Here are some tips for your peace of mind
and to help you enjoy your first days in France.

Since 2007 in France, you have the choice of signing up to prices regulated by the state or for market prices that are fixed by providers. The main French gas providers are: Altergaz, EDF, Gaz de France and Poweo.

In France, EDF is the main electricity provider. Many packages depend on your own needs (for example, consumption, size of the house etc). Visit the EDF agency near to your house or call the green number 0 800 333 123. Since July 2007, many new electricity providers have been created in France so look on the Internet to see what is the best option for you.

Don’t forget to sign up to your choice of electricity and gas providers at least 15 days before moving.

Remember France’s gas and electricity markets are open to full competition. http://www.energie-info.fr/

Don’t forget to sign up to the water supply service. Find more information on the website: http://www.eau.generale-des-eaux.com/. It’s easy to subscribe by telephone, Internet or mail.

Providers offer many different packages. So just find the one that best suits you. Usually, providers offer you telephone packages that include Internet access.

Orange (ex-Wanadoo) is the main Internet access provider in France but there are many other providers such as Neuf Cegetel, Free, Alice, Neuf, AOL, Darty… They also provide packages which include access to television. For high speed connection choose ADSL which is enjoying strong growth. There are many sites where you can test your Internet eligibility.

From the first day you move in, insurance is mandatory in France. So do some research to find the best insurance package available.

Check that you know where the stoptap is and the route of the pipe from the mains onto your property. You can be charged for any leakage on your side of the water meter.

Set up monthly direct debits to avoid any penalties for late payments. Also, remember that many French contracts work on a tacit renewal basis. If you want to cancel a contract, you have to write a letter with an acknowledgement receipt.

Finally, don’t forget to visit the Municipal building (“mairie” in French) of your district. They like to know all the people in the community, especially in country areas. It is responsible for a number of local decisions, including planning permission.