Mistakes American Tourists Make in France

Welcome to France! Tourists love France for the food, the culture, and the people. Here we go through some common mistakes that tourists make when they visit France. From not learning a few words of French to expecting certain levels of service or not using the TGV trains to their best abilities. These are simple little mistakes that tourists make when they visit France.
Filmed in Strasbourg, France
Are you thinking about visiting France, but aren't sure what to expect? Well first time travelers to France tend to make a few mistakes on their first foray into France. Whether you are going to Paris, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, or the French Riviera here are some of the most common mistakes that tourists make when they visit France.
Tourist information on France.
What not to do in France.
How tourists mess up in France.
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[@rodjones117]

One caveat re taking a gift when visiting French people at home (and this is counter-intuitive) - don't take wine. It may seem funny, but French people will often interpret this as an implication that you do not expect the wine that your hosts provide to be very good. Flowers are a safe bet.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Rod! Great tip!

[@ruskasielu6261]

You might do it if you warn the guests about it beforehand "I'll bring the wine". In that case it's totally fine. And I'd actually argue that in many homes, regarding wine, the more the merrier so it'd be appreciated nonetheless 😉

[@rodjones117]

@@ruskasielu6261 That might be the attitude now amongst younger people, but younger French people are increasingly drinking much less wine anyway. Traditionally bringing wine was not a good idea, and flowers, for example, are still the safest option.

[@pureandsweet]

I’ve been to south of France twice. We bought bottled water in a grocery store and the clerk at the cash said to the old lady before us: is this water yours? And she said: Do I look like someone who drinks water!? 😆 Very French.

[@ItsGroundhogDay]

I appreciate a lack of noise. Too many people around here don't seem to have an inside voice, during either work or leisure, in person or on the phone. I shouldn't be able to hear every word you say clearly from 30 feet away.

[@LarryBloom]

French restaurants: I think it helps if you understand two things about the waiters. First, in France, waitstaff do NOT think you should be smiling/friendly...they think good service is being quiet, reserved, and not engaging personally. They are NOT being stuck-up or rude...they are being professional. Second being a waiter is a serious profession, with waiters not only staying in a restaurant for decades, but sometimes even generations! These people pride themselves on good, impersonal, fade-into-the-background service.

[@hdhdhhehe6709]

Most waiters in France don’t even know how to read. They spent their whole lives learning to smell cheese and balance dishes in the air.

[@victoriadell614]

I was in Carcassonne once. I'm allergic to lavender, but wanted to buy fancy soaps for people back home. I checked on the post office when I got there; location, open times etc. All good. Bought the soap and went back the next morning. Big sign at the front door "Closed for 6 months". The sign was not there the day before. Ah France :-) Merci Mark

[@adriench.7148]

A post office closed to 6 months ? You are kidding I guess or this office was closed for an unusual reason. It is a public service, all post office are supposed to be open the whole year. So it's either a fake news or a local problem, but in all the cases you are able to go in another post office. Your comment suggests that's normal in France, not at all.

[@jolanda.c]

Trying your France and produce a nice frase to say hallo, order some stuff... it helps to brake the ice. But the other person starts a conversation and then my French falls apart. They smile, appreciate your attempt and go on with slow english, slow french, hands, feet and the good will you get there. Had a good time that way on a small market where they sold olives, cheeses and other deli. My stomach was full when we were done. The man let me taste almost everything. And that stuff was good!

[@oliverstemp9132]

A Citroen Evasion in the background. Lovely bit of French automobilia.

[@sandramulchahey8268]

Great information. The first time I traveled outside of the United States, I was shocked to find out the rest of the world is not open 24 hrs 7 days a week.

[@missbohochic751]

Yes it’s often closed

[@mrn13]

or the month of August

[@ruskasielu6261]

For me (I'm French) it was the opposite: discovering the freedom of being able to do or buy stuff anytime you like in some places was so incredibly convenient!

[@timberwolfe1645]

Really? But aren't they missing out on making more money? 3rd shift pays extra if you're willing to work the graveyard is all I'm saying :)

[@ruskasielu6261]

@@timberwolfe1645 that's the thing: many French people value their own time more than money so they'd rather not work on a sunday than being paid extra. It's actually a law that only some companies or services are allowed to work on Sundays.

[@spydude38]

A friend learned not to hang your purse on the chair back at an outdoor restaurant. A young woman walked past and just lifted it off of her chair and continued walking. She felt something against her chair and just happened to look up to see the young woman walking away with her purse and jumped up and pointed at her and screamed "Thief!". The young woman dumped the purse and ran away. Almost a sad ending, but a valuable lesson learned.

[@skylineXpert]

Dont forget to say bonjour or bonsoir.

[@franktozier3184]

My wife and I were on a Rhine Christmas Cruise. We learned a little bit of Dutch, German and French. Just that little bit made for a wonderful experience in the shops and stands at the markets. There is a but to this. We ordered in German or French , they responded in rapid fir German or French and we stood there with a oh oh look on our faces, They then asked if an English response would be good. Them we found out their English was very good.

[@winterlinde5395]

I think that but is exactly what you want to happen. They appreciate you trying and then happily help you out 😃

[@timberwolfe1645]

I remember trying to order in french and I got cursed at for being a posh american! Then they told me to speak english!! Je voudrais une crepe sucre!!! That's all I asked!!

[@winterlinde5395]

@@timberwolfe1645 did they curse in French or English?

[@timbridges8593]

Hi Mark, great video. Funny story for you. I made a big faux pa. My friends and I went and stayed with a Count and Countess in a 600 year old castle. I don’t know why I did this I’m not the hugging type of person. But when I got out of the car, I ran up to them give them both a big hug and kiss, bonjour, freaked them right out. But they were warned a crazy Canadian was coming over lol. They were actually very nice people. Really down to earth. As always have a good one eh!😁🇨🇦

[@woltersworld]

That's hilarious!

[@markedwards9247]

There is a LOT of social protocol around le bise. Although it is a very common thing you will see in France, it is best to have a little look at the protocol. No kiss, one cheek, two cheeks, an embrace, a handshake. All different for different relationships.

[@ruskasielu6261]

As weird as it may sound, the kiss might be okay in some situations whereas hugging is very rare in France and many people find it awkward, even among close friends

[@stacymcintyre1796]

I did a similar thing! I hosted exchange students one summer, and a few months later went to France and met one student's mother. I hugged her and she recoiled. I had always thought that the kiss was more personal than a hug, but after two weeks I realized that the kiss is a minor touch whereas a hug is a full-body embrace.

[@timothyzakaria7397]

@@woltersworld I am a solo traveler but I would travel to France on a tour. I got crooked and lost over 400 dollars in 2018 when I went to Egypt. It happened when I had a layover in Istanbul, Turkey I am still trying to get my money back.

[@ruskasielu6261]

As always, spot on! I agree especially with the local museums and all: people will really appreciate if you show an interest for local food and traditions, it'll show you made an effort to go beyond "Paris/moulin rouge/tour Eiffel" and you're not just another cliché tourist. (And that's true for pretty much any country, not just France).

[@anonymoususer1952]

I grew up in a large city, but driving in the city there was harrowing. We loved our trip to Toulouse.

[@christopheferraux2864]

If you are going to a region not served by TGV, Auvergne for example, you can use the services of blabla car which is an online carpooling platform

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Chris!

[@markedwards9247]

I think it is fair to elaborate on your description of pick pockets. There will be a lot in the cities. But I have never, ever heard of anyone being pickpocketed in rural areas, or small towns and villages.

[@frenchfan3368]

A lot of people are critical of the people of Paris as being rude and blunt. Just be aware it's not just foreign tourists who are critical of Parisians; French people from other parts of France are critical of them as well. With that said, if you are going to France for tourism, get out of Paris and explore other parts of the country. If you are coming to the U. S., don't just go to the typical New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago.

[@kkdd6413]

We only found one cafe owner that was rude to us. The rest of the people we interacted with were pleasant. We tried hard to use some of the language, very basically but we made the effort. I think the French like it when you try to make yourself understood. I have never understood tourists who travel to a different country and expect the nationals to converse and understand the tourists without any effort on the tourists part. I have even heard a tourist say " I didn't like France it was to French" 😂 Like what did you expect ? Why bother ever leaving your own country. The beauty of travelling to a foreign country is that it is different to your own !

[@Fan652w]

Very good video Mark, except that at 30 secs into the video you are talking about French TGV trains but you then show a German ICE! It should be stressed that even if you have a Eurail pass or Interrail pass you must have (and pay for) a seat reservation when travelling on TGVs in France. By contrast, if travelling around Germany, you do not need reservations on ICE trains, though I would strongly recommend reserving a seat.

[@stacymcintyre1796]

Great timing with this video--I'm heading to France in a few weeks with some friends. Love your content!

[@susanmitchell5447]

From someone who has lived here for 40 years this is really fantastic advice for people visiting this wonderful country possibly for the first time, merci beaucoup et bon voyage a travers le monde !!

[@lnat2000]

Your videos are the best and honestly spot on!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Loren

[@chrislim7976]

Last tip was the most important. Learn and sincerely speak a little French. The effort will be appreciated and an even better version of France may open up to you.

[@hasaroff7]

I'm French and I agree 100% haha, especially the restaurant thing, for every meal is sacred and is slow to be appreciated, no rush but a good lunch in perspective!

[@mplsmike4023]

Love your tips and that you taped in Strasbourg. Spent a week there there last fall and think I could completely live there. Funny, though, most of your tips would apply equally to visiting big cities in the USA, too! (Sometimes in reverse, e.g. pace of the dining experience.) When you travel, treat everyone as a friend you just me, and problems like missed train connections become no big deal. And, I cannot stress enough, learn enough French so that the French respect that you tried but choose to speak English with you!

[@Cali12-21]

I haven’t had the experience of talking quietly. The Parisian’s especially, lively conversations especially out at night. 😂

[@mariohendriks1]

I find it funny you mention us Dutch on splitting the bill. Because there is a Dutch mobile bank/money transfer app called Tikkie basically just for that. 🤣

[@woltersworld]

That's hilarious

[@andeeharry]

Things are always better fresher, I must admit, Crossaints are amazing.

[@AlkyosnoScorpio]

Great video! I'd just like to say, as a french guy, that it's important to not believe that what goes in Paris/biggest town goes in the whole country. You can have fresh bread and croissant in the afternoon, in smaller cities or villages, at least here in the south west of France, for exemple. Just be aware of the fact that Paris is NOT France. I've seen tourist come around the country side, visit our small towns and being disappointed because "In Paris it wasn't like that". Be open to our cultural differences between south, west, east and north ^^ We are a small country but we still are very different from one place to the other. So as said in the video, take the TGV (yeah, when it works, that was spot on XD) and come see differents places of France! :)

[@a.humphries8678]

I'm going to be visiting Frayssinet and small villages around there. So excited to see that part of the country. I have the opportunity to visit Paris for a few days, I haven't decided, it doesn't sound as lovely as the countryside.

[@MercenaryTX]

Our fridge is full of site magnets. Love the memories.

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

France is on the bucket list. Thanks for the tips. We will be taking trains all over. Gotta see Disneyland Paris too of course! Have a great week.

[@Noutchka]

Bakeries do bake baguettes in the afternoon!

[@clnre]

Good tip about speaking a little French. I tried to get some information from the ticket office at Nice Station, when I spoke English the guy there was not very interested, so I switched to French and he then became much more helpful. Thanks for the tip about validating rail tickets, I never understood what those yellow validating machines were really for, I thought if I had a ticket I would be OK!

[@ironpig701]

First trip and not planning to go anywhere but Paris and when I started looking at trains I was suprised how far we could go in a day. Not just france but Germany or Brussels is aa day trip.

[@picobello99]

You're absolutely right about the trains. As travel plans changed last minute, I tried to book on the go. Ticket prices went from €10 a month earlier to over €80, if they weren't overbooked. It sure gave us some headaches. Won't be making that mistake again 👍

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome video

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Tobi. From actual me. Not the fake bots

[@danrijan09]

Even though everyone told me about pickpockets I put my phone in my coat and went to the metro near Louvre and voilà! Gone 😢 anyway Paris was awesome…thanks for your videos it helped me a lot for my trip planning

[@SK-wd5ke]

Thanks!

[@jrr3558]

Hello, I am French and I have two comments. A) Yes, we can split the bills : it is very common among colleagues. B) Yes, you can have fresh bread in the afternoon and even in the evening because in the big cities, they cook the bread early in the morning but they can repeat twice a day and even three times... I love your content !!!

[@babsr8479]

Good advice

[@jenka_79]

I really like those “mistake” videos you doing, it helps a lot. Curious tho, what is the biggest mistake you’ve done? 😃

[@GabrielleSeunagal]

I'm watching this now on a visit to Paris, France!

[@BillGreenAZ]

Hey Mark, I think it's great to show people how they can save money when traveling abroad. However, I would like to see some ideas on some more expensive places to travel that are worth the extra money. After all, when traveling to places like Paris you are spending thousands of dollars for plane fares and hotel/airbnb stays. What's another $100 or so here and there to have a wonderful experience? For example, my travel partner and I took a bus to Reims Cathedral which also took us to the champagne region where we were able to see the wineries. We also took a food tour of the Le Marais District of Paris which took us to a dozen different eating places. Both of these experiences did cost a little more money but when I'm in Paris again, I plan to book similar experiences like this again.

[@jordanleitson458]

Ok, Paris was the first stop on my European trip. I went to Amsterdam next, had a good meal in the fanciest restaurant there, Mentrum!

[@sirarchi5510]

Don't forget to visit smaller less touristy locations too on the way! :D

[@ldc5603]

Agreed on not buying trinkets vs memorable items.

[@TheMonkdad]

“Thinking that French drivers are going to respect your desire to live”. This should be carved in stone. Hilarious!

[@thecrib8]

I used the Google Translate app but instead of playing the pronunciation, I listened to it and recited it verbally. The French really appreciated it.

[@TravelingDan20]

Hey mark have you been to Egypt yet? Working on planning my trip and thought I need to see how Mark did it but cant find any videos of Egypt from you :(

[@CityViewtours]

Your videos are the best 👍 👍 👍 and honestly spot on!😊😊💕💕💕

[@woltersworld]

Thank you. We try our best

[@simonrancourt7834]

Do "tourist mistakes in Québec". #1 Assume we speak "parisian French". Our French is as different to parisian French as American English is from England English.

[@sandrosoler4275]

Expecting things to be open on Sunday

[@clutchingpearls22]

So glad I saw the train tip! We’ll be in Europe for the first time this summer for about a month. We’ll travel to several countries- I wonder if you can use the same train app to book the trains? Or will I need one site/app for England, one for France, one for Switzerland, etc 🤣

[@desiderata2209]

Trainline (in the UK) has both an app and a website but good luck using trains as the main mode of transport in England. They are rarely punctual, can announce engineering works and cancel parts of the network on a short notice, or say something broke somewhere with infuriating regularity.

[@chuckh4077]

@desiderata2209 the truth is their engineer probably got drunk again . So the repairs will be delayed

[@winterlinde5395]

Germany: DB navigator

[@Iusuallydontcommentbut...]

Trainline app also work in UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain

[@katiesoderling3596]

Isn’t there a railway worker strike in the UK right now?

[@dlast7112]

Hi Mark, you’re always a big advocate of trains. Do you ever rent cars or do you stick to trains?

[@Lucio38320]

It may be different for tourists but as french restaurants always let us split the bill when asked

[@ruskasielu6261]

Same here. Some of them look a bit pissed off about it but they usually do it anyway

[@itsnotme07]

Not just a France thing with the language. Even if you are just trying to speak the local language, most locals will apprieciate that you tried and even help you with it. I've learned more by asking co-workers in other countries how to speak in their language. Never been there, but if I get the chance....I'll at least be somewhat conversational....until I pull out Google Translate. Haha. Love the idea of getting a story with your "souvenir". Everytime you look at those paintings/outfit, etc. Cool memories come!!

[@andeeharry]

Most of this is the same anywhere

[@swissfoodie3542]

Merci for this good content Mark. I think the tipp about learning a bit of French is the most important one. Most people who work in the tourism industry in France, will speak and understand Englisch (at least at a basic level). But there is a lot of proudness going on. So even if you just manage a few simple sentences in French, that will definitely break the ice.

[@mmmppp555]

Well honestly I think it won't do much if you canmot at least have a small conversation, especially in big cities like Paris, if you try to "speak French" and it ends after your first sentence, it can't do much for you... You can pretend it's cool, but it's just annoying to them, sorry but it's true. 🤣

[@hallvardtrohaug2771]

For myself I always buy cooking utensils when I’m in France. For presents I buy typical French food items. The first time I went to Paris as a student I brought a selection of cheese. Not a good idea! All my clothes smelled like Camembert. So no I go for sweets, tea, dried herbs etc.

[@woltersworld]

That's funny about the cheese. But yes we have a collection of food utensils we've collected over the years from different spots.

[@a.humphries8678]

That's a great idea!! I'm going to look for salts and soaps too. I would love to bring back cheese to the US, I would even risk the smell, but I don't think we can bring cheese into the country. :(

[@Trevis-pt3jx]

I am French and I confirm that the service in France is very long for example a month ago we were in a restaurant with my family the waiter took our order and brought our dishes 2 hours later obviously we were upset but it was is so common in France that we get used to it

[@Natashea]

Sheesh I’ve always looked at shop keepers as equals. Sad that some expect them to be “servants”

[@sharonpapkin8574]

On Germany and austria the service slow to but its the good thing about Europe you go to restaurants and bistro to enjoy if you want eat fast take T.A 😉

[@PatientPerspective]

I live in the states and kind agreeing with foreigners to the stats US is pretty friendly. You can leave your purpose and cell phone in stone places, go to the restroom,and order food and your stuff s would be there. It Depends heavily where but I've never been out of the country to tell the difference.

[@timberwolfe1645]

Mark, you can't tell people about 2hr TGV trains, to go all over France, and THEN say that Buffer time can be 5 HOURS!!! My first time to France, I could choose EITHER Nice or Venice, and chose Venice man. The overnight and all because the TIME was the same.

[@Zodia195]

I definitely want to go to France one of these days because I have a French background. One given for me personally is Normandy because I had a great uncle (who my dad is named after) died on D-Day and he's buried there. Plus my French Ancestors were from Normandy too (they were Plantagenets), so I would just love to visit that area. Are the French polite to Americans though?

[@jupiterb1868]

The rude French stereotype is mostly in Paris, anywhere else people will usually be very nice and welcoming.

[@ruskasielu6261]

Most people are friendly to tourists in general, if you're respectful and polite. If some of them aren't, they're usually just as rude with other french people so don't take it personally. French people might make fun of americans, but very few actually dislike them.

[@oldbittercraig3513]

Big Q... how do you get the art home? We usually just carry-on backpack and handbag (her) / computer bag (me).

[@andeeharry]

10:41. I always make this mistake about France. I always thought they spoke English there for some reason. I was a bit shocked when a group of French students came into a shop I worked at and they couldn't speak English. Luckily the Manager understood some of it, but like, I didn't know anything except for two words. I kept talking to them in English, annoying them until I found out that France isn't big on English. I am not sure why I thought it did, or why it shocked me. I must admit, it is a great place and people there are better than they been projected too.

[@DarwinskiYT]

I need to remember the pickpocket one My dumbass carries my phone around in my hand half the time even though I won’t be using it

[@woltersworld]

It's the "leave your phone on top of your table" and they swipe it is more common

[@jupiterb1868]

I guess this is mostly in very touristy areas, I'm French and never heard of anyone who got their phone stolen that way. But it doesn't hurt to be a bit more careful in crowded places.

[@Cookiezzz]

I'm french and I can assure you that 'spliting the bill' is a thing here...

[@woltersworld]

Yes. But when it comes to tourists it's not as common. Saying from 20 years of visiting and filming in France as a tourist. It works well if you speak a little French. Still can work if you don't but it's happened enough where they said no I needed to mention it. It's better now with cards and everything but back in the day nit so much

[@roadshoulderphotography683]

In all your videos and others of European travel especially France and Spain (Where I have a planned trip), I don't see many tourist that have a big (Dslr) cameras (just cellphones) in the videos. Do they hide them well in cases or backpack well and only use then when they need to. I do have a dslr camera because I take many photos for prints of my Vaca, cellphones don't do it for me. Would I be a perfect target for being robbed (not that I'll have it hanging off my shoulder but in a small back bag) What is your advice for carrying such a camera ? Thanks

[@JiuJitsuLife-xr8kb]

I couldn't do it 7:25. I am too American and impatient for that much built in travel buffers

[@wendibecker8443]

How do you get something as large as a painting back to the US?

[@cijmo]

Validating tickets! It wasn't in France but Italy. We had bought online so it didn't matter but the conductor told the couple next to us "you didn't violate your tickets". Of course the couple didn't know what he was saying and he didn't know the mistake he made. Hefty fine for not violating your tickets - so please remember to violate your tickets!

[@reconalpha7]

Do something like this for Spain, please.

[@DreamMaker_23]

I got pick pocketed in Paris 2 years ago.

[@dementedmindstate7063]

What restaurant is that at 4:02???

[@woltersworld]

It's in strasbourg. Opposite side of the cathedral behind me

[@dementedmindstate7063]

@@woltersworld Thanks buddy 😎

[@raymondc8156]

Where in Paris is the shot of the river and older buildings at 4:32?

[@pyridonfaltis9761]

I don't think that's in Paris. I believe that's from Strasbourg, where Mark was when filming this.

[@Debra113]

You said for folks not to lay their cell phone on the tables because they could be stolen. People need to detach from their cell phones anyway. It's really a problem when people can't put their phones away to enjoy the people they're with and their surroundings.

[@a.humphries8678]

Yes!! Live..you can't do that if you're distracted by your phone most of the time. 👍

[@timothyzakaria7397]

French language is great and hilarious at the same time.

[@appasonata2]

France 🇫🇷 in my opinion its the best country in Europe ❤️

[@Vi-cp1ju]

Can you do a video of travelling through France with young kids? 😂

[@MrTonyHeath]

It isnt LIKE 2 hours to...

[@yami.jx13]

Another one: expecting your lunch meal to take 30 min-1hr with locals 😂😂😂 they really take their time to eat and courses etc.

[@Michaelengelmann]

Strasbourg sounds like it’s in Germany. Was it first settled by Germans/the Germanic tribes?

[@carthkaras6449]

From Belgium to the North of Italy and Bavaria including switzerland, all are ancient gaulish tribes. In this area, you had the Triboques.

[@younesjonas2040]

I'm a Jewish, French anti americanism is a historical construct with deep roots in French culture

[@stanislas4990]

The quality of service is not always good at French restaurants or cafés. Sometimes it's fine, sometimes it's slow and below average. France is a beautiful country, but don't expect the best service and the most welcoming people. In tourist areas you have to be careful with your belongings, pickpockets like tourists for bad reasons.

[@Lucio38320]

It’s because we don’t care about service, i mean in general, i don’t want my waiter asking how my day was or where I’m from. Its not against tourists, it’s because locals don’t want it.

[@stanislas4990]

@@Lucio38320 I know it's not against tourists. It's because they are not friendly and because they don't care. And it's not so nice when you compare with people in the USA or in Canada.

[@hallvardtrohaug2771]

Being a waiter is a profession in France. They are expected to be knowledgeable about the food and not there to be your pretend friend.

[@stanislas4990]

@@hallvardtrohaug2771 And why a waiter cannot be nice and friendly? Of course a waiter is not your friend but is it so difficult to be friendly with customers? You don't like tips? If a waiter is really nice he will have a good tip, even if there is no obligation in France.

[@kazauksp]

@@stanislas4990 Because in France what's considered nice is treating other like your equal by being polite not by being friendly (unless you're in a casual situation like a party). Being friendly is the cherry on the top. French are friendly in a light and subtil way at first until they receive an invitation to go further. In most situation being friendly with strangers like an american would do will be considered as unpolite and extremly rude in France. Like a waitress calling someone "honey" or "sweetheart" is allright in USA but in France it's a huge no no. French people strictly separate public life and private life. For a french a stranger being too friendly is trying to force it's way in his private life (harsh response garanted). For many of them it's like a stranger trespassing on their property. So a french waiter will be polite and sometimes friendly but in a very very light way otherwise he is good for a heated argument with some customer. Obviously i making a gross generalisation but you get the idea.

[@wberckmann]

With all due respect, work on your pronunciation. It's not straussberg (like house), but strassbourg (like class).

[@createinmeacleanheartohgod6871]

I am Asian, i feel ashamed of my fellow Asians who are so loud when travelling. Chinese, Koreans etc were so loud that i had to use a sound proof ear pod so i won't hear them with their noise when i we were in a train in Switzerland.

[@vincentubachs6129]

why do the Dutch always want to split the bill? Can Americans try to get over the fact that the Dutch are always cheap! Because that is total nonsense. I personally get a little tired of it. In addition, you have been to the Netherlands several times yourself, so you know that it is nonsense

[@woltersworld]

Oh I love the Dutch sense of humor for sure

[@jeffhampton2767]

A lot of people get robbed in France. Also pickpocketers.

[@bestaghenbertkeushtad7201]

We have a big immigration problem with minors from eastern Europe and Northern Africa, they are used by traffickers to rob tourists and French people.

[@Pressplay_Media_EU]

In conjunction with NavyVets comment, I experienced no theft attempts or pickpocketing attempts in Nederland or Belgium, none in Amsterdam whatsoever, or even in Antwerp, but with Paris or Marseille I think more crime exists, because I met some Frencho's abroad and they seemed hard AF, and were telling some of their fight stories, and I won't repeat it because it was, uh an aggressive story. Let's just say not everybody's nice. They use the term "I Destroy your life in hurry" to describe winning 😨😳 That's scary, I'd (almost) rather get my bag snatched instead 😭

[@Pressplay_Media_EU]

The French are strong , not joking!

[@ballsszy]

A lot of people talking about how bad France is are talking about Paris. Parisians are some of the rudest people on the planet, in my experience, if you don't speak perfect French you get treated like an idiot. My experience of a cafe in Paris was asking for 'duex cafes' and being brought 2 cokes and when I explained the situation they basically said 'oh duex cafÉs', trying to blame me for not speaking impeccable French.

[@stephenryder1995]

Jimmy Walker said it best: "I'd rather be a lamp post in New York than president of France."

[@h.j.b3705]

Ah, yeah, the French... There is no way you can do it right... Ever... They will always be offended somehow. If not, they will find a way.

[@jennyoshea1958]

😂 I suppose some, but not all 🙂

[@bestaghenbertkeushtad7201]

I hope we gave you a hard time dude because according to your tone you probably deserved it. 😂 Everyone else is welcome!

[@winterlinde5395]

@@bestaghenbertkeushtad7201 I loved my French family when I visited for two weeks as an exchange student with my school 🤗❤️d’Allemagne.

[@bestaghenbertkeushtad7201]

@@winterlinde5395Thank you I'm glad you had a good time. 😊

[@desiderata2209]

The French can come across as very rude, especially in Paris--as in, lacking basic manners when dealing with strangers. Dont make the mistake of taking it personally. And for women tourists... French women will judge you based on how you are dressed. They wear simple, almost boring silhouettes (Pinterest is a good place to look to get an idea), so dont make the mistake of wearing hiking sandals or sneakers. There are ways to be comfortable and well-dressed at the same time

[@winterlinde5395]

Manners are not universal. When traveling inform yourself about the social norms in the countries you are going to. Even if the people „serving“ you know every country‘s manners. How are they supposed to know where you are from?

[@a.humphries8678]

What do you suggest? I'm 50 and will be walking alot. Thanks.

[@alfalfabillenjoyer4878]

Going to France in the first place.

[@BaggieT]

+1

[@chuckh4077]

Heard their BO is intentional. 😆 they don't take daily showers soooooo.

[@joinjen3854]

France is great. Do not be a stupid tourist.

[@joinjen3854]

@@chuckh4077 smell yourself. Is yours intentional?

[@chuckh4077]

@joinjen3854 I did. I smell good. Proper deodorant and cologne.

[@CPTCleoTorris]

Biggest mistake #1... Going to France :)

[@sirarchi5510]

What did the French do to yall?

[@woltersworld]

Booooo!!!!

[@CPTCleoTorris]

@@woltersworld :)

[@CPTCleoTorris]

@@sirarchi5510 Not very friendly... At least in Paris. All the other European countries I visit are much better and friendlier to tourists.. I will say it is probably still better than almost any, at least the majority, of US cities of the same size.

[@sirarchi5510]

@@CPTCleoTorris Oh well Paris is very, very far from the French standard, Parisians are wildly known to be unpleasant. I think the key is to lower your expectations, personally when I visited I didn't expect much and was not met with much; a lot of people just going on with their lives, sometimes friendly people, sometimes grumpy cyclists, that was it.

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

Exiting the plane was their first mistake.

[@billkent17]

I'm appalled by the nasty comments re: France. If you don't have anything positive to say then SILENCE is GOLDEN. I also these comments are from those that lack culture and very uncouth!

[@sirarchi5510]

@@billkent17 Yeah it's quite sad seeing people writing stuff like that for no reason

[@woltersworld]

@Sir archi on almost all of our donts videos at least a few people just put "don't go" it's just silly that people say that. Thanks for watching!

[@sirarchi5510]

@@woltersworld I'm always a bit annoyed by the strange attitude of some people on the internet but I shouldn't have got so carried away. Anyway, the pleasure is mine, great video! 👌

[@billkent17]

They've never been overseas and/or the 'They Hate Americans', etc. If they don't know us how can they be so assured of the unfounded paranoia. Do you think these people there harbor I'll will, and on what premise? Well, they miss out on something they would like if they gave it a chance. But this implacable 'They Hate Americans', tends to take the upper hand. How sad!

[@DarwinskiYT]

Fr🤢nce. 🤮🤮🤮

[@sirarchi5510]

Average France hater 🤢🤮👎 💪🇨🇵

[@natlenan6743]

Nobody is listening to anyone with a spongebob avatar

[@ACE7O2]

Sounds like a terrible place to visit.

[@woltersworld]

We love France

[@natlenan6743]

Stay home. Don't ever leave your home. Not everywhere is Walmart

[@ACE7O2]

@natlenan6743 I'm traveling as we speak. Lol. Where are you?

[@a.humphries8678]

​@@natlenan6743 not everywhere is walmart 😂 That's why I want to travel. ☺