1) Don’t take a taxi during the day, in the morning until 11:00 and from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. There are heavy traffic jams at this time so the meter will run while you will be sitting in a still car.
2) Frenchmen have lunch between 12:00 and 1:30 PM, and dinner between 7:30 and 10:00 PM. If you want to avoid the crowd, lunch at 12:00 and dine out from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Restaurants rarely serve between 2:00 and 6:00 PM.
3) It’s nice to have a drink at the terasse of some café. In fact that’s a necessary experience in Paris (if weather permits, of course). However, terasse drinks are often charged premium prices. Bear that in mind.
4) Many people say that French waiters are very rude. That’s not far from the truth. But don’t lose your temper, be patient and polite. Smile. The waiters will bring your order in no time.
5) The waiters don’t usually approach you several times. Once you’re served they don’t come any more. That is not considered to be rude, that’s just in the order of things. So if you need a waiter just call him. The situation in expensive restaurants is much better and the waiters there are much more executive.
6) The restaurant/café check already includes a gratitude of 15%. If you want to leave some extra tip you may give EUR 1 in a café and EUR 3-5 in a restaurant. In an expensive place you may leave more than that but that’s not necessary. Anyway your receipt card won’t show any gratuity line.
7) Don’t try to take a taxi too close to a train station. The drivers can’t load passengers within a 100-meter radius from the station.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll find the acquaintance with the romantic and beautiful city of Paris much more comfortable!
