True or False: Chicago
You ought to carry cash because very few places accept card in Chicago.
FALSE - carrying cash is very rare in the United States, we prefer to use credit or debit cards. 95% of all businesses will accept card.
You have to tip waiters/waitresses when you eat at a restaurant.
TRUE: in the United States, you are expected to tip at least 12%, and all the way up to 20% of the final bill depending on how good the service was.
You must speak French in order to get around the city of Paris.
FALSE: Most businesses and French people speak English and will speak to you in English if you can't speak French.
You ought to know English very well in order to travel outside of Paris.
FALSE: Most people in towns/cities outside of Paris don't speak English and will get offended if you try to speak to them in English.
You shouldn't speak Spanish because everyone only speaks English.
FALSE: Some of the most famous neighborhoods in Chicago, like Little Village (la 26/la Villita) and Pilsen (la 18), are made predominantly of Mexicans or people of Mexican origin. However, outside of these neighborhoods you must speak English.
You mustn't visit the capital of the country, Washington DC, because the museums there are very expensive.
FALSE: Many of the museums in Washington DC are free because they are maintained by the government. Our most famous museums are found in the capital.
You have to have a car in order to get around Paris.
FALSE: The metro in Paris is extensive and can take you anywhere in the city.
You shouldn't tip in French restaurants, it is considered rude.
TRUE: In France we do leave tip, it can be interpreted as rude.
You'd better stay in a hotel in downtown Chicago because that's where all the fun things are.
FALSE: Besides some very famous tourist attractions, there is nothing to do in Chicago. The best restaurants, beaches, bars, and fun things to do are all outside of the downtown area. Plus, it's cheaper.
FALSE: Many states in the southern United States do not get cold in the winter. These include: Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, California, Nevada, etc.
You shouldn't buy anything being offered in the street, and you shouldn't speak to anyone asking for money.
TRUE: Paris is notorious for its thieves, people that sell small things in the street or offer you free things most likely want to rob you.
You'd better fly via airplane in order to get around France and visit different cities.
FALSE: France is a small country, you can get around by train, bus, or even ride share. All options are very safe and relatively inexpensive.
You don't have to have a car in order to explore the city.
TRUE: Chicago has an excellent public transportation system of buses and trains that run often and can take you anywhere in the city.
You'd better rent a car if visiting the United States, it's the fastest way to travel from city to city.
FALSE: The United States is a massive country, it would be impossible to visit the major city unless you had a lot of time - the best way to travel would be via airplane.
You must eat at restaurants in the touristy areas of Paris, these are always the best.
FALSE: Restaurants in the touristy areas of Paris are horrible and overpriced. Ask Teacher Pedro if you want some recommendations :)
You need to see "bonjour" (buenos días/buenas tardes) when entering a store.
TRUE: This is custom, if you don't say "bonjour" the storekeeper will think you're a rude person.
You have to try Chicago style deep dish pizza. It's our most famous dish.
TRUE: Chicago is most famous for its deep dish pizza, which is very thick and looks like a pie. It's the most delicious pizza you'll ever taste outside of Italy.
If you want to see famous people in the street, you should visit Los Angeles.
TRUE: Celebrities in the US are very private, but they can sometimes be seen walking around in Los Angeles.
You should be aware that people in Paris are very rude.
FALSE: This is a myth, French people are just very direct and that can be interpreted as being rude by different cultures.
You should only visit Paris in order to get a good idea of what France is like.
FALSE: Although France is a "small" country, it is incredibly diverse in its cultures, cuisine, and languages/accents.