What do we need to know before we embark on our trip to Europe this summer?

Question

My parents and I will be going on a roughly two-week long trip to London, Paris, and Rome this May. Before we go, though, we'd like to know how we should prepare--for example, which common phrases we need to learn (in French and Italian, of course) to say, what not to say, what not to do in certain settings, etc. etc. As for visiting Italy and France, it is the first time for each of us, so we just need some general pointers.

We are Chinese-Americans, so would there be any change in the way the Europeans would perceive us whether we wear American clothing or not?

Answer 1

French is a difficult language to pronouce properly so its probably best not to try unless you have practised with a teacher. May is not far away so don't try anything more than polite phrases such bonjour or merci. If you need a word out of a phrase book or dictionary then show the book to the person you are talking to rather than try to say the word.
In London tipping is not as expected as it is in America. If you eat in a pub where you order at the bar and then have the meal brought to your table tipping is not required. In a smater restaurant things are not so clear. For a £50 bill I might consider tipping 2 or 3 pounds. 15% would be staggeringly generous but I suppose waiters used to dealing with Americans might be hoping for that. Some places add a service charge but this is sneaky and does not always go to the staff.
In France it is normal for service to be included in the price of a meal and this is indicated on the menu by the words "service compris". A small tip or rounding up the bill is appreciated. I don't know about Italy.
London, Paris and Rome is a lot to get through in two weeks. London alone has an overwhealming amount of things to see but it would be a shame to go to these three countries and not see anything outside the capital cities.
Don't be too ambitious in trying to see too much.
It is common in major European cities to see people from all over the world. Some people may be rude to foreigners or try to scam them but its not fair to say in general that French people hate Americans or anything like that.

Answer 2

I was just in Paris two weeks ago and I can tell you that anyone who says the French don't like Americans have been watching too much Fox network. The French are cool. They speak English in most places in Europe. Don't drive in any of the big cities of the world. If you're Chinese-Americans then most folks will either not care, or think of you in the general scheme as Asian. Maybe they'll think you're Vietnamese. You'll be fine in other words.

Answer 3

Ok I'm not chinese or american, however I did travel to these places.
I personally found Paris the hardest city to converse with people. I did a year at school of French, so mine is limited at best, but the French only seemed to repsond in words I had not heard of (other parts of France were much better).
Having said this I practiced my French (to the point where I said Bonjour so convincingly she thought I was French (ok its 1 word, but I was proud). Other words like thankyou will go a long way.
Little ones I thought were useful is Sortie (for exit), prossima (its similiar in Italian) for nearby/next (like next stop, next village).
Italy was much easier to get around in English....again I used bongourno (spelling?), prego, si, non etc. Just simple ones

London, of course you will not have language problems....but the accent may get you (ie understanding peoples accent). The tube is great to get around here (also the metros in paris and rome are great to get around the city).

I found menus in English hard to get a hold of in France (it was better in Italy), so maybe checking your phrase book for food would be good.

All are great places to visit. You will notice that there is quite a mix of people in London and Paris (which surprised me).
Have a great time. Someone will generally help you, whereever you go!

Answer 4

1) When you are in Paris speak English. Nearly all Parisians speak English and they get annoyed when Americans try to speak French and rightfully so in that we generally butcher their language. So aside from "bon jour", "bon soir" and "merci" just save yourself the aggravation and speak you native tongue.
2) Do not drive in Paris. Parisians are the worst drivers and there is nowhere to park anyway. Use the subway and the train which is very convenient.
3) See the Louvre but the Musee D'orsay (spelling?) is the best museum (perhaps in the world). You will be astonished when you stand in front of the Monets.
4) The French do not drink soda with ice.
5) One other thing: The best view of the city is from the Arc de Triomphe not the Eiffel Tower.

Answer 5

Don't advertise the fact that you are from America. Don't even wear red, white, and blue together. No sweat shirt or tee shirt that reads an American university or state on it. Some French do not like Americans, at this time. Being Chinese will be to your advantage. Still, play down the fact that you're American. Even tourist agents will tell you this.

Answer 6

Make sure your health and auto insurance cover you in these countries just in case.

Answer 7

please and thank you. Do not spend conversations describing how much nicer or how we do things in America. When in Rome, do as the Romans.