Moving to another country requires a basic understanding of the local culture, norms and values of its citizens. Thelocal website detailed the most common misdirections made by foreigners in France. Here they are in front of you:
1. Bonjour
The word bonjour (hello) is very important to the French. There are some rules about her:
– If you want to be treated by someone, do not say “excusez-moi” (sorry or forgive me), because then you will be considered rude. Instead, Bonjour said.
– Overuse of the word Bonjour is considered rude as well, because it indicates that you have forgotten that you have already blessed that person’s letter. Use “Ca va?” or “Re-bonjour.”
2. Expressing affection
For the French, any time is a good time for kisses. But, according to the rules of the place, you are not obligated to shower kisses on the first introduction. Sometimes a handshake will suffice, especially among the old generation.
In general, it seems difficult for foreigners to adapt to the strict kissing laws in France, such as giving two kisses on the cheek (except paris, where four kisses are given – two on each side), with the first kiss always starting with the left cheek.
3. Personal attention
If you are attending a party, meal or meeting, you should congratulate each attendee separately. Perhaps as foreigners you can get away with it a little bit and just wave your hand to everyone, but if you want to assimilate into French society, you have to go and kiss one by one. With the adults, you can make do with a handshake.
4. Arrival on time
In Israel, if you move up to dinner, you will likely reap praise. In France, however, a five-minute introduction would provoke a slight outrage among the hosts, who don’t like being caught off guard. In fact, preferably even after 15 minutes, to give them wiggle room.
5. First name
If you know someone or someone for the first time, don’t go by their first name. Start with Madame or Monsieur and if you get confirmation, you can switch to first names.
6. Official documents
Make sure you have several copies of important documents such as a birth certificate, passport, university degree and other certificates, translated into French and nicely arranged in a binder. Most authorities will require you to immediately withdraw such and other documents.
7. Petting dogs
Although in Israel there is no problem bending down and petting a completely foreign dog, which is even a little flattering to the owner, in Paris it is considered rude. You have to ask permission from the dog’s owner with this tongue: “What’s the point?” Bonjour. Je peux faire une carresse, s’il vous plait”. Or something like that.
8. Transportation
A really bummering mistake made by foreigners all over Europe is to forget to sign the ticket on the train. The staff is unforgiving in such cases and even distributes reports.
9. Bike path
Or by its French name – Vélib – a path for cyclists only on which riders will not hesitate to ride through you if you make a mistake and follow their path.
10. Pedestrians
When standing at the crosswalk waiting your turn, don’t be reckless. Even if the pedestrian traffic light turns green, there is a reasonable chance that at least three vehicles will pass you by.
11. Doctor’s examination
Going for a doctor’s check-up? Make sure you always have €23 in cash, which is the price of the meeting. Many do not know and assume that the credit card will solve the problem, but not all doctors in France receive a credit card and therefore stock up on the exact amount in cash.
12. Credit or cash?
There is a minimum amount that can be paid by credit card in France. Therefore, if you were planning on paying for your baguette with credit, you should take at least ten more baguettes to the cash register.
13. Cinema experience
Did you feel like a Hollywood movie? Check carefully that it will be screened in its original language. The French have a tendency to dubb the films shown in cinemas and in general, and thus you may find yourself sitting in front of a movie in French. Look for the letters VOSTF in the movie description, which is Original Version with French subtitles.
14. Laundry at night
If you are moving to Paris, it is important to know that the walls that separate the apartments are quite thin. Therefore, operating the washing machine at night can interfere with the neighbors’ rest and cause unpleasant reactions. The neighbors hear everything.
15. Receiving service
If you try to call any office for service, try between 10:00-12:00 or 14:00-16:00. When will your call not be answered? At 9:00 A.M., noon and every August.
16. Business Lunch
Don’t miss out on lunch at normal times. In most of France (not including Paris), restaurants close from 14:00 to 18:00.
17. Contact waiters
The word Garçon means child. Don’t turn to the waiter like that, he might be offended. Instead, use Monsieur or Madame.
18. Tips
In Israel, it is customary to distribute tips of 10-20 percent on many of the services. In France, it is not customary to leave a tip to the service provider. You’ve earned it.
19. Red wine as an aperitif
Don’t offer your French friends red wine as an aperitif, that is, before dinner. In France it is customary to drink Vin rouge (red wine) with the food, neither before nor after it. White wine or champagne can be offered before dinner.
Read more:
• 9 important points about the education system in France
