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Communication & Connectivity

Communication & Connectivity

Burgundy And The Rhone, France

Local SIM Cards

France has four main mobile providers: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile. Purchase prepaid SIM cards ('cartes prépayées').

Purchasing & Usage

  • Buy from official stores, larger supermarkets, or 'tabacs'.
  • Ensure your phone is unlocked.
  • Cost-effective data and call services.
  • For seamless connectivity, consider an ESIM from Airalo.

Wi-Fi Access

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, many cafes, restaurants, and public areas.

Connectivity Options

Language Basics

French is the official language. Many in tourist roles speak English, but learning basic French phrases is appreciated.

Tips for Interaction

Translation Tools

Translation apps can greatly assist communication.

Digital Assistance

French Phrases

Greetings & Politeness

  • Bonjour (bon-ZHOOR): Hello/Good day
  • Merci (mer-SEE): Thank you
  • Oui / Non (WEE / NOHN): Yes / No
  • Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH?): Do you speak English?

Useful for Dining & Situations

  • Bonsoir (bon-SWAHR): Good evening
  • S'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH): Please (formal)
  • Excusez-moi (ex-kew-ZAY mwah): Excuse me
  • L'addition, s'il vous plaît (lah-dee-SYOHN, seel voo PLEH): The bill, please

Communication Notes

Basic French phrases go a long way in forging positive interactions with locals. A simple 'Bonjour' upon entering a shop or restaurant is always a thoughtful gesture.

Hours & Services

Knowing what to expect from opening times and services makes a visit straightforward. This guide helps you handle everyday situations in Dijon with confidence.

Shops

Generally open 9 or 10 AM to 7 or 7:30 PM, Monday to Saturday. Many smaller shops close for lunch (12:30-2/3 PM). Sunday opening is limited.

Restaurants

Lunch service 12 PM-2 PM. Dinner 7 PM-9:30 or 10 PM. Many restaurants are closed one or two days a week, often Sunday evenings and Mondays.

Museums & Attractions

Typically open 9:30 or 10 AM, closing 5 or 6 PM. Many museums are closed on Tuesdays and some public holidays. Check individual websites.

Banking & ATMs

Banks generally operate 9 AM-12 PM and 2 PM-5 PM, Monday to Friday. Some Saturday mornings. Closed Sundays and public holidays.

Financial Access

  • ATMs ('Distributeurs Automatiques de Billets - DAB') are widely available 24/7.
  • Plan cash withdrawals in advance around holidays.
  • Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access during your travels.

Public Holidays

Public holidays ('Jours Fériés') may result in business closures or reduced hours.

Important Dates

  • Includes New Year's Day, Labor Day, Bastille Day, Christmas Day, and more.
  • Always check opening times if your visit coincides with a public holiday.
  • A service like Compensair can help with flight disruptions.

Dining Etiquette

Table Manners

  • Wait to be seated by staff.
  • Keep hands visible on the table.
  • Break bread with hands, do not use a knife.

Tipping Practices

  • Avoid being overly loud in restaurants.
  • Service is included ('service compris') in bills.
  • Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up for excellent service is a gesture of satisfaction.

Planning Ahead

Always check the specific operating hours for museums, restaurants, or shops you plan to visit, especially around public holidays or during the low season to avoid surprises.

Etiquette & Customs

This guide helps you interact confidently.

Greeting Customs

Always greet shopkeepers, restaurant staff, and strangers with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir').

Polite Interactions

  • Add 'Madame' or 'Monsieur' for politeness.
  • Say 'Au revoir' when leaving.
  • This simple gesture makes a big difference.

Photography & Privacy

Photography is generally permitted in public spaces. However, always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.

Respectful Photography

  • Be especially careful with children's photos.
  • Respect 'No Photography' signs in museums or exhibits.
  • Flash photography might be restricted.

Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing politics, religion, or personal finances with strangers. Politeness and discretion are highly valued.

Conversation Guidelines

  • Respect personal boundaries.
  • Listen more than you speak when unsure.
  • Observe local interactions for cues.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Welcome

France is a liberal and progressive country regarding gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Dijon is a welcoming city.

Inclusive Environment

  • LGBTQ+ rights are enshrined in law.
  • Public displays of affection are generally accepted regardless of gender.
  • The city fosters an inclusive atmosphere.

Respectful Conduct

Reminders

  • Always say 'Bonjour' when entering a shop.
  • Ask for permission before photographing people.
  • Silence your phone in quiet places.

Site Specifics

  • Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites.
  • Avoid loud conversations in public.
  • Do not remove artifacts from historic sites.

Accessibility Support

Infrastructure

  • Newer public buildings and museums generally feature ramps and elevators.
  • Historic areas with cobblestone streets present challenges.
  • Dijon's tram system and modern buses are wheelchair accessible.

Special Services

  • Divia Mobilités provides adapted transport (Divia Accès) which needs prior registration.
  • Public transport may offer visual and audible announcements.
  • Contact the Dijon Tourist Office for detailed accessibility information.

Access & Inclusivity

Dijon is a city working towards making its infrastructure and attractions accessible for all travelers.

Mobility Infrastructure

Newer public buildings, museums, and hotels in Dijon are generally designed with accessibility in mind.

Designed for Ease

  • Features ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
  • Some historic areas with cobblestone streets can pose challenges.

Accessible Transportation

Dijon's tram system and most modern buses are wheelchair accessible, offering low floors and designated spaces.

Navigating Dijon

  • Divia Accès provides specific adapted transport services for reduced mobility.
  • This service typically requires prior registration.
  • Public transport makes getting around convenient.

Sensory Impairment Support

Public transport may offer visual and audible announcements.

Assistance for All

  • Translation apps or services are helpful.
  • Some museums may have audio guides.
  • Pre-planning for specific needs is advisable.

Information Resources

Contact the Dijon Tourist Office directly before your visit. They can provide detailed, up-to-date accessibility information.

Getting Connected

  • Individual attractions might also have accessibility details on their websites.
  • Local disability organizations offer further guidance.
  • Online resources can assist in planning.

Enhanced Accessibility

Contact Ahead

Reach out to venues or the tourist office for specific needs.

Utilize Public Transport

Dijon's modern public transport system is designed for broad access.

Digital Tools

Use translation and navigation apps to assist your visit.

Inclusive Travel

Dijon is continuously improving its accessibility. A little research beforehand can greatly enhance the travel experience for everyone, regardless of individual needs.