If you've just landed in France, it's tempting to start exploring, but there are some essential tasks to get through first. Our Getting Started section offers a wealth of important information and advice.

Visas and bank accounts
If you haven’t done it already, sorting out your residence visa is an essential first step. Another essential step is opening a bank account. Visit our Banking section for details on banking in France and to keep up-to-date with news from the financial world.

Finding a home
So you have your visa and bank account. Now you need to find a place to stay. Read Expatica’s guide to where to live in Paris or France. Should you rent or buy a home? Expatica helps you to do the research and decide on the best housing option. For basic guides to renting and buying in France, visit our Housing sections.

Education
Education is another important point for you to consider when moving to France with your family. You’ll need to decide on local or international education for your children and pick a school. Visit our Education section to find out about French schooling system.

If you have young children, you may need to enrol them in a daycare centre or hire an au pair. Expatica’s Kids and Pre-school sections will help you to find suitable childcare. Students should visit our Higher Education section and Courses & Workshops has something for everyone.

Setting up home
Once you have found accommodation, you’ll need to get connected and set up basic utilities. Ask around to find the most cost-effective service providers; why not try asking in the Expatica forums or Ask the Expert section?

Finding a job
If you are looking for a job, then learn more about the management culture in France before you start on your job hunt. Check out our Employment & Trends section. Expatica’s A-Z listings will direct you to specialist recruitment agencies in France.

Learning the language
Speaking the local language is important if you want to improve your social life as well as job prospects, therefore make sure that you enrol in a language course and pay a visit to our Languages section.

Healthcare
So far so good, but don’t forget your health – moving country is stressful. Learn about the French health system, choose a health insurer and find a doctor by clicking on our Healthcare section.

Driving
If you want to get out on the roads, find out if you can exchange your driving licence and, if you don’t have one, find out if you can learn or even take your test in English or a language other than the local one. ‘Your questions on driving in France answered’ and ‘A guide to driving in France’ gives a good overview to get you started on the road.

Join the community
The Expatica article ‘Notes for country movers' offers sound advice to singles: Don't become a hermit or a bar-fly. Get out and about, and network – become a member of Expatica’s community in France, make full use of Expatica’s forums, and use the dating site to meet and interact with like-minded people in the international community. Or check out our latest updated Groups & Clubs for American, British and Canadian expats to name a few.