Q: Is it true that the French don't like Americans ?
A : Forget this old cliché. Just before leaving for France, I am sure that you heard comments from friends or neighbors such as : " Why do you want to go to France? The French are rude, and they don't like Americans." Well, forgive them for their sour grapes, because first of all, they have probably never been to France in their entire lives. And there is a good chance that they would actually love to go to France, but they just can't afford it!

So the answer to this question is definitively : no, this is not true. French really like Americans and most of them will be very nice to you. In fact they love the American culture and country, just like many Americans love Europe.

Q : Is it true that the French do not speak English ?
A : The French are travelling more and more, and are speaking better and better English. So don't worry about the language barriers; you will get help if you need it wherever you are in France, as long as you are nice with people and attempt even a couple of phrases like " Bonjour " (hello) , " excusez moi " (excuse me), or " s'il vous plait " (please). It's the same as in most every foreign country.

TAXIS IN PARIS

Q : Is it possible to hail a taxi directly on the street in Paris, waving like we do at home ?
A : You could wait for hours if you try this : most of the taxi drivers won't even stop for you (unless you are very lucky) !

Look instead for a blue street sign saying " taxis ", they usually wait in a special lane on the street. It is theoretically against the law for them to refuse to take a client (some of them prefer to wait for a phone fares, to be able to charge more !) You can ask the concierge at your hotel to call a cab for you, but again, be aware that the taxi will begin charging from the moment that you called, so don't be surprised if the taxi arrives at your hotel with 6 or 7 euros already on the counter !

Q : Is it true that a taxi won't take more than 3 passengers ?
A : They are not supposed to do so by French law, but some will, either without complaint or with extra charges Unfortunately, the same goes for your luggage : they usually will charge you an extra per piece of luggage.
It is in fact a good idea to book your airport transfer/ train station transfer directly with us : our minivans have large trunks and we have a flat rate per vehicle, each with a capacity of 8 passengers.

Always be prepared for possible traffic jams and try to leave at least 3 hours before flight departure ! Also remember : traveling light is always the best way to travel !

ABOUT SAFETY IN FRANCE

Q : Is it true that France has become unsafe lately ?
A : France is a safe country. Of course, on the streets (and especially in the metro) you always have to pay attention to your wallet and documents (Never carry too much cash with you in your pockets and don't count your euros on the street, this applies everywhere in the world !). It is a good idea to keep photocopies of your documents somewhere safe, separate from your wallet.

CALLING WITHIN/FROM FRANCE

Q : What is the best way to make phone calls in France ?
A : Avoid phone calls from your hotel, they are very expensive. Buy a " Telecarte " instead - a prepaid phone card- also because it is very difficult to find a phone that accepts coins in France.
Phone numbers in the Paris area start with 01. Cell phones begin with 06; be aware that these calls are a little bit more expensive.

TIPPING IN FRANCE

Q : How much should I tip the driver/guide for one airport transfer service or for a guided tour from Paris?
A : It all depends. If you are satisfied with the service, a " normal " tip for a private transfer (airport or train station) would range from 10 to 20 euros per car. If you have taken a cab and the driver was a complete a.... with you, we don't need to tell you what to do right?

For tours, the average is 20 euros for a tour of Paris and 40 euros per couple for a day tour outside of Paris, but again there are no fixed rules--this is tipping, after all, and it will of course depend on how satisfied you are with the guide/driver! The drivers/guides usually accept tips in dollars as well. In hotels, tip porters between 5 and 10 euros.

CASH, TRAVELLER'S CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS ?

Q : Do you accept most of our credit cards in France ?
Restaurants, hotels, gas stations and most shops accept major credit cards.
Smaller shops may post a minimum purchase amount (often around 15 euros) for credit card purchases.
Credit card companies generally offer some of the best exchange rates and they are a safe and easy method of payment. If you've got one, use it; you might even earn lots of miles for your next trip to France !
American Express isn't widely accepted here in France. The high commission charges turn French establishments away. The most commonly used credit card is the " Carte Bleue " Visa. Virtually all ATMs and businesses accept Visa and MasterCard, and many ATMs are linked to the Cirrus and Plus systems.

Q : Is it true that when you go to the restaurant, service charges are always included ?
A : Yes, this is true. According to French law, it is required to write " 15 % service inclus " on the bill at the restaurant, so in theory there is no need for you to tip.

But most French people usually always leave an " extra tip " if the service in a restaurant has been really good (between 2 and 5 euros) and between 1 and 2 euros for a drink in a bar, for example.
Bellhops, doormen, and anyone who has been of assistance should be tipped, but no strict guidelines apply here (for taxi drivers it is different, since they are already charging you for extra luggage or passengers !) Many people in the tourism industry also accept tips in dollars.

DO'S & DON'TS

DO'S :

· Purchase a two-day, four-day or a six-day museum pass to skip the lines at museums and monuments in Paris. These are available at the main metro stations and tourist offices or we can purchase them for you at no extra cost. This gives you direct access to the attraction, so you don't have to stand in long lines to get tickets. Please contact us for further information.

· Make sure your passport is up-to-date when traveling.

· You need a valid driver's license to drive in France and you must be 18 years of age or over. Proof of insurance is also required.

· Arrive with some euros in cash (avoid too much cash, though).

· If you plan to rent a car outside of Paris, ask for an " Automatic shift and if possible equipped with a a turbo diesel engine, powerful, and less expensive than regular gasoline (the price of regular gasoline in France is now close to 10 $ USD per Gallon - and you were complaining about the price of gas in your own country! ;)

DON' T :

· tip in restaurants : all restaurants charge tax and add a 15% surcharge to your bill. If the food and service is exceptionally good, it is customary to leave a few additional euros.
· rent a car to drive in Paris. You wouldn't really enjoy it (The same goes for bicycles or motorbikes--just forget it !)
· try to pay with US dollars (remember, this is Europe)
· say " Euro Dollar " : simply say " EURO "
· If you rent a car in France, don't turn right on red and (except in roundabouts) always yield at intersections to the person on the right.