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Work in LuxembourgThe job market in LuxembourgThe unemployment rate in Luxembourg has remained relatively stable in recent time, sitting at 6.5 percent in March 2016. The workforce in Luxembourg is made up of nationals, cross-border commuters and foreign workers. Luxembourg’s job market is multicultural and multilingual and having knowledge of one of the three official languages (Luxembourgish, French or German) is essential for many jobs.Typically wages are freely determined between an employer and employee, however, employers in Luxembourg must not offer less than the social minimum wage, which increases by 20 percent if you’re a skilled worker or decreases by 20–25 percent if you’re an adolescent worker. The social minimum wage is adjusted every two years.The minimum gross monthly salary in Luxembourg for a 40-hour week in January 2016 was:18 years and over, unskilled worker: EUR 1,922.9618 years and over, skilled worker (+20 percent): EUR 2,307.5617 to 18 years old: EUR 1,538.3715 to 17 years old: EUR 1,422.22Luxembourg also uses a system of salary indexation. This means that salaries should be adjusted by the amount that the consumer price index increases or decreases in Luxembourg. Read more about labour laws for job contracts and wages.Available jobs in LuxembourgFinancial services are at the heart of the economy in Luxembourg, with the transport and communications sectors on the rise in the last couple of years. Luxembourg is the leading centre in Europe for investment funds and private banking, with around 150 banks operating out of the Grand Duchy.With the economic upturn in recent years, recruiters have greater scope to employ cross-border commuters and foreign residents in sectors such as health, social services, retail, manufacturing, construction, science and hotels and restaurants.In 2015, the largest private employers in Luxembourg were The Arcelor-Mittal Group (steelmaking), The Post Luxembourg group (postal and communications), The Cactus Group(retail), The CFL Group (rail), BNP Paribas(finance), The Dussman Luxembourg Group (cleaning) and Goodyear Dunlop Tires (manufacturing).Business culture in LuxembourgThe workplace is traditionally hierarchical and decision making is often rational and pragmatic. Punctuality and deadlines are taken seriously, in both business and social contexts. Read more about business culture in Luxembourg.In terms of employment contracts, Luxembourg is similar to other EU countries with permanent contracts (CDI), fixed-term contracts (CDD), part-time contracts and learning/apprenticeship contracts the norm.The full-time working week in Luxembourg is typically 40 hours. The maximum number of hours you can work in a week is 48, with a daily limit of 10 hours’ work except in exceptional cases.Each employee in Luxembourg receives 10 public holidays a year, with employers needing to pay extra money to employees who work on these days. Full-time employees must also be given a minimum of 25 days of paid leave each year. Read more on labour law for working time and leave and ending employment.Luxembourg work visas and residence permitsIf you’re a European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizen you have the right to freely work and reside in Luxembourg. In the majority of instances, your new employer will deal with legal formalities, such as tax administration and social security registration. You’ll also enjoy the same benefits as nationals concerning sickness and maternity leave.If you’re from outside of the EU, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit before entering the country if you plan to stay longer than three months. You need to request a permit based on your individual circumstances, for example, employment, self-employment, study, research, or joining a family member.Qualifications and referencesIf you’re a skilled worker, your employer cannot pay less than the social minimum wage of EUR 2,307.56 per month, although wages can be freely negotiated above this minimum.To be considered a skilled worker, you must have one of the following:a recognised official certificate for your profession;a manual skills certificate (certificat de capacité manuelle, CCM) or certificate of vocational ability (certificat de capacité professionnelle, CCP) and proof of at least two years experience;a preliminary technical and vocational certificate and proof of at least five years’ experience (certificat d’initiation technique et professionnelle, CITP);proof of 10 years’ practical professional experience, if you don’t have a certificate for a trade that has qualifications;Proof of six years’ practical experience if your trade requires technical skills but doesn’t have a recognised certificate.Luxembourg is signed up to the Bologna Process, and is thus part of the European Higher Education Area. This means that if you have higher education qualifications from other member countries, they’ll be recognised here. If you’re from a non-member country, you’ll need to contact Luxembourg’s academic recognition body.LanguageDue to Luxembourg’s location in the centre of Europe and its three official languages, a command of several languages is important when applying to many jobs in Luxembourg. Depending on the job, knowledge of French, English, German and Luxembourgish will either be essential or at least appreciated. Dutch, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese can also be a bonus.To increase your chances of securing a job, it is advisable to be proficient in at least two languages, at least one of which should be an official language of the country (Luxembourgish, French or German).

A stereotype of everyday urban life that, alas, is fading away.With modern, depersonalized “neutrality” nevertheless a menacing encroaching replacement:In a country with an unmarried President who enables gays to marry but wouldn’t ever marry himself, major political parties headed by people born outside of France (Sweden and Vietnam) and where the age of consent is 15.My view is from a privileged perspective and not typical. I’ll describe my landing a job in France, the Entry and the Residency administration and Daily/Work environments.I. My Previous French Residency - It helps if you had studied in France and/or speak some French.I had studied for a year in France as a teenager and then went to an English university for my first degree. Years later, I obtained an MBA in the USA and, after a first experience in the US in a multinational, I kept looking for work in France (or even the UK). My French was, at that time, competent (about B1 on the CERF) but not fluent.II. My Hiring Path as a non-EU citizen. Get a French company to want you enough to arrange a “Visa de long séjour” (valid 4 months-1 year) prior to entering France.There are several categories of “immigrants” and pathways to “legal” French immigration. I only mention my specific case of decades ago.However, I wasn’t an “expatriate” in the sense of being a foreigner (to France) from a multinational who was posted to its French affiliate or subsidiary. It was more of an “immigrant” although the route was via the US firm, not directly to the European subsidiary. I was a direct hire by the French/European subsidiary of a multinational. So, I had to qualify for the equivalent of “skills based” visas afforded to executives (with no French familial or cultural connections) who had been offered jobs in France with no comparable or suitable French candidates.There weren’t many Anglophone executives in the sector who also had relevant skills at the time who were in, or able to move to, France and work in a multinational in French (with local colleagues) and English (with US managers and other top managers in European affiliates). This was before Schengen and so the pool of “local” candidates were only French (then under 60 million) and not EU-wide (that then didn’t have the Eastern European members). That is no longer the case today when there are 70 million native Anglophones (until Brexit) and virtually all Scandinavians and Beneluxians who spoke English well, all of whom would come first before a non-EU candidate.It took about 3–4 months for the authorization to come, lawyers (paid by the hiring firm) and facilitated by my previous French residence and lack of moving costs (no family, no mortgage, no significant household possessions). Administratively, the initial process was handled by the Office de Migrations Internationales and only several dozen such visas were issued that year.III. Overview of My Path to French “permanent” residency status - Keep uninterrupted employment for at least 3 consecutive years, each time renewing the annual “Carte de Séjour”, then apply for 10-year “Carte de Résident de Longue Durée.The process begins in your country of origin with a Visa de Long Sejour (VLS) with a long application form requiring job offer, CV, background verification (FBI record for Americans), foreign diplomas and birth/marriage/family/divorce documents (translated into French by a court-accredited translator or traducteur agréé auprès de la Cour de Cassation), photos to specific requirements. This can take months to compile.I entered France on this type of visa and had to obtain the first of three annual work/residency permits that was specific to that employer. I had to register at the local Préfecture de Police (Ile de la Cité in Paris in my case) at the Foreigners’ Office or Service des Etrangers.The process may be different today but my experience meant that there was the annual process of renewing my Carte de Sejour and then getting my first Carte de Resident. This may be nor more difficult than any other country’s process - so, I can’t compare.After three years (i.e. with 1 initial and 2 annual renewals of the Carte de Séjour), I applied for the Carte de Résident equivalent to an American “Green Card” or “Permanent Resident” card. That card was valid for 10 years, renewable - much as the US Green Card is today (It used to be indefinite).With the Carte de Resident, I was no longer bound to remain at the company and soon left it. The Carte de Resident allows you to take any profession or start a company without restriction in France i.e. you can take up a non-salaried job or even a part-time job.III. Navigating the Halls of the local Foreigners’ Office. Annual, then decennial, administration with the office of the Services des Etrangers, housed at the local Prefecture de PoliceThe real challenge is that you have to navigate the process in French and in person. The hours of operation, the location within the Prefecture (link: Préfectures) and the relevant forms and documents were not posted in one spot. Today it’s now available online at Accueil - demarches.interieur.gouv.frY1. First Residency Card. The first exposure to the in-country civil administration was facilitated by the company’s HR specialist. That’s when one has to register witha) the French Social Security Administration (securite-sociale.fr) with the SSN indicated on your residency card ,b) the French public health insurer (www.ameli.fr) that issues a Carte Vitale (like a Medicare card but with a chip and photo) andc) the local central government offices, housed within the Prefecture de Police of the geographic zone of residence.d) Pensions and Job Insurance. The company handles the registration with the relevant non-profit but state-mandated pension fund(s) and “workers’ compensation” systems (AGIRC-ARRCO for salaried executives). Your type of job category determines which quango insurers are suitable.e) Complémentaires. As do 87% of French residents, you also get to choose for complementary private health insurance. They pay for allied medical costs (optical, dental), coverage of provider fees above the national tarif of reimbursement (in private hospitals and clinics) and hospitality costs (e.g. private room, thermal balth rehab…) You can choose a company-sponsored, a non-profit vocational group plan or a for profit private insurance plan.Y2-Y3 Annual Residency Card Renewal. A year later, the local Prefecture should send you a notice to renew a few months before expiry of your annual residency card.So, my first renewal, I was naive enough to do this alone, I finally got to the Service des Etrangers on the 3rd floor and I had to get in line with other foreigners, mostly of North African origin. The agent was efficient but not particularly accommodating; I was given a form and a list of documents to bring or provide to the department; then I would receive a convocation a call to appear for an interview with an immigration agent who would grant the renewal. There is a brief conversation to determine your level of French language and general knowledge. The new Carte de Séjour was sent by mail but one may have or can return to retrieve it in person.All applicants are treated with impersonal fairness but since many don’t master French well, it can be very trying for all concerned. In addition, French bureaucracy has no room for error or leeway: you need the exact document requested in the format stipulated. If there is any deviation, you are told to return with all the required elements. This is no different from the US’ handling at Immigration and Naturalization centers but you may be taken aback at the unsmiling directness in France (but, is this not the case in your home country as well?)After that, I paid a process facilitator for subsequent renewals. It was usually a paralegal at an attorney’s office who had a relationship with members of the Bureau des Etrangers “foreigner/alien office” at the local Prefecture. They would help to compile all the documents and then set up an appointment with an officer. They verify that all is in order before you go and you don’t have to line up in the general waiting room.If you master French or go with an interpreter, having familiarized yourself with the process, there is no necessity in hiring an attorney as the process is explicit and fairly applied. An attorney does not guarantee that your case is treated any better but you are at least not bewildered or unprepared, nor do you have to spend days in the process missing work.Y4 Finally, 10 year Residency Card. At the end of 3 years, I applied (with the paid help of an attorney) for my Carte de Resident. That meant 10 years of validity before renewal or naturalization. You may also continue to request an annual Carte de Séjour.IV. Daily LifeDaily Life. Despite the homogenization of lifestyles through media, there still remains in parts of France a distinctly neighborhood lifestyle in the urban areas. Cities are compact and have dense, reliable public transport and cars are an expensive necessity for those elsewhere. So, most city dwellers commute via public transit and shop locally. The average day is filled with contacts with nearby merchants (bakery, butchers, pastry shops, cafes, cheesemongers, produce sellers, cured meats delicatessens, confectioners, news kiosks, bus drivers…) However, that atmosphere is fading with the advent of chain mini-markets from Auchan, Carrefour, Intermarche as well as regional chains, pushing traditional merchants out of business. Suburban dwellers now have large megastores (like Walmart) where they shop only once a week for non-produce items, although, this being France, the fresh foods section is astonishingly varied and extensive, sometimes taking up half the floor space! When you have one aisle of various daily products that stretch beyond what the eye can see, you know you must be in France.Ultra Privacy. Although the older French generation may appear unsmiling, the French are usually quite open in attitude but put privacy on a pedestal - far more than the English do. So, the accident of proximity to a neighbor does not lead to an expectation or assumption of a personal relationship. They aren’t indifferent, just aware that one has to live with neighbors and prefer to keep their home life private and they don’t intrude on yours. Nonetheless, you should learn that frequent, personal greetings are essential in France. Not saying, “Bonjour, M…”, and “Au revoir, M..” would be seen as rude or off-putting.Professional life - has no place in the home. Quite a lot has changed since my youth; many more young French now study English and can often write and read it (although not speak or understand English speech as easily), so there is always, in a pinch, someone who should at least be able to communicate in writing. E-mail is often done in short, informal English, avoiding the long, formal French writing style (akin to 19th Century literary English in style), and English words are included in speech, although not always meaning exactly as the source word; a “self” is a “self service restaurant”, a “savoir faire” is mostly “know-how”, logiciel is often simply “software”. With work colleagues, treat them as your neighbors, with civility and openness but don’t expect anyone to invite you into their homes, families and inner circles. The French work to live, and they can work very hard and diligently, but they do live to work unless they are entrepreneurs. The have 5 paid weeks of holiday per year, well used to be with family and restore their energy; after all, with so much automation and new technologies reducing the need for huge labor forces, it seems a natural consequence to spend less time doing mindless tasks. There may be a more hierarchical management style compared to “flat” organizations so subordinates may not have the leeway to negotiate final details or be at variance to superiors. It can lead to a bottleneck of decision-making at the top and slow organizational action.Political life and Civil Service. Unlike most countries, access to the top echelons of politics and the civil service has traditionally been only for the most academically competitive minds. This means a “Mandarin” attitude of some leaders with their intelligence, breath and depth of knowledge unparalleled by counterparts in some/most other countries. It’s one reason why France’s infrastructure is so modern, reliable and public spaces largely well-maintained as a national norm; something that other countries only manage to achieve in “showcase” cities or “privileged neighborhoods”.Food and meals. Meals are above all social occasions for the French (unless they are on a clock); they eat paced, in moderate quantities at specific times of day. The vision of an American wolfing down food, not making table talk and then sipping a soda all day as if it were as important as an IV drip to a patient is a stereotype. If you are ever granted an invitation to a Sunday afternoon meal with a family, expect to be around well into the evening with conversation, interspersed with rounds of food and drink. When the children head to bed, they usually give a cheek touch (“air kiss”) and sometimes a hug to the adults, regardless of gender.Sports - not all men, all the time. Frenchmen may or may not be sports enthusiasts but the concept of a couch potato who is obsessed with the exploits of his home team is rare among the educated and executives. In any case, speaking of spectator sports is only one of a multitude of topics that educated French may discuss: food, politics, local events, distant vacations to exotic lands (possible when there are 5 weeks of vacation annually), novels, philosophy…La séduction, le charme. There is no rigid or confined assumption of what is “normal” for a French male, other than to be prone to be charming to females and female to act coquette (playfully flirty). Just look at the advertising style - highly esthetic, often involving an attractive female (and, increasingly, male) even if the object for sale has little to do with human intimacy or relationships.I’m sure the first thing you notice in this Audi car ad is the generous leg room in the back seat (below).You may even see American men in French ads aimed at women - something they wouldn’t get to do much in the US.V. Investigate All Residency Options - Mine was specific to my circumstance.I became a French “permanent” resident purely on my own, on the basis of my individual merits. However, there are other pathways that take into account:Familial connection in France (through marriage, civil union or ascendancy or descendancy)Professional category (artists, actors, high level sportsmen, scientists, senior executives…)Extraordinary talents from a list (Nobel Prize level awardees)Inward investment or starting and maintaing a business of minimal requirementsHistorical linguistic or political relationship (notably Algeria, a former département of France)Educational degree in FranceExtraordinary service or benefit to France (needs Ministerial approval such as given to the African who scaled a building to save a toddler, or the African working in a kosher grocery who hid clients from a shooter.PensionerRefugee granted asylumAdviceIf there is one strong piece of advice that I may offer, it is to fully immerse yourself as much as possible, not remain in a linguistic or cultural bubble. Invest in a few weeks of immersion French before working or studying in France. Keep an open, observant mind before jumping to any conclusions or engaging in passionate debates on politics, religion etc.You can find a place in France, a land of immigration for centuries before the existence of countries supposedly “diverse”, as witnessed by the fact that this country of some 65 million has more surnames than any nation on earth including much more populous India. China or the USA. Unlike in the USA, one cannot easily legally change a surname, so French surnames retain ancestral trace among males; even married women retain their birth name for legal documents.My experience is decades old and the regulations and process have probably changed, so check for current conditions and processes. It may also vary by region.Now there is the Internet that not only affords a lot of online information but also may lead to online appointments and means of obtaining supporting documents that had previously necessitated days of to-ing and fro-ing on foot.At that time, other EU citizens also had to go through the process so the advent of Schengen has removed the involvement of much of the Service des Etrangers with them. That would probably change when Britons become non-EU citizens.Some regions have disproportionately more applicants than others. Paris is notably one of the biggest and busiest Prefectures - but it also has the most agents. In regions with a very high percentage of immigrant population (e.g. Marseille), there will also be a higher number of applicants. An insider or a plugged-in attorney could tell you if a process would be faster in another region or not, but you are generally stuck to the Prefecture where you live.Despite its housing at the Prefecture de Police, this is not a local police matter. The Prefet is the central government’s executive assigned to a region and so the Prefecture houses other functions than that of police.

Pondicherry is an awesome travel destination for a short trip. Here goes my experience.VISIT DATES: 26th to 28th January, 2018TOTAL COST APPROX: INR 5000 ($78) for 1 person for 3 days - 2 nightsBEST TIME TO VISIT : November to FebruarySharing a complete trip of Pondicherry captured in three small videos to show why this place is a must visit at-least once in your lifetime!!These videos will give you a good idea of places to visit, activities to do as well as foods to try in Pondicherry.So why not have a live tour before you read more about it for some real visual treats :)Day 1:Day 2:Day 3:Pondicherry is a small and beautiful city in southern part of India that will give one both French and Indian feel simultaneously. It is lovingly called as Pondy. This is one destination that can be enjoyed equally for its mixed culture, different traditions, ultimate spirituality , assortment of cuisines and beautiful beaches.The White Town in one side of the city is the main French colony and the Heritage Townon the other side is the Tamil or Indian colony. Both stand together elegantly giving an unique and charming vibe to the place.Beside being a common destination for beach lovers and spirituality seekers , it is an ultimate destination for food lovers too with it’s French style cafes , European bakeries and authentic South Indian food joints.P.S - There are total four district in Pondicherry Union Territory namely Karaikal, Mahé, Pondicherry and Yanam. Mahé is near Kerala, Yanam is near Andhra Pradesh, Karaikal is 130kms from Pondicherry main city and Pondicherry district is what is known as Pondy or Pondicherry by people in general. It is this Pondicherry district that is famous as a tourist destination.Transport to Reach:Air: There is an domestic airport within the city which is connected to Bangalore and Hyderabad through a single fight daily as of now.Rail: Daily trains available for Villupuram, Chennai and Tirupathy. Tri-weekly trains available for Bangalore and Mumbai. Weekly trains available for Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, New Delhi, Mangalore and Kanyakumari.Road: The best connectivity is by road. A lots of luxury , semi-luxury, Air Conditioned as well as Non- Air Conditioned buses ply to Pondy from cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai etc. Over-night journey is the best. From Chennai every 15 minutes there are buses leaving for Pondy.If you want a long drive take your car along or why not take your bike for a ride.Water: Not available unless you have your own yacht!Transport within Pondy:If you are not having your own vehicle never mind. Pondy has lots of options.Rental Car: You can book them online or directly once you reach. Innova ( for 6 people) will cost around INR 1000 - 1800 ( $15 - $27) based on the locations you want to go. Indigo ( for 4 people) will cost around INR 700 -1200 ( $10 - $18).Bikes: This is the best option to avail if you want to enjoy Pondy. All you need is an Identity card as a proof while you rent. The rate per day excluding petrol ( 24 hours) will be for scooters around INR 250 - 300 ( $4 ) , 100 - 125 cc bike around INR 350 - 400 ( $6 ) , 150 - 200 cc bike around INR 500 ( $8 ) and 350 cc bike INR 600 - 750 ( $11 ) . Petrol of INR 200 ( $3 ) will be enough for the whole trip. If you love bicycles than you can get one for just INR 50 ( $0.8 )Bus: The Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation ( PTDC ) operates local bus tours everyday that covers all the important tourist spots in Pondy for INR 300 ( $4.6)Stay:Best place to stay is in the White Town area facing the Rock Beach or somewhere near the Rock Beach. Cost of the hotels in this region varies from high to moderate. A decent room is available for INR 1500 ($23) for 2 people here. Many less costlier options are available in the Heritage Town area.If you are a Backpacker why not try out an amazing hostel stay from the many available in INR 450 per person ($7) . Its the best way to know many other travelers and make new friends.Activities:You will be spoilt for choice when you look at the options Pondy can offer you with. For your spiritual side, there are a number of beautiful churches in the city where you can spend some quite time or meditate quietly inside the peaceful Sri Aurobino Ashram. For your adventure hunger , go for a scuba diving , boating, kayaking, surfing or swimming into the Bay of Bengal. For your inquisitive mind learn some French, Tamil, Indian cooking, pottery or Rangoli drawing. Above all , just for yourself, enjoy a good walkalong the beautiful roads among the yellow buildings of Pondy.Places To Visit:Promenade ( Rock Beach ) : The most popular beach here. It is not for swimming. Ideal for watching sunrise in the dawn and a leisure walk in the dusk. Here the famous Old Light House, Gandhi Statue and Statue of Dupleix is present. The Promenade is 1.2kms long stretching from north to south.Timing : 5:00AM - 9:00PM mostly. Vehicles are permitted only between 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM. No entry fee.Church Of Our Lady Of Angels: Situated beside Rock Beach. Also know as the Domas Church.Only place where the mass is celebrated in three languages (French, English and Tamil).Opposite to the church is the statue of the famous Joan of Arc.Timing: 6.30 AM - 7 PM. No entry fee.Bharathi Park: Situated opposite to Gandhi Statue of the Rock Beach. It is famous for the Aayi Mandapam or the Park Monument. Ideal for a short walk. Timings: 7 AM - 8 PM . No entry fee.Raj Niwas: Situated at northern side of Bharathi park. It is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor. Generally not open to public. Timing: Entry needs online registration and then it can be visited between 12 PM to 1.30 PM , Monday to Saturday. Children below 5years not allowed. Mobile not allowed.Pondicherry Museum: Situated at northern side of Bharathi Park. it is famous for its collection of sculptures and snail shells.Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM. Closed on Mondays and National holidays.Entrance Fee: Rs. 15 per person.Manakula Vinayagar Temple: Situated within 100 meters towards north from Raj Nivas. It is a beautiful Ganesha temple. Sometimes a live elephant can be seen giving blessings to the visitors as in other times the elephant is sent to a camp.Timings: 5.45 AM - 12.30 PM and 4 PM - 9.30 PM . No entry fee.Sri Aurobindo Ashram: Situated just beside Manakula Vinayagar Temple. It has the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo. A place to meditate and enjoy the serenity and peace prevailing there. Mobile needs to be switched of before entering.Timings: 8 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM. No entry feeImmaculate Conception Cathedral: Situated within 200 meters at western side of Bharathi Park. It is famous for its alluring interior and exterior designs. Timings: 5.15 AM - 7 PM. No entry fee.Auroville: Situated around 12kms from the main city of Pondicherry. Though it is a part of Tamil Nadu but it is a must visit once you are in Pondy. No extra permit needed. It is an experimental community where people can live peacefully, irrespective of nationality, colour, caste and creed.During its inauguration, soil from over 124 countries was placed and mixed inside a lotus shaped urn, symbolizing universal oneness. It is a beautiful place to go around in a bike or a cycle as you can explore the place on your own through its winding dirt roads..No fixed time. No entry fee.Matrimandir: The golden spherical structure is the main attraction of Auroville. It is dedicated to Mirra Alfassa ( known as The Mother ) , the founder of Auroville. It is a meditation chamber and entry is restricted unless you have a pass. Mostly the pass is required to be collected 3 days before for the visitor’s center there.Visitor’s Center: It is the main information and commercial center inside the area.There is an art gallery and a video theatre (Timings: 10.30 AM, 11.30 AM, 2.30 PM, 3 PM & 3.30 PM). Boutiques are there for shopping too. No entry feeCafes: A lot of cafes can be found in and around Auroville which serves authentic continental cuisines.Auro Beach: Situated around 10kms from the main city of Pondicherry. It is near the ECR (East Cost Road). It is ok for a short visit. No fixed time. No entry fee.Serenity Beach: Situated around 7kms from the main city of Pondicherry. It is near the ECR (East Cost Road). It is perfect for activities like surfing and swimming. It has a few shacks and beach side restaurants which serves delicious seafood. No fixed time. No entry fee.Paradise Beach: Situated around 10kms from the main city of Pondicherry. It is a famous beach among tourist and ideal for swimming. On reaching the spot, there will be boats to take you to the main beach. It is clean and beautiful beach with showers and changing rooms.Outside food not allowed. Snacks available there.Ferry takes 30 minutes to reach the main beach. Avoid weekends as it’s too much rush.Timing: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Fees : Total INR 270 ( $4.17 ). This includes INR 200 per person for a to and fro ferry ride , INR 10 for beach entry fee , INR 20 for still camera , INR 40 for video cameraArikamedu: Situated around 7kms from the main city of Pondicherry. It is an ancient ruin town which is the only proof of Roman presence in India. No fixed time. No entry fee.Sunday Market: If you happen to be there on a Sunday , don’t miss the Sunday Market in the MG Road area. An assortment of things are sold here at very cheap price and the best part is you can bargain on your deal. It is also a paradise for book lovers . Timing: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM only on Sundays.Places to eat:If trying out different dishes and cuisines is a part of your travel itinerary then Pondy is here to welcome your taste buds with a medley of tastes. Here are a number of places that you should not miss :Cafe des Arts : This place has one of the best ambience with books and relaxing indoor and outdoor sitting options. Famous for Waffles and Pancakes. Timing: 8:30AM to 7PM , closed on Tuesday . Cost per person : INR 400 approx ( $6 )La Pasta World: This ethnic Italian restaurant has simple ambience but serves awesome pasta. It is run by an Italian lady herself and you can get home made pastas too. Opening only in the evening . Timing: 5PM to 10PM, closed on Monday . Cost per person : INR 400 approx ( $6 )Margaritas: Here you will get some good Mexician food in an decent ambience. Try out the Burrito and Quesadilla. Timing: 1PM to 11PM, closed on Tuesday . Cost per person : INR 300 approx ( $4.6 )Baker Street: One of the famous authentic French bakery that should not be missed. It has normal indoor sitting arrangement. Known for Burger, Croissants and Eclair. Timing: 7AM to 9:30PM everyday . Cost per person : INR 200 approx ( $3 )Crêpe in Touch: Crêpe is a famous French dish and to try out a original one this place is perfect. It has a elegant ambience as it is located inside an art store. Timing: 9AM to 6PM , closed on Sunday . Cost per person : INR 400 approx ( $6 )Cafe de flore: It is very near to Rock Beach and has alluring indoor and outdoor sitting options. Good place for sandwiches and crêpe. Timing: 8:30AM to 12:30PM and 2:30PM to 6PM , closed on Sunday and Monday . Cost per person : INR 300 approx ( $4.6 )Le Café: It is the only cafe facing the Rock Beach directly. Direct view of the sea and waves can be enjoyed while having your food. The food is not that great here though. But it is the only cafe that closes for 2 hours only per day. Timing: 5:00 AM - 2:00 AM everyday. Cost per person : INR 200 approx ( $3 )Gelateria Montecatini Terme: This Gelato ice cream shop can’t be missed as it is just on the Rock Beach near the Statue of Dupleix. This Italian outlet serves yummy ice creams. Grab a scoop and enjoy a walk along the Promenade. Timing: 11AM to 11PM everyday. Cost per person : INR 100 approx ( $1.5 )Hot Breads: A simple bakery and eatery joint which is a pocket friendly one. Try chicken puff and pasta combo meal here. Timing: 8AM to 10PM everyday. Cost per person : INR 150 approx ( $2.3 )Tanto Pizzeria: This outlet is in Auroville which serves delicious Pizzas. Plan to visit this on the day of Auroville trip. Timing: 12:30PM to 3PM and 6:30PM to 9:30PM , everyday. Cost per person : INR 500 approx ( $7.7 )If you are a party person, then instead of hitting pubs it would be better to plan a room party as alcohols are quite cheap compared to other places in India.Currency: Mostly INR ( Indian National Rupees ) is accepted everywhere. International cards and currencies are accepted in very selective places.P.S : All the above mentioned timings may vary on National Holidays of India.