France for a Day - How it went

[butler1]

Hi all, Thanks for all your advice regarding French motoring laws. In the end, a friendly neighbour loaned me most of the necessaries. The headlight deflectors I kept in the car. They are 'one shot' use so had I been stopped I would have produced them and feigned forgetfulness. My advice for a day trip would be to try and borrow as much as you can as everything is very expensive. Even a GB sticker is £2.49 in Halfords. It must cost less than 10p to make! However, there are ways to save money.

First, look online for offers. I paid £25 for a Saturday return crossing for a car and 3 people. Mid-week is probably cheaper.

Go over with a fairly empty tank. I think I paid 1.1 Euros a litre for diesel. (gazole) That way you can save £15 by filling up there.

Print off discount vouchers before you go. Auchan Calais have some good offers.

We don't smoke but we were able to do our neighbours a big favour. Superkings are about £30.50 for 200 on the P & O Ferries. Your allowance is 3200.

Finally, the wine and beer is very much cheaper than here, except for the upper range. Sancerre and Pouilly fume seem to be of a similar price as Tescos charge here.

Oh yes, do take a cool bag or box. The guys on the fish counter are only too happy to fill a carrier bag full of ice to keep your goodies cool for the journey home. Yes, you could say it was a great time. Best Wishes, George T.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

You have touched on an interesting point there.

Normally duty free cigarettes etc are only to be bought back into the country if they are for your own use and not for resale (even at nil profit) or gifts.

I have been to France/Belgium several times since the change in the law and as the local duty is paid you are allowed to bring a lot more back.

BUT surely as duty is paid shouldn't you be allowed to bring back as much as you want even if it is not for your own use.

I am assuming this is UK legislation not EEC, it seems to be a double standard as it is limiting trade and that is what we are always moaning at the yanks about.

Anyone know the true story behind this? (Lutz perhaps?)

 

[Oldfogey]

The UK taxes on a bottle of wine are nearly

 

[harry_374244037]

We go over to france 3/4 times a year for our wine booze and cigs .

AS previously said you can bring back as many cigs/tobacco as you want ... BUT and i say a big but! the guidlines are 3200 cigs (think 10 kilos tobacco) and if you bring back any more you will have to prove its for your own consumtion (very difficult to prove)and if customs and excise are not convinced, they can and will take your car away ... so stick to the guidlines is the best idea . Fags are around

 

[MikeP]

Engine oil is much cheaper in France, and all the main brands are there.