How to Eat in Paris on the Cheap

When you're visiting the "City of Lights," you want to take advantage of all that this European landmark has to offer, but you might not have an endless budget. A large part of controlling costs when you're strolling through the streets of Paris is being able to recognize bargains on meals and keeping your food expenses low. Without a little knowledge about how food is bought and sold in this big city, you could end up paying quite a bit more for your "daily bread" than you wanted. Here are some simple steps that will help you eat in Paris on the cheap and save more money for other expenses.

Steps

Learn a bit of French. This may seem daunting, but the alternative, which is mumbling apologetically to shopkeepers and other locals, leaves a lot to be desired. Even a few choice words can help you navigate menus better, or at least realize when you're getting fleeced.
Figure out Euro exchange rates. The Euro is the central currency of the European Union, and France now uses this currency almost exclusively for everything that gets bought and sold throughout the average day. Know how your currency stacks up to the Euro in order to avoid paying more than you thought.
Know your "arrondissement." Every neighborhood of Paris has its own unique qualities. Some tend to have more affordable food, and others are tourist traps. Get acquainted with the areas you're visiting in order to find the cheapest food opportunities.
Skip the sit-down. Just as in most countries, meals are much more expensive when you are served at a table. Getting order-out food doesn't mean you have to buy less quality, it just means you don't pay extra to be waited on. Plus, in some Parisian venues, you can get some nasty recriminations just for looking at a waiter the wrong way. For more value, use the sit-down option sparingly.
Find "value foods." Experienced travelers know about some of the readily accessible food options across Paris that come with a lower price tag. Some of these, like crepes and falafel sandwiches, are easy to make and sell, and therefore, you will pay a lot less for them than for some other kinds of meals.
Go to local food markets. These open-air or centrally-housed markets are where many locals shop, and you can find fresh, affordable food. Again, it helps to know the language in order to barter with individual sellers.

Tips

If you do want a nice meal in a sit-down restaurant, try a "prix fixe." This French version of a combo meal packs various items into one overall price. Ordering food this way can help you save and understand your total meal cost.
For another cost saver, think about ordering non-bottled water. The default is often bottled water, so when you order, specify that you want it in a carafe, unless you think the local water might not agree with you. You can also save money carrying a water canteen and snacks wherever you go to avoid the additional expense of buying snacks from shops.

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EHF- Travel

Sunday, 21 November 2010