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Paris, France
Value Added Tax
➤ France's VAT is called TVA. It is 20 percent, and it applies to all trade show materials and services provided in France.
➤ U.S. companies should file for VAT refunds. A reputable VAT reclamation company will be familiar with the appropriate rules and documents.
Voltage
➤ Trade show venues in France operate on 220 volts.
➤ It is recommended that you bring any necessary adapters with you for in-booth electrical equipment.
Garbage
➤ Fees for trash and building-material removal will be set and collected by the show contractor.
➤ Disposal of build-and-burn exhibits generally runs approximately $300 per cubic meter depending on the particular show.
Cellphones
➤ Local pay-as-you-go and prepaid SIM cards are easily available throughout Paris. Proof of identity is needed to buy SIM cards.
➤ Most U.S. visitors can use their network providers' international plans in all EU countries at similar costs.
Shipping
➤ France is part of the EU and is therefore subject to central EU customs and shipping regulations.
➤ When shipping to Paris from the United States, allow a minimum of two to four days for airfreight and two weeks for ocean freight. Some items, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, and military equipment, may experience longer delays due to inspections.
Payments
➤ Most show organizers will require prepayment for all on-site services, which can be made via wire transfer, bank check, or credit card.
➤ Exhibit houses typically ask for a 50-percent down payment, most often paid via wire transfer. Large projects may require another partial payment.
➤ Fees and surcharges are typically not applied to credit card transactions.
Greetings and Culture
➤ The common greeting in French is "bonjour," which should be followed by"madame" or "monsieur."
➤ Greetings and farewells in France always include a handshake. A more familiar greeting between men and women and between two women might involve a kiss on both cheeks. Cheek kisses between men are less common.
Hospitality
➤ In-booth hospitality is common in Paris, especially if you intend to conduct meetings in your exhibit. Even small booths typically serve coffee, juice, water, and soda.
➤ The amount of food served also tends to increase with the size of the booth. Smaller exhibits offer packaged snacks such as chips, peanuts, or pretzels. Larger exhibits provide breakfast pastries, sandwiches, cakes or pies,
appetizers, and other catered foods. It is against the law to bring fresh foods or to prepare foods yourself (other than for your own consumption) in the exhibit hall.
➤ Many exhibitors serve alcohol. Beer and wine (as well as whiskey and vodka in large exhibits) is common. There are no special permits needed to provide alcoholic drinks.
Language
➤ While English is the lingua franca of business, having personnel who can speak or translate into French and German is helpful. French people who speak English usually have studied the British version, so expect some colloquial differences even if attendees appear fluent.
➤ English-only speakers should apologize for any
language difficulties if they are unable to communicate.
➤ While logos and business cards need not be translated from English, translating graphics into French is a good idea.
➤ Having promotional literature in English, French, and German is also advised.
Staff Attire
➤ While casual attire might be appropriate in certain industries, many professionals dress conservatively. Men and women should invest in business clothing that is well-made and reflects Paris' status as the fashion capital of the world.
➤ Since there is often no padding under carpeting, staffers should wear comfortable shoes.
Installation and Dismantle
➤ There are no labor unions for I&D in Paris. Exhibitors can carry in and erect their own booths. However, most setups are done by exhibit builders.
➤ Any additional labor needed for I&D should be arranged through the show contractor prior to the event. Generally, laborers will not speak English, so request a supervisor who speaks English if no one on your team is fluent in French. Exhibitors should also plan to provide local workers with tools, ladders, and other equipment.
➤ Labor rates are often charged per hour for eight hours, and rates go up for overtime, weekends, and holidays.
➤ Electrical connections are generally provided by the venue. It is up to your exhibit builder to plug in electrical devices.
➤ Most venues require a signed "certificate of conformity for the electrical installation" that places responsibility for proper electrical hook-ups on the exhibit house
or the exhibitor itself.
➤ Exhibitors are required to submit a list of materials used in their booths, as France has strict regulations regarding the use of certain materials, particularly wood, glass, and Plexiglas.
General Facts and Tips
➤ Business in France – and Europe in general – is built upon relationships. It is important to listen to attendees and spend time with them at a show, so avoid rushing booth visitors in and out of your exhibit.
➤ Public transportation is very accessible in Paris, but pay attention to the frequent strikes that affect rail and bus service and beware of pickpockets.
➤ Regulatory hurdles, such as fire inspections and material usage, can be frustrating. Make sure to submit booth plans in a timely manner as prescribed by show management.
➤ Carrefour is the French version of Walmart, and it can be a source of last-minute necessities such as printer paper, prepackaged snacks for the booth, bottled water, and other basic supplies.
➤ Approval and licensing to play music in your booth must be obtained from the show organizer or through www.sacem.fr.
Safety
➤ Measuring more than 2.6 million square feet, Paris Nord Villepinte (www.viparis.com/en/site/paris-nord-villepinte) is France's largest exhibition complex. The venue, which is located halfway between Paris and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, features 285 nearby hotels, including 21 five-star options.
➤ Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in the city's 15th arrondissement boasts more than 2.3 million square feet of exhibition space across seven pavilions.
➤ Most of the convention and exhibition venues in and around Paris are owned by Viparis Holdings (www.viparis.com/en), which also hosts such expos as the Paris Motor Show, the International Agriculture Show, and
the Paris Air Show.
SOURCES
Emmanuel Pitchelu, director, Expo Services International (ESI), Roissey en France, France; Waki Rais, executive director, exhibitions, FILS International Freight and Logistic Services LLC, VENUE PHOTO: 2P2PLAY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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