Paris is a well-organised and pleasant city for ex-pats. Accommodation is reasonably priced and relatively easy to find, public transport is cheap, plentiful and efficient, parking is well organized, the French are polite and helpful, and food shopping, thanks to the variety on offer, is a pleasure. As in most large cities, traffic is a major problem, and pollution levels are high, especially in summer. However, thanks to efficient sign-posting it is easy to find your way around. Facilities for cyclists are also excellent, with an extensive system of designated routes all over the city. There is a good choice of American and British schools for those who do not want to take advantage of the internationally recognised French system. However, there is a general lack of support systems for expatriates, and integration into the French system can be hard work unless you already have employment in the city or are a student.