Heading to Paris? Lucky you, especially now that you can dump your over-priced overseas phone plan, guide books and maps thanks to Insidr.Paris, a smart phone rental service loaded with useful apps,  free local phone calls and access to a local community of experts, available in real time via text messaging to respond to your questions on where to eat, what to see and special events happening in Paris everyday.

No cumbersome maps to unfold and no heavy guidebooks to lug around, this phone does it all – it’s the Swiss army knife of travel guides.

The included citymapper app is the best way to discover ways to get around Paris by bike, metro, bus or taxi based on up-to-the-minute traffic conditions. Still other useful apps on the phone allow you to set up dining experiences with locals.

 One tip: To prevent suggestions from whizzing in fast and furious, try to give as many specifics as possible – I.e. your exact location,  type of food, budget preferences and list what you are not looking for.

And the best thing about this new service?  Ben Forlani from Insidr.Paris will meet you anywhere with your loaner phone and get you set up in minutes with your digital guide to the best that Paris has to offer.

Full disclosure:  Insidr.Paris  loaned Active City Travel a smart phone for evaluation.