The practical guide to France
France, made easier.
Practical guides, real advice and useful resources for international students navigating life in France.
Bank account CAF housing aid Visa renewal Carte Vitale Alternance
Your first weeks
Just arrived in France? Start here.
Five steps to do in roughly this order. Each one unlocks the next, so starting early saves weeks of waiting.
02
Register for health insurance
Sign up for free French health cover and get your social security number.
Latest guides
New and recently updated
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How to open a bank account in France as an international student
Why you need a French RIB, which type of bank to choose, the documents banks ask for, and what to do if…
Updated
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4–6 minutes -
French health insurance for international students: how to register on Ameli and get your Carte Vitale
French student health insurance is free but you must register. How to sign up on Ameli, which documents to prepare, how reimbursement…
Updated
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3–5 minutes -
CAF housing aid (APL) for international students in 2026: who can get it and how to apply
Since 1 July 2026, many non-EU students need a needs-based scholarship, a job or an apprenticeship to get APL. Check if you…
Updated
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5–7 minutes
Browse by topic
Five topics, everything connected
Start here
Just arrived in France?
Step 1 · Banking
How to Open a Bank Account in France as a Foreigner
The documents you’ll actually be asked for, and which banks accept you before you have a French address.
Step 2 · Housing
CAF Housing Aid in France Explained
Who qualifies for APL, how to apply online and how long the first payment usually takes.
Step 3 · Taxes
How to Get a French Tax Number
What the numéro fiscal is, when you need it and how to request it for your first declaration.
Comparison
Revolut vs N26 vs a traditional French bank
Fees, requirements and what each one is actually good for, side by side.
| Feature | Revolut | N26 | French bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | €0 on Standard | €0 on Standard | Varies by bank, compare student offers |
| French IBAN | Yes (FR76) | Yes (FR) | Yes |
| Proof of address | Usually not at sign-up | Yes | Yes, or an attestation d’hébergement |
| Opening time | Minutes, in the app | Minutes, in the app | A few days to two weeks |
| Best for | Spending abroad and multiple currencies | A simple free everyday account | In-person help, cash deposits and loans |
Standard plans, checked September 2026. Fees change, so confirm on each bank’s website.
Latest guides
Fresh from the guide
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How to open a bank account in France as an international student
Updated
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4–6 minutes
Budget
Living in Paris on a student budget
Rent, transport, food and phone. See what a month really costs and where to save.
One email a month. What changed in French money rules.
New CAF amounts, tax deadlines, bank fee changes. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Download · Coming soon
Every money step for your first 90 days in France
Bank, CAF, tax number, insurance and transfers, in the right order.
Essential guides
The guides students read most
One email a month. What changed in French money rules.
New CAF amounts, tax deadlines, bank fee changes. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Download · Coming soon
Every money step for your first 90 days in France
Bank, CAF, tax number, insurance and transfers, in the right order.
How we work
Guides you can rely on
Sourced from official references
Every guide links to the official French source it relies on, such as service-public.gouv.fr, ameli.fr or caf.fr.
Dated and reviewed
Each guide shows when it was published and last updated. Rules change, and we update guides when they do.
Editorial comes first
Advertising and partner links never decide what we write. Sponsored content is always clearly labelled.
