10 Dead Giveaways You’re an American in Paris

Paris has an unspoken way of doing things, and if you’re American, you’ll probably stumble into them headfirst. You’re just used to things working a little differently. Whether it’s at a café, in the metro, or just ordering a coffee, there are a few dead giveaways that you’re not from around here, and Parisians will spot it immediately!

1. You Try to ‘Brunch’ on a Weekday

In Paris, brunch isn’t a daily right, it’s a weekend event. During the week, cafes serve quick breakfasts (croissants and coffee), but if you go looking for pancakes and bottomless mimosas on a Tuesday, you’ll be met with confusion. Many places don’t even open before 10 AM, let alone serve scrambled eggs.

2. You Apologize for Bad French, Even When You Haven’t Spoken Yet

Saying “Sorry, my French is terrible” before you even try? That’s like announcing to the world that you’re American. Locals appreciate effort more than perfection. A confident “Bonjour” and a few basic phrases go a long way. If you stumble, they’ll probably switch to English anyway – just to speed things up.

3. You Get Excited About a Dog in a Restaurant

A golden retriever at the next table? Completely normal. Parisian dogs are as well-mannered as their owners, so they sit quietly under café tables. Americans, however, tend to whip out their phones for a photo or start cooing at the pup. In Paris, dogs get better restaurant service than most tourists.

4. You Assume the Metro Doors Will Open for You

Not all metro doors are automatic. Some require you to press a button or lift a latch before they open. If you just stand there waiting, locals will sigh dramatically and reach over you to do it themselves. Also: don’t lean on the pole – that’s an unspoken Parisian offense.

5. You Ask a Shopkeeper About Their Day and Expect a Real Answer

That friendly “How are you?” that works back home? In France, it’s just a formality. If you ask a shopkeeper “Ça va?” expecting a conversation, you’ll get a quick “Oui, merci” – and that’s it. The Parisian way: greet, get what you need, leave. Efficiency over small talk.

6. You Order a Latte and Get a Glass of Milk

A latte in Paris is not coffee, it’s just milk. If you want what Americans call a latte, you need to say “café crème” (and even that’s not the same). The real shocker? No giant to-go cups. Your coffee stays in a porcelain cup, at a table, where it belongs.

7. You Show Up at a Pharmacy for Ibuprofen and Leave with Homeopathy

In the U.S., you grab Advil off a shelf. In France, a pharmacist hands you what they think you need – and it’s often homeopathic drops or herbal remedies. Need actual ibuprofen? You’ll have to specifically ask for it, and even then, you might get a polite sales pitch on arnica instead.

8. You Think ‘Takeaway’ Means Walking Around With Food

Parisians don’t wander the streets munching on sandwiches. Even if you get food to go, you’re expected to find a bench and sit down. Walking with a baguette in one hand and a coffee in the other? That’s a Hollywood fantasy. In Paris, eating is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.

9. You Expect a Huge Salad and Get a Pile of Leaves

Ordering a salad? Brace yourself, it’s not the loaded, dressing-drenched meal you’d get in the U.S. A French salad is often light, minimalist, and barely counts as a main course. If you ask for extra dressing, you’ll get a look that says “Are you sure you’re okay?”

10. You Try to ‘Split the Bill’ Like It’s Normal

Want to split the check five ways? In Paris, that’s not a thing. The waiter brings one bill, and someone has to pay. If you try to explain Venmo, PayPal, or separate charges, expect an awkward pause. The local way? One person pays, and everyone figures it out later.