Student voices - SU Abroad

All-purpose storesSince we told you not to pack the kitchen sink, we figured it might be a good ideato tell you where you can get one, or at least a hair dryer. The popular options are:Monoprix (Place Kleber, Tram stop: Homme de Fer)FNAC (Place Kleber, Tram stop: Homme de Fer)E. LECLERC (next to the conservatory, Tram stop: Etoile Bourse)Place des Halles (Tram stop: Les Halles)Cell PhonesMost students purchase cellphones while they are abroad. They may not be cheapbut they are still more affordable than using a roaming plan. It is especially usefulwhen you are lost and need someone to call. You have a choice of getting a prepaidSIM card that you can use in your existing phone or you could buy a phonethat comes with the a prepaid plan. The main providers in Strasbourg are Orange(used in other parts of Europe too) and Bouygetel. They each have different deals,so scout around and see which one suit you. Most of the phone stores are locatedaround Homme de Fer so you can explore and make your choice. You will getmore details on how to get a cell phone when you get there.For international calls, there is always Skype, a free online calling program. Manystudents make these online calls at the SU Center as there is wireless availablethere. In addition, there are calling cards that you can get at the tabac or online(try www.zaptel.com).BanksThere are several ways to handle your cash. Before you go abroad, check to seeif your existing Visa or MasterCard debit card works internationally. Also letyour bank know that you are going to be spending sometime abroad so that theydon’t think that credit card fraud is going on. BNP Paribus (affiliated to Bank ofAmerica and HSBC ATMs are readily available in Strasbourg.You can also open a CIC local account. SU students get a special deal and canopen a temporary account for a one-time fee of 15 euros. The representative fromthe bank even comes to the Center. There are no opening or closing fees. Youwill receive a Eurocard MasterCard that lets you draw money from any ATM inFrance and any ATM in Europe for an exchange fee (Switzerland and England).However, cards can only be used online on French-based Web sites. Convenientbut if you have either HSBC or Bank of America, not entirely necessary.29