The Carte Vitale: Scams to Avoid & FAQs

green carte vitale which gives access to the French health insurance program

As expats living in France, we are far more susceptible to potential phishing scams, all the more so when we are desperate to finally have that elusive carte vitale we’ve heard so much about! Watch out for these common carte vitale scams and read the answers to these FAQs carefully so that you can determine the legitimacy of texts, emails, and phone calls you may receive from the French health insurance program (Assurance Maladie).

International Driving Permit for French Driver’s License

French international driving permit booklet

Since I am no longer a US resident, I no longer hold an American driver’s license. This made me wonder… what will I do when I return to the United States to visit family and friends and I need to drive a car? Can I drive and/or rent a car in the USA with my French driver’s license? The short answer… yes! For all the details and requirements, including how to request an International Driver’s Permit to accompany your French license, read on!

10 Things You’ll Only Understand if You’ve Lived Abroad

blond woman wearing blue turquoise teeshirt and jeans, looking out over the Canal Saint-Martin on a summer day in Paris

Living abroad is an incredible opportunity and I feel very fortunate to have been able to make it my reality. There are certain aspects of life abroad that you can only truly understand if you’ve lived abroad yourself. If you’ve ever moved away from your home country to experience a life abroad, you will certainly be able to identify with many of the realizations and truths on this list.

Tips for Americans Driving in France

side profile of woman driving in France

Driving by car is a great way to explore France, travel on your own schedule, and see areas of the country that are harder to access by public transportation. As an American, you’ll find that driving in France is not all that different from driving in the United States. Let’s look at some of the key differences and important road signs so that you know what to expect when driving in France.