Visit France: What You Should Know Before You Visit France - Wolters World
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Date: 2022-02-04
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Comments and reviews: 10
DIY
Just got back from my first trip to France a few weeks ago and I had a great time! I did try to prepare a bit by watching a few videos (like yours) learn a few things. The following are a few lessons learned.
1. Learning a little French goes a long way, just the basic greetings etc. but, if you plan to travel more, invest in a universal translator device ($200)
2. Your debit/credit cards wont work at any autopay terminal that does not have a person working there. examples: pay parking ticket kiosk, closed gas stations w 24hr credit only pay, etc.
3. Outside of major cities (i. e. Paris, most shopping stores seem to be closed on Sundays.
4. Odd hours of operation: even during the week, a lot of stores seem to close at 8pm (2000hrs, they use military time there.
5. A lot of restaurants seem to close for a few hours between breakfast/lunch/dinner. Also, a lot of night clubs (in Paris) seem to only be open on the weekends.
6. Uber is probably the best way to get around in Paris. That said, renting a car is a great experience if youre gonna travel around the country.
7. Speaking of car rentals. make sure you get an International Driving Permit, if youre gonna rent a car. Only costs $30 and you can get one in about 10-15 from any AAA store.
8. If youre a smoker (or vaper, bring enough of your product to last the whole trip. If you have to buy tobacco products in France, theyre not as abundant like in the U. S.
9. Get Cash! Stop at your bank at least a week before you leave and order some Euros.
10. Bring a small adjustable city bag backpack for daily trips. Theyre great for holding battery banks, drinks, souvenirs you pick up, etc. But I say adjustable, meaning ones you can adjust to slip around to your front etc. in case youre in crowded places where they warn about pick pockets.
11. Lastly. this is 2 fold.
A. Keep your passports with you at all times in a secure pocket on your person.
B. Talk to your credit card company or a reputable travel agent to purchase Actual travel insurance (NOT to be confused w a ticket protection option) actual travel insurance that will guarantee, with no hassle, up front, plane ticket replacement, regardless of which airline, in case your flight is delayed, canceled, or god forbid (like in our case) your airline goes bankrupt while your on vacation.
reply
Just got back from my first trip to France a few weeks ago and I had a great time! I did try to prepare a bit by watching a few videos (like yours) learn a few things. The following are a few lessons learned.
1. Learning a little French goes a long way, just the basic greetings etc. but, if you plan to travel more, invest in a universal translator device ($200)
2. Your debit/credit cards wont work at any autopay terminal that does not have a person working there. examples: pay parking ticket kiosk, closed gas stations w 24hr credit only pay, etc.
3. Outside of major cities (i. e. Paris, most shopping stores seem to be closed on Sundays.
4. Odd hours of operation: even during the week, a lot of stores seem to close at 8pm (2000hrs, they use military time there.
5. A lot of restaurants seem to close for a few hours between breakfast/lunch/dinner. Also, a lot of night clubs (in Paris) seem to only be open on the weekends.
6. Uber is probably the best way to get around in Paris. That said, renting a car is a great experience if youre gonna travel around the country.
7. Speaking of car rentals. make sure you get an International Driving Permit, if youre gonna rent a car. Only costs $30 and you can get one in about 10-15 from any AAA store.
8. If youre a smoker (or vaper, bring enough of your product to last the whole trip. If you have to buy tobacco products in France, theyre not as abundant like in the U. S.
9. Get Cash! Stop at your bank at least a week before you leave and order some Euros.
10. Bring a small adjustable city bag backpack for daily trips. Theyre great for holding battery banks, drinks, souvenirs you pick up, etc. But I say adjustable, meaning ones you can adjust to slip around to your front etc. in case youre in crowded places where they warn about pick pockets.
11. Lastly. this is 2 fold.
A. Keep your passports with you at all times in a secure pocket on your person.
B. Talk to your credit card company or a reputable travel agent to purchase Actual travel insurance (NOT to be confused w a ticket protection option) actual travel insurance that will guarantee, with no hassle, up front, plane ticket replacement, regardless of which airline, in case your flight is delayed, canceled, or god forbid (like in our case) your airline goes bankrupt while your on vacation.
reply
Alex
I am taking my wife on a transatlantic cruise from New York and eventually will end up in South London. I was thinking of taking the Eurostar from London to Paris. I am not sure is worth the trouble though, so I probably will take her to Barcelona instead. If we do decide to stop at Paris, it will be for no more than a few hours, snap some pictures and keep going. Its a shame really. as it is a beautiful city, but with so many options in Europe, why bother! My sister visited Paris a few years back and ended up cutting her trip short. She has visited over 32 countries and while in Europe she was also visiting Italy, Spain and Greece. she said that the French are the rudest, snobbiest and most self adsorbed people she has ever met in all her travels. So, I am hesitant to ignore her advise. She did mention the Greeks and Nicaraguans were the sweetest people all of whom treat you like family!
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I am taking my wife on a transatlantic cruise from New York and eventually will end up in South London. I was thinking of taking the Eurostar from London to Paris. I am not sure is worth the trouble though, so I probably will take her to Barcelona instead. If we do decide to stop at Paris, it will be for no more than a few hours, snap some pictures and keep going. Its a shame really. as it is a beautiful city, but with so many options in Europe, why bother! My sister visited Paris a few years back and ended up cutting her trip short. She has visited over 32 countries and while in Europe she was also visiting Italy, Spain and Greece. she said that the French are the rudest, snobbiest and most self adsorbed people she has ever met in all her travels. So, I am hesitant to ignore her advise. She did mention the Greeks and Nicaraguans were the sweetest people all of whom treat you like family!
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M.
The French are some of the nicest people and very helpful (but they are very formal, and you can get by with knowing only a few basic things in French, when you go into a shop just say bonjour Madam (Mrs) or Monsieur (Mr) to the shop keeper as that is polite, then do your best with Franglais it works fine. At restaurants slow service is seen as professional NOT rude, they do not rush you so take your time, the French take two or three hours to eat so if you want the bill you ask for it. A funny change in the last 20yrs is the Parisian waiters have become very US friendly as we tend to tip more than anyone (China) and we are now welcomed with open arms and even some smiles. If the bill is 18 Euros and you leave a 20 that is more than fine and very appreciated. If the service is outstanding I leave 5 to 10%.
reply
The French are some of the nicest people and very helpful (but they are very formal, and you can get by with knowing only a few basic things in French, when you go into a shop just say bonjour Madam (Mrs) or Monsieur (Mr) to the shop keeper as that is polite, then do your best with Franglais it works fine. At restaurants slow service is seen as professional NOT rude, they do not rush you so take your time, the French take two or three hours to eat so if you want the bill you ask for it. A funny change in the last 20yrs is the Parisian waiters have become very US friendly as we tend to tip more than anyone (China) and we are now welcomed with open arms and even some smiles. If the bill is 18 Euros and you leave a 20 that is more than fine and very appreciated. If the service is outstanding I leave 5 to 10%.
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Fuad
Why even bother compare USA with France? Compare its people. If you ask me, French are well educated, loving, caring, and gentle people. Americans are a bit arrogant, over hyped, not so gentle, less self educated and whats in their mouth are not in their hearts kind of people. France is definitely a better place to raise your kids than the USA. BTW, Why do you expect people of other countries needs to speak English? Learn the local language where you are going. Otherwise, don't go outside the USA. Stay their and speak English. Native Americans never spoke English so don't try to make others speak English or expect they need to do it. VIVE LA FRANCE.
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Why even bother compare USA with France? Compare its people. If you ask me, French are well educated, loving, caring, and gentle people. Americans are a bit arrogant, over hyped, not so gentle, less self educated and whats in their mouth are not in their hearts kind of people. France is definitely a better place to raise your kids than the USA. BTW, Why do you expect people of other countries needs to speak English? Learn the local language where you are going. Otherwise, don't go outside the USA. Stay their and speak English. Native Americans never spoke English so don't try to make others speak English or expect they need to do it. VIVE LA FRANCE.
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AlainNaigeon
Not only you have to ask for the bill, but here we consider extremely rude to get the bill before we've asked for it; it might mean we would have to leave; and that's not something to suggest to a customer who likes to enjoy his dessert, or coffee, etc!
About restaurant prices: indeed it's essential to emphasize that all prices on the menu include taxes, tipping; etc. You don't have to pay a cent more.
Neverthelessl, I sometimes drop something (3-5%) when the service has been really cool (I mean more than just correct, and I realize it's often when it has been done by a woman, I dont know why ha ha: -)
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Not only you have to ask for the bill, but here we consider extremely rude to get the bill before we've asked for it; it might mean we would have to leave; and that's not something to suggest to a customer who likes to enjoy his dessert, or coffee, etc!
About restaurant prices: indeed it's essential to emphasize that all prices on the menu include taxes, tipping; etc. You don't have to pay a cent more.
Neverthelessl, I sometimes drop something (3-5%) when the service has been really cool (I mean more than just correct, and I realize it's often when it has been done by a woman, I dont know why ha ha: -)
reply
travel
Let me add: 1) The French are proud of their food and wine and it is top quality everywhere. 2) The French know immediately that you are a tourist, just by looking at you. 3) The French signs are 99% in French. 4) If you need to get from the airport to your hotel, in the same in reverse, try using a service like Welcome Pickup. They have English speaking drivers and you coordinate everything online. They wait in the airport holding a sign with your name. a huge stress relief. We even used them to go from our hotel to the Louvre.
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Let me add: 1) The French are proud of their food and wine and it is top quality everywhere. 2) The French know immediately that you are a tourist, just by looking at you. 3) The French signs are 99% in French. 4) If you need to get from the airport to your hotel, in the same in reverse, try using a service like Welcome Pickup. They have English speaking drivers and you coordinate everything online. They wait in the airport holding a sign with your name. a huge stress relief. We even used them to go from our hotel to the Louvre.
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Rick
I just returned to US from France. I had a great time. There are the scammers in Paris who will come up to you and say, Do you speak English? These are the ones with their clip boards wanting you to sign a petition. When asked if I speak English I would just shake my head no. On the rudeness question I will say this. Most Americans are nice to people but there can be a few nasty types once in a while. I think the same is true in France. I never personally encountered anyone who was nasty in France. People are people everywhere.
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I just returned to US from France. I had a great time. There are the scammers in Paris who will come up to you and say, Do you speak English? These are the ones with their clip boards wanting you to sign a petition. When asked if I speak English I would just shake my head no. On the rudeness question I will say this. Most Americans are nice to people but there can be a few nasty types once in a while. I think the same is true in France. I never personally encountered anyone who was nasty in France. People are people everywhere.
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lisalu910
I disagree about the unfriendly service being more common in Paris. Ive been all over France from tiniest villages to the biggest cities (Im in Paris at the moment) and in my experience the people in the smaller towns are less cordial to foreigners. Paris is a cosmopolitan city which thrives on tourism, and people in the service industry are generally quite friendly in my experience.
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I disagree about the unfriendly service being more common in Paris. Ive been all over France from tiniest villages to the biggest cities (Im in Paris at the moment) and in my experience the people in the smaller towns are less cordial to foreigners. Paris is a cosmopolitan city which thrives on tourism, and people in the service industry are generally quite friendly in my experience.
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maggie
In France we speak our own language the one from our ancestors the National french, and the mother dialect in our region. If you visit France DON'T STAY in Paris stay in week end and move out for to discover our culture, food history and the real french people tradition only the Parisiens don't like people not even those around.
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In France we speak our own language the one from our ancestors the National french, and the mother dialect in our region. If you visit France DON'T STAY in Paris stay in week end and move out for to discover our culture, food history and the real french people tradition only the Parisiens don't like people not even those around.
reply
archangele1
Why Americans get bad service is their attitude toward the local people.
Nothing inspires a person to offer up bad service more then an American
with an attitude of superiority and entitlement. Even in Florida in the USA
we get a lot of tourists and many are irritating, especially the ones from the North East.
reply
Why Americans get bad service is their attitude toward the local people.
Nothing inspires a person to offer up bad service more then an American
with an attitude of superiority and entitlement. Even in Florida in the USA
we get a lot of tourists and many are irritating, especially the ones from the North East.
reply
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