WALK
(In safe areas, at safe times, and preferably with another person or two.) It’s the best way to learn about the city!

TAXIS
It is very important when taking a taxi in a foreign country to follow certain guidelines. When you arrive at the airport, if you are going to take a cab it is very important to look for a desk of a registered taxi company. There may be more than one. Beware of “independent” drivers who may offer you a ride. Even if they have a meter in their car and/or an official business card, it is safer to go to the desk of the official companies. Make sure the car displays the name of the company and that the car has an official, working meter. Many people use their personal automobiles, and may even have a meter, but these “independent” drivers are not the safest way to travel. Before you get into the car, you should tell the driver where you want to go to make sure they know how to get there. It is common to agree on a rate, but most will charge by the meter. If you find a taxi driver that you like from a reputable company, ask for his card. The next time you need a taxi, call ahead and request the same driver. It may be more expensive than you think to travel by taxi on a daily basis. Most foreign countries have excellent public transportation. If traveling by day and you’re not in a hurry, it is definitely worth it to walk or take the bus or metro. In general, cabs are very expensive, but worth it if you are very tired and/or carrying a lot of luggage. Note that if you call a cab, you will be asked to pay for the cab’s journey to retrieve you, as well as for your actual trip. Finding a taxi on the street, at a taxi stand or in front of bus or train stations is much more economical. A later section lists some reputable taxi companies as well as some main taxi stations.

SUBWAY
The Paris metro is one of the fastest and most efficient subways in the world. It is inexpensive and easy to use. One ticket costs 1.30 euros, a pack or “carnet” of 10 tickets costs 10 euros, and a week-long pass, or “coupon hebdomidaire” for 14.50 euros. The best value for those who are in the city from month to month is a Carte Orange (an unlimited access pass for 1 month), which costs 48.60 euros. These cards are good for travel on the subway or bus systems within the city. You can pick up metro schedules in any metro office, as well as in many hotels. As mentioned before, it is generally much more economical to buy carnets or month passes for all transportation, rather than buying individual tickets. Most subway lines begin operating around 5:30AM and can run as late as 1:30AM. Make sure to be aware of the start and end times of the trains on your particular metro line as well as their hours on Sundays and holidays. This information should be on the metro schedule. It is not uncommon for students to try to “sneak” on and off buses and metros without purchasing a ticket or without validating one; you will sometimes get away with this, but BEWARE. When comptrollers get on a car or wait outside the exit, they check every passenger. If you do not have a pass or a validated ticket, they could fine you 50 or more euros, and you will be required to pay on the spot.

BUS
You can buy individual bus tickets, but if you plan to ride the bus often, it is advisable to buy a Carte Orange. If you depend on a bus to get home at night, watch the time to make sure you leave early enough; otherwise take a taxi home.