Etiquette & Customs
It is customary to greet shop keepers in France with a friendly, "Bon Jour." (And it’s rude not to.) When visiting someone's home in Scandinavia you are expected to remove your shoes - so be sure to wear clean socks! Experienced travelers have learned these - and many more - valuable lessons about customs and etiquette through their travels. Please share your knowledge, experience and tips here.
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Park closing customs in Paris
I just tried to post this, but it didn't seem to take. So here goes again! I also couldn't find the best place to post it, but "customs" seems to be as good as any. All of the guide books my wife used to plan our recent Paris trip correctly mentioned that the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris is open until 11 PM. But none of them added that the park below the church (and the main access stairs from the park to the Basilica) "customarily" close at 7 PM (or 6 PM in winter months). This closing time apparently applies to all public parks in Paris, and I "violated" it by walking into the park through its open gate after 6 PM... with the park ranger running behind me yelling in French something about calling the gendarmes. So after sunset, it's better to take the Funiculaire on the left side of the Sacré-Coeur hill!
Dave <email>
Winchester, MA USA 11/16/2009
Business Card Ettiquette
When you are offered a business card by someone who is Japanese, or Chinese, grasp the card with both hands and look at it as you take it from them. To do otherwise is considered rude. The business card will likewise be presented to you by both hands. It is a 'piece' of the other person and they are offering it to you in trust.
Debbie <email>
Houston, Texas USA 07/14/2009
Ugly American
The ugly American section disappeared! Was on a bus tour of Spain (not Ricks). Woman on tour put on a show every night dancing in the hotel lobby, a restaurant, or on the street with anyone she could find. Loud also.
We have been traveling solo til this trip. I was embarassed for her. The singles group also drank heavily. The native tour director did nothing but promote the behaviors. I was not proud to be an American. She had never been to Europe and had no clue.
Sunshine
Upstate NY, USA 04/29/2009