Preparing your trip to Limoges: advices & hints - things to do and to obey

1. It’s most profitable to pay for goods and services with national currency in Limoges. It is recommended to make an exchange before the journey, because local banks and exchange offices don’t offer favorable terms of transactions. It is also worth noting that in restaurants and shopping centers you can usually pay with your credit card.

2. Going to the local restaurants and cafes, it is worth considering an important nuance. Sometimes in the menu there are two types of prices, they are marked ‘au comptoir’ and ‘a salle.’ The first rate is used in case, if the client decides to take a place at the bar, and the second, if he prefers to stay at the table. As a rule, ‘a salle’ price is approximately 15 - 20% higher than ‘au comptoir.’

3. Locals are very helpful and courteous, they are always happy to help travelers and pay a respect for those who are interested in their history and culture. Visitors are strongly advised to learn a few phrases in French as townspeople are reluctant to speak foreign languages.

4. In large restaurants there are menus in multiple languages. Before you make an order, you should definitely ask the waiter all the questions. The wait staff has long accustomed to lots of foreigners and is happy to help understanding complex names of dishes. It is customary to leave a tip; it is generally about 10 - 15% of the total order.

5. It is convenient to travel around the city by buses. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks on each bus stop. It is required to hold a ticket until the end of the trip as buses are frequently checked by collectors. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

6. Late in the evening, the only available mode of transport is taxi. All cars are equipped with meters. Taxi services are quite expensive, rates in cars near major hotels and restaurants are especially high.

7. The best souvenirs can be found at open markets, as they have more attractive prices. You can bargain, but don’t reckon on a great discount. It is unlikely to make a cost lower than 5%, but if a seller would like a buyer, latest can reckon on a free souvenir.

8. It’s better to rent a car only from large and reputable organizations. For rent registration standard set of documents is required; you would need a passport, international driver's license and a credit card with the desired amount of deposit.