Dover to Calais - Day Trip.. Some advice please

ACID

Hi

im off on a to a day trip this thursday to France
Car Journey
Dover to Calais

i have no problems gettign to Dover..probably an hour at the most but what do i need to knwo abotu the jounrey.

Ideally we are going for a shoppign trip (not alot) - 8 hour trip

need the basics Tobacco alot of it (lol)

what limtis am i allowed by trip?

i just thought that i may need to drive whislt im there..sorry but havent driven abroad and dont knwo where to drive through..i only have 8 hours until i need to go back on the ferry

any help will do..seriously i just thought abotu the low offer and a short trip but not much else

i shoudlve have but im sure you can help its probably not as daunting as it sounds

thanks for reading..

bigblackdog

there is one important thing to remember when driving in france , drive on the right

seriously though it is not too difficult , just follow the other english drivers coming off the ferry you'll soon be used to it , head for a big hypermarket all very well signposted , then head back to the ferry in good time , you'll hardly realise your in france , not a problem , bon voyage!!

loobyloo2

Mmm, I don't think there is much difference in price now between buying cigarettes in France or the UK.
Belguim is cheaper, and only a short drive from Calais, in fact, I found everything much cheaper in Belguim than France.

Baldur

ACID wrote: »

...need the basics Tobacco alot of it (lol)

what limtis am i allowed by trip?

HMRC information for bringing goods into the UK from the EU can be found HERE.

Although there are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring in from most EU countries, customs officers are more likely to ask you questions if you have more than:

• 3,200 cigarettes
• 200 cigars
• 400 cigarillos
• 3kg of tobacco
• 110 litres of beer
• 90 litres of wine
• 10 litres of spirits
• 20 litres of fortified wine (for example port or sherry)

If HMRC is satisfied that the goods are for a commercial purpose it may seize them and any vehicle used to transport them, and may not return them to you. You can find out more in the guide ‘What to do if your goods are seized by customs’ under ‘More useful links’.

ACID

brilliant advice on here
i shall thank you all persoanlly (in a bit)

anthing else i need to know?

Baldur

Day Tripper is quite a useful source of information on shopping for tobacco, etc., in France & Belgium.

Counting_Pennies_2

I haven't been to Calais for 10 years now, so it might have had a miraculous turn around, but I would say don't waste your time staying in that area.

Definitely go out to the hypermarkets, I am not sure of the best, may be someone can advise.

hth

creased-leach

Yup, whip through France into Belgium for tobacco. And don't forget your high vis vests, spare bulbs, first aid kit, warning triangle, beam benders, and GB sticker.

The French police will not see "I'm only here for a few hours" as a valid excuse.

ACID

creased-leach wrote: »

Yup, whip through France into Belgium for tobacco. And don't forget your high vis vests, spare bulbs, first aid kit, warning triangle, beam benders, and GB sticker.

The French police will not see "I'm only here for a few hours" as a valid excuse.

ta for the advice to not stay in calais

but as i get off the ferry at midday in calais and need to be back at 8pm

i onyl have 8 hours is that enough time for me to leave the area in a car..
dotn wish to risk missign it or sitting in traffic lol

Diamond_Olly

If you're just going shopping in Cite Europe or the big Auchan hypermarket - then you'll be there in around 15 minutes(or so) from the ferry. Remember to allow enough time for the checkin process on your way back. They get you off the ferry fairly quickly so not too many delays there.

spiro

Suggest (depending on priority) get off ferry and drive north into Belgium for tobacco (see www.realtobacco.be) they are just off the 1st exit on the A16 once you enter Belgium. Note for the best prices you have to pay in cash £s not euros or cards. Getting there will take 30-40min. Then driven back to City de Europe (about 50min) which leaves you about 20 min from ferry but watch out for late night traffic out of the carpark.