Our BetterMost Community > Chez Tremblay
An American Girl in Paris
injest:
I think I am staying HOME!!!
:o :o
sounds scary out there!!
opinionista:
Along with having to take my own non-sugar sweetner what else do I have to know about cafes? I don't think you have to take your own sweetner. There are here. I don't know the brand in France but I could find out what are the brands here and let you know. Commercial products are about the same in France and Spain. You will not have any trouble finding sweetners in restaurants. You'll also be able to find lactose free milk, soy milk and stuff like that in supermarkets.
Do you wait to be seated or seat yourself and they come to you? Do you pay at the table or at the bar or up front at the door?
In some places you do in others you don't.
I've read not to ask for a "menu" as I'll get a 3 course meal with a set price, but to ask for "a la carte". Is that correct?
Yes, menu is a three course meal with a set price. Ask for La carte.
Since I am of Hispanic descent and look vaguely Hawaiian/Turkish/Eastern Indian, I've been yanked out of line at Customs before and searched (to my sister's grand amusement), and I read that French policemen have every right to stop you in the street and ask for your ID - BUT I've also read not to show anyone my ID.
In some european countries all citizens must carry an ID. So if they stop you is not because of the way you look but because it is the law. I'm not sure if this is the case in France, but it is in Spain. Judging by your description of the way you look I can say we may look alike. However, I've never had any problem in France or in Spain with my looks, nor was I considered suspect or anything. That doesn't happen here. I had been in Paris and all over the south of France and not once a police asked my for my ID. But if you are indeed asked, you have to show it. You'll be considered suspicious if you refuse. You also have to show your ID when you check into your hotel.
If a policeman stops me should I ask for his ID? And if so, how do I do that?
Police officers are supposed to wear uniforms, so it may not be necessary to ask for an ID. The thing is that if you find yourself in a situation in which you have to deal with the police, the best thing to do is act normal. If you get scared and refuse to show your ID then you could be in trouble.
Anyway, try not to be afraid or paranoid. That's the worse thing you can do. Just relax and enjoy yourself. In Paris they know they are a bunch of tourists from all over the world and there's more tolerance than you think. Don't worry about it. What you should do is put all your money in your pocket not in your bag. If you carry a bag, don't leave it unattended not even when you are walking or standing. There are pickpockets.
Ellemeno:
Hi Delalluvia, I LOVE that you are asking the questions you have. I know I always have a few things that, til I know the answers, I sort of worry about before a trip. I can't remember what my BBQ concerns were, Pre-BBQ, but I had them and asked.
Just one thing about "menu" and "carte."
"A la carte" is originally a French term that now gets used in America with a certain meaning. The thing you want to ask for in a restaurant in France, that tells you what they are serving, is simply "la carte."
One thing I've seen much more in France than here in the US is a daily menu, that changes with whatever is actually fresh, not standardized crap waiting to be thawed out in the microwave whenever someone orders it. So when you ask for "la carte," you may get a sheet of paper with a just few things listed on it. That's probably good. :) Even places like train stations often have fresh, real food.
MaineWriter:
Dellaluvia,
Keep in mind that as an American, your ID will be your passport. You will show it alot....checking in to the hotel, if you buy things and want to get the tax back (at the airport), you'll need to show it for that. I think I even had to show it when using my credit card sometimes. So...get a good wallet or passport holder and keep your passport with you at all times. Personally, I think the passport holders that you wear under your shirt are a bit of overkill. I have a nice one that I bought from Magellan's. It has a slot for my passport, spaces for foreign currency and American, etc. I have a "healthy back bag" from LL Bean that I think is the BEST for traveling. It has lots of room and the zipper is next to your body which is good for the safety pickpocket problem.
http://www.magellans.com/store/Wallets?Args=&page_number=1 for travel wallets and other good travel tips.
Leslie
MaineWriter:
Credit Cards and Money
Personally, I don't use traveler's checks. ATMs are everywhere. Using your ATM card, you will get the best exchange rate available at that moment. Before you leave, however, check with your bank about fees for using your card. I know there are some banks and credit unions that don't charge anything but my bank (Bank of America) charges $5 a hit. However, it still may be less than the fees you get charged for exchanging actual dollars or traveler's checks.
I actually broke my own rule back in March when I went to Belgium and brought cash to exchange. I didn't have time to exchange at the airport. Fabienne took me to a bank and guess what? They have rules that you can't exchange money unless you have an account! Fabienne had to take me to a Travelex in Brussels and I eventually did get my money but I learned my lesson...use the ATM.
Credit cards: they take them everywhere and once again, using a card you'll get the best exchange (as opposed to paying for a purchase with a traveler's check). Credit card companies charge 1% to 3% transaction fees, so call your card company to find out what they charge. I use my Target Visa when traveling...it is a 1% card.
Before you leave on your trip, call the card company (again) and tell them the dates of your travel and where you will be going. That way, they won't put a hold on your card when foreign charges start to hit.
Leslie
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