Information for the lunch on the 21st

Hi, I will update this after our meeting:


Luggage--What about luggage?

Please bring only one carry on and one bigger bag--one that you can lift into the train. Weather is running around high 40s and low 50s, so you need one warm coat, sweaters for layering, gloves that are rain resistant, and rain resistant  footwear--it has n't rained much there, but you never know. 
The checked bag be one that is on wheels and standard in size. 

Illness--what happens if someone becomes ill? 

 We call the hotel desk, and they call a doctor --the person has to pay and then try to bill their insurance. Their passport should get them into a hospital if necessary.  Each person should carry the passport  at all times.  Make a copy and keep in your luggage and leave a copy at home.  Euro-American will issue  neck wallets.  Please check with your i insurance provider about coverage abroad. We don't expect illness or health problems, but we should prepare for them as with any trip. You can buy trip insurance right up to desparture...

Laundry--we are staying in smallish hotels-- how do we wash clothes?

Bring some laundry powder in checked luggage and wash in the rooms.  However, generally there are laundry facilities nearby the hotels.

What are prohibited items?

This list keeps changing.  Are there things you cannot bring back to US from France?

You can check wine in your bag but won't be able to carry it on (unless purchased from duty free in the airport).  To carry on toiletries, each must not be over 3oz and all fit inside a 1 quart baggie; otherwise toiletries like shampoo  must be in checked luggage.  If you've purchased $800 or more you must pay duty on it.

LAX is now one of the 68 airports with naked body scanners, and many people are not happy about this. If you "go off" there will be TSA body checks which are not good. We will discuss during the lunch. There is no such thing anywhere ealse in the world, including the "masters" of security, Israel.

At LAX, you cannot have anything sharp, more than 3 oz. of liquids, and shoes must be checked too--this list changes from time to time, so it's best to buy travel size items in the airport.

How much money should they change initially? 

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I suggest carrying a small amount of euro (maybe 50 euros to start with).  You can get this in the Toulouse airport. Travelers checks arent really used any longer.  ATM/Credit crd is the best form of currency for most (any market shopping like outside markets probably only euros - they wont take cred crds generally).  Each person should alert the bank of their credit crd that they will be using the card abroad.  And, at that time have them check on transaction fees while there (generally they are as high as 3% but each bank is different).  Once we get into towns, we can get a better exchange rate.

Phone calls--buy prepaid phone card there??Yes you can buy phone cards there, but cell phones are still probably most popular.  Please check with your  phone carrier for international use and charges. Otherwise, buy a phone card-the hotel will tell us how.

Medications--bring  prescription meds in carry on  and do not expect to  replenish them in France.
.  If anyone wears contact lenses,  bring enough solution...  they may not be able to find the same brands there.  It is often a good idea to bring extra  glasses too just in case. 

Security--except for Toulouse, which is a port city and has always been known for a few risky areas, this is safe, conservative country; of course ALWAYS be on the look out and do not go out a night alone.

Cameras--Digital cameras are the best.  But batteries and the memory cards are expensive there.  Pack extra to start with.

Be sure you have an adapter for shavers and a converter for your laptop.

You should arrive at LAX at least two hours before take off.
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