Moving to France comes with amazing perks—delicious cheese, exquisite wine, and breathtaking landscapes. But it also means adjusting to a new way of life, including the surprising absence of everyday comforts you’re used to. If you’re planning a move to France, life as an expat can be challenging, but here are a few everyday things you might want to pack to help you settle in a little better.
Essential Pharmacy Products
In the US, a quick trip to the drugstore solves most minor ailments. But when you move to France, even basic over-the-counter medications can be surprisingly tricky to find.
What’s tricky: Strong pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) are often behind the counter, requiring a conversation with the pharmacist. While paracetamol, sold as Doliprane, is available, the formulations and packaging can be different.
What to bring: Your go-to pain reliever, any specific children’s medications, and a small first-aid kit. Pack them in your checked bag, and bring a smaller, travel-sized kit in your carry-on.
Expat insight: Many expats recommend learning the French names for common medications. A contributor to a forum for Americans in France suggests, “Knowing how to say ‘ibuprofène’ and ‘paracétamol’ will save you a lot of confusion.” Also, keep an open mind, some of those mysterious French remedies—like homeopathic arnica and effervescent aspirin—are surprisingly effective.
Your Fave Coffee Fix
If you’re used to grabbing an iced coffee on the go, brace yourself for some cultural adjustment.
What’s tricky: While coffee is a national treasure, iced coffee isn’t as ubiquitous as you might think. You can find it, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, but it’s not on every corner like in the U.S. or the U.K. And when you do find it, it might not be what you’re used to. As one American visitor on Reddit lamented, “I ordered an iced coffee in Paris, and it came with ice cream! Delicious, but not exactly my morning pick-me-up.”
What to bring: Your preferred method for making iced coffee (a travel French press, a cold brew maker) and a sense of humor. You might need to get creative.
The Right Kind of Spice
If you like your food spicy, you might be disappointed when you move to France.
What’s tricky: French cuisine, while delicious, is not known for its heat. Finding hot sauces or spicy food can be a challenge.
What to bring: Your favorite hot sauce (Sriracha), Frank’s RedHot Sauce, or preferred spicy condiments.
Public Restrooms in France: What to Expect
The scarcity of public restrooms takes a lot of getting used to when you move to France.
What’s tricky: Public restrooms in France often require payment (usually €0.50-€1), and they’re not on every corner. Some restaurants and cafés restrict bathroom use to customers only, and even major tourist attractions might have limited facilities with long lines.
What to bring: A roll of toilet paper, travel-sized hand sanitizer, and spare change for paid toilets. I also recommend teaching kids to “go when you can, not when you must”—a mantra that should help them deal with life in France. The free app Toilet Finder can help by locating the nearest public facilities
A Big Selection of Mexican Food
Craving a taco night? When you move to France, you might have to rethink your grocery list.
What’s tricky: Authentic Mexican food items, such as certain spices and sauces, are hard to come by, making it challenging to recreate traditional dishes. Some larger grocery stores do carry Mexican ingredients, but you can’t always rely on getting the same products every time.
What to Bring: If you love making Mexican food, stock up on dried chilies, taco seasoning, and your favorite hot sauces before the move.
Adjusting to life in France means embracing the differences, but it never hurts to come prepared. Whether it’s a stash of pain relievers, a bottle of hot sauce, or a travel cold brew maker, a little planning can make your transition smoother—and maybe even help you avoid an unexpected coffee-with-ice-cream situation.