I started work in Paris (well a suburb of Paris) a couple of weeks ago. It's been a nightmare. It seems everyone just seems to be trying to take advantage of the strikes and rip you off.

The taxis are terrible - and can't seem to even follow simple SatNav instructions. I had one guy driving around a shopping mall car park trying to find my hotel. I eventually got my phone out and used Google to direct him.

Even the hotels seem to be at it. We ordered a taxi from the front desk. When it arrived it was a 'black car' that charged EUR40 to go about 5km.

Not the best introduction to life in France. Although it doesn't help that I don't speak a work of the lingo