{"id":343,"date":"2007-08-08T15:15:23","date_gmt":"2007-08-08T19:15:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2007\/08\/08\/globetrotters-apartment-tips-for-international-travel\/"},"modified":"2016-02-12T17:42:39","modified_gmt":"2016-02-12T21:42:39","slug":"globetrotters-apartment-tips-for-international-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2007\/08\/08\/globetrotters-apartment-tips-for-international-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Globetrotters: Apartment Tips for International Travel"},"content":{"rendered":"

Approximately 3,000 miles of ocean separates the United States from its European counterparts. With that distance comes differences in language, traditions, customs, and more. Once on foreign soil, many New York Habitat clients have expressed confusion over what may seem like simple things. As a good number of New York Habitat employees were born and raised in Europe, many of these questions can be easily answered by our staff.<\/p>\n

Our New York City team has worked together to compile a list of the minor differences that our travelers can expect to stumble across while staying in Paris, New York, London, or the South of France. And even a peculiar way in which we\u2019re all rather similar.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Going Up?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In New York City, a building with no elevator is called \u201ca walkup.\u201d As per New York State Law, however, buildings constructed after 1929 that are taller than six stories are required to have at least one elev<\/strong>ator. In Paris, regardless of the building\u2019s height, the majority of older apartment complexes do not have elevators and the ascenseurs that do exist tend to be much smaller than American elevators. The Wall Street Journal<\/a> explains that older European building codes only required compact elevators for emergency use, providing room for just three firefighters and their equipment.<\/p>\n

Floor Zero and Beyond: International Floor Plans<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Europe, the ground floor is called floor zero or the rez-de-chauss\u00e9e in French. Which means that a 6th floor in Paris would be\u00a0called a 7th floor in\u00a0the U.S., for example.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The names of varying types of apartments are also different between the two continents. In Europe, this would be referred to as an F2 or T2. The F and T are abbreviated representations of the words \u2018forme,\u2019 \u2018fonction\u2019 or \u2018type.\u2019 Meanwhile, the number following is a total of the living room and of the bedrooms found in the apartment<\/strong>. In the U.S., on the other hand, only the bedroom itself determines the apartment type.<\/p>\n

\"StudioLuxurious, top-level apartments in North America are often called penthouses. These luxe properties are known as appartement terrasse in France, which translates literally to \u201cterraced apartment.\u201d<\/strong> The terraced apartment is found on the upper floors of buildings and is often attached to a private patio, garden and can sometimes include a hot tub!<\/p>\n

This two-bedroom apartment in Marais, Paris (PA-2389)<\/a> is featured as a Hidden Gem on our blog. Visit our blog to learn more about this appartement terrasse and other available Hidden Gems.<\/p>\n

If there is no appartement terrasse in the building, shoestring travelers can rent furnished chambres de bonnes in Paris, which are converted maid\u2019s quarters housed directly under the roof.\u00a0 These nooks sometimes offer shared bathrooms or kitchens, which allow for great affordability for the student budget.<\/p>\n

\"electricI\u2019ve Got the Power: Outlets and Voltage<\/strong><\/p>\n

The world\u2019s electrical systems and machinery operate on either one of two voltages: 110 Volts\/60 Hertz or 220 Volts\/50 Hertz<\/strong>. The United States utilizes 110V, while Europe utilizes the other. Voltage converters or transformers can be purchased to assist in the use of electrical products while overseas.<\/p>\n

However, transformers are not recommended for use with certain products like heaters, steamers, and coffeemakers. NOTE: Look for the voltage rating on the appliance. If the rating reads something similar to 100V~240V, then the product is dual voltage and can be used anywhere. Most laptops and camcorder\/camera battery charges are dual voltage.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another thing to keep in mind is that the shape of outlets differs all over the world. There are six varying plug adapters internationally<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Elevator\"Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number<\/strong> 13)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Superstition is one thing that can be found the world over. Did you know that the tallest building in the United Kingdom does not rent out any offices on its 13th floor? London\u2019s One Canada Square, along with numerous apartment and office buildings across Europe and the United States, are constructed in ways that avoid the 13th floor.\u00a0 As in the case of London\u2019s tallest building, the 13th floor is often reserved for maintenance equipment.<\/p>\n

Many buildings, like the building that houses New York Habitat\u2019s Manhattan office, skip the \u201913\u2019 button within their elevators.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not superstitious?<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0Rent this 1-bedroom apartment in Midtown West (NY-14726)<\/a> in a 13-stories building, perhaps for 13 days!<\/p>\n

Let New York Habitat\u2019s team of agents help you through the differences related to renting a furnished apartment on the opposite side of the pond. Our team has many years of experience and can help to bridge the gap between the two continents. Feel free to contact our agents with any questions.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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