What to Know Before You Visit France

What Americans Should Know Before Visiting France

We love visiting France, and wanted to share with you some differences between French and American culture.

Not Everyone Speaks English in France

You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing some basic French phrases will make a huge difference in your French experience. The people here are very nice, but they don’t speak a lot of English. The more touristy an area is, such as Paris or Avignon, the more likely you will be able to find English speakers. However, if you want to get off the beaten tourist path in France, a bit of French is a must.

Tip: Younger people are more likely to speak English as they learn it in school!

Bad Service is possible, but it’s not the norm.

Rumors of terrible French attitudes and service are far from the truth. It can happen sometimes, especially in Paris, just like any other major international city. Generally, the people and the service in France are fantastic, so don’t be surprised by this. There is no tipping in France, as the service (15%) and tax is already included in your bill. If you want to leave a little extra above the 15%, leave it in cash for your server. Keep in mind, food can take a long time to prepare in France, so be prepared to order your food and wait a bit.

Tip: You have to actually request your bill (l’addition) at the end of the meal. It’s not automatically brought to the table once the plates are cleared!

Spending Money in France

Cash is preferred, but credit cards are usually accepted. Make sure you get a chip card or you may not be able to use your credit card in some places. If you can, ask your bank for a chip card ahead of your trip, or plan to use more cash. There are ATM’s everywhere you go, in both French in English. Take out your money in Euros, rather than dollars, as your bank will likely provide a better rate than the ATM bank. The Euro comes in several bills (500, 200, 100, 50, 10, 5) and the coins here are actually valuable. The 2 Euro coin is worth more than $2, so keep track of them.

Tip: Your bank, and most likely the ATM bank, will charge you fees, so take out larger amounts to avoid paying multiple fees.

Avoid Beggars and Travel Scams in France

You will see a lot of beggars in France. Not all of them are necessarily French, but you will see them, and notice that quite a few are children. The best advice is to avoid them, do not give them money. Avoid pickpocketing scams. A common one is someone with a clipboard asking you to sign a petition. While you are distracted, your pockets get picked.

Tip: Just say “non, Merci!” to travel scams in France

Accommodation in France

Hotels rooms in France are much smaller than hotel rooms in the United States. A double room will actually be two single beds pushed together, so beware the crack in the middle of your double bed. If you are traveling as a family with children, you will need to get multiple hotel rooms.

Tip: Apartment rentals are easy to find in France, and a great idea if you are visiting France with kids.

Everyday Differences Between France and the USA

You can drink the water here, and you will normally be served tap water at a restaurant.
In the bathroom, the 2nd “toilet” in the bathroom is a bidet. Read up on how to use it ahead of time if you wish, otherwise it’s best avoided.
The Toilets themselves may have two flushing options. The larger button, or it may have two dots, is for going #2. The smaller button, or just one dot, is if you just have liquid waste.
Plugs in France are the same as mainland Europe. You will need an adapter for charging any electronics. Your laptop or phone will have a converter built in, so you just need the adapter part.

Tip: Don’t bother bringing small electronics such as hair dryers or curling irons as they’ll get fried with the voltage difference. Easier to buy a cheap one when you arrive.

Using Your Mobile Phone in France

I recommend getting a data package from your carrier before you leave, as it can save you a lot of money. If you plan to calling numbers in France from your U.S. phone, you need to add a “+” before the number. The International Code for France is “33.”

Tip: Sometimes phone numbers in France will show a “0” at the beginning. This isn’t necessary on a mobile phone, so drop that off when dialing.

Getting Around France

Anticipate a lot of walking in France. Make your trip more pleasant by starting a walking regime at home before you go. Being conditioned for walking will help you avoid shin splints, sore muscles and achy feet. Public transportation in France is fantastic. Buses and trains go all over the country, so it’s very easy to rely on public transportation in France. Just make sure you stamp your train tickets before you board, or you can be fined. Car rental is also a fun option, but the cars (and trunks!) are much smaller than the U.S., so plan your luggage accordingly.

Tip: You will need a reservation for the TGV, even if you have a EuroRail pass.

Family travel in France is easy!

People in France go out of their way to ensure kids are well taken care of. You’ll often see kid’s menus (des enfants) at restaurants in France. Oftentimes, kids under 8 or 10 are free at many of the tourist sites in France.

Taxis in France

Taxis in France are notorious for not always providing good or honest service. If you speak a little bit of French, or know where you are going ahead of time, most of these issues can be avoided. If you don’t know where you are going, sometimes you can be taken advantage of. Don’t be afraid to make a fuss with your driver if you feel you are being taken advantage of.

Tip: Ask your hotel for an estimate of taxi costs so you have a rough idea of what you should pay.

Don’t miss our other videos on France! Five Things You’ll Love & Hate About France and Ten Things That Will Shock You When Coming to France.