With a checking account in America, perhaps others, there is a Routing, and Account number. With an account in France (and most of the EU) there is IBAN (international bank account number) You MUST have IBAN for many things, energy and internet billing, insurance, CPAM if enrolled These are the best institutions to deal with (suggestion from experience) ……..OPEN BEFORE COMING TO FRANCE……. WISE With offices in the US and Belgium, they have (it seems) best currency conversion individual rates You get an IBAN AND a US account number! It is accepted in all stores, gas stations, never an issue. This is not a credit card. Transfers are generally instant, any US pension, etc may be deposited. ….below affiliate link is to open a wise account, we both have benefits by using this. Image of promo below. https://wise.com/invite/ihpc/bruces473 …….OPEN WHILE YOU HAVE A US ADDRESS to get an account with both IBAN and US acct. AFTER ARRIVING and gaining a legal residence, proving with a utility bill or signed room mate agreement, etc… N26: A online bank with a French iban (FRXxxxxxxxx vs BEXxxxxxxxx) account is free, 10eur for a card Some services insist on a FR Iban for payment, but also other benefits… WISE has a 200eur per month cash ATM limit, there after is a fee and a %of withdrawal …N26 has a 1000eur limit, and after that the fee is much less ….below affiliate link to join, image has terms. There is no benefit for you, but happy to reimburse you 50%! ….Create your account today! https://n26.com/r/bruceals77000c?cid=WOX&lang=en PHYSICAL BANK some people have issues paying 20eur quarterly, for example to belong to a physical bank…. My opinion why 1. It connects you with your community and forges a business relationship 2. It shows your involvement as a citizen, and takes away the “nomad” vibe around financial things 3. The local bank relationship may be beneficial down the road 4. Its the normal thing to do?

This line may be familiar to some… how about “St. Dominique’s preview? Van Morrison was born in Scotland, and is over 80 years and still performing! With uplifting music played around well thought lyrics, he sings about Edith Piaf and part of her life journey. Also enjoy the story about another well respected performer from France… RIP “La foi du charbonnier” (translated as “the coal miner’s faith”) https://youtu.be/8g6aam3Z7ug?is=pYnEKL0683Wbk3kQ https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/2020/11/edith-piaf-miraculous-healing-and-conversion-to-orthodoxy

I have been involved in historical reenactment since 2005, mainly focusing on the Second World War, with a constant effort to remain as authentic as possible. Over the years, I have taken part in many events and public demonstrations, preparing and using the equipment required for these performances. My approach remains passionate and humble, with the aim of bringing history to life for the public. Through these years, I have gained solid field experience in historical reenactment and event participation. Lived between México and France. Father of two kids Husband of a Mexican wife. Viva la vida

Normally when entering a business you say hello to people in your general area. Men will remove their hats generally, chivalry is not dead! And when leaving you say auvoir or bon journey (goodbye, good day) …At a cafe or restaurant: Yes, water is normally free, but not automatically offered, you must ask. There is generally a good selection of waters and spritzers If you ask for ice, expect a couple of cubes. Here it is a cheat to use much ice, as you get less drink …Once again, siesta is normally from 14-16:00 2-4pm Large retailers, Aldi, Action, etc do not close, but expect most small businesses to. Oh, a full workweek in France is 35 hours, there is generally no overtime pay, you trade for extra time off Some jobs are by “contract” for a certain time Beets generally come packaged as on the left… voila, pickled beets in used food jars 60 minute water bath, works every time! Random things, keeps it interesting

Similar to the US… Texas, Maine, Nyc, Cal, Ga, etc…..