When travelling to Marseille, practical information is important. Here's a look at the basics, which will hopefully help you navigate the city with a bit more ease.

Formal Name: Marseille

Region: Provence, Alpes, Cote d'Azur

Country: France

Language: French

Size: 92.9 square miles

Population: 852,395 (2007)

Population Density: 9,170 people per square mile

Time Zone: CET (GMT+1) - Does observe Daylight Saving Time

Postal Code: 13001 to 13016 depending on area

Country Dialing Code: +33

City Dialing Code: 0491 or 0496 depending on area

Outlets: You will require plugs with two round pins when using electric devices in Marseille.

Voltage: 230 V; 50 Hz

Police: In an emergency where you require the police you can dial 17.

Fire: In case of a fire, dial 18 to reach the fire department's emergency line.

Hospital: If you require an ambulance or have a medical emergency you can dial 15.

Tourist Information:

For any inquiries regarding tourism in Marseille you can call the tourist information office at 0491 13 89 00.

Embassies:

There are several foreign embassies located in Marseille. Contact your local embassy if you have any need of assistance.

Visas:

Visitors from most countries will not require a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. You will require a passport valid for 6 months post travel and a return ticket.

Currency:

Like other countries in the EU, France uses the Euro as currency.

Banking:

You can change foreign currency at any local bank, as well as in some hotels and at the airport. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels and large stores. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.

Airports:

Marseille Provence Airport is located in Marignane and offers regular transportation into the city. The airport handles both domestic and international flights.

Transportation:

The local train station is the Gare de Marseille Saint-Charles, with trains going to many of the major cities in France. Across from the train station is the bus station, also with services to many other cities throughout the country. The Gare Maritime port runs ferries to Corsica, Sardinia, Tunisia and Algeria. Within the city itself you can use the Marseille Metro, bus system and tramway. There is also a ferry that connects the two sides of the port.

Tipping:

It is mandatory for restaurants to include a 15% service charge in your bill. However, it is customary to leave a few Euros extra if the service was good. As far as other service industries, it is common practice to leave a few coins as a tip, usually not amounting to more than 2 Euros.