I recommend a series called CultureShock published by Marshall Cavendish Editions. They appear to be published in Singapore and are available for many Asian countries and areas at bookstores such as Kinokuniya in Singapore.

For example, my copy of the edition for Borneo, was $S23.54 in April. They are intended for expats. living in an area, but as a traveler, I find many portions of them quite insightful and informative. They are also available through www.amazon.com which probably means that they will available at your local bookstore in the travel section as well.

Since you are located in Paris, may I suggest the local W.H. Smith as a possible source. W.H. Smith UK does carry them, but, for example, the edition for Borneo is out of date. http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndS...812042453.html

Here is the link to what Kinokuniya on-line has available: http://bookweb.kinokuniya.co.jp/gues...+shock&AREA=04