Strasbourg Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Major mobile providers in France include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile. Purchase local prepaid SIM cards at official provider stores, large supermarkets, or newsstands. Your phone must be unlocked to use a local SIM.

Connectivity Choices

For newer phones, an eSIM (digital SIM) is convenient.
Activate a local data plan online before arrival, for connectivity immediately.
Check your current mobile provider's international roaming plans; they may offer competitive rates.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, many cafes, restaurants, and public areas. Free Wi-Fi is at Strasbourg City Hall, the main train station (Gare Centrale), and some public parks.

Staying Online

Hotel Wi-Fi is generally dependable.
Many cafes offer complimentary internet for customers.

Postal Services

La Poste is the national post office in France. Branches operate throughout Strasbourg. They handle postal services, parcel shipping, and sometimes banking services.

Locating a Post Office

Look for their distinctive yellow sign.
Numerous locations are visible in the city center.
Ship packages or send postcards.

Language Barriers & Translation

French is the official language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas, hotels, major attractions, and by younger generations. Outside these areas, limited English proficiency may exist. Alsatian, a German dialect, also has regional speakers.

Translation Resources

Download Google Translate (with offline French pack) or DeepL.
A small phrasebook provides quick reference.
Learning a few basic French phrases is appreciated and can enrich interactions.

Important Phrases with Pronunciation Guides

Basic Greetings & Courtesy

Hello: Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)
Goodbye: Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAR)
Please: S'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)
Thank you: Merci (mehr-SEE)

Practical & General Phrases

Excuse me/Sorry: Pardon (par-DOHN)
Yes: Oui (WEE)
No: Non (NOHN)
Do you speak English?: Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH?)

Additional Phrases:

I don't understand: Je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kohn-PRAHN pah)

How much is it?: C'est combien? (seh kohm-BYEN?)

The bill, please: L'addition, s'il vous plaît (lah-dee-SYOHN, seel voo PLEH)

Business Hours & Schedules

Shops & Supermarkets

Shops: Generally open 9:00 AM/10:00 AM to 7:00 PM/7:30 PM, Monday to Saturday. Many smaller shops close for lunch (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM). Sunday opening is limited. Supermarkets: Typically open 8:00 AM/9:00 AM to 8:00 PM/9:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Some larger supermarkets have limited Sunday hours.

Banks & Post Offices

Banks: Usually open 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Some branches may close on Mondays. Post Offices: Similar hours to banks. ATMs are widely available across Strasbourg, accessible 24/7 at bank branches, shopping centers, and the train station.

Restaurants & Attractions

Restaurants: Lunch service generally runs 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM/2:30 PM. Dinner service usually begins at 7:00 PM and ends around 10:00 PM. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner. Museums/Attractions: Generally open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Many close one day a week (often Monday or Tuesday). Always check specific opening hours on official websites.

Religious & Public Holidays

France observes numerous public holidays throughout the year. On these days, banks, post offices, and many shops will be closed. Public transport may operate on a reduced schedule.

Planning Around Holidays

Check an official French public holiday calendar before your trip.
This allows adjustment of plans accordingly.
Expect altered public transport services.

Seasonal Closures & Limited Schedules

Some smaller businesses, especially those in tourist-dependent areas, might have reduced hours or close completely during the off-season (January-February) or specific holidays (e.g., after the Christmas market ends).

Pre-Visit Checks

Always check in advance if visiting a specific place during these times.
Off-season offers fewer crowds.
Some smaller establishments might undergo renovations during quieter periods.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interacting with Locals

Greeting Customs: Always say "Bonjour" when entering and "Au revoir" when leaving a place. Use "Madame" for women and "Monsieur" for men.
Formal Address: Use "vous" (the formal 'you') for strangers, service staff, or older individuals. Reserve "tu" (informal 'you') for friends.
Volume: Speak at a moderate volume in public spaces.

Photography Permissions: Generally fine for personal use in public areas. Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children. Some museums may prohibit flash.
Appropriate Attire: Smart casual generally. Modesty is suitable when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered).
Taboos & Sensitive Topics: Avoid discussing politics or religion casually with strangers unless invited.

Additional Cultural Notes:

Gender Considerations and LGBTQ+ Information: France is generally a liberal country. Strasbourg is welcoming and inclusive. Same-sex marriage is legal in France.

Accessibility Information

Strasbourg works towards greater accessibility, though historic areas present challenges.

Infrastructure & Mobility

The city center of Strasbourg is relatively flat, suitable for mobility. However, the charming cobblestone streets in Petite France may present difficulty for wheelchair users or those with walking aids.

Aspects

Many major museums and European institutions have accessible facilities.
These facilities include ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
The Batorama boat tours offer accessible options for visitors.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specific services for tourists with visual or hearing impairments may be limited. However, guide dogs are generally allowed in public places.

Support & Information

Guide dogs welcome in most public establishments.
Inquire directly with attractions for detailed information on specific accommodations.
Consult official Strasbourg tourism office or attraction websites for details.

Resources & Organizations

For detailed accessibility information and trip planning, several resources exist.

Contacts

Consult the official Strasbourg tourism office website.
Visit the websites of specific attractions for detailed accessibility information.
Organizations like Access-Able Travel Source also provide helpful insights for planning.

Navigating the City

Public transportation in Strasbourg includes a tram and bus network. These modes generally offer good accessibility.

Transport Accessibility

Trams in Strasbourg are modern and low-floor.
Older bus models might present steps, but newer ones generally have ramps.
Plan routes considering potential challenges in very old town areas.

Important Accessibility Note

Cobblestone Streets

Petite France's beautiful cobblestone streets can make mobility difficult.
Consider route alternatives for smoother surfaces where possible.
Preparation for these areas can limit frustration.

Older Buildings

Historic buildings may lack modern accessible features.
Stairs or narrow doorways might exist.
Contact venues directly for precise access details.

General Recommendations

Planning Ahead

Prioritize booking accommodation known for accessibility.
Map out accessible routes for attractions.
Consider accessible taxi services for direct transport.

Local Support

Contact the Strasbourg Tourism Office for updated accessibility information.
Look for local disability organizations for specific resources.
Many locals are willing to offer assistance.

Recommendation:

Consult the official Strasbourg tourism office website or the websites of specific attractions for detailed accessibility information. Organizations like Access-Able Travel Source also share helpful insights for planning.

Strasbourg Travel Tips