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Paris Local Custom Tips by ChiTownMike

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ChiTownMike   
Just get up and go


Real Name: Mike
Lives In: Chicago, US
Member Since: Mar 05, 2004
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Paris Local Customs
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Parlez vous francais?: francais
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  • Written by ChiTownMike on Apr 28, 2004
  • Paris Travel Guide
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  • Not surprisingly, the French language is an important aspect of the French culture and their national identity.

    Trying to learn at least a few phrases and using them will take you very far in interacting with locals. "Hey pal, you speak English" is not going to elicit the most positive response! The vast majority of the French speak excellent English, but they really appreciate when you at least make an attempt at communicating in the local language. But don't worry about needing to get through an entire conversation. Upon hearing that you are foreign, most will switch to English.

    The website below is one (of many) in which you can find a few basic phrases that will prove very useful in Paris.

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    Website: www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/quickfix/index.shtml
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    Dining & Drinking: Dining -- it's no rush
  • Tip Rating:
  • Written by ChiTownMike on Apr 28, 2004
  • Paris Travel Guide
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  • In America, the expectation is fast and efficient service. It's rare for your drink or meal to be anyway near finished without a waiter asking how everything is and whether you need another drink. And when your meal is finished, the check typically comes quickly in an effort to get you up and on your way. That is how we do things.

    That is not how things are typically done in France. I think the secret is to just relax and go with the flow. Hey, you are on vacation. What's the rush! And when your waiter does come, be aware that it may be a while before he or she comes back.

    And bringing the check may not be automatic.
    "J'ai fini. L'addition, s'il vous plait" (I'm finished. The check, please.) is a good way to practice your French and let them know you are ready to go.

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    Comments for ChiTownMike about Paris
    jnevitt Fri Apr 18, 2008 18:33 UTC
     web link does not work!
    Astralka Tue Sep 14, 2004 17:22 UTC
     thanks for photos and info, I have even learned some French ;)
    ettenaj Thu Jun 24, 2004 22:42 UTC
     Very nice page well presented
    BerniShand Thu Jun 3, 2004 16:35 UTC
     excellent tips, really well written l loved Paris, we had sore feet we walked so much
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