Page 18 - HandbookMarch1

COMME DES PARISIENS

Cultural Tips

GREETINGS: When entering a store, or engaging GROCERIES: Stores are laid our similarly to the
someone in conversation, ALWAYS greet them first. U.S., with areas for dairy, vegetables, dried goods, etc.
Just a simple bonjour is fine. If you get to know some- The local corner stores are much smaller than an HEB,
one quite well, they may greet you with a bise; a light but there are also larger “megastores” such as Mono-
kiss on each cheek. prix, which are more like a Walmart, often split into
multiple floors (Space is tight!) Shopping bags are
TIME: The French follow a 24 hour clock. Paris is 7
hours ahead of Texas. NOT free, and you will be required to pay a few extra
“sous” for any plastic bags you need for your groceries.
MONEY: Credit cards as well as cash are accepted So pack a small reusable bag with you!
almost everywhere. Any bank card with a chip is easily The two largest and easiest chains to find are Carrefour
used at French banks. and Monoprix.

RESTAURANTS: Many restaurants are closed on SUBWAY: Your passes give you unlimited rides on
Mondays. Most take reservations online and if you are the métro. Be warned, however, that it does close,
eating dinner at peak time (7-9PM), are recommended. usually around 1:30am, but earlier on Sundays. Keep
While many restaurants close between lunch and din- your pass in an easy-access but safe pocket, as you may
ner (approximately 2-7PM), the neighborhood bistro is need to use it multiple times if transferring.
open all day long, serving coffee, traditional French
food, wine and wifi! TAXI: These are expensive in Paris, but there is UB-
***Refills of soda or coffee are NOT free. ER, so if you plan not to bother (foolishly!) with public
transportation while out on your own, be sure to
COFFEE: Is almost always espresso. If you prefer download the app.
American style coffee, just ask for a café allongé (ah-lohn-
jay)...essentially an espresso with extra water added. SAFETY: Paris, indeed much of Europe, and any big
city, is known for its pickpockets. Be smart about your
ALCOHOL & DRUGS: The legal age to drink alco- personal space: stay aware of your surroundings and
hol in France is 18. people standing too close. Keep your bags strapped
***ALL other recreational drugs are illegal in France, across your body, or between your feet on the subway.
and violations come with heavy legal penalties. Keep your valuables in an inner pocket and remove
MEASUREMENTS: them only when absolutely necessary. When we are
France uses the metric system. Drinks are sold in cl visiting crowded places such as the Eiffel Tower or
(centiliters) and meats are sold in gr (grams). Sacré-Coeur, be especially vigilant and beware of any-

15cl = Standard glass of wine one trying to distract you.
75cl = Standard bottle of wine (3/4 liter)
47cl = Pint glass PASSPORT: Leave this locked in your hostel locker.
10cl = Shot glass Bring another form of ID with you just in case, but
1/4lb = 115grams you are unlikely to need it.
1/2lb = 250grams