Moving to France for a short or long period of time is a big decision. It's a change that requires adjustments to adapt to your new daily life. This is particularly true when it comes to your safety.
Whether it's for you or your family, knowing about the best deals and reliable services available will allow you to enjoy your new life to the fullest. Here is all the information you need to ensure your safety as an expatriate.
Health: how to access healthcare?
France has a comprehensive healthcare system. In order to access it effectively, you will be required to take a few steps:
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Social security registration: once you arrive, you can apply for membership via the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). You can also supplement your coverage with supplementary health insurance (mutuelle) to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
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Primary care physicians and specialists: to facilitate access to healthcare and obtain appointments more quickly, we recommend that you designate a primary care physician, who will facilitate regular follow-up care. Demand is high, so we recommend that you begin your search soon after your arrival: more and more appointments are now available on the Doctolib platform.
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Emergency numbers:
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15: samu
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112: European emergency number
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114: emergency services via text message for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals
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Please note: many departments, such as pediatrics, often have waiting times, so plan your appointments as far in advance as possible.
Managing your housing in France
When moving into your new home, for your own well-being and that of your children, there are several home safety issues to consider:
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Smoke detector: a mandatory device in all homes across the country.
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Locks and access: to limit the risk of intrusion, choose accommodation with secure doors (this is especially important in urban areas).
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Electrical installations: have professionals check that your installations comply with standards, especially in older homes.
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Home insurance: depending on your policy, home insurance covers damage in the event of theft, fire, water damage, etc. It is mandatory for all tenants.
School safety
In France, school is compulsory from the age of 3. Depending on their age, schools may vary, but there are some general steps that are common to all:
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Choice of school: you can choose to send your child to a public, private, or international school. International schools are often popular with expatriate families, but they often have waiting lists.
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Vaccinations: In France, there are 11 mandatory vaccinations in order to be accepted into school.
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Parental consent: certain events, such as outings or trips, may require your written consent.
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Daycare centers and childminders: stricter standards may be required. You can find out more from your local PMI (Maternal and Child Protection) office.
Child mobility: making their journeys safer with Kidcab
One of the most sensitive issues for expatriate families is their children's daily mobility. Whether it's going to school, coming home, or traveling to extracurricular activities, time and organizational constraints can be a source of concern.
Kidcab is a French company specializing in transporting children, operating in many major cities. For over six years, we have been supporting families, particularly expatriates, by providing reliable and safe school transportation. Our chauffeurs are experienced professionals trained to understand the needs of children.
How do our Kidcab trips work?
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The child is picked up in front of their home at the agreed time.
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The driver guarantees door-to-door assistance and helps them walk, cross the road, and get on board safely.
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Upon arrival, the child is accompanied to the school gate or the entrance to their activity.
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Road safety
In France, the rules may differ from those in your country of origin:
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Strict enforcement of traffic laws: automatic speed cameras, 30 mph speed limit in towns.
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Seat belts must be worn, even in the back.
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Transporting children: an appropriate car seat is mandatory for children up to 10 years old or 135 cm tall.
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Pedestrians and cyclists: there are many shared areas and bike paths, but caution is still advised.
Living in France and ensuring your safety as an expatriate also means adapting to a new life, but also discovering useful and effective resources for the whole family. From healthcare to transportation and education, each area has its own requirements.
For children's mobility, using a service such as Kidcab ensures supervised, regular, and stress-free journeys, while making it easier for parents to organize their daily lives.
