The City of Light continues to dazzle, fresh off of hosting a spectacular showcase of human talent and athleticism. While this global spotlight has undoubtedly made Paris even more enchanting, it’s also driven prices up. Way up.
But don’t let it deter you from adding the picturesque city, brimming with history, art and delicacies, to your travel bucket list. With a little #ShyftMath, you too can be singing “Aux Champs-Élysées” while strolling down the iconic French avenue.
So let’s dive into practical tips to maximise your euros and make your Parisian adventure unforgettable.
Timing is everything
‘Paris is always a good idea’ is a saying for a reason, but there are certain seasons when visiting as a tourist can be considerably cheaper.
Avoid the crowds and save money by visiting between November and March (excluding the festive season). Expect fewer tourists, lower accommodation prices, and a more authentic Parisian experience.
Oui, the weather may be much cooler than summertime, but you’ll still be spoilt for choice with world-class museums, delectable dining and art galleries no matter the forecast.
Buy euros when the rand is stronger
As with booking your trip, it’s crucial to plan when you’re going to exchange your rands for euros. Shyft gives you live forex rates and updates so you know exactly how far the rand stretches at all times. Keep an eye on Shyft notifications about the current rand value and purchase your euros when the ZAR is stronger. You can keep euros in your Shyft wallet indefinitely so you can lock in a good exchange rate well in advance.
Save on your most valuable travel item: time
Skip the queue at popular attractions like the Louvre by using your virtual Shyft card to book tickets ahead of time. By doing this you can also often qualify for early-bird discounts on many activities like Seine river cruises. Don’t forget that you can link your Shyft cards to Apple Pay and enjoy seamless in-app payments and tap-to-pay convenience while travelling.
Safeguard your travel budget with Shyft
Embrace public transport
Who doesn’t dream of cruising the Parisian streets in a sleek black Benz like The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly? If your budget is more in line with that of Andy Sachs, there’s the Paris Metro. It’s efficient, affordable, and offers way more freedom of mobility for a travelling tourist. Consider purchasing a travel pass (like the Navigo Découverte card) for unlimited travel via metro, Réseau Express Régional, or public bus.
Accommodation outside the centre
While staying in the heart of Paris is tempting, consider accommodation in the outer arrondissements (districts). You’ll save on accommodation costs, diversify your experience as a tourist and, should you visit during high season, avoid the constant bustle of the inner city crowds.
Save on activities and attractions
Paris offers a wealth of free activities. Explore the Louvre’s outdoor sculpture garden, stroll along the Seine, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Montmartre. Many Parisian museums also have free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Buying a city pass like a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Passlib’ is a #ShyftMath-must. These often offer free entry to many attractions, allow you to skip queues, and include public transportation.
Plan your spending
Paris is a city of temptation, from haute couture to delectable pastries (trust us, those crêpes et café add up!). So create a realistic budget and allocate funds for essentials like accommodation, transport, and food to your physical Shyft multicurrency card. This makes it easier to track that your spending stays within budget and avoid overindulging.
Souvenir, si’l vous plaît?
Who wouldn’t want to bring a few trinkets home to memorialise their getaway and share with loved ones? Unfortunately, tourist traps can easily drain your wallet. You’ll be surprised, however, by the items that are much cheaper than you think if you look in the right places. From supermarkets to pharmacies, you’ll find delightful French-made treats perfect for gifting. Locally made chocolates, wine, and beauty products make great gifts – so ditch the overpriced magnets and opt for authentic treasures instead.
By combining careful planning with the convenience of Shyft, you can experience the magic of Paris without a weeping wallet. Remember, a little #ShyftMath goes a long way in maximizing your travel funds. So get ready to say bon voyage (but not to your budget)!
