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Cultural Differences
by Katie and Julien Fri 14 Aug - 21:23
Hailing a taxi? Going out for dinner? Here are a few things to be aware of...
1. If possible, always hail a taxi as opposed to calling one. When you call a taxi, you pay for part of the trip from the driver's location when he received your call to you, in Brest this doesn't usually make a big difference, but can be pricier in Paris. Also, be aware of extra charges for suitcases when travelling to/from the airport in Paris.
2. Ordering a drink- in some bars there is no table service, you must go to the bar to order. This will normally be indicated somewhere in the bar 'Toutes consommations se prennent et se règlent au bar'. However, if you don't see this and have been waiting for a while, don't hesitate to go to the bar to order.
3. Reservations, reservations, reservations- Looking to check out a good restaurant your hotel recommended? If it is a popular place, a Saturday night or peak dinner hours, have the hotel call and reserve for you. Keep in mind that MOST restaurants (Paris is an exception) are open between 12-2pm and 7pm-11pm or later. So keep an eye on your watch if you've got your heart set on a restaurant for lunch.
4. Tipping for services- A delicate/personal topic, you're all welcome to do as you like, but know that tipping is not expected/necessary in France. (And certainly not 20% for meals or each time you order a drink!) If you appreciate the service, leaving a little something on the table is always appreciated, but visa/debit machines will not give you the opportunity to add a tip to the bill. As always, Paris is an exception... be wary of places that add gratuity directly to your bill.
1. If possible, always hail a taxi as opposed to calling one. When you call a taxi, you pay for part of the trip from the driver's location when he received your call to you, in Brest this doesn't usually make a big difference, but can be pricier in Paris. Also, be aware of extra charges for suitcases when travelling to/from the airport in Paris.
2. Ordering a drink- in some bars there is no table service, you must go to the bar to order. This will normally be indicated somewhere in the bar 'Toutes consommations se prennent et se règlent au bar'. However, if you don't see this and have been waiting for a while, don't hesitate to go to the bar to order.
3. Reservations, reservations, reservations- Looking to check out a good restaurant your hotel recommended? If it is a popular place, a Saturday night or peak dinner hours, have the hotel call and reserve for you. Keep in mind that MOST restaurants (Paris is an exception) are open between 12-2pm and 7pm-11pm or later. So keep an eye on your watch if you've got your heart set on a restaurant for lunch.
4. Tipping for services- A delicate/personal topic, you're all welcome to do as you like, but know that tipping is not expected/necessary in France. (And certainly not 20% for meals or each time you order a drink!) If you appreciate the service, leaving a little something on the table is always appreciated, but visa/debit machines will not give you the opportunity to add a tip to the bill. As always, Paris is an exception... be wary of places that add gratuity directly to your bill.
Katie and Julien- Admin
- Posts : 5
Join date : 2015-08-14
Location : Brest, France -
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