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Traveling is one of the most exciting things we can do on this planet. Seeing the beautiful nature of a different country, embracing another culture, and tasting foods we’ve never had before can all be amazing experiences. The logistics of traveling, however, can be a bit overwhelming. When you’re a tourist who doesn’t know much about the country or city you’re in, it can be easy to make embarrassing mistakes or fall into tourist traps. 

Luckily for us, Reddit users have been sharing all of their tips for avoiding common tourist mistakes in their countries, so we’ve gathered a list of some of the best tips to help you be a more informed traveler. Whether it’s a way to save you some money, avoid an awkward interaction or ensure you’re not unintentionally rude, this list has got you covered. Keep reading to also find an interview we were lucky enough to receive from author and creator of the blog The Invisible Tourist, Alyse.

And when you’re finished reading these tips, you can check out even more in Bored Panda’s last article on the same topic right here.

#1

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) If you're visiting somewhere like Auschwitz, somewhere that a degree of solemnity is required, don't be a total c*nt. Don't be the school kids that decide to practice a gymnastics routine. Don't be the glitzy tarted up women taking pouty faced selfies in front of the glass cases filled with dead people's belongings. Don't be the d*ck who claims to the polish guide that she'd be speaking German it weren't for his country. Learn a little about history and a lot about decorum before going to a place such as this

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An interesting thing about people who love traveling is that they often hate being perceived as tourists. They don’t want to “dress like a tourist” or go to the most “touristy spots”, and they’re desperate to look like they fit in (until someone speaks to them and realizes they don’t know the local language). We all know the type of tourist they’re probably imagining: proudly strutting around with a selfie stick in one hand and a map in the other, wearing a t-shirt with the name of whatever country their in splashed across their chest. While this person may sound cringey or embarrassing, is there really anything wrong with that type of tourist? They’re just enjoying their vacation!

But if you’re anything like me, you might be interested in some tips to be a more discreet traveler. I aim to be a tourist who finds myself at lesser known restaurants filled with locals and who researches the culture before going anywhere to try to avoid making a fool out of myself. Does it make any difference? Who knows. But I do love traveling, so I’ll be happy to learn a few tips from this list. 

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#2

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Worst mistake: not learning a little bit about the culture ahead of time so you are not accidentally rude.

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MagicalUnicorn
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this needs to be higher since it works in every country around the world

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When it comes to international travel, it has been steadily rising since the end of World War II. According to the World Tourism Organization, there were 25 million international tourist visits in 1950, rising all the way up to 1.4 billion in 2018. While there are many factors influencing who is traveling abroad, certain destinations are consistently popular for tourists from all over the world. In 2017, France was the top visited country, racking in 87 million visitors. Of course, almost 70 million of them were from other European nations, but it’s still a popular destination for travelers from the Americas and Asia as well. After France, Spain came in next with 82 million visitors, then the US with 77 million and China with 61 million. Also high on the list were Italy, Mexico, the UK, Germany, Thailand and Turkey. And in terms of where all these visitors are coming from, China provides the most tourism abroad, with over 143 million journeys abroad in 2017. This is not surprising, given the country’s wealth and population, but it’s still an impressive amount of traveling.   

#3

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Asians leaving their bags unattended in Europe. BIGGEST MOST FREQUENT MISTAKE EVER. Not just because their sh*t gets stolen but also in France every unattended baggage is considered as a bomb terror potential and blocks transportation, sightseeing, or frankly any kind of activities for anyone else there.

I know for a fact in Korea if you leave your bag at a metrostation corner and come back 3 hours later it's still gonna be there, same thing as leaving them at cafes unattended but I swear to God, you do that in France, 5 mins later, poof your sh*ts gone or you're brought to the police station for questioning because you become a suspect terrorist. I cannot stress this enough, DONT LEAVE UR SH*T ALONE IN EUROPE!

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#4

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) For families traveling, spread out your packing.

If you are a family of four and bringing two suitcases, spread the clothing for each person between both cases. (IE: Half of each person's clothing should be in one case and half in the other.) That way if one suitcase gets lost, then everyone still has at least half the clothing that they need.

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While international travel has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s beginning to see a rise again. During 2020, the months of July, August and September saw tourism levels 64% lower than the same period in 2019. In 2021, however, the year’s tourism increased by over 50% during those same three months. Travel rates are expected to remain lower than they were pre-pandemic during 2022, but The World Travel and Tourism Council reports that arrivals in Europe have already increased 350 percent compared to last year. Restrictions easing up around the world is great for the global economy, but it’s also a plus for those who love traveling and have felt confined over the past couple of years. Now is the perfect time to receive some travel tips before planning out your next trip to one of the countries mentioned in this list. 

#5

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) People that don't speak English also don't speak slower and louder English.

And the insane mime work isn't really helping.

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Yeah, you heard
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think this is wholly true. I don't speak Italian, but the Italian guy who owned the hotel I stayed in spoke to me slowly and loudly in Italian, and mimed, and I understood.

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#6

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Assuming the U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere.

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When it comes to blending in as a tourist, it requires a bit of research. Thankfully, nowadays there are countless travel blogs, vlogs, podcasts and social media accounts to help us along the way. One of which is The Invisible Tourist, a blog by an Australian woman named Alyse, which focuses on the idea of “invisible tourism”. Alyse features many travel tips on her blog and even has published a book titled How to Not Look Like a Tourist: Unlocking Your Hidden Power for Overtourism Solutions.

We reached out to Alyse to gain some insight from a travel expert and hear about any tourist faux pas she has made or witnessed. "The worst travel mistake I made was riding a donkey up the 500+ stairs from the port to Santorini's old town," Alyse told us. "My poor juvenile donkey was so exhausted half way up, tripped, and we both fell to the ground. From that moment I decided to walk the rest of the stairs myself, and vowed not to engage with animals exploited in tourism moving forward."

#7

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) US - Only visiting New York and/or Florida and then believing they've seen "America."

Obviously you're not going to be able to visit every state and eat in every rural diner, but don't just come to Times Square and then believe you've formed an opinion about life in the US.

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Yeah, you heard
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same as visiting London then claiming you've seen "England" or worse "the UK"

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#8

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Australia. Not putting sunscreen on the back of their knees while going snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef or just not wearing sunscreen full stop

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Dan Padgett
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People who don't wear sunscreen or use a low SPF are idiots. Skin cancer is never going to be summers hottest new look.

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#9

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Make sure when addressing to someone in France to start with a greeting. Not saying Bonjour could be considered very rude.

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I’m A Black Cat
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This goes for other countries as well. Just be polite and greet the waiter, cashier or anyone else

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We also asked Alyse to break down her concept of "invisible tourism" for us. "Being an Invisible Tourist is about making a conscious effort to "blend in" as best as possible when travelling. Overall, the aim is to minimize the negative impacts tourism has on local communities, their culture, and the environment." Alyse provided us with a list of ways to blend in as a tourist including: "practicing local customs, etiquette and dressing appropriately to demonstrate our cultural awareness; learning the basics of the local language to help preserve it and show respect; prioritizing local, regulated accommodation over international hotel chains to keep tourism money in the community; immersing ourselves in the local culture through food and experiences; seeking out alternatives to popular spots to dilute our tourist footprints; purchasing handcrafted souvenirs to support local jobs and keep traditions alive; packing reusable items for our trip to minimize waste; and opting for small, locally-owned group tours instead of larger ones when not travelling independently".

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"There are many more strategies to add," Alyse says. "But helping to preserve the identities and culture of places we visit keeps them beautifully unique, whilst resulting in positive exchanges between tourists and locals. A win-win for everyone!"

#10

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Bringing their 'bad manners' with them and insisting on doing it because its what they normally do back home.

I.e. sh*tting in public, acting like they own the place, no idea how to form a line, causing a disturbance in the area by talking loudly, destroying public property due to ignorance

When I see these signs in a person, I immediately walk the opposite direction.

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#11

Not so much a mistake but something I thought was just obnoxious. At a pub in Ireland and, as they do, a bunch of guys whipped out instruments and just started jamming. It was the type of spontaneous session that perfectly captures the experience of a true Irish pub.

This very American couple, at the close of a song, got up to leave. The woman reached over to give one of the musicians some money. He declined as if to say, we aren't buskers looking for handouts, this is just us having fun. She insists, leaves the money in front of him, and says, "it's customary."

My buddy and I, also Americans, were so embarrassed. While her intentions were obvisouly good,her gesture just struck us as arrogant. It was if she was saying her customs are superior to the locals. It has stuck with both my buddy and me for almost 20 years. To this day, saying "it's customary" is a way to say someone is being obnoxious.

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Beeps
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, I get the point this post is making, but I’d just like y’all to know that if anyone wants to shove some money at me, I won’t be offended, I promise.

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#12

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Putting phones in their back pocket. You're just asking to be pick pocketed.

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Rob Dabank
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this just not a rule for life rather than for tourists? Just don't do this no matter where you are (except if attending the "carrying your phone in your back pocket convention")

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When asked why international travel is an important experience to have, Alyse told us, "Travelling to other countries... can introduce us to new ways of thinking we haven't been exposed to before. It's an opportunity to extend outside our comfort zones and experience different cultures, sights, cuisines and more that we may never have the chance to at home. Exposure to these things opens our minds and also helps us gain a better understanding of cultural differences. Each is special in their own unique way, and that’s a beautiful thing."

#13

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Walking slowly and stopping in the middle of a busy street to take pictures.

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Ewa K
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes me so angry. I walk slow and cannot dodge fast, if someone will walk through me like one comment suggest, I will certainly fall. You wouldn't spot anything wrong with me while walking by and I'm trying to use sides of pavements, but sometimes I hear comments or see people waving hands at me in anger. Also I'm way more tired after trying to walk in a way to avoid disturbing others.

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#14

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Florida's kind of an unfamiliar country, right? Protip: It rains in Orlando. A lot. Bring rain gear and don't scream at your kids at Disney World because they're tired and/or wet because you planned poorly.

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#15

Throwing a piece of fruit at a giant tortoise.

I was vacationing in the Galapagos years ago and hanging out with a friend and her study-abroad host family. For most of us, since we were kids we've been building up internal strength to resist the urge to throw things at wild animals. But this family hadn't spent much time in zoos or around wild animals, so that internal strength was a bit lacking.

Soon after we arrived in the Galapagos and we encountered on a few wild giant tortoises on a guided hike. As I was marveling at their glacial pace and truthfully hilarious stature, I see something moving in the corner of my eye. I look up, and...is that a passionfruit flying across the sky? Right towards that tortoise?

It splashed about a foot in front of the tortoise, who forgot all about his relaxed, leisurely demeanor and sprinted away from us. My friend was mortified. The tour guide was too shocked to deliver the tirade he so clearly wanted to. And it took a solid 10-15 seconds for the mom who'd tossed the fruit to realize that throwing passionfruit at tortoises is frowned upon in the Galapagos Islands.

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Rob Dabank
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, I am astonished that people have to be told not to do these things. I think I must be an alien.

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Lastly, Alyse wanted to add that, "Prior to 2020, more people were travelling than ever before. This resulted in overtourism issues in popular cities, leading to resentment of tourists. It doesn't have to be that way! By looking back at mistakes of the past, we can learn from them. Tourists ultimately hold the power to drive change within the industry. I always like to say, 'no one likes an annoying tourist.' By changing how we travel and making decisions that leave a positive impact moving forward, we can be tourists the locals will love!"

If you're looking for more tourism tips for blending in, be sure to check out Alyse's blog and book!

#16

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Not do their research properly, I mean like average cab fares, average food costs etc. I’ve seen Caucasian tourists come to my country (Malaysia) and get out of a cab paying RM280 for a ride in the city, that’s idk $70 or more USD? The average 1 hour cab ride from my suburb to the airport only costs RM80, maybe 20-30 USD. Tourists get scammed so badly and they don’t even know

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Beeps
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is very often that when you are faced with an aggressive cab driver, there’s nothing you can do in the moment. Happened to me in Singapore: I *knew* how much the fare should have been, *confirmed* it before getting in, and then somehow, when we stopped in the middle of nowhere, the fare tripled, because of reasons. I knew that I was being scammed, but the guy got so aggressive, there was nothing I could do that wouldn’t have put my safety at risk.

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#17

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) It saddens me to see tourists eat in Times Square.

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#18

I was flying to Switzerland. Within EU countries there's a flat data roaming rate, so I'm not paying more if I use my phone in Portugal, Finland or Czech Republic, BUT as Switzerland is not a part of EU (even though they have border regulations connected to the Schengen Agreement), their data plan rate is crazy high. I knew about it and remembered to switch off data roaming, but behind me on a plane there was this obnoxious, supreme wearing kid swearing like hell to his mom that they will miss their connection. I didn't payed much attention, but the shriek he let out when he turned off the airplane mode after landing (while still seated), and after 15 seconds got a text message from his provider that he exceeded his spending limit for more than 70 EUR was a truly one that only a really tortured soul could made. Remember to check your roaming fees, guys.

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Robert T
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends very much on your phone provider. I remember paying £2/day to use my UK call and data allowance in Poland. However I got stung in the US with my work phone when it turned out the only way we could get an internet connection to pick up some important document was for me to do it via my phone - cost about $100 to retrieve one file! If you're going to be somewhere for a while, consider buying a local SIM card.

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When it comes to tourists, some countries are more notorious than others for being obnoxious. The United States is a particularly divisive nation. Despite the millions of travelers who visit the country every year, many people around the world don’t love it when Americans come to them. Keep in mind there are over 320 million people in the US, so it’s hard to make generalizations about them all. But if you are an American (nothing wrong with that, I’m one too!), we’ve gathered some things to be sure to avoid doing while traveling from Best Life’s list of “20 Countries That Hate Tourists from the United States”.

#19

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Walk into tourist trap restaurants.

Do a bit of research first.

It's especially bad in London, stop walking into Angus Steakhouse and Bella Italia people.

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Isabella
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is nothing wrong with Bella Italia, I would not call it a tourist trap. It's just a chain of restaurants where you always know what you get.

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#20

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Europeans coming to America and not leaving a tip to the servers, just because it's not the custom in Europe.

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Adi A.
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or just hear a crazy idea: pay them a decent wage!

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Best behave....
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That doesn't help the staff. The US employment system sucks in many ways, but tourists making a petty minded and silent "protest" doesn't pay your waitress' rent

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Yeah, you heard
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, it is hard to know who to tip. The server in McDonald's? The cleaner in the bathroom? The receptionist? If you err on the side of caution and tip everyone, you've spent $20 in tips just by buying a coffee.

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Bill Evs
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly, knowing who to tip, when to tip and how much to tip is another level again. No doubt it's obvious to every American but if you're not familiar with the intricacies of it you end up offending people without even realising it

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LH25
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, they should. But until that happens, tip people who depend on it.

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Wilson.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Coming from Europe i was terrified of accidentally causing offence by tipping wrong in the USA. Pay people a proper wage guys its easier all round and people are guaranteed the same money every month to plan with!!

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Kayjunmoon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tipping in the US can be a bit of a mystery to non US visitors.

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Marco Hub-Dub
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1 year ago

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Every house I’ve d we get seen for the US has it in the beginning, be it in Czech or Chinese. If you are served at a table or bar, you tip 15-20%, depending on service. So for restaurants, it’s not too hard to figure $2 per ever $10,spent. There’s nuances: If it’s a door person or can, a few bucks, a bell person a 5 or 10 depending on amount of luggage. If you really can’t figure this out and do basic percentages, you shouldn’t be leaving your house & crossing the street your own.

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Sinkvenice
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even then some aren't grateful. I was in a nice restaurant in New York years ago and my friend and I were unsure how much yup to leave, so we worked out roughly 20% plus a bit extra and left. The waitress literally ran out and chased us down the street saying we didn't leave enough. Appalling.

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Upstaged75
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't believe that for one second. Unless you server was insane or on drugs. Or you gravely miscalculated and really only tipped 2%. Servers unfortunately get stiffed all the time. They don't chase people down over it.

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Altea
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fair enough, but mandatory tips are so stupid. Pay them a fair wage.

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Trillian
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know and I do tip accordingly but it makes dining out in the US incredibly expensive. Bc the food itself (excluding tips aaaaand of course tax) is not in any way cheaper than here, where both service and tax are included. Not to mention that they will basically throw you out once you've finished the last bite.

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Sam J
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure about that last sentence. No restaurant I've eaten at thrown me out after finishing, they give me as much time as I need.

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Trinity
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, even as an Aussie, it's normal not to tip. We forget that Americans don't get decent pay and have to survive on tips, and because it's not an everyday thing, we forget to do it. It's like going over to Japan and forgetting to take your shoes off; we don't mean to offend, we're just used to wearing shoes a lot of the time because of our dangerous animals and insects.

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Jodi Von Seggern
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1 year ago

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Accidentally offending is kinda different than accidentally impoverishing. If during your job customers "accidentally" stole money from your wallet you might feel like it's more than an "oops".

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Anna Banana
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to admint that I've made a terrible faux pas in the US by walking into an almost empty diner and sitting myself at a table. Somebody from the staff came over and asked me to sit at the bar, whether they would've normally sat me had I waited like I was supposed to. I knew that this was a rule, but lifetime habit just overwrote it. But also, I still don't understand why I had to sit at a bar just because I was on my own (especially since most of the tables were still open when i was leaving). Kinda funny that in the US of all places you don't have the freedom to choose your own table ;)

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madbakes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The waiting to be seated is normal, and if you ask for a table they will typically be accommodating. Places don't normally make you sit at the bar unless they're busy though.

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Bill Evs
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think most Europeans now know about tipping etiquette in restaurants in the US. The problem is it's not just waiting staff that expect tips in US. I've unintentionally upset other people in other jobs when I was there as I genuinely didn't realise they too expected a tip so the whole thing is a bit of a minefield if you're an outsider

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Anthony Czuczman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Full service restaurants with waitstaff, food delivery, taxi (uber/lyft), skycaps, and hotel staff at a 4+ star hotel.

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Sandra Morison
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I refused to pay a tip in several restaurants in USA over the years where food and/or service is poor. They should be paid a fair wage food is not cheap in USA

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C
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Coming from Australia food seemed dirt cheap to me when I went to California, we couldn't believe how cheap. And the beers were so so so cheap there, it was brilliant. Then I found out that wages are very low so it made sense to me why food was so cheap. Met some Australians at a club who couldn't get anyone to serve them a second round because they didn't know to tip on their first until we filled them in on their mistake

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Linziaj
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Restaurants I understand but tipping for coffee,taxis,doormen etc is extremely costly. Im surprised people can afford to leave home

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Concept-Peter Roosdorp
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some might be making a statement, but if it's not something you are used to ... at all... you might forget that it is allowed to pay people $2.30 per hour and they live on tips. The idea is so strange, that it might just be forgetfullness. But yeah, study up on the local customs.

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Coolwhip
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand that our servers should be paid better but it's also mindboggling to me that the same ppl saying "I didn't know. Well they should pay them better" or "how am I supposed to know everybody gets a tip?" Are the same ppl talking about "know our country before you come to us because blah blah blah". Every country is different and every culture does something that you might think is confusing, however it shouldn't stop you from doing the right thing, no matter how odd it may seem.

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El Dee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not mandatory anywhere else in the world. You leave a tip elsewhere if you are impressed by the service. The US is the only country deliberately underpaying staff. I think if more people knew then they would tip accordingly..

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Seabeast
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Servers are paid a living wage in Europe. In Canada they're paid at least minimum wage. So it's not surprising that people don't realize that servers can be paid about $2 an hour in the USA.

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DetongLhamo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Instead we pay workers a living wage so they don’t have to pretend to not be insulted by obnoxious diners etc.

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Tom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or, Americans coming to Europe demanding we accept their currency - or speak their language - or do as they are used to.. yeah.. But seriously - The US should pay servers a decent wage - so tips are not required/needed to survive.

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Fabian Bartsch
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

eh... its pretty custom here at least where i live to leave a tip to your waiter/waitress/taxi driver whatever.. .IF THE SERVICE WAS GOOD. With the risk of people harshly disagreeing, im not tipping because i know of your low wage check, i do because i liked and enjoyed the service to provided.

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Marek Čtrnáct
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Frankly, this is one reason I don't really want to visit America. The very idea of tipping stresses me a lot. It sounds so... dreary.

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Nora Petricien
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But that's so weird tho. I pay my food the same price I would have paid it in Europe (even more sometimes) but they can't (or won't idk) pay their employees the same as they do in Europe ? Why ??? I have been told that the correct amount to tip would be between 20 and 30% but when you are in a 4 people family and eat for $100 it hurts having to spend $20 to $30 more because the restaurant won't pay their waiters.

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Jodi Von Seggern
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Which means that you cannot afford to eat out at that restaurant! When things are expensive elsewhere do you blame the workers for the prices? FFS Food prices vary everywhere due to how different systems operate. Google is your friend.

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loona
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good food and service equals getting a tip. If not, then nope.

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Premislaus de Colo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not about custom. Most people from Europe do not realize that servers in the US are not paid as they should and have to rely on tips.

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madbakes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Any basic research of what to do and not do in America talks about tipping in restaurants.

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Patricia Fonda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

🤔In germany we give Tips, if we want to and not why we're supposed to! Our wages can be terrible.to.

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Susanne B
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is not that it is not the custom in Europe, but that many doesn't know about US wages

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backatya
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey people aren't suppose to make up the difference that the employer doesn't pay them. If employees don't like it get a job somewhere else

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Paul Marney
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

America put your food prices up so u can pay the waiting staff properly i shouldn't have to do maths while out enjoying myself

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Ryan Burns
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would be better if none of us ever tipped. We should not have to pay their wages, their management should.

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Gavin Johnson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is in the ‘learn about local customs’ ruling isn’t it? Personally I tip bar staff, waiters, I leave a tip for housekeeping when I leave a hotel room, you can be sure that if you’ve provided me with good service then I’ll tip. I’m from the U.K. btw.

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Adrienne Mcginley
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone, no matter how menial the job, should be able to make a livable wage.

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Thomas Schnuppelhase
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... understanding that there is no 'europe' thing in general when it comes to things like ... Tipping. There are countries tipping is custom, there are where it is not

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Krista Leslie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those that don't know in California wait staff are also paid at least minimum wage of $15 not like other states where it's sometimes something ridiculous like $4 an hour. But it's also still considered rude not to tip.

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Jodi Von Seggern
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have you seen rents there? $15 per hour does not cover city rents! Full time at that wage means you need a below $1k per month rent not to be in abject poverty unless you have 3-4 roommates.

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APL
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inverse warning: in some restaurants in Britain they will add a "cover charge" or "service charge" of about 10% to your bill, which represents the average tip here (because waiting staff get minimum wage, not f**k!ng buttons). I don't like it myself because I never feel certain that the money goes to the staff instead of the owner...anyway, be aware that you have a legal right to demand any such charge is waived. You can always slip a tenner to the waitress.

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Carol Emory
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FYI: Wait staff in local restaurants in some states only get paid $2.13 to $2.31 per hour. Tips are supposed to make up the rest of their wages. What ever is not covered by tips is covered by the employer up to the standard federal minimum wage. And some employers are able to apply for assistance from the government to cover the cost. But this allows the mom and pop shops to keep costs low and compete with bigger chain restaurants for business. Tips are common in the USA, but what should be common is paying wait staff the same wage as everyone else.

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jtrisn1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Came into this comment section expecting to see non-Americans who were previously in support of "respect our country customs and rules" whine about how Americans don't do things their way. Was no disappointed but ya'll also are very disappointing in this blatant discrimination.

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Pablo Ramos
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tourists coming to the US need to know that the restaurant industry has made you, the consumer, responsible for their employees' salaries

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I’m A Black Cat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The tip thing is also customary in many European countries, especially in the northern part (Germany, France, Benelux, most Easten European countries have adopted it). Around 10% is considered decent. Waiters hate tourists who leave nothing. However this is not the case in Italy and Spain. So best tip: please get informed about this before you go somewhere

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Nevid
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in France, and tips here are only a way to show your appreciation if the service was extra great, but it's not expected and nobody will think you're a d**k for not tipping. Also, it's not a percentage of the check, it's your spare change, so rarely more than 5€.

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commie pinkofag
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Countries which pay service personnel a living wage generally regard tipping as insulting. It's very difficult to force yourself to do something that you believe is profoundly degrading to other human beings. European waiters, for example, correctly sense that Americans regard service workers as inferior. They know that in America, for example, their career choice is regarded as a pathetic failure.

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Julie C Rose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the case of people from my country, we don’t find it offensive; it’s just that yanks won’t deign to communicate about it because they get off on feeling morally superior to people who didn’t know about it.

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Marco Hub-Dub
Community Member
1 year ago (edited)

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Tipping in the US is a shîtty and oppressive thing and most Americans hate it. But it’s not hard to figure out. It takes a mere five minutes to learn how to do basic percentages. What I see here in comments are excuses and rationalizations to either be cheap, expression of ideal situations as if they’re personal ethics that still screw over others or anti -American a-holes doing their typical bashing away. I’ve travelled to 36 countries and live between two. I’ve done my fair share of reading guides and researching and asking questions. Tipping in the USA is just basic math and takes very little effort to understand.

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SewingStaffy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think anyone is specifically having an issue with the maths here. Most other countries will only leave a tip if the service is good. If I've got a rude waiter/waitress or something similar I'm not leaving a tip.

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#21

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Women Wearing shorts or showing a lot of skin in a Muslim country... please, people, do your due diligence and then be respectful of other peoples religions/cultures especially if you are in their country.

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Trillian
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am all for being respectful but I also respect women wearing hijabs here in Europe, so it would be nice not to have anyone police my choice of clothes elsewhere, special places (like churches or mosques) excluded.

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If you’re looking to visit the beautiful nation of Australia, be careful how you refer to their beloved, furry koalas. One Australian notes, “I find the most annoying thing that [Americans] do in Australia is to call our wonderful koala by the wrong name. DO NOT add 'bear' to the name. It is simply a koala."

People from other countries are also not usually fond of the American ego. This is in stark contrast to a mindset in Scandinavian countries, that all our equal and nobody is better than anyone else. One Dane complained about Americans, “They feel better than the rest of the world, but in reality we are as good as they are. They simply don't see us as their equal … but we are. Sometimes we are even better than them. But don't tell them." Coming from a nation that has consistently been rated one of the “happiest countries in the world”, I would have to agree with their point that sometimes Denmark is even better than the US. 

#22

Not being aware of things like public holidays and try and researching what will be open or planning ahead and be aware that locals may also be travelling. I'm from New Zealand and used to work in the tourism industry - no one seemed to be aware that although the Christmas/New Year period is over summer, the entire country shuts down for around two weeks.

That also being said, one thing I came across a lot was that because NZ is a small country, you could get through it easily and quickly by road. It's small, yes - but very rugged terrain mean that distances can be so long, especially in the South Island.

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commie pinkofag
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans in Europe have trouble with the absence of a slave labor force that works 24/7. So much of what we complain about when traveling is nothing more than the consequence of a culture that doesn't regard wealth as the purpose of existence. For example, we regard the French as morally inferior for taking summers off. Obversely, Italians are bemused by Americans, whom they regard as having no idea what's valuable in life.

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#23

I wouldn't say it was a bad mistake or anything, but I was in O'Hare (worst airport ever, IMO), in the ladies' room when an Indian woman in a beautiful sari was trying all of the closed stall doors (ignoring the open ones). She had a coin in her hand and was trying to insert it into the locks, because (as I had learned while in Europe), they often have pay toilets there. So I gently redirected her.

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Ren Karlej
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem is when you have it the other way around and don't have the money necessary!! Though the last time I saw a loo like this people were just holding the doors open for each other as they went out and the person going in avoided having to pay.

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#24

Cracking a nazi joke with Germans you aren't familiar with.

Germans do however love cracking nazi jokes, but only with people they know and trust.

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Trillian
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know anyone who cracks nazi jokes. Or maybe those are just not people I "know and trust"

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Another mistake Americans sometimes make when abroad is not understanding the drinking culture. One woman from Greece said, “Americans go out and get college-girl drunk—it's a big cultural difference. In Greece, we care a lot about what people think, so we grow up trying to do everything in certain ways. Plus, there was never a drinking age here [until recently when they made it 18], so as teenagers, we never felt the need to get wasted because we easily could if we'd really wanted to." I understand wanting to have fun while traveling, but it’s also great to be able to remember your vacation the next morning…

#25

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) In Sweden, drinking from your wine or beer glass before your host has made a toast. No matter how thirsty you are always wait until you hear “Skål!” then you’re good to go.

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Erik Ivan
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wrong. So I am a Swede. I have lived in Sweden for all of my 50 years. The only time I have encountered this practice is when drinking shnaps in tiny glasses on parties.

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#26

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Using the money exchange at the airport.

I had a picture somewhere of a rates at Stanstead. 20% spread _each way_. Selling Pound for 4 PLN, buying for 6PLN.

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#27

Confusing the small Catholic parish church in Canterbury for the Cathedral, and complaining it wasn't as impressive as he expected, and it didn't 'look old enough'.

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Snorkeldorf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lots of folks complain about the Alamo in that way also. So small.....thought it would be more impressive....blah, blah, blah. For goodness sake. If you are at a small Catholic parish church in Canterbury or the Cathedral you are someplace beautiful AND historic in one way or another. Appreciate it and understand many people never get to travel anywhere.

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While it's impossible to know the customs of every single country, it's very easy to do a little research before traveling to avoid embarrassing moments. These tips can help you stand out a little less and may even keep you safer during your travels. Enjoy reading the rest of these cultural faux pas, and don't forget to upvote your favorite examples. Then let us know in the comments what the most common mistakes are that you see tourists make in your country!

#28

Not knowing how to use a stick shift in Europe

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#29

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) My friend telling locals in a poor part of the Dominican Republic that he has a Mercedes-Benz S550 back in NY on top of showing all the most luxurious pictures of what he does in America which then lead people to believe me and him were super rich americans. This may not be the worst but telling people you have a car like that when your a poor country is never a good idea as some of these folks basically will look at you like a walking atm

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Dan Padgett
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your friend is a douche but so are you for assuming all poor people are going to rob you.

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#30

The 30 Biggest Mistakes Most Tourists Make In Major Cities, As Revealed By People Who Travel A Lot (New Answers) Wearing mariachi hats.
Just don't.

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Isabella
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why? I have seen posts where actually locals were not bothered at all about this, on the contrary.

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