read More
retirement in France by tosman66
My wife and I are both 72 years old, living in New York City and contemplating retiring in the South of France. Possible places, Avignon, Arles, Montpellier. We'd appreciate any feed back from expats about the pluses and minus of such a ...
In any town with 2000 or more people go to the popular bar on market day and you will find English speakers and ex-pats that are happy to help. Read More
USA to France by sunshine1475
Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone in this group is currently looking to move to France?
Well, it has not been simple. It really depends on where you live. The addresses are a big problem. So many streets and villages with almost the same name. The regular Post person is the only one that knows where they are. But the last year because ... Read More
Visas ... France by Robare
Coming from the US, I just had my appointment for a longterm visa (1 year) I was wondering who in this forum has experienced that application process that may be able to answer a few questions... 1) How long after your appointment did it take you ...
Nothing is simple. You are here with a one-year visa? So you have a reason to be here that they accepted? They gave you instructions on what to do when you arrived. You do that and they will tell you what to do next. Nothing is fast and if they say ... Read More
Titré de séjour by JL3
Hello everyone, My visa long séjour (married to French national) is expiring in a bit less than month and a half. I am Serbian citizen. Can someone please help me with the procedure for applying for titre de séjour... my préfecture ...
I even used copies of utility bills since I get them on the web. No paper. and no problem. But every office has its own rules. And every interviewer has their rules. Read More
Titré de séjour by JL3
Hello everyone, My visa long séjour (married to French national) is expiring in a bit less than month and a half. I am Serbian citizen. Can someone please help me with the procedure for applying for titre de séjour... my préfecture ...
It depends on your Prefecture, the procedure is on their website. For mine, the forms are on the website, and the list of documents required. They normally only respond to emails when you are responding to their email. Calls are waste of time. I ... Read More
renewing carte de sejour by wendybutteriss73
Hi everyone. My name is Wendy and I have lived in Salvagnac since 2004 so quite a few years. Me and my husband, both pensioners traipsed all the way to Albi prefecture three times in 2019 to secure our 10yr carte de sejour. Armed with a mountain of ...
In 31 Toulouse you go on the web site of the Prefecture and get the form and the list and go to work. Collect the documents and a set of copies in the exact order as the list no Staples all A4 paper so they are the same size. A great idea. I put the ... Read More
English Document Certification by Buzz22
I am an Australian currently living in France, I need to authorise a Australian transaction by getting my passport and two bank statements certified by a notary, justice of the peace or magistrate. I've been to a notary but they are only able to ...
I have gotten over nite action from this website send PDF scans of your docs to them and they will email and send hard copies. https://www.annuaire-traducteur-assermente.fr/ Read More