Pre-Trip Checklist: Calvi

Essential Preparations

Strategic planning ensures a smooth journey.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Organize your preparations with these time markers.

Months Before Your Trip

Book Flights and Ferries

Booking is necessary, especially for peak or shoulder seasons, for better prices.

Reserve Main Accommodation

Book your preferred lodging in Calvi. Popular spots fill quickly.

Check Passport & Visa

Passport should hold validity for six months beyond return; apply for Schengen visa if needed.

Month Before Your Trip

Finalize Itinerary & Tours

Confirm desired activities, like a Scandola boat trip.

Plan Day Trips

Map out day trips to Balagne villages; select transport (car, train, bus).

International Driving Permit

If your license is non-EU/EEA, get an IDP to show with your national license.

Week Before Your Trip

Confirm All Bookings

Reconfirm flights, ferries, lodging, car rental, and tours; download digital copies.

Notify Your Bank

Inform your bank and credit card companies of travel dates to avoid security holds.

Currency & Apps

Have a small amount of Euros or plan ATM withdrawals. Download offline maps and apps.

Required Bookings

These bookings are useful for your Calvi journey.

Essential Reservations

Flights and Ferries: Bookings for travel to and from Corsica are a must.
Accommodation: Secure your lodging for the duration of your visit.
Rental Car: A vehicle is necessary for exploring beyond Calvi.
Popular Boat Tours: Advance booking for tours like Scandola is wise to guarantee your spot.

Pre-Trip Research

Investigating beforehand enriches your visit.

Research Topics

Explore Corsican culture and history to deepen island comprehension.
Learn basic French phrases to enhance local interactions.
Read reviews of accommodations and restaurants for fitting expectations.
Familiarize yourself with local driving laws and road conditions.

Home Preparation

Secure your home before heading out.

Secure Your Home

Lock windows and doors.
Set alarms.
Inform a trusted neighbor.
Arrange mail hold.

Arrange Care

Pets have a sitter or kennel.
Plants are watered.
Care instructions are clear.
Emergency contacts for caregivers.

Manage Bills

Pay bills due while away.
Set up automatic payments if possible.
Review financial accounts.
Keep emergency funds accessible.

Smart Planning

Booking flights, accommodation, and rental cars well in advance, especially for peak seasons, saves both money and worry.

Arrival Checklist

These steps assist upon landing or arriving in Calvi, creating a smooth transition.

Initial Steps

Clear Immigration and Customs:
Have passport and documents ready.
Collect Luggage:
Retrieve checked bags from baggage claim.
Locate Transportation:
Head for pre-booked transport or taxi stand.

Orientation & Connectivity

Get a Local Map:
Pick up a physical map from the tourist office.
Locate Your Accommodation:
Use your map or navigation app to find your lodging.
Familiarize Yourself with Nearby Amenities:
Find closest supermarket, ATM, pharmacy.

Connectivity and Currency

Local SIM Card

If desired, get a local SIM card or activate your eSIM for mobile connectivity.

This enables access to navigation, communication, and online resources.

Currency Exchange

Withdraw Euros from an ATM at the airport or in town for immediate expenses.

ATMs often present better exchange rates than currency exchange booths.

Transport to Lodging

Use pre-booked transfers, airport taxis, or local public transit.

Have your accommodation address ready for your driver or for navigation.

Arrival Note

Have your accommodation address readily available for your transport or navigation upon arrival.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure from Calvi for a smooth journey home.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs a few days before departure for secure packing.
If shipping larger items (e.g., wine), arrange with vendor or postal service (La Poste).
Factor in shipping times and costs for heavier purchases.
Consider local artisan crafts for unique gifts.

VAT Refund Procedures

Non-EU residents may qualify for VAT refund on purchases over €100.01 per store.
Ask for a "détaxe" (tax-free shopping) form at participating stores.
Complete the form and get it stamped at customs upon departure from the EU.
Allow extra time at the airport for this process.

Pre-Departure Timing

Arrive well in advance for airport or ferry departures.

Timing Guidelines

Airport: Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY) warrants at least 2 hours before domestic flights, more during peak times.
Ferry Port: Arrive at least 1 hour prior to scheduled ferry departure, especially with a vehicle.
Boarding procedures for ferries can take time.
Factor in potential traffic to the airport or port.

Return Trip Checklist

Confirm your return flight or ferry details (times, terminal).
Ensure all travel documents are easily accessible.
Pack liquids in checked luggage to match carry-on rules for air travel.
Allow extra time for transit to the airport/port, especially if departing at busy times.

Final Reminder

Confirm all departure times and locations, and account for travel time to the airport or ferry terminal.

VAT refund procedures generally apply at your final EU departure point, not necessarily Calvi.

Pre-Trip Checklist