Table of Contents for Bonus - Your Questions Answered

*Numbers after the questions denote the page you'll find the answers.

PROPERTY 5
1. Which area in France would provide the best rental income? 5
2. Would it be better to buy land with planning permission and build a property to my spec or buy something to renovate? 6
3. I have heard that septic tanks are fairly common in France. Can you tell me about this? 6
4. Do you have any tips about what to look out when meeting agents on our viewing trip? Our French is a little rusty. 7
5. What are the pitfalls, risks and costs when in buying in France? 8
6. I have heard the leaseback scheme is a good one for investment. Is this true? 8
7. My wife and I want to set up a small bed & breakfast business in France. Any suggestions? 9
8. Would it be possible to live in Northern France with my family but retain my English job and do a weekly commute?
9. Should I make time to learn the language once I have moved in or do most people get by with a smattering of French?
10. I have bought a derelict barn to renovate. Should I employ an English or a French builder? 10

EXCHANGE RATES 12
1. What is the current rate of exchange for the Euro? 12
2. What is the best way to transfer money to France, exchange companies or banks? 12
3. Can we use Smart Currency Exchange to pay any interim costs until we get out there? 12

LEGAL 12
1. Do I need to make a separate will for my French property? How does inheritance tax work? 12
2. Why should I instruct a solicitor when I buy a house in France? 14
3. Am I better off getting a French or an English mortgage? 16
4. Is there Capital Gains Tax in France and if so how does it work? 16

GETTING MARRIED IN FRANCE 17
1. My partner and I have bought a house in a village in Brittany and would love to tie the knot there. Is this possible and how would we go about arranging it? 17

MEDICAL AND RETIREMENT IN FRANCE 17
1. If I choose to live in France permanently, as I'm already disabled, will I be able to access regular healthcare? How does the health system work for expats? 17
2. How do I go about finding a dentist and are they expensive? 18
3. We wish to retire to France and take advantage of a more peaceful lifestyle. Do you have any recommendations as to the best places for us? We don’t want to be completely isolated and would ideally like to be close to a reasonable town/large village. 19

RESIDENCY 19
1. What makes me a resident? How does this affect my tax position? 19

EMPLOYMENT 20
1. Any ideas on how I can earn money in France? I have heard running a gite is very popular? 20
2. Where can I find job listings? 22

EDUCATION 22
1. How does the education system work in France? 22
2. How easy should it be for my children to integrate into the French education system? 23
3. How do I enrol my child in a school? 23

COST OF LIVING 23
1. Is it cheaper to live in France? 23
2. Is petrol the same price as in the UK? 24
3. How much does it cost to eat out? 24
4. What is the recom. amount that I should tip at restaurants? 24
5. How will the property market be under President Sarkozy? 24

AUTOMOTIVE 24
1. Can I take my British car and use it there rather than buy a French one? Would there be any advantage to buying a French one? 24
2. What about insuring my car? 25
3. Do I need a special licence to drive in France? 25
4. Can I talk on my mobile phone whilst driving in France? 25
5. What about seat belts, are they compulsory as in the UK? 25
6. Is there the equivalent of our MOT in France? 25
7. Any other tips generally on successful driving in France? 26

LIVING IN FRANCE 26
1. Are there any international clubs or organisations in France? 26
2. Do you have any general tips on getting on with the locals? 27

BANKING 28
1. What are the banking hours in France? 28
2. What is needed to open a Bank Account? 28
3. What is the wealth tax in France? 29
4. How do you write a French cheque? 29
5. How can you do money transfers to a bank? 29
6. Are credit cards used in France? 30

BRINGING PETS TO FRANCE 30
1. Do pets have to go into quarantine when moving to France? 30
2. Are pets common in French households? 30

EMERGENCY INFORMATION 31
1. What are the emergency numbers and other important numbers we should know when in France? 31

GARDENING 32
1. What do you suggest we do about gardening – we plan on having a 2nd holiday home in France and will not be there all the time? 32

HEALTH CARE 32
1. How is healthcare in France? 32

INSURANCE 33
1. When should I take out house insurance? 33
2. How much should I insure for? 33
3. Is it better to have a French or an English insurer? 34
4. I have heard I should also take out school insurance for my children in France? 34
5. What about life insurance? 34

SERVICES IN FRANCE 35
1. Who do I contact for electricity and gas? 35
2. I have an open fire. Where do I find firewood? 36
3. Is the water safe to drink? 36
4. How do I get my telephone installed and can I make myself ex directory? 36
5. Should I get a “pay as you go” mobile or take out a contract? 37
6. How do I get connected to the Internet and set up my email? 37
Internet 37
Email 38
7. How do I get my TV connected? How much is a TV licence? 39
8. Will my new digital radio work in France? 39
9. Is the postal service in France reliable? 39

SHOPPING IN FRANCE 39
1. What are business and shopping hours? Are they the same as the UK or more like the Mediterranean hours? 39
2. Do you recommend sticking to the larger department stores for most produce or is it still good to try local individual shops and markets? 40
3. Is it best to buy furniture in France or ship it from the UK? 40
4. What is shopping like in France and what shops are there? 40

Hypermarkets 41
Supermarkets 41
Large General Home Stores 41
Builders Wholesalers and Specialist Suppliers 42
Interesting smaller cut price Home Stores 42
More upmarket and individual Home Stores 42

TRAINS AND BOATS AND PLANES 43
1. I know there are now many regional airports in France but how can I quickly find who flies to each without trawling through the internet endlessly? 43
2. I have heard the train system in France is well organised and fast. How easy is it to make reservations? 44
3. Can you give me a list of ports in Northern France so I can plan my driving trip down the west coast of France? 45

Newspaper Review – Extra 45

Book Review – Extra 46

Your Questions? 46