France
Greetings matter. Cuisine is sacred. Language is identity.
Always say 'Bonjour' before any interaction — skipping it is considered very rude.
Strictly Prohibited
Public face coverings (full veil, balaclavas) — fine up to €150.
Smoking inside any bar, café, restaurant, train station, or workplace.
Photographing the Eiffel Tower at night for commercial use without licence (personal photos fine).
Buying counterfeit goods (fake bags, watches) from street sellers — buyer can be fined too.
Don't wear large religious symbols in government buildings or public schools (laïcité law).
Don't enter churches in shorts, swimwear, or with loud groups.
Don't skip 'Bonjour' before any conversation — considered very rude.
Don't ask for ketchup, modifications, or 'to-go boxes' — respect the chef and the meal.
Don't speak loudly in cafés, museums, or on public transport.
Laws to Know
Public face coverings (full-face veils, masks at protests) are restricted.
Smoking is banned indoors and in many outdoor public spaces.
Common Immigration & Visa Mistakes
Applying at French consulate when France isn't your main stay — refusal.
Travel insurance below €30,000 medical — automatic refusal.
Insufficient bank statements (€100/day minimum recommended).
No printed return tickets at port of entry — questioning.
Missing Campus France approval for students.
Wrong visa type for purpose (tourist used for studies).
Penalties for Foreigners
Schengen overstay: €1,000+ + 1-5 year zone ban.
Wearing full face veil in public: €150 fine.
Buying counterfeit goods: €300+ fine (buyer included).
Smoking indoors in bars/restaurants: €68 + venue fine.
Pickpocketing/theft: jail + deportation.
Public drunkenness: €150 fine + holding.
Dining
Keep both hands above the table while eating (but not elbows on).
Service is included; rounding up or 5-10% extra is enough.
Don't ask for substitutions or major modifications — respect the chef.
Don't rush — meals are leisurely affairs.
Greetings
Start every shop/cafe interaction with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after 6pm).
Say 'Merci, au revoir' when leaving.
Don't launch into English immediately — try a few French words first.
Test what you've learned.
10 quick questions across countries.