Transferring to France has been one among my finest life selections… and in addition the one the place I’ve made essentially the most errors. From adapting to French tradition to determining easy grocery purchasing, I’d wish to inform you my fake pas have been few and much between. However the actuality is there have been many and typically they have been hilarious.
Right here’s an inventory of 45 issues I did unsuitable after transferring to France—each to offer you amusing and that can assist you keep away from these blunders your self as a vacationer! I hope this publish is as academic as it’s enjoyable. I needed to cease myself at 45 however may in all probability have made an inventory of 100, straightforward. OK, let me not embarrass myself any additional and simply get into it!
45 Issues I did unsuitable as a beginner foreigner in France
1. I didn’t know tips on how to open the door
I simply talked about this on my FB web page. In France, that is one thing that may actually journey up vacationers. Responsible! In numerous older buildings, and even some new ones, whenever you’re making an attempt to exit from the within, the door simply doesn’t pull or push open. It may be actually complicated and go away you feeling trapped.
When you encounter this, search for a button on the wall subsequent to the door. It’s a must to hit the button to unlock the door from the within. It’s particularly good if the button is marked “porte” (door) or has a key brand on it. Typically this nonetheless catches me off guard and I discover myself standing there for a few seconds earlier than the lightbulb goes off in my head to search for the button.
In my photograph, I circled the unlock button in pink so you recognize what they appear like. The following time you end up in a French condo constructing or workplace constructing and the door appears to be locked from the within, keep in mind to search for a button on the wall!
2. Forgot to say “bonjour” very first thing in any interplay
I used to make this error extra often but it surely’s uncommon that I neglect a bonjour today. However I see vacationers forgetting on a regular basis in order that’s why I speak about this a lot! Sure, it’s THAT necessary! Earlier than all else, at all times greet somebody with a “bonjour.” It’s a should and I clarify the why behind it in this publish.
3. Tried to hug as a substitute of doing la bise
Yup, and my father-in-law simply stood there. The French don’t hug!
4. Didn’t know which cheek to begin with for the cheek kisses
I went within the unsuitable path half the time and left folks leaning in for a cheek that wasn’t there. Actually, there’s no hard-and-fast rule however a great rule of thumb is to begin la bise along with your head going to the left so your proper cheek strains up with their proper cheek first.
Photograph credit score: Shutterstock.com / NosorogUA
5. Didn’t deal with comprehension in my French classes
My lack of French comprehension abilities held me again my first 18 months or so of dwelling right here. I speak about why comprehension must be your focus for those who’re transferring to France on this publish.
6. Forgot my manners
I educated myself out of this one instantly, a lot in order that now after I’m within the U.S. folks touch upon how well mannered I’m.
Upon getting into a retailer, say bonjour and be sure you say au revoir upon exiting. That’s good life recommendation anyplace. When arriving in a physician’s ready room, say bonjour to everybody as you sit down. It’s actually unhealthy type to neglect easy phrases like merci and bonne journée.
Be extra socially well mannered than your American instincts inform you to be and you ought to be simply high-quality. It’s the French method! And listed below are a number of must-know French phrases that’ll provide help to nail that complete French politeness factor.
7. Tried to buy on Sundays
Nothing is open on Sundays. I discovered that out after a few grocery retailer sprints to a locked door. As time has gone on, extra grocery shops have up to date their hours to incorporate Sundays till about 12 or 1 p.m. however the majority are closed. Banks, companies, eating places, and different shops are typically closed all day on Sundays and even Mondays (in addition to some vacationer points of interest) so plan round that.
8. Botched different folks’s (and my very own) cellphone numbers when making an attempt to put in writing them down or give mine to somebody over the cellphone
It’s all enjoyable and video games till you get to 70. Telephone numbers may be SO tough in French so I wrote this information that can assist you in that division.
9. Thought the 2nd flooring of a constructing was one flight up
The US and France (in addition to different nations) rely the flooring/tales in buildings otherwise.
In France, the bottom flooring that’s at avenue stage is taken into account flooring zero or the rez de chaussée (RDC). You’ll see RDC on elevator buttons and meaning the bottom flooring or foyer of a constructing. The primary flooring is one flight up.
Within the U.S., the bottom flooring is the primary flooring (there’s no zero) and for those who go up one flight of stairs, that’s the second flooring. You’ll be able to see how this might simply confuse an uninformed vacationer or newcomer.
10. Touched fruit on the marché
Typically there are indicators to remind you to maintain your paws off the produce (as seen above), so for those who see one, obey! The distributors will deal with it for you more often than not — simply level. I wrote a chunk on marché know-how right here for those who’re curious.
11. Forgot to weigh my very own produce BEFORE heading to checkout
You want to weigh your personal fruits and veggies at *some* grocery shops. The cashier can’t do it for you at checkout so that you’ll should run all the way in which again to the produce part whereas everybody in line huffs and puffs. I gave some recommendations on that on this publish.
12. Mispronounced every part within the boulangerie
It’s OK! That is the way you be taught. I feel I requested for un quiche (it’s UNE) as soon as and on a whim I purchased a pastry with Bounty sweet, besides I mentioned Bounty just like the US paper towel model and never the French sweet pronunciation which is “boon-ty.”
13. Thought baguettes have been simply baguettes
I feel for my first yr right here, I’d by “une baguette” each time I wished bread. I didn’t know higher. Because it seems, there are all several types of baguettes together with une custom (which is fantasic) and my favourite, une baguette aux céréales. Right here’s some baguette etiquette for you.
14. Wore sweatpants to the grocery retailer
OK okay, I did that after after I was sick. I don’t make a behavior of it. And there’s an enormous distinction between ratty previous home sweatpants and stylish joggers. Right here’s my no-BS information on what to put on in France.
15. Being too direct
There are refined nuances to the French language that you simply may not discover at first, however they’re there. Typically Tom’s e-mail interactions or cellphone conversations with customer support typically go away me chuckling and questioning why it looks as if we’re virtually apologizing for bothering them in regards to the firm’s mistake.
In common dialog, skipping the niceties to get the purpose might sound too abrupt and even impolite to a French particular person. So do just like the French do and at all times be well mannered. Positively lead with the magic phrase bonjour!
16. Addressed somebody by their first identify
The French are formal in terms of many issues and addressing somebody you’re probably not mates with by their first identify is a no-no (except they invite you to do in any other case). It actually may not appear to be a giant deal however it’s a main gaffe. So your pharmacist is Mr. DuPont, not Pierre. The consumer at work is at all times Mr. French Man. You’re Mr. or Mrs. So-and-So whenever you’re known as from the ready room at a health care provider or dentist’s workplace.
Mainly, anybody you don’t work together with every day — or anybody in an expert context — will get a Monsieur or Madame except they inform you in any other case. The French maintain that distance and don’t get too acquainted. I’ve to pressure myself to do that and if anybody calls me Madame My Final Identify, I at all times say, no no it’s Diane! (Tom simply admitted, “Typically it’s so bizarre in French.” Agreed.)
Photograph credit score: Shutterstock.com/mastermilmar
17. Tipped the American method for a haircut
The primary time I acquired a haircut right here, I had no clue for those who have been presupposed to tip 20% like within the U.S. I didn’t need to stiff her, so I left 20% and he or she was tremendous shocked, however grateful. Once I acquired residence, Tom laughed and instructed me in fact she was completely happy — French folks don’t tip 20% for haircuts (or meals, or something actually). I clarify tipping in France right here. I realized actually shortly…. when in Rome and all.
18. Tried to make small discuss on the grocery checkout
I attempted to speak with the cashier and acquired a well mannered, however distant, smile. I used to be simply completely happy to bust out some French! Seems, they aren’t large on checkout chitchat. It’s not impolite however small discuss could be seen as uncommon. I speak about it right here.
19. Didn’t separate my trash correctly
Glass containers and bottles do NOT get thrown in with the final recycling the place I reside. Our recycling bin is only for paper, cardboard, plastic and steel. I’ve to carry my glass to a particular glass bin. It doesn’t get picked up by the city.
20. Forgot to validate my practice ticket
There are yellow machines on the practice station the place it is advisable to stamp your ticket forward of time. It’s not at all times intuitive for those who aren’t used to validating your ticket and/or taking the practice. Nowadays, digital tickets are extra frequent however again within the day, I made this error a few instances. I wrote a information all about practice journey in France I feel you’ll like.
Credit score: Shutterstock.com/ Suslik1983
21. In search of non-French breakfast meals on café menus
Pancakes, eggs, bacon, anybody? These aren’t breakfast staples right here. French breakfast = bread, jam, and occasional or juice.
22. I assumed the query “Ça t’a plu ?” was in regards to the rain
Oops. Upon arrival in France with my shaky French, I had solely heard “plu” within the context of the rain — as in “il a plu hier” (it rained yesterday). The verb for rain is pleuvoir. I had no thought plu was additionally the previous tense of one other verb. DOH! I speak about it right here together with different misunderstandings. Additionally, listed below are some embarrassing French language errors to keep away from.
23. Tried to purchase drugs from the grocery retailer
Nopers. I realized this one my first week right here! You gained’t discover aspirin, chilly drugs, or some other OTC merchandise within the grocery aisles right here. Pharmacies are the one place for over-the-counter meds so examine ’em out as a result of French pharmacies are superb. Listed here are the French equivalents of frequent American OTC meds.
24. Arrived on time for a cocktail party
I’m at all times early. That’s simply how I used to be raised and I hate dashing. For appointments, flights, you identify it, I’m there forward of time. So in fact in France I present up on time…. anticipate French company don’t often present up on the dot. I’ve discovered myself awkwardly early greater than as soon as. However hey, you reside, you be taught.
25. Skipped the formal goodbye in group settings
Isn’t one spherical of la bise upon arrival sufficient? In France, most individuals go away a gathering by individually bise-ing everybody goodbye. Oops. Listed here are a bunch of American social norms that don’t translate.
26. Requested for a doggy bag at eating places
This one is now not a problem as a result of as of 2016, leftover containers should be obtainable by regulation, if requested. It’s a part of France’s effort to chop down on meals waste. However again within the day, I realized that taking leftovers residence isn’t as frequent right here, particularly in increased finish eating places. The portion sizes are smaller and French folks often eat out once they have a good urge for food so it’s not seen as often right here. Nevertheless it’s completely OK to ask now.
Credit score: www.shutterstock.com/ Foxys Forest Manufacture
27. Tried to eat my salad first
In lots of areas of France, salads typically come after the primary course. I used to be too keen with my leafy greens and went to serve myself from the salad bowl at first of the meal (like I’d do within the U.S.), not realizing it was customary to eat salad after our predominant meal.
28. Used the casual “tu” when it ought to have been “vous”
This is usually a social fake pas however is a little bit of a ceremony of passage. It occurs. I clarify the completely different phrases for “you” right here.
29. Leaping to conclusions and never understanding the nuance in conditions
Sure features of French tradition might sound impolite for those who don’t perceive the subtext. It took me some time to understand that French folks have been being well mannered and performing regular for his or her tradition, even when it appeared impolite or chilly to me. I’m speaking in regards to the lack of small discuss, the public vs. personal sphere, the complaining… and that’s simply the brief listing. It seems that after I educated myself, I noticed 99% of individuals weren’t being impolite in any respect. Take the time to be taught the language and perceive what’s truly happening round you and why.
8 Causes why foreigners transfer to France and DON’T be taught French >>
30. Thought my checking account can be free
It’s onerous to understand how issues are performed elsewhere till you may have first-hand expertise and banking in France positively falls into this class. Within the U.S., my checking account is 100% free. I didn’t pay for the debit card and I don’t pay a month-to-month upkeep charge.
Many banks in France do cost charges, so concentrate on that. I pay 49€ /yr for my debit card and my fundamental checking account is 6.63€/month with Crédit Agricole. Tom pays much more for his. On-line banks are likely to have higher charges however many don’t enable People to open accounts as a result of FATCA reporting and if you wish to have a extra private relationship along with your banker, an area brick-and-mortar financial institution is your only option. Along with a French checking account, I like to recommend Sensible for all foreigners/vacationers overseas.
31. I used to be confused by closed shutters
Earlier than transferring to France, the one closed shutters I used to be accustomed to have been those on Florida properties throughout hurricane season. I assumed all my French neighbors had moved out or have been continually away since there are not any hurricanes right here. Seems, closing shutters is simply the French method of claiming goodnight. I’m not an enormous fan of les volets however I’ve made peace with them.
32. Tried to pay with a giant invoice
Busy bakeries don’t need to take care of making change for a 50 whenever you’re shopping for a 1.50€ baguette. Many retailers and bakeries wrestle with giant payments, and my 50-euro observe was met with frustration. Preserve small payments on you to your every day bread run, and even higher but, a bunch of cash. Right here’s what it is advisable to learn about utilizing euros in France.
33. Forgot my reusable purchasing bag on the grocery retailer
You’ll not be given free baggage at checkout. I made this error as soon as and realized instantly to carry my very own baggage or purchasing cart (that is my favourite model). When you present up empty handed, no worries. You’ll be able to at all times purchase a purchasing bag on the register. Listed here are my prime ideas for grocery purchasing in France.
34. I assumed the waiter wished my drink order when asking if we wished an apéritif
Waiters often ask for those who’d like an apéritif, a beverage that’s often alcoholic and consumed earlier than your meal comes, earlier than ordering your predominant dish. They’re not asking to your drink order along with your meal right here (so don’t inform them water at this stage). The apéritif is a beverage course and is usually served with a bit snack consisting of crackers or nuts.
In lots of circumstances, it’s high-quality to say no thanks, however waiters nearly at all times ask for those who’ll be ordering an apéritif and it’s definitely a part of French tradition. Hear for “desirez-vous un apéritif ?” It’s completely well mannered to say no thanks as nicely.
35. Didn’t understand the complexity of French paperwork
Copies, copies, and extra copies! The paperwork is actual. All the time make your administrative appointments nicely upfront of any expiration dates. The gears may flip a bit extra slowly than you have been anticipating.
36. Ordered “water” and acquired costly bottled water
Faucet water is at all times obtainable without spending a dime, so you should definitely ask for “une carafe d’eau.” Whenever you simply ask for water, you may routinely be served costly Evian, particularly in touristy locations. In smaller cities, the waiter will in all probability ask if you’d like faucet or bottled however in busier vacationer areas, you may get caught with the pricier bottled stuff for those who don’t particularly ask for faucet water.
37. Taking photos in public
It’s at all times finest to ask folks first for those who can take a photograph of their wares. Within the U.S., I really feel like individuals are extra relaxed with vacationers taking photos however in France, ask first. I used to be scolded for taking a photograph of paella on the market. No folks have been within the photograph however the girl didn’t need her meals photographed!
38. I instructed my gynecologist that People are terrified of Black folks
This was my WORST language mishap and it truly wasn’t throughout my first yr right here. I speak about it on this publish and by chance realized my mistake and corrected it earlier than digging myself an excessive amount of of a ditch.
39. Anticipated shops/companies to open earlier than 10 a.m.
Once I first visited France as a vacationer, I headed out early just like the early riser I’m and located myself in entrance of numerous closed shops. Grocery shops often open earlier, however boutiques, chain shops, and even banks are likely to have later opening hours than I used to be used to within the U.S. That is much more frequent in small cities.
40. Mispronounced tabac and porc for years. Sure, YEARS! I’m cringing simply fascinated by it. Thanks Tom! Hahah, this was a misunderstanding between us.
41. Tried to get issues performed in August
In France, August is peak trip season and lots of small companies, eating places, tradesmen and extra take two and even three weeks off to loosen up and recharge. That’s most positively a great factor however it could catch you off guard for those who aren’t anticipating it, like I wasn’t after I first moved right here. Neglect about any repairs, appointments, or e-mail replies within the month of August. Everyone seems to be en vacances! I’ve needed to modify my expectations a bit and plan accordingly.
42. Ordered a steak nicely performed
This one may get you the aspect eye, particularly for those who’re consuming at a fancier sort of restaurant. Steak is mostly cooked medium/medium uncommon (à level) and asking for it to be cooked nicely performed is considered ruining the meat. Cooks at increased finish eating places may even be insulted and refuse to “smash” the steak. Let’s simply say my tastes have modified through the years and I now not ask for well-done steaks!
43. Misunderstood the French method to customer support
Customer support is a bit, nicely, completely different in France and was one thing I needed to get used to. I’ll say it’s improved a LOT within the time I’ve lived in France.
44. Rushed my meals
Consuming in a rush is a no-go right here. Meals are supposed to be the primary occasion and a social expertise, not rushed. I’ve come to like that.
45. Tried utilizing my U.S. hair straightener with and it caught on hearth
PSA: Your American hair home equipment will in all probability not work right here!!!!!!! Go away them residence!
Even with the right adapter/converter, you danger frying your equipment and setting your lodge/rental on hearth. Been there, performed that. Fortunately, I noticed the flames instantly so there was no harm to the property, but it surely may have been a lot worse. The difficulty is the hertz and never the voltage. Solely use electronics like computer systems, chargers, and home equipment with common voltage, that settle for 100–240 Volts of AC, at 50–60 Hz.
My costly ghd flatiron didn’t fall into that class (it fell into the trash, ha!) however the ghd stylers (excluding mannequin 3.1b) and the ghd curve® vary characteristic common voltage, so you should definitely examine your explicit equipment first for those who plan on utilizing it right here.
***
Wow, so after writing all that out, I really feel like a bumbling idiot. I swear although, I’m not! REALLY! Hahaha.
In all seriousness, I need to normalize making errors and speaking about them… in life and never nearly transferring to France. Making errors is a part of the expertise and it’s the way you develop. I’m not embarrassed as a result of my errors have gotten me to the place I’m now. I additionally did numerous stuff proper. I don’t take myself too severely and also you shouldn’t both!
A lot of the issues I discussed above occurred the primary yr or so and I realized the French method in a short time and have tailored at this level. Nevertheless it’s enjoyable to return in time and keep in mind all of the foolish stuff I did and the rites of passage moments.
By way of each little mistake, I’ve discovered myself loving France much more (nicely, principally), quirks and all! The French actually are endearing. And hey, for those who’re visiting or transferring to France quickly, possibly my listing will prevent a number of fake pas of your personal!
P.S. When you get pleasure from my content material, would you thoughts sharing the hyperlink on social media (a FB group you’re in, in your web page, in a tweet, and so forth.) or emailing the hyperlink to a pal? It actually does assist. Father Google hasn’t been form to numerous bloggers over the previous yr and it’s actually disheartening when solely a handful of individuals learn your content material. It might imply so much to me for those who helped unfold Oui In France to the lots. I spend a ton of money and time on Oui In France and LOVE running a blog, so merci encore for your assist.
P.P.S. When you’re visiting France quickly and need to be ready, I’ve an eGuide I feel you’ll love! It’s titled “75 Newbie France Ideas for a Standout Journey.”
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