Bastia Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Local SIM cards are available. Wi-Fi spreads widely. La Poste handles postal services.

Connectivity & Language

Mobile: French providers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free) offer prepaid SIMs. EU citizens: "Roam Like at Home" rules apply. Consider Airalo eSIMs or Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet.
Internet: Wi-Fi available at hotels, cafes, restaurants.
Language: French is official. Corsican (Corsu) is also spoken. English comprehension varies in tourist areas. Basic French phrases are courteous. Explore language skills with Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours & Schedules

Typical operating hours for shops, restaurants, and attractions in Bastia.

Operating Timings

Shops: 9/10 AM - 12/1 PM, then 2/3 PM - 6/7 PM. Many close for lunch. Supermarkets: 8:30/9 AM - 7/8 PM.
Restaurants: Lunch: 12-2 PM. Dinner: 7 PM - 9:30/10 PM.
Holidays: Public holidays (e.g., May 1st, July 14th, Aug 15th) may lead to closures or reduced hours. Check specific dates. Seasonal closures affect some tourist businesses (Nov-Apr).

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Local customs and politeness for positive interactions.

Social Guidelines

Greetings: Always use "Bonjour" (or "Bonsoir") upon entry. Use "Merci" and "S'il vous plaît" regularly. Politeness holds high value.
Attire: Casual clothing is fine for sightseeing. Modest dress (shoulders, knees covered) is suitable for churches.
Photography: Generally permissible in public. Ask permission when photographing people. Be discreet in religious sites.

Airport Services

Information about airport amenities and passenger rights.

Traveler Benefits

Lounge Access: Frequent travelers may consider Priority Pass for independent airport lounge access globally.
Flight Compensation: If your flight encounters delays, cancellations, or denied boarding, a service like Compensair assists with receiving compensation.
Airport Amenities: Bastia Poretta Airport (BIA) offers basic facilities, including car rentals, a few shops, and dining options.

Important Phrases French

Basic Greetings & Courtesy

Bonjour (bon-ZHOOR): Hello/Good day
Bonsoir (bon-SWAHR): Good evening
Merci (mer-SEE): Thank you
S'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH): Please

Questions & Understanding

Oui (wee): Yes
Non (nohn): No
Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH?): Do you speak English?
Je ne comprends pas (zhe nuh kom-PRAHN pah): I do not understand

Accessibility Information

Details for travelers with mobility challenges or other special needs.

Mobility Infrastructure

Bastia's historic areas (Old Port, Terra Vecchia, Citadel) present challenges due to narrow, uneven cobblestone streets, steep inclines, and stairs. Newer areas like Place Saint-Nicolas are more accessible.

Accessible Transport & Attractions

Some newer public buses may accommodate wheelchairs. Major museums might have ramps or lifts. Check individual attraction websites or contact them directly for accessibility details.

Information Resources

Contact the Bastia Tourist Office (Office de Tourisme de Bastia) for updated information on accessible facilities and services. Research specific locations before your trip.

Services for Sensory Impairments

France works towards accessibility, but specific services for visual or hearing impairments may not be universally present in Bastia.

Specific Services

Audio guides for visually impaired visitors may have limited availability.
Sign language interpretation may not be widespread.
Direct contact with attractions for specific inquiries is advisable.

General Accessibility Advice

Advance planning for travelers with accessibility needs enhances the journey.

Pre-Trip Considerations

Contact accommodations directly to confirm accessibility features.
Review maps for steepness and terrain in desired areas.
Plan itineraries with accessibility in mind, focusing on newer city parts.

Important Considerations

Historic Areas

Cobblestone streets and inclines present challenges.
Numerous stairs may limit access in older districts.
Focus exploration on more modern city sections.

Public Transport

Inquire about accessible bus routes and vehicle types.
Consider private transportation for tailored access.
Up-to-date information at the Tourist Office.

Advance Planning

For travelers with specific needs, contacting service providers and attractions ahead of time provides a smoother journey.

Money & Banking

Information regarding currency, payment methods, and financial services.

Currency & Exchange

The official currency in Corsica (France) is the Euro (€). Currency exchange services are available at banks and some exchange offices.

Currency Facts

Official currency is the Euro (€).
Exchange services at banks or dedicated bureaus.
Compare rates for the best value.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Carry some cash for smaller purchases or local markets.

Payment Convenience

Major credit/debit cards accepted almost everywhere.
Cash is suitable for small shops, cafes, and markets.
Contactless payments are common.

ATM & Banking Hours

ATMs are broadly available in Bastia's city center. Banks operate on typical weekday schedules.

Financial Access

ATMs are plentiful for cash withdrawals.
Banks usually open weekdays from 9 AM-12 PM and 2 PM-5 PM.
Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.

Budgeting Tips

Manage your expenses thoughtfully for an enjoyable trip.

Smart Spending

Consider dining at local eateries for value.
Keep track of daily expenditures.
Look for special lunch menus or Formules.

Financial Safety

Secure Your Funds

Keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
Carry copies of important documents separately.
Be mindful of pickpockets in busy tourist spots.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency services: 112 (European emergency number).
Know your bank's international emergency contact number.
Record essential numbers on paper as a backup.

Tipping Practices

Dining

Service is typically included in restaurant bills ("service compris").
Small additional tips (a few Euros) for good service are appreciated.
Tipping is not strictly obligatory.

Other Services

Taxi drivers may receive a small rounding up of the fare.
Hotel staff (porters, housekeepers) may receive a few Euros.
Discretionary tips indicate satisfaction.

Bastia Travel Tips