Pre-Trip Checklist: Rouen

Essential Preparations

Follow this chronological timeline to cover all significant steps.

Your Planning Timeline

Steps to follow at various stages before your departure.

+ Months Prior

Passport & Visa

Confirm passport validity (6+ months). Research Schengen visa / ETIAS (if applicable). Apply for visa early.

Flights & Accommodations

Book flights for best prices. Start accommodation research; identify neighborhoods.

Health & Tours

Check recommended vaccinations. Research major tours requiring advance booking.

Month Prior

Bookings Finalization

Finalize hotel/apartment reservations. Book Paris-Rouen train tickets.

Financials & Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads is a trusted provider). Notify banks of travel dates.

Driving Documents

Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if needed for non-EU licenses.

Week Prior & Day Before

Confirmations

Double-check all flight, accommodation, train, and tour reservations.

Packing & Tech

Pack essential medications and toiletries (Travel-sized toiletries are convenient). Download useful apps and offline maps.

Last-Minute Checks

Charge all electronics. Prepare day bag. Reconfirm transport to departure point.

Required Advance Bookings

Certain elements of your trip benefit greatly from early reservations.

Reservations

Flights, especially for peak season travel.
Accommodation in your preferred neighborhood.
High-speed train tickets for long-distance routes.
Specific popular tours like Giverny excursions or specialized food experiences.

Home & Personal Readiness

Pre-Departure Checks

Secure your home (lock doors, windows).
Arrange for pet care if needed.
Suspend mail or newspaper deliveries.
Notify trusted contacts of your itinerary and emergency details.

General Reminders

Small steps that build up to a comfortable journey.

Personal Documentation

Check passport expiry date.
Secure necessary visas or travel authorizations.
Print or save digital copies of all essential documents.
Review your travel insurance policy terms.

Financial Preparedness

Inform your bank of travel dates.
Have some local currency for immediate needs.
Familiarize yourself with local currency denominations.
Understand foreign transaction fees on your cards.

Communication & Connectivity

Confirm Wi-Fi access at your accommodation.
Consider a local SIM card or eSIM for data.
Save emergency numbers to your phone.
Practice basic French phrases.

Home Security

Ensure your home is secure before leaving. Pay bills or set them to auto-pay. Inform trusted contacts of your travel plans.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in Rouen shape your trip. This list aids a smooth settlement.

First Moments in Rouen

1
Immigration & Luggage:
Clear immigration (if applicable) and collect your baggage.
2
Initial Orientation:
Take a moment to orient yourself using a map or phone upon exit.
3
Currency & Connectivity:
Locate an ATM for Euros. Consider a local SIM card if needed.

Getting to Your Stay

Accommodation Address:
Have your full accommodation address readily available.
Pre-planned Route:
Follow your chosen route by train, bus, Métro, or taxi.
Luggage Management:
Consider luggage size and public transport accessibility.

Initial Setup

Tickets & Passes

Acquire any multi-day public transport passes you plan to use.

Ensure tickets for pre-booked attractions are accessible.

Financial Readiness

Withdraw enough local currency for immediate expenses like taxis or snacks.

Locate trusted ATMs or currency exchange points.

Connectivity

Activate your international roaming or local SIM card.

Connect to public Wi-Fi where available for initial communication.

Seamless Arrival

A prepared arrival removes stress. Take a moment to settle in before venturing out to explore.

Departure Preparation

Thoughtful planning for your departure ensures a calm exit from Rouen.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase any remaining souvenirs a day or two before leaving.
If shipping items home, inquire at a La Poste branch.
Factor in time for packing and taking items to the post office.
Consider collapsible Shopping bags for extra purchases.

VAT Refund Process

Eligible non-EU residents may qualify for a VAT refund.
Ask for a "détaxe" form at participating stores.
Process forms at the airport or designated refund points before baggage check.
Allow extra time at the airport for this procedure.

Departure Timing

Plan your travel to the airport or train station with ample time.

Time Allocations

Rouen to Paris Airport:2-3 hours (minimum)
Airport arrival before international flight:2-3 hours
Total travel time (Rouen to international flight):4-6 hours (minimum)
Arrival at Rouen-Rive-Droite station:15-30 minutes prior

Return Trip Preparation

Reconfirm your return flight or train details.
Pack carefully, ensuring no prohibited items are in carry-on.
Weigh your bags if concerned about exceeding airline limits.
Empty your reusable water bottle before security checks.

Smooth Departure

Departure preparation is the final act of a well-planned trip. Leave Rouen with fond memories and no last-minute worries.

Pre-Trip Checklist