Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SITUATION 2
You've just moved into your apartment and you need to order
telephone service/plumbing repairs/electrical service. Do you:
Call the company and try to make arrangements over
the telephone?
Visit your nearest Telecom office, plumber or EDF shop
and ask them for the service you need, in person?
Contact the
gardienne
or
concierge
in your building and
ask them to handle the job for you, expecting to pay a
handsome tip?
Ask your secretary at work to handle these details?
Comments
In France, people tend to do their own chores, and there
is little crossover between personal and private life. Your
secretary will not expect to have such private matters in her
hands. Although the
gardienne
in your building could help you
with some details of private life, you will find things happen
most expediently when you go, in person, to the office or
service company you require. It is usually more difficult to
get anything like services, train reservations and specific
information accomplished over the telephone. Projects such
as the telephone service installation will take some time,
standing in lines, filling out forms and showing identification.
Take along all your documents and have all your questions
ready in advance. Remember, only your specific questions
will be answered and few helpful suggestions will be
volunteered. Treat the person helping you as you would
treat a stranger giving requested assistance. Expect less than
enthusiastic response to your dilemma. Take some reading
material, to occupy your time while waiting. Be patient. The
best option is
.
SITUATION 3
You have just arrived at the company office where you will be
working in Paris. You have already met most of your fellow
workers on previous visits. A group at the office is going to
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