Considering of transferring to France? You’re not alone. I used to be in your sneakers again within the day. However earlier than you pack your baggage, there are a bunch of factors to think about and a few would possibly even fall into the tradition shock class. I wrote an in-depth article on 9 issues individuals majorly underestimate when transferring to France however on this enjoyable checklist publish, I’m stepping into 45 issues which will catch you off guard whenever you transfer to France.
Listed below are 40 issues to know whenever you transfer to France:
1. Forms is king
Even the French make jokes concerning the paperwork, and as a foreigner, you’ll undoubtedly participate within the enjoyable. Most administrative duties get accomplished verrrrry slowly, require numerous paperwork and normally contain a endless checklist of paperwork you have to have.
Bodily paperwork remains to be an enormous a part of life right here, so don’t count on every little thing to be digital. Out of your residency card renewal, to opening a checking account, to your driver’s license, be ready for lots of paperwork and produce an additional dose of endurance.
I’m within the means of renewing my residency card in the intervening time and I needed to spherical up six consecutive utility payments for every of the previous three years plus a bunch of different paperwork together with a replica of each web page of my passport with a stamp. It was a 20-page doc.
2. Your French stage issues
Having not less than a conversational grasp of France is completely important to adapting to life right here (though there are a lot of the explanation why foreigners transfer to France and don’t study French). Even when you suppose your highschool French will minimize it, dwelling here’s a entire completely different ball recreation. On a regular basis life requires you to talk French and if you wish to truly combine, do your self a favor and begin studying now.
3. Banking is… completely different
Opening a checking account requires an appointment and might be fairly difficult for Individuals (due to FATCA reporting that many French banks don’t wish to take care of). You’ll be required to usher in a bunch of paperwork too, no shock there. Don’t count on U.S.-style same-day service both. Your debit card will come within the mail every week later and banking isn’t free, by the way in which.
Picture credit score: Shutterstock.com / Phovoir
4. Healthcare is superb—however to not free by any means
Whereas way more reasonably priced than within the U.S., French healthcare isn’t free. You’ll pay closely into the system. The nice half is that care received’t bankrupt you and also you received’t lose protection when you lose your job. Be mindful most individuals choose to pay for a “mutuelle” to cowl what la sécu doesn’t.
5. Social etiquette isn’t non-obligatory
There are unstated guidelines in France, like saying “bonjour” earlier than beginning any interplay. Failing to take action is seen as impolite, so be able to adapt to the French number of social politeness.
6. You’ll must study when to tutoyer and vousvoyer
I didn’t even know there have been verbs for this after I first moved. French has two methods to say “you: formal/plural (vous) and casual (tu). Utilizing the incorrect one might be awkward.
7. Public transport strikes are actual
Strikes are a part of life right here, particularly for public transport. Planes, trains, farmers, you title it and there’s a strike. At all times have a backup plan to keep away from being stranded!
8. Not every little thing is open on a regular basis
Retailers, eating places, and even grocery shops might open later and shut sooner than what you’re used to again residence, particularly on Sundays when shops might not be open in any respect. Get used to planning round shorter hours.
9. Lengthy lunch breaks are sacred
French work tradition values taking an actual lunch break and never simply consuming at your desk whereas persevering with to work. A sit-down lunch (typically with wine!) is completely regular and lots of places of work and outlets might shut from midday to 2 p.m.-ish, so plan accordingly.
10. Landlords might be choosy
Renting isn’t as simple as it’s within the U.S. Landlords count on in depth documentation that you simply put collectively in a file and it’s fairly aggressive even when you might have a gentle job. However for a foreigner with out roots in France, it may be much more tedious, particularly when you don’t have a longtime work historical past and everlasting contract.
11. Dinner is later
Most French individuals eat dinner round 8 p.m. Absolutely the earliest could be 7 p.m. Individuals joke that anytime earlier than that’s when individuals eat dinner in nursing houses. So when you’re used to consuming dinner at 5 or 6 p.m., you may need to regulate your consuming habits whenever you exit to eat since most eating places aren’t open for reservations till 7 or 7:30 p.m.
12. Job searching takes time
Discovering work as a foreigner might be sluggish, particularly when you don’t converse a lot French. Networking is essential, however so is persistence. Right here’s how one can discover a job in France. If you happen to want some profession route or wish to discover your objective, this science-based evaluation is nice.
13. You’ll want a social safety quantity
To entry healthcare, you’ll want a French social safety quantity. Getting one can take time, as can a carte vitale, so be affected person.
14. Friendships take time to construct
The French are likely to preserve private circles small and don’t have that American model of friendliness, so don’t count on instantaneous friendships and for individuals to heat as much as you instantly. Constructing belief here’s a marathon, not a dash. My tip? Be part of some activites. I made buddies at my gymnasium.
15. Kissing is regular
La bise (cheek kissing) is part of life, however understanding when to kiss or shake arms takes some observe. Watch others and observe go well with.
16. The tempo of French life is slower
You would possibly discover this enjoyable or irritating, however both method, it’s an adjustment. I’m speaking about every little thing from emails getting answered and companies returning your calls to how individuals take time to get pleasure from life and their holidays. The French take their time and I discuss it extra right here.
17. The work-life steadiness is actual
Individuals work to reside, not reside to work. If you happen to’re used to placing in tremendous lengthy work weeks and taking your work residence with you, this is perhaps an enormous tradition shift. Sure, high-stress jobs exist in France too however extra individuals right here appear to have the ability to unplug and luxuriate in their lives extra. The 5 weeks/yr of paid trip helps too!
18. Gross sales occur twice a yr
They’re known as les soldes and happen in July and January. In contrast to the fixed gross sales within the U.S., France has official gross sales intervals however the winter one is AFTER the vacations.
19. Wine is reasonably priced, however high quality issues
You may get respectable wine at a superb value, however don’t go for the most cost effective bottles on the grocery store. There’s no scarcity of high quality wine and you’ll nonetheless purchase some with out breaking the financial institution, usually direct from the producers. I’m an enormous muscadet fan. Right here’s what to know earlier than visiting a French vineyard.
20. French humor might be… completely different
Sarcastic and never all the time politically appropriate, French humor won’t be what you’re used to. Give your self time to know the jokes earlier than becoming a member of in.
21. Your American home equipment received’t work
Voltage is completely different, so go away these American hair dryers and electronics at residence The difficulty is the hertz too and never the voltage. Solely use electronics like computer systems, chargers, and home equipment with common voltage that settle for 100–240 V, at 50–60 Hz otherwise you threat catching your flatiron on hearth like I did.
22. Be able to climb the steps
Many elderly French buildings don’t have elevators, so be prepraed for day by day stair exercises when you’re dwelling in an enthralling outdated condominium. Your condominium could also be on the fifth and even sixth ground so when you’re mobility impaired, or simply somebody who’s out and in loads, that is one thing to think about (particularly with out the a/c in the summertime).
23. Bedside method is completely different
Though care is normally accessible and top quality, docs in France don’t spend as a lot time on bedside method as within the U.S. It’s all about effectivity and docs’ directness would possibly catch you off guard. Advocating for your self isn’t actually a factor so tread flippantly.
24. Recycling guidelines fluctuate
Every area has its personal recycling tips, and the principles might be strict and completely different than what you’re used to at residence. Study what goes the place early on to keep away from fines and confusion. To provide you an instance, I’ve curbside trash pickup as soon as every week and recycling (that doesn’t embrace glass) as soon as each two weeks. I’ve to take glass to the dump or a separate glass receptacle.
25. France has its personal quick meals
It’d shock you to know that quick meals in France is prospering. You’ll discover McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s Pizza, 5 Guys, KFC, and a lot extra. Whereas McDonald’s is widespread, France places its personal spin on issues with the McBaguette. And let’s not neglect O’Tacos, a series which makes French tacos, that are extra like burritos with French fries inside.
26. Pharmacies are for greater than drugs
French pharmacies are the go-to for magnificence merchandise, well being necessities, and recommendation. Pharmacists play a a lot larger position locally than within the U.S. I did a behind-the-scenes video at a French pharmacy right here.
27. French media isn’t France-centric
Information right here focuses closely on Europe and world points, not simply France (or simply the U.S., as was the case within the U.S.). This broader perspective is refreshing.
28. Customer support is much less… service-oriented
Through the years, French customer support has gotten loads higher, so let me begin off by saying that. Customer support in France is useful however much less “customer-is-always-right” than within the U.S. Managing expectations will assist you to regulate.
29. Tipping is minimal
Suggestions aren’t anticipated in France like they’re within the U.S. at locations like eating places, salons, and so on. Rounding your invoice up or leaving a couple of euros for nice service is appreciated however not required. Leaving 15-20% of your invoice could be uncommon. I wrote all about tipping in France right here.
30. Not each French particular person is Parisian
Once we consider France, we consider Paris and Parisians, however France is numerous! Every area has its personal traditions, delicacies, and dialects. The outdated, drained stereotypes about French individuals must cease.
Picture credit score: Shutterstock.com / Zynatis
31. Air con isn’t the norm
Central air con isn’t commonplace in French houses and summers can get scorching — particularly within the South of France. Most individuals get by with followers and shutting their window shutters (les volets) as an alternative. Locations of enterprise is perhaps gentle on the a/c as properly and undoubtedly received’t have it set to temps requiring you to put on a hoodie indoors in the summertime like in Miami. Some would possibly even say the French are terrified of air con.
32. Web isn’t all the time instantaneous
Organising web in your house or condominium is usually a multi-week course of, not like the speedy setups you would possibly count on again residence. Plan forward when you work on-line. Making an appointment for a couple of weeks out is customary.
Regardless that I’m not in a rural space in any respect, I’m nonetheless ready on fiber in my neighborhood. It takes about 12 hours for me to add a 10-minute YouTube video. Not joking. The nice factor is that cable TV/wifi/cell phone packages are fairly reasonably priced. I nearly fell over after I noticed a relative’s cable/wifi invoice within the U.S.!
33. France takes its trip critically
With 5 weeks of paid trip for all workers, French workers take day without work and luxuriate in it. It’s not a perk of working for a superb employer however a proper afforded to all. Don’t count on a lot to get accomplished in August when everybody’s on break.
34. They actually have a phrase for individuals who trip in July and August
Piggybacking off the above level, trip is so integral to French tradition that there’s a phrase for individuals who trip in July and August. It’s les juilletistes and les aoûtiens, respectively.
35. Driving is completely different
French site visitors legal guidelines are strict, parking is usually a problem since parking areas are smaller, most automobiles are stick shifts. Additionally, velocity cameras are in all places. Driving in France requires endurance and warning.
36. Writing paper checks remains to be a factor
I see somebody write a examine each time I’m going to the grocery retailer. Most individuals have a checkbook as properly. Debit playing cards are used more often than not however checks are nonetheless used.
37. Smoking remains to be widespread
Whereas lower than years previous, smoking remains to be prevalent, particularly on terraces and appears to be much less stigmatized in France. To provide you some details, in keeping with the Worldwide Union for the Scientific Research of Inhabitants, in France the smoking epidemic started later than in america. The variety of cigarettes offered per grownup per day peaked within the U.S. in 1961, whereas it peaked later in France in 1985.
In consequence, smoking prevalence is increased at this time in France (31%) than america (16%). If you happen to’re delicate to smoke, this would possibly come as an unwelcome shock.
38. Be ready to pay for water when you aren’t cautious
In lots of touristy eating places, until you ask for faucet water, you’ll be given bottled water and charged for it. Don’t be shy about requesting une carafe d’eau (faucet water). It’s not a pretend pas to take action. However be careful for these fake pas. Additionally, listed below are my first-time France journey suggestions.
39. Studying the metric system is a should
The metric system is commonplace in France (and most areas outdoors the U.S.), so brushing up on Celsius, kilometers, kilograms, and so on. will assist keep away from day by day confusion. Listed below are issues France calculates otherwise in addition to how numbers are used otherwise than within the U.S.
40. All the pieces is smaller
Relying on the place you’re from, you is perhaps used to a variety of area. From dwelling areas to automobiles/roads/parking areas to portion sizes and even individuals themselves, many issues are smaller in France than within the U.S. Adjusting to smaller every little thing can take a while.
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Regardless of the tougher elements of life in France, it may be an incredible place to reside. There are execs and cons to life anyplace and it’s solely regular that not in all places has the identical method of doing issues.
If you happen to’re transferring overseas, being ready and understanding what to anticipate are tremendous vital for adapting to life someplace new. I hope my weblog helps you in that division. 😉
You may additionally like this publish on large misconceptions which can be method off base about life in France.
For even MORE FRANCE TIPS, seize my France journey information that delivers all type of sensible journey information!
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