French / US etiquette ( reversed)?

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Respect others

As an American who lives six months every year in southwest France, I want to tell you not to worry about appearing rude if you visit the USA. Do not make the simple assumption to say that the etiquette is reversed. For instance, it would NOT be rude to enter a shop in America and to greet the shopkeeper with a "Hello" and a nod. That would be quite nice. Just don't be offended if they don't respond -- it's just that they're not used to hearing it. Your "Hello" would be welcome.
I think people who work in retail are generally a little more friendly and open on the West Coast than the East Coast, and in smaller towns as opposed to big cities, but there are always exceptions. I say "Hello" in American shops all the time, in an effort to bring a little smile into a store with me.

In fact, I think the most important thing I can encourage you to do while visiting the US will be to try to smile a little bit more often than you might normally smile in France. In many parts of the US, if you're walking down the street and you happen to make eye contact with someone approaching you, it's common to make a little acknowledgment by giving a very brief little smile and nod. This doesn't mean if you're on a crowded street in New York that you need to be looking at and smiling at everyone and saying "Hello" all the time. No, no, no. But in a smaller town, or on a quiet street, sometimes if there are only a few people on the street, you might say something like "Hello" or "Good morning" when they pass, even if you don't know each other. I know in France that would be considered pretty strange, to speak to someone in that friendly way without having been introduced.
I guess the simple way to look at it is that the French (in the southwest, in the countryside) that I am around are extremely polite, and a bit old-fashioned, compared to my homeland. California is almost overly-friendly, with people giving each other big hugs after only having been introduced ten minutes ago. In France, once I have been introduced to someone by a mutual acquaintance, or once I have completed a transaction with someone, they are usually quite friendly and helpful and kind.
Don't worry about visiting America and offending anyone! Just greet people as you normally would (except in English, of course!), and just remember to smile at people a little more than you would normally do in France. I know the French don't mean to be scowling all the time, but to a Californian walking down the street in France, the lack of smiles is a little intimidating. It's a silly thing, but it makes a big difference. We say "Hello" with a smile.

Cabal

The only one I can attest to is the personal space. American personal space seems to be twice as wide as ours, if not wider. I am still trying to find the right size.
I'll be interested too to read the answers. Good question.

caitlin k

If you're out shopping in the U.S. it is customary to give other shoppers as much space as possible. If you do have to cross in front of them (Reach for something, etc), you simply say excuse me to give the other person a chance to move away before you move in.

Saying a greeting to someone while entering a shop is custom if: it's a small shop, you have questions, etc. In most clothing stores the employees are supposed to be discreet unless they're asked a question. It's simply a matter of assuming the customer knows what they want.

If you're out of the street, most people look down. They only smile or greet each other if they make accidental eye contact.

As far as the handshake, if someone offers you their hand, shake it. Grip their hand firmly, not too loosely or tightly, and shake (usually only one shake). Make you sure look them in the eye and smile sincerely (or as sincerely as possible).

These are mainly just for the city. If you're out in the country things are different. I personally think that people are friendlier in the country. If you have any other questions let us know:) Have a great day!

Orla C

Yes, the French and many other southern Europeans have a whole different take on personal space. As long as you're aware of this, you'll be fine.

It's also true that not greeting the shopkeeper or other person in the shop is considered rude. Even if you can't say the word, catch their eye, smile and nod. Me personally, I wouldn't ignore a shop attendant anywhere - you might need to ask them where something is. I don't think you're expected to say hello to perfect strangers in the street either ..... This is something that's done in Ireland, mainly because Ireland has a low density of population, and everyone is 'acknowledged' in this way, in rural areas anyway. I sincerely doubt it's the norm throughout America, although like Ireland it may be the done thing in rural areas.

Crybaby Bob

American personal space is about three feet or one meter.

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