Speaking French at the Airport, Hotel, and Taxi: A Quick Guide

Introduction: Why French Travel Phrases Matter More Than You Think

Picture this: you've just landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The plane ride was smooth, the Eiffel Tower awaits, and your Parisian adventure is about to begin. But the customs line is long, the signs are in French, and you're suddenly face-to-face with a border control officer asking a question you don't understand. Later, at your hotel, the receptionist speaks rapidly, handing you forms and keys. And when you hop into a taxi, the driver shrugs when you give him your address in English.

Traveling to a French-speaking country is thrilling—the food, the art, the fashion, the architecture! But navigating the practicalities like transportation, lodging, and arrival procedures can turn into stress points if you can’t communicate. Even just a handful of key French expressions can dramatically transform your trip from awkward to smooth.

This isn’t about sounding fluent. It’s about surviving and thriving in real-life travel scenarios. Understanding and speaking a bit of French gives you a sense of independence, reduces misunderstandings, and even enhances your cultural experience. Locals tend to respond more warmly when they see you're making the effort to speak their language.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to say—and what to listen for—at the airport, hotel, and in taxis. Whether you're planning your first trip to Paris, heading to Montreal for work, or catching a flight to Dakar, this practical French cheat sheet will help you feel confident, courteous, and culturally tuned-in. No fluff, no memorizing full dialogues—just the essential phrases that get you through key moments of your trip with grace and ease.

Part 1: French at the Airport

Key Situations:

• Check-in counters

• Security checks

• Customs and passport control

• Finding gates and baggage claim

• Flight delays and cancellations

• Lost baggage or missed connections

Essential French Phrases:

Check-in & Security:

• Bonjour, je voudrais enregistrer mon bagage. = Hello, I would like to check in my luggage.

• Voici mon passeport. = Here is my passport.

• Est-ce que ce vol est à l'heure ? = Is this flight on time?

• Où est la porte d'embarquement ? = Where is the boarding gate?

• Puis-je avoir une carte d'embarquement ? = Can I have a boarding pass?

• J'ai une correspondance. Où dois-je aller ? = I have a connecting flight. Where should I go?

At Passport Control:

• Quel est le but de votre visite ? = What is the purpose of your visit?

• Je suis en vacances. / Je suis ici pour affaires. = I’m on vacation. / I’m here for business.

• Je reste pour une semaine. = I’m staying for a week.

• J'ai une réservation d'hôtel ici. = I have a hotel reservation here.

• Voici mes documents de voyage. = Here are my travel documents.

Security & Baggage:

• Je n'ai rien à déclarer. = I have nothing to declare.

• Où est la récupération des bagages ? = Where is baggage claim?

• Ma valise a été perdue. = My suitcase was lost.

• Puis-je parler à quelqu'un en anglais ? = May I speak to someone in English?

• J'ai besoin d'aide pour remplir ce formulaire. = I need help filling out this form.

• Mon vol a été annulé. Que dois-je faire ? = My flight was canceled. What should I do?

Cultural Tip:

Airport staff in major cities like Paris or Geneva often speak English, but beginning with French greetings like "Bonjour" earns respect and usually leads to more polite service. Additionally, don’t hesitate to use polite expressions like "excusez-moi" (excuse me) and "merci beaucoup" (thank you very much). These small touches go a long way in making your experience smoother and more pleasant.

Part 2: French at the Hotel

Key Situations:

• Checking in and out

• Asking for amenities or help

• Dealing with problems

• Booking services

• Understanding hotel policies

• Interacting with housekeeping and staff

Essential French Phrases:

Check-in:

• Bonjour, j'ai une réservation au nom de [Name]. = Hello, I have a reservation under the name [Name].

• Est-ce que je peux avoir la clé de ma chambre ? = Can I have the key to my room?

• Le petit déjeuner est-il compris ? = Is breakfast included?

• Jusqu'à quelle heure est le check-out ? = Until what time is check-out?

• Est-ce que je peux avoir une chambre avec vue ? = Can I have a room with a view?

• Est-ce que le Wi-Fi est gratuit ? = Is the Wi-Fi free?

In the Room:

• Il n'y a pas d'eau chaude. = There is no hot water.

• La climatisation ne fonctionne pas. = The air conditioning isn't working.

• Est-ce que je peux avoir plus de serviettes ? = Can I have more towels?

• Pouvez-vous envoyer quelqu'un pour nettoyer la chambre ? = Can you send someone to clean the room?

• Le téléviseur ne fonctionne pas. = The TV isn’t working.

• Est-ce que vous avez un fer à repasser ? = Do you have an iron?

Checking Out:

• Je voudrais faire le check-out. = I would like to check out.

• Pouvez-vous appeler un taxi pour moi ? = Can you call a taxi for me?

• Est-ce que je peux laisser mes bagages ici pour quelques heures ? = Can I leave my bags here for a few hours?

• Puis-je payer avec une carte de crédit ? = Can I pay with a credit card?

• Est-ce que je peux avoir une facture imprimée ? = Can I have a printed receipt?

Cultural Tip:

French hospitality staff appreciate politeness. Always begin with "Bonjour," and end requests with "s'il vous plaît" (please) and "merci" (thank you). You’ll be amazed at how far this goes. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. It’s common and totally acceptable to say, "Pouvez-vous répéter plus lentement, s'il vous plaît ?"

Part 3: French in the Taxi

Key Situations:

• Giving your address

• Asking for help or stops

• Paying and tipping

• Handling route misunderstandings

• Communicating in case of emergencies

Essential French Phrases:

Getting In:

• Bonjour, je vais au [address or landmark], s'il vous plaît. = Hello, I’m going to [address/landmark], please.

• Est-ce que vous pouvez me déposer ici ? = Can you drop me off here?

• Combien cela va-t-il coûter ? = How much will it cost?

• Est-ce que vous acceptez les cartes de crédit ? = Do you accept credit cards?

• Avez-vous un taximètre ? = Do you have a meter?

During the Ride:

• Pouvez-vous aller un peu plus lentement ? = Could you go a bit slower?

• Est-ce qu'on peut passer par le centre-ville ? = Can we go through downtown?

• J’ai un peu de mal à comprendre. Pouvez-vous répéter ? = I'm having trouble understanding. Can you repeat?

• C'est la première fois que je viens ici. = It’s my first time here.

• Est-ce que vous pouvez ouvrir la fenêtre ? = Can you open the window?

Arrival and Payment:

• C’est combien ? = How much is it?

• Gardez la monnaie. = Keep the change.

• Merci beaucoup, bonne journée ! = Thank you very much, have a good day!

• Est-ce que je peux avoir un reçu ? = Can I have a receipt?

• Pouvez-vous m'aider avec mes bagages ? = Can you help me with my luggage?

Cultural Tip:

Tipping is not mandatory in France like in the U.S., but rounding up to the next euro or adding 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated. If you're in a ride-share like Uber, tipping via the app is optional but considered a nice gesture. Always thank your driver when exiting the car, and remember that clear communication with a smile can bridge any language gaps.

Bonus: Sound More Natural

Here are a few everyday expressions to sprinkle in for added authenticity:

• Pardon = Excuse me

• Désolé(e) = Sorry

• Je ne parle pas bien français. = I don’t speak French well.

• Est-ce que vous parlez anglais ? = Do you speak English?

• C’est ma première fois en France. = It's my first time in France.

• Je fais de mon mieux. = I’m doing my best.

• Merci pour votre patience. = Thank you for your patience.

Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, using these phrases signals respect and effort—and that always opens doors. Locals are more likely to help and be kind when they see you trying to engage with their language and culture.

Practice Makes Perfect

Before your trip, practice saying these aloud. Try writing out your hotel check-in scenario or pretend you’re asking a taxi driver for directions. You don’t need to memorize everything—just familiarize yourself with key words and phrases.

Flashcards, role-plays with friends, and voice notes on your phone can help reinforce them. Better yet, take a few basic French lessons to gain confidence. Consider listening to French audio guides or watching French YouTube channels with travel scenarios to build listening skills. Practicing even 10 minutes a day can make a big difference when you're on the ground.

Conclusion: Speak With Confidence Wherever You Go

Travel is not just about seeing new places—it's about connecting. And language is the bridge.

By learning a few practical French phrases, you're not just avoiding travel mishaps. You're also showing curiosity, respect, and openness to the culture around you. You don’t need to be fluent to make a good impression—you just need to be prepared. You’ll have smoother travel, more authentic encounters, and a deeper appreciation of the places you visit.

So the next time you land in a French-speaking city, walk into your hotel, or hop into a taxi, remember: a little French goes a long way. Bon voyage, and bon courage!

Want to Learn More?

At Polyglottist Language Academy, we make French practical, approachable, and fun—especially for travelers. Whether you're preparing for a dream trip or just want to build your confidence in everyday situations, our classes help you speak naturally, not just memorize textbook lines.

Visit Polyglottist Language Academy to learn more and start your French journey today.

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