The two of us will be returning to the US May 12 after being in Paris……I am so hoping by then the requirements to enter the US with a negative Covid test will be over…..BUT……in case they are not I am weighing the difference in taking proctored self-tests with us and getting a negative test in Paris at a pharmacy…..any help here? We were in Switzerland last September and in Zurich we ran into a clinic that could not find us online to send our negative test results to…though we had to return to the clinic and get our own results it made me wish I had taken my own test on my own time and just used that……not involve any one else that could mess up our timing or getting the results to us…….appreciate your help here……I wonder what the difference in the cost of the two would be as well……thank you!
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1336 posts
I prefer going to the pharmacy. You can easily find one online. Let them know that you're using it to travel. Every time I have done it they have asked me to stick around so that they could give me a print out to make things easier. Always kind, always professional. This last time in was in Chartres the day before my return, and I decided to do it there. Had the best conversation with the pharmicist. I paid 18 EUR in Chartres. The last few times in Paris in the 16th I paid 20EUR.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8382 posts
I think it is the responsible approach to take a proctored home test with you, even if you intend to test at a pharmacy. I also think it is responsible to bring one or two regular home tests with you. A regular home test can be used if you develop symptoms to confirm allergies/cold vs Covid. A proctored test provides an efficient way to document your test results if an unusual circumstance occurs or you prefer it for ease of use.
The cost varies, but I have not heard of any difference greater than $20 between pharmacy tests and the proctored home tests. It is usually less. The higher cost tests seem to be at the airport locations in general. If you are in a circumstance where having a quick official test matters, price won’t be that big of an issue.
Posted by
Florida
201 posts
I was in Paris in late January/early February and had the test done at a pharmacy - easy & quick, 25 euro (I think, might have been 20). They did the test and told us to come back in 20 minutes. They gave us a printout.
I had this link for looking up pharmacies that provided the health pass, but if you click on the pharmacy for more information, it will give you hours, whether the do antigen, PCR tests etc.
https://www.sante.fr/obtenir-un-passe-sanitaire-en-cas-de-vaccination-letranger#p4
Posted by
Upstate NY, USA
822 posts
Yeah, finding a pharmacy to test in Paris is easy peasy. I stopped by one in October to get it done, and as I was walking down the same street to hit Starbucks for a coffee and bathroom break, I passed ANOTHER pharmacy. 25E at the time, they emailed me with no issue and printed the results as well.
Frankly, I felt better about getting tested in France than in the US!
Posted by
3 posts
I am curious to know what happens if you test positive and have to delay your flight home from Paris? What are your options for being in quarantine?
Posted by
Upstate NY, USA
822 posts
You put yourself in an airbnb or hotel, there is no gov't provided quarantine in France.
Posted by
3 posts
Thanks. But if I am in a hotel. Can I stay there and order meals in?
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13943 posts
"Thanks. But if I am in a hotel. Can I stay there and order meals in?"
Yes, if the hotel has room and is OK with it. I asked one of my "usual" hotels last Fall and they said no problem. Getting food delivered by Ubereats or Deliveroo will work.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1429 posts
After learning the NAVICA website says they only will sell six tests for $150, a single test for $25 seems to make it a no-brainer choice of convenience.
As for the possibility of having to quarantine at your hotel, the last time I bought travel insurance through Generali , the policy covered expenses for a quarantine at a hotel and meals. The Covid era has apparently kept the copywriters and the lawyers busy
too.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8382 posts
Kenko, it is true that it used to be you could only buy a 6 pack. That has changed ( for the good!). It is possible to purchase 2 or 3 packs as well.
https://store.optum.com/shop/category/tests-devices/covid-19-home-tests/
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1429 posts
Awesome.
Thanks, Carol, for the tip.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4412 posts
one person's experience and advice
https://thepointsguy.com/news/lessons-learned-testing-positive-abroad/
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13943 posts
I guess I don’t understand why someone who is apparently a travel writer since he’s blogging on The Points Guy didn’t do any research ahead of time. This is at least the 2nd article I’ve read recently where the person writing started out clueless when they tested positive. It might be the 3rd one, lol.
At least this forum provides solid information to those who read it so people can be more prepared for navigating International travel during Covid times.
Posted by
USA
369 posts
Carol - thanks for the link to purchase only 2 tests. I have plenty of at home tests but didn’t want to buy the pack of six proctored. Just ordered a 2 pack and have downloaded the app too. Good to have this option in the event of in person testing access issues.