Travel Tips from your Homegirl: An American Mime in Paris

Bonjour, Ya'll!
Recently I was asked for some "insider" tips for traveling to Paris.  I don't know if I really qualify, but here's what I would do and what I would avoid.  These are some things that have worked great for me and my family and most of ya'll know, I am NOT any way sophisticated or cosmopolitan, but, I AM a keen observer.  I would love any feedback from those of you have visited Paris for affirmation or correction, so here goes!

View from Palais de Tokyo near Place Iena

1. "Do you have to speak French?  I heard the French hate Americans and refuse to speak English, even though "they all know English"!"
Such a myth!  Everyone does NOT know English, but many do, in addition to Spanish, German, Flemish and Italian.  I have to admit this country (and also most of Europe) amazes me with their language skills.  I find the higher the educational level, (professionals with college degrees) DO mostly know English, but quite a few of the people you will encounter here may not, such as your bus driver, waiter, taxi driver, or store clerk.  So be respectful in their country, smile and apologize for not being fluent in French, but try a few words such as "please" or "thank you"...it will go a long way.  If you read my blog frequently, you know I survive with lots of charades and gestures.  I'm kind of an "American Mime".  and they don't hate us...but we all feel annoyed with rude people, which are present in every culture, including yours.  Can you imagine if you had to deal with tourists every single day the way we do here in Paris?  Funny story:  I was meeting my friend Jeanne-Marie one day and she called me all wound up:  "Teresa!!  I'm late because I can't get to Etoile metro!  There is such a huge crowd around the Chinese acrobats, so it's impossible to get to the escalator!"  Yes, people, this is our reality on many, many days.

No Texas heat here!

2. Don't wear shorts and sneakers.  PLEASE, I'm begging you!!  Pickpockets and thieves are on the lookout for easy marks, so when you come to Paris, dress to fit in, not stand out as an American.  Wear leather shoes (good walking shoes don't have to be sneakers!) and wear pants, skirts, but not shorts.  When it's really hot, Parisians do wear shorts and sandals, but it is not the norm, and it's certainly not anyone over 30--men, especially, almost never wear shorts.  Here in Paris, all the professionals wear suits to work, so the culture is more formal than in the US.  I, myself, mostly wore my tennis clothes around all the time back in Houston, but that is not acceptable here. (okay, probably shouldn't have done it there, either!)  You don't need to dress up, but please don't dress like you just left the gym or are on your way to basketball practice with those big baggy shorts that hang down to your knees.  and, btw, if you're older than 12 years old, you look ridiculous wearing droopy polyester athletic shorts--no one wants to see a grown men wearing those!

3.  Don't exchange a bunch of dollars=euros.  Just get euros as you need from an ATM--most places, you can use your credit/debit card.  Also, you usually get a better exchange rate from your bank in the US when you use your credit card.  Good tip:  Charles Schwab Visa is a great credit card--they pay your ATM fees when you withdraw money from an ATM that charges you fees.  WATCH when you enter your security code--someone can come up behind you and see it.  Just put your hand over the hand entering the code to block anyone's view.

4.  Here in Paris, we don't really have violent crime--you will feel very safe, except we have lots of petty crime: pickpockets and purse stealing.  Ladies, bring a cross-body bag and keep your hand on it, especially in the metro or around the Eiffel Tower.  Don't stop to watch the guys doing the card games on the street--they have their people standing in the crowd pretending to watch, but they are watching you and trying to get your money or phone.  Guys, put your wallet around your neck (like in a man-purse) or in front pocket.  Teens, keep your phone out of view--I keep reading about people getting their phones taken right out of their hands in crowded places.  We saw a phone stolen from the table at an outdoor restaurant in Barcelona as the people were eating.  To me, the worst spots are Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Louvre, Notre Dame, Chatelet metro station, and Montmarte for the guys selling tourist junk who crowd around you then try to steal your wallet.  Watch when you take a picture, too, your attention is on your subject, so they can sneak up and get your wallet.  It almost happened to me on the Fat Tire Bike Tour at the Louvre--a guy quietly walked up and started taking my purse out of my bike basket as I snapped a picture of the girls. Notes:  guys, the man-purses also come from Nike and Adidas, so you don't have to feel "too pretty" when you carry your wallet around.

Fat Tire Bike Tour:  Everyone should do this!!

5.  "How much should I tip here?" Good news:  no tipping here!  The gratuity is already added on the bill (l'addition), so don't add extra money they way we do in the US.  They usually let you know if it is NOT added.  Just check the bill carefully.

6.  Water is free!  But, you must ask for it (carafe d'eau, s'il vous plait).  Otherwise, they bring you a bottle of water that can cost like $10...which you may like and want, but be sure you know ahead of time, it's not free.  The carafe is free and unlimited.  Also, sodas are usually about $3-6 dollars each.

7.  Most menus are posted outside the restaurant, so check it out before you go in so you don't get surprised with either offerings or price.  Many restaurants offer menus in English, too.

8.  Budget trip?  Use the metro, bus, or RER to and from the airport for next to nothing.  I won't go into all the detail, but if you need help, let me know and I can give you exact directions.  Air France has a bus to CDG direct, multiple times a day for less than $20--for anyone, not just those flying Air France.

9.  Tour buses are fun and easy to use.  If you buy a 2-day pass (for about $40 each), you can hop on, hop off and use as transportation, plus get an overview of the city.  Great when it's rainy or cold, too.  A handy app to download before you come is Uber, which is a taxi/car service.  They keep your credit card on file, then you never need cash for a taxi.  Just use the app to call your car. Available in multiple cities, too.

10.  "What's the best place to stay?" Hotels here are very expensive (and small)--consider renting a furnished apartment.  This is a great way to experience Paris as those of us who live here do--get bread at the bakery on your block and a bottle of wine at the local Nicolas for a true Parisian experience!  We usually get one hotel room in the US for our family, but not so in Europe--they make you get 2 rooms for 4 people, so double the cost.  Rent the apartment for the week and you're way ahead.

Lots of metro entertainment!

11.  "I don't really like French food!"  Well, you're in luck, because in Paris, there is Mexican, Italian, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Spanish, American cheeseburgers and everything in between!  I use the app Yelp to find whatever kind of food I want.  One of our favorites here is the NY Jewish Deli, Schwartz's:  Paul says it's the best burger he's ever eaten.  It's fabulous and there are now 3 of them around Paris, so if you need that American burger fix, voila!

My friend & fellow Total gal, Lynn

My awesome tour group with the amazing Jacques at Pierrefonds Castle

As always, keep in touch and love to see you if you visit Paris!  I'm happy to help answer your questions or share anything I've learned that will make your visit the best ever.  See ya'll!