Living abroad has taught me that there's a lot Americans don't understand about French culture.
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Years before moving to France, I went to Paris for the first time with my wife, who had always dreamed of visiting the City of Light. Back then, I bought into some of the stereotypes about the French, but I was pleasantly surprised by my encounters with locals.About eight months ago, we moved to Versailles for my wife's career. Now that we live here, I've realized that many common stereotypes about French culture (in the US, at least) are rooted in misunderstandings.Learning a bit more about French etiquette has improved my day-to-day interactions, from ordering pain aux raisins at a boulangerie to asking the SNCF train conductor if I'm going the right way.Here are a few things Americans should think about when traveling to France — or even moving here.Be patient at restaurants, cafés, and barsIn the US, the federal tipped minimum wage (that is, what an employer is required to pay a tipped employee) is a paltry $2.13 an hour. Servers depend on tips to make a living wage.As such, patrons are expected to tip at least 15% — and servers are usually motivated to keep their customers happy, since being attentive and friendly can effectively determine their income.In France, however, eateries pay servers an average of 10 euros an hour and provide health benefits. As a result, servers in France are much less motivated by tips. Unless you're in a fine dining establishment, you're not expected to leave more than a few small coins.
