Moved to France Recently? Here's What I Learned in My First Two Months
Essential lessons from the first two months in Paris—from learning French to finding housing without a guarantor, plus the must-have apps and services that made everything easier.
I moved to Paris about two months ago, and here are a few things I wish I'd known earlier.
1. Learn French
You can get by with English, but anything official — banks, Ameli, housing — will require French. I'm around A2–B1 and it already makes a huge difference.
Pro tip: Local Mairies offer affordable classes (around €300 per level). It's a great investment that pays off immediately when dealing with bureaucracy.
2. Get Your Essentials Early
Open a bank account and start your Ameli (social security) registration as soon as you land. Everything else — from healthcare to housing — depends on those.
The sooner you get these foundational items sorted, the smoother your transition will be. Don't wait until you "need" them — by then, you'll be stressed and rushing through important decisions.
3. Housing Is Tough
Without a French guarantor, finding an apartment can be nearly impossible. I used GarantMe (€500/year) and Lodgis (€350 agency fee) to get settled. Not cheap, but it worked.
💡 Housing Reality Check
The Paris housing market is notoriously difficult for newcomers. Budget extra for guarantor services and be prepared to move quickly when you find something suitable.
4. Make an Effort Socially
Paris can feel lonely at first. Try r/socialparis, Meetup, BeWelcome, or Couchsurfing. You won't make friends instantly, but if you keep showing up, it starts to feel like home.
Building a social network takes time, but these platforms give you a head start. Don't be discouraged if it feels slow at first — everyone moving to a new city goes through this adjustment period.
5. Must-Have Apps
- IDF Mobilités: Load and scan your pass — fines are €70+
- Citymapper: More accurate than Google Maps for Paris transit
- Seeker Social: Great for nightlife and events
- TheFork: 50% restaurant discounts and loyalty points
These apps aren't just conveniences — they're essential tools that will save you money and help you navigate the city like a local.
6. Transfer Your Driver's License
Do it within your first year of residency or you'll have to retake the entire driving exam.
⚠️ Important: This is one deadline you don't want to miss. The French driving exam is notoriously difficult and expensive. Save yourself the hassle and transfer your license during your first year.
Overwhelmed? You're Not Alone
Honestly, managing all this while settling into a new country can feel overwhelming. I recently came across Expath, a tool that actually organizes your relocation into clear steps — like a personal checklist for paperwork, housing, and everything in between.
If I had known about it earlier, I'd have saved weeks of confusion (and a few headaches at the prefecture).
Moving to France or Another EU Country?
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Start Your Relocation PlanFinal Thoughts
Moving to France is an incredible experience, but it comes with its challenges. The key is to be proactive, patient, and not afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Every expat goes through similar struggles — you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the bureaucracy or frustrated by the housing market. Take it one step at a time, celebrate small wins, and remember that it gets easier.
"The first few months are always the hardest, but once you get past the initial setup, Paris becomes an amazing place to call home. Just remember to start learning French from day one!" — Current Paris expat