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Videos and cross-cultural views
Two complementary views of France and the United States.
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Official procedures
Official sources to help prepare your next steps.
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Plan your trip
Distances, driving, budget and seasons before departure.
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Understand daily life
Useful context for understanding everyday local life.
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Paris · Mabillon station← All topics
Videos and cross-cultural views
Two countries, two perspectives
What surprises French people in the US, and what Americans discover in France. Compare everyday customs, then explore practical resources below.
France → United States
The US with AT Frenchies
Alex and Tom, two Frenchmen in the US, compare everyday customs with humour. Two short sketches about driving and tipping.
Driving in the US is something else 😂 #France #Europe #America
A humorous AT Frenchies short about driving in the United States and differences with France. A cultural comparison, rather than a guide to road rules.
Open the video on YouTube ↗United States → France
France with Les Frenchies
Colleen, an American, and Antoine, a Frenchman, introduce France to American visitors. Two videos about everyday customs and etiquette in Paris.
15 Everyday French Habits That Blow Americans Away
Fifteen French habits through the eyes of Les Frenchies, to get familiar with everyday customs before your trip.
Open the video on YouTube ↗Play at your own pace. Play the France 24 report directly above. For the other videos, choose a title, then press Play. Keyboard: Tab, then Enter or Space on a button. If embedded playback is unavailable, use the YouTube link.
The Les Frenchies videos and the report are in English. YouTube lists English automatic captions for the AT Frenchies shorts. Audio and caption options, including French captions, depend on each video. These cultural and humorous perspectives do not represent everyone’s experience.
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Official procedures
Practical resources
Prepare for official procedures
Entering the United States, consular services and personal experiences: starting points for your next steps.
Procedures: start with official sources
Entering the United States
Before traveling or planning a move, check the requirements for your nationality and situation on official U.S. websites.
French citizens in the United States
Consular registration, documents, elections, consular protection and practical information from the relevant French services.
Share an experience
Community members can explain their experience, but a personal story never replaces legal advice or an official source.
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Plan your trip
France ↔ Midwest: what to plan for
Driving & distances
In much of the Midwest, a car remains essential. Daily travel distances can surprise newcomers.
Tipping & taxes
Displayed prices do not always include taxes. At restaurants, tipping is a customary expense to include in your budget.
Seasons
Hot summers, sometimes very cold winters, changeable springs and pleasant autumns: plan your clothing and vehicle accordingly.
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Understand daily life
Understand local life sooner
“Iowa Nice”
Politeness, neighbors helping each other and easy conversation are part of the cultural image often associated with Iowa.
Health care & insurance
The U.S. system can be expensive without appropriate coverage. It is important to understand your insurance before you need care.
Housing & shopping
Comparing neighborhoods, transportation, actual costs and shopping habits helps avoid unpleasant surprises.
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Useful local tips
Advice we share with one another
In Paris
Say hello when entering a shop, explore neighborhoods on foot and take time to enjoy cafés, markets and small streets.
In the Midwest
Local outings, restaurants, fairs, parks, French-speaking events and places recommended by the community.
Suggest a local tip
Know a great place or a useful tip? Share it so this section can grow with our visitors.
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