Do's and Don'ts: Grocery Shopping
How to Buy Food the French Way
Who knew that grocery shopping would be different? While grocery shopping is pretty much the same. It looks the same. You can buy the same products. But yet the culture of grocery shopping is different. You are expected to look decent, bag your own items, and only touch what you want to buy.Don't
Don't wear sweats or untidy clothing to the grocery store. People aren't dressed up completely, but they aren't looking like complete slobs either. It's something that is just part of the culture. But then again if you don't know anyone, don't mind being judged, and won't be staying in France for a long time, who cares?
Do
In France you should dress as you would if you were going to go sight seeing. You can wear comfortable clothing without having to be in a dress or button up shirt. Just avoid wearing sweat pants and oversized shirts or looking like you just worked out.
Don't
Don't worry about doing the math of sales tax. Sales tax in Europe is already included in the posted price, so you never have to worry about how much more your shopping trip is going to cost.
Do
Do remember that there is a difference between the Euro and the Dollar. The Euro is currently worth $1.34, which means that it is more expensive than you think. I've fallen under this trap thinking only 2 Euros? This is a deal!
Don't
Don't touch the produce. In some stores you can pick out your own produce, but in a few you have to ask for a specific one and the grocers will get it for you. But more and more now you will see that you can touch, but avoid touching all of them!
Do
Do weigh and label your own produce. All stores have a weighing station where you enter in the code for the food and it spits out a label that you place on the bag. It is not up to the cashiers to do this for you.
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| The Little Palace, Paris |
Don't
Don't expect the cashiers to bag your bags for you. All they are there for is to scan the item and make sure that you pay. If you stand there waiting, expect for everyone around you to be frustrated.
Do
Do bring your own bag. All stores in France do not offer free grocery bags. They have them, but they charge a fee. So instead go green and bring your own bag.
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