Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
salesperson in a store is busy with another customer, do
not interrupt, even just to ask directions to the department
you're looking for; wait patiently until it is your turn.
Don't insist on getting apologies from the French. The
French have developed a need to be right—or at least not
to be wrong—and if you can get by without upsetting this
'rule', everyone will be better off.
Don't always be on time! Be punctual for professional
meetings and for dates with friends or colleagues in
restaurants. If for some unforeseen reason you are
delayed, call the person's mobile phone, apologise and
say when you will arrive. But don't ever (ever!) be early or
punctual for dinner at a French person's home. If public
transportation has been particularly efficient and you
arrive early, find a café nearby, order a drink and wait
until 20-30 minutes after the time agreed upon.
Don't talk about money. Money is one of those subjects
that is pretty much taboo with the French, at least on a
personal level. You can mention where you've seen items
on sale and you can complain about how expensive life is
in general, but don't translate this into talking about your
personal situation with money, or anyone else's.
Don't get too graphic. Avoid details such as your own
health or that of your family, problems with your in-laws,
or even specific problems with the bank or tax bureau.
And don't go into long personal anecdotes.
DINING ETIQUETTE
Do's
Do order a cup of coffee at the bar (or something else) first,
if you're going into a café just to use their restrooms.
Do place the napkin on your lap immediately upon
sitting down.
Do rest the hand that does not hold your fork on the table,
not in your lap. Don't rest your elbow on the table.
Do spread your butter bite by bite. Don't take a huge pat
and put it on your plate.
Do eat everything you can with cutlery, not with your
fingers. This includes fruit, cheese, even French fries.
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