Quote:
Originally Posted by Burdzthewurd
If you don't start the conversation off with "Bonjour", I was always told French people would instantly be as unhelpful as possible to you
I had heard something similar, so when backpacking through France I made sure to memorize one phrase in French: "Bonjour (bonsoir), Monsieur (Madame), s'il vous plait, parlez vous anglais?"
In case the translation isn't obvious, it means, "Good day (evening), sir (madam), please, do you speak English?" Worked great, never had any issues with the ones that knew English being helpful.