“Does anyone know any locksmiths who are not crooks?” This was a question I posed over a year ago to a Paris & France Facebook group that I help moderate that has a fair number of Parisian residents in it. … Continue reading
Author: Stephen Heiner
Changing Your Mailing Address in France
Most Americans are used to being able to go online and for the cost of $1 (USPS says this is for identity verification) and the time it takes you to fill out the necessary online form you can change your … Continue reading
The “Three” Paris Airports
I promised myself for ages that I wasn’t ever going to use the Beauvais Airport. “Paris Beauvais Airport” is a farce. Not only is Beauvais not in Paris, but it’s also not even in Île-de-France! It’s in Oise, not far … Continue reading
Getting My French Carte Vitale and Going to the Doctor…Finally
It felt futile. I knew the French didn’t operate this way, but I was feeling worn out and was reverting to American habits. I was writing, in French, on a post-it note, the following message: “I am very happy to … Continue reading
Troubleshooting: Récépissé for Visa Renewal
***Please note that practices have changed since Covid-19. You may be able to get an electronic récépissé. Check with your local prefectures.*** One of the things that keeps me really up-to-date in my immigration journey is the monthly newsletter of … Continue reading
Troubleshooting: Internet, Leaks, and Hot Water Heaters
There are things that are very simple in France. One of my favorites is the “set it and forget it” auto-debit for most of your recurring expenses: your EDF (electricity bill), UGC pass, or your mobile phone, just to name … Continue reading
Three Years On, Part IV: Where Is Home for the Immigrant?
A few days ago I began my fourth year in Paris. I wanted to use the milestone to share some reflections on how I have changed and ongoing tips on how to make the move yourself. This is the final article in a … Continue reading
Book Club: My Life in France, by Julia Child
Julia Child is best and rightly known as the woman who brought French cooking to America in an accessible and sensible way. You may know her through her recipes and her famous TV show, but this book, My Life in … Continue reading
Three Years On, Part III: Cost of Living
Next month I begin my fourth year in Paris. I wanted to use the milestone to share some reflections on how I have changed and ongoing tips on how to make the move yourself. This is the third in a series of … Continue reading
Three Years On from Moving to France, Part II: Big Changes
Next month I begin my fourth year in Paris. I wanted to use the milestone to share some reflections on how I have changed and ongoing tips on how to make the move yourself. This is the second in a series of … Continue reading