Paris, not only known as The City of Lights, but also is home to around 15,000 American expats. Paris is an excellent country for American expats in Paris. The city resonates with high quality education and international companies.
Paris is also embedded with a large expat community which means you will never be alone. Communal spaces make it convenient to find group groups and meet new people. Let’s not forget that U.S. citizens have access to some of the best Parisian restaurants and food chains.
However, no matter how great Paris sounds for U.S. citizens, it is best to prepare. Americans in Paris have various opportunities, considering they take note of cultural differences and gain respect for French locals.
Through elegant architecture and easy accommodation, Paris is a good option for any U.S. citizen wishing to move.
Is Paris Good for Expats?
Yes, U.S. citizens can work with French operations and high-scale brands. U.S. citizens, businessmen, students, and job holders opt for Paris due to its high reliability. The city is the epitome of art, fashion, education, and finance.
Moreover, there are a variety of accommodation options at different price ranges. Americans in Paris are left with endless opportunities to experience Parisian culture and interact with locals. Also, transportation services are easily accessible all across Paris.
There are some tips you can follow when possibly considering Paris as your next dream escape. Developing a Parisian way of life will be difficult at the start, especially in regards to the language barrier. However, you should not lose hope on being an outsider.
It is best to start looking into taking French courses and learn basic French words before you plan your trip. Making the big move easier, Americans in Paris should be somewhat knowledgeable of French culture.
Where do American Expats Live in Paris?
The city of Paris is divided into twenty neighborhoods called arrondissements. The 7th, 9th, 5th, 4th, and 6th, in this order, are the most popular neighborhoods for American expats in Paris. Much like the design of New York, you will find comfort in living within a community.
7th Arrondissement
Closest to the Eiffel Tower, the 7th arrondissement is a dream come true for those who want a good view. It is also close in proximity to Charles de Gaulle. The neighborhood is peaceful and magnificent; you will find Parisian architecture.
Moreover, there is a huge green space for the Esplanade des Invalides and the banks of the Seine.
9th arrondissement
Located around Opera Garnier, Cadet, Poissoniere, the 9th neighborhood is a popular neighborhood, known for its cafes and hidden buildings. Close to public transport, the place has a large American community in Paris.
5th arrondissement
Famous for its beautiful Latin Quarter, the 5th borough is for U.S. citizens who crave a traditional Parisian aesthetic. It is well-known for its small streets, terraces, and bilingual book shops, such as Shakespeare and Company.
4th arrondissement
Home to Gothic architecture, the 4th arrondissement is highly recommended for American expats in Paris. It’s for Internationals in Paris who dream of living near-by the Notre-Dame and the islands of Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis.
6th arrondissement
The 6th neighborhood is a winner for those who wish to stay in the majestic Saint-Germain-des-Près area. Home to artists and intellectuals, you will drool over the luxury boutiques and social clubs in Paris.
Safest Arrondissement for Expats in Paris
Although there is very low risk of violent crimes in Paris, there are some instances of petty crime. With instances of minor scams and pickpocketing, it is important to pick safe places to live. Besides, if you are American tourist, you should avoid these tourist scams. The top safest arrondissements for American expats in Paris are:
- Le Marais (4e Arrondissement): Known as Paris’ oldest neighborhood, the 4th neighborhood takes away from the old Napoleon development plan. Instead, the streets are narrow which plays light on a simple nightlife with beautiful parks. Americans in Paris usually opt for this neighborhood due to it being an affordable option for solo expats.
- Latin Quarter (5e Arrondissement): The 5th arrondissement is known as a walkable neighborhood. You can walk around for quick food, shops, and transportation links. However, there are not many parking options which makes it a much more reserved and safe place.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6e Arrondissement): This is known as one of the most friendly neighborhoods for American expats in Paris. It connects to a cool cafe culture full of galleries, night clubs, and design shops.
American Restaurants for expats in Paris
With many American expats in Paris, it is only fair that the city has its fair share of American cuisine. Paris most commonly takes note of American burgers, with various options for you to try. Here are the top three American burger chains in Paris:
Joe Burger
Known as a relaxed American restaurant serving burgers, chicken, and vegetarian options, it is a 4 minute walk from the Pantheon. With excellent reviews and certified Halal, the burgers are fresh and at reasonable prices.
Location: 49 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
Roomies
Roomies is another popular burger restaurant. Americans in Paris can come for appetizers, burgers, salads, steak, desserts, and drinks. The restaurant has a five star rating. Many American expats recommend this restaurant.
Location: 14 Rue du Cygne, 75001 Paris, France (Les Halles)
Mobster Diner
Mobster Diner is well-known as a burgers and fries retro diner. Well-known as a hang out spot for Americans in Paris, you will spot prohibition-era styling. The place is full of photos of jazz artists and musicians.
Location: 20 Rue des Boulangers, 75005 Paris, France
How Can an American Move to Paris?
U.S. citizens can easily move to Paris through a variety of ways. You can opt for a temporary job offer that requires you to stay in Paris. Besides, other options include getting a scholarship for higher education in Paris, where most of the time, schools will be the guarantor and pay all fees.
Offices and banks are also helpful in providing Americans in Paris with bank set up. Moreover, services provide a Pass Nivago (the official transportation card).
How Long Can a U.S. Citizen Stay in Paris?
U.S. citizens can stay in Paris for up to 90 days with tourist or business purposes, without a visa. However, Americans in Paris have to make sure that their passport is valid for at least 3 months before returning.
Do Expats Pay Taxes in France?
You might be a foreigner, however, Americans in Paris are not exempt from paying taxes. Non-residents of France are not eligible for their progressive income; they still need to pay rates of around 0-20%.
As long as you are a U.S. citizen, you are legally considered a green card holder and have an obligation to pay your state taxes. For this reason, American expats in Paris cannot name Paris as their permanent residency.
Tax for Americans in Paris includes interests, wages, dividends, rental income, and qualified retirement distributions. It is possible, however, to lower tax bills or avoid France double taxation by speaking to your providers overseas.
Can U.S. Citizens Buy Property in France?
U.S. citizens can purchase French properties in their individual name. Much to surprise, France does not have strict rules when it comes to who can buy properties. Americans in Paris can invest in properties as foreign investors.
Although the loads of taxes and paperwork might be extensive, 64.1% of people have their own properties.
What Difficulties do Americans face in Paris?
American expats in Paris do experience some difficulties when looking for comfort in a new city. Foreigners are often linked to stereotypes and past history. Americans in Paris are often judged for their lack of understanding of the French language.
This usually creates a gap between locals and Americans in Paris, where foreigners are seen as immigrants or outsiders.
American expats in Paris
Over 6.2 million American tourists come to Paris throughout the year. Around 10,000 are American expats in Paris. They heavily rely on tourism as a form of economy, from which American expats in Paris play a huge role.
Whether that be in jobs or an increasing amount of tourist destinations, you can always Americans traveling.
American Schools in Paris
American expats in Paris are provided with several American schools for study. Some examples include the American School of Paris, Anglophone Section of Fontainebleau, Ecole Jeannine Manuel, and Forest International School. All international education focuses on various subjects from liberal arts, medicine, and fashion design.
What jobs Americans Can Easily Find in Paris?
American expats in Paris can find several in-demand jobs in the city. In addition, they can work as a nanny/au pair, where American expats in Paris can help children learn English. Additionally, American expats in Paris can serve as English teachers across various institutions.
Other options include working as a tour guide or a bartender,
How to Make New Friends in France?
American expats in Paris can easily make friends in France. Moreover, neighborhoods rely on forming communities and interacting with people around you. American expats in Paris can take French classes, go for wine tasting, or meet up with friends for a picnic.
Is it Important for an American Expat to learn French?
It is not exactly necessary for American expats in Paris to learn French. However, it is regarded as an important skill for living a comfortable Parisian life. If you wish to be welcomed and gain knowledge of Thai culture, you are better off learning the language.
Culture Shocks for Americans in Paris
American expats in Paris might experience a bit of a culture shock when they reach Paris. U.S. Paris always welcome citizens with grace and wonderful opportunities, however, French people value their unique culture.
Americans in Paris often face difficulty when communicating with locals, who dislike speaking in English language. However, American expats in Paris do find friendly locals and other foreigners for company.
