ADVERTISEMENT

Here’s a mind-blowing nugget of truth that y’all probably already know, Pandas: life in different countries is, well, different. Shocker, right? But the fact of the matter is that we can’t expect everyone to behave and communicate the same way as the folks in our comfort zone, social circle, and hometown. When you go abroad, there’s a whole set of hidden rules you have to abide by. Obviously, it’s hard to even be aware of what you might be doing wrong at the start.

Luckily for us, the r/AskEurope online community over on Reddit has spelled it out loud and clear in two threads. The locals from various European countries shared the ‘faux pas’ that some visitors do and stressed what behaviors you should avoid and what you should never ever say. It’s educational. It’s fun. It’s going to go great with a cup of coffee. And it’s a great reminder to never call someone from Scotland “English.”

Remember to upvote the best responses as you scroll down, and tell us all about what tourists shouldn’t ever do when visiting your home country in the comments, Pandas. Think of it as a gentle way to remind everyone to be on their best behavior. Meanwhile, check out Bored Panda's interview about what to never do when visiting the United Kingdom with comedy writer and self-proclaimed Insta story addict Ariane Sherine from London. (Pssst, she also revealed what'd happen if you actually do end up calling someone from Scotland "English.")

#1

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Doing the nazi greeting, denying the holocaust or joke about it. I'm German and a shocking amount of Americans I met found it funny to go "oh you're german, sieg heil!" Just nein.

Bonbonkopf , Mark Fosh from Watford, UK Report

Each country has its own particular character if you will. You’d probably never mix up an Englishman with a Frenchman, though if you do, they’d probably both get mad at you. Quelle horreur!

Comedy writer Ariane shared some of the things you should definitely avoid doing and saying if you end up visiting the UK.

"Asking people their salary is a bit of a faux pas. They probably won't tell you and will think you're odd! Don't say anything anti-Britain or anti-British (we can say it, but you can't, even if we secretly agree with you). Never be mean to an animal: that's one of the absolute worst things you can do in Brits' eyes (which is a bit inconsistent as 86% of us are meat-eaters). Being overly loud won't make you any friends either. And never, ever talk to strangers on the Tube!" she shared, stressing that when you're underground, you should mind yourself, not just the gap.

#2

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Germany: Asking about someone's well being just for small talk is rude. When you ask how people feel, be willing to listen.

tschiep_voegelchen , Sora Shimazaki Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#3

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Don't mention Hitler or other famous Nazis in public spaces. U may get yourself in a awkward situation. It's kind of like Voldemort in Harry Potter. U just dont mention these names in public.

Be as respectful as possible when visiting Memorials of the war, especially concentration camps. I grew up in Dachau so I've had the pleasure of meeting and seeing people from all kinds of places but foreigners sometimes seem to underestimate how much of a sensitive place these camps are for germans. I'm talking about taking pictures of yourself and your travelling partners in the camp and not turning off your phone while watching a short documentary which are being offered in Dachau. It's not natural even for western standards that countries with a horrible past are as open and inviting in terms of learning about their war crimes and so on like germany. Don't try to be judgemental when visting those sites (apart from judging the fkn nazis ofc) but rather be thankful that you've been given the opportunity to see and learn about these atrocities in person.

Ing0sion , hardiktuteja Report

Add photo comments
POST
nbornkessel avatar
Natalie Bohrteller
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These places should be sensitive to everybody really. People died there in the most cruel ways, show some human decency and behave.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

According to Ariane, it's easy to spot someone who's not a local wandering about in London because they're a lot friendlier. "It's not always easy, but cameras and large backpacks are often a sign of a tourist. So are sunglasses, which are generally not strictly needed due to our terrible overcast weather, and (cliché alert) socks with sandals," she quipped.

ADVERTISEMENT

We were incredibly curious to learn how bad it would be to call someone "English" if they're from Scotland. Here's Ariane's take on how much of an insult that would be: "About the same as calling a Canadian an American! It won't make you popular," she said that you really shouldn't do this.

#4

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Ireland: Don't say no to an old woman who is offering you a cup of tea.

Gallalad , sabinevanerp Report

#5

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Don't say that Ukraine is part of Russia.
Don't call us russians when you hear our language or see Cyrillic.

DiggimonUKR Report

#6

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Never, ever call anyone from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland “English”.

Cobbler91 , Tom Parnell Report

Bored Panda also wanted to get Ariane's opinion on just how European the UK actually is, culturally speaking. You see, it's a bit hard to gauge things with Brexit and all.

"Well, London is very European in terms of its diversity and culture. It's the most multicultural city in Europe and all the better for it, and most big UK cities are similar. The less said about the rest of England and Wales's attitude towards Europe, the better, frankly!" Ariane told us.

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Denmark: Not a **huge** no, but please don't call people Mr/Ms [LastName] unless they're old enough to have experienced the Napoleonic wars.

Practically everyone in Denmark is on a first name basis, up to and including the prime minister. Different rules for the Queen, but if you chance upon the Crown Prince in an informal setting, he prefers the informal tone, too.

ScriptThat , Edmond Dantès Report

Add photo comments
POST
lenkabalov avatar
Lenka Čábalová
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, interesting! Exactly the oposite here in the Czech Republic; it is considered very rude to use the first name unless the one you're addressing offers the first name basis (or you offer it - depends on age and social status, meaning boss-employee etc.) or is a child...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Ireland: Never get off a bus without thanking the driver is a big one here that has got me the occasional odd look when outside of Ireland.

caighdean , Alex Noble Report

Add photo comments
POST
mmcknight0202 avatar
Mac 🇺🇦
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always thank the bus driver no matter what country I'm in. Tip: In any country. at least learn "thank you" and "please" in their language. ("Excuse me" comes in handy a lot!)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Sweden: Go into someone’s house with your outdoor footwear on.

RegalSniper , Andrew Neel Report

"But I think mainland Europe is a lovely forgiving place, as evidenced by our runner-up place in Eurovision. I'm pretty sure most of Europe know that a lot of us wanted to remain in the EU and that the vote was very close. At least, I hope they do...?!"

It'd probably be a sin not to ask a Brit about the weather, and Ariane was kind enough to share what's outside her window at the moment: "It's very variable here!"

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Finland: Violating personal space. Like sitting next to someone in the bus if there are empty seat rows. Being closer than like 2 meters to someone at a bus stop without a reason. Talking to strangers with no apparent motivation or reason.

Bad behavior in Sauna. There should be no arguing and provocations, no sexual approaches, no farting.

Thinking we are Russians. This happens more with foreigners who have very little knowledge about Finland. And it's not that Finnish people dislike Russian people, but our entire history has been defined by trying to be distinct from Russia. First being a buffer zone of Sweden against Novgorod/Russia, then trying to be independent of Russian Empire and then trying to defend ourselves against Soviet Union. Saying we are Russians is like erasing much of our history.

Toby_Forrester , nissan Report

Add photo comments
POST
jessicaaube avatar
DannyGirl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why can’t all countries be like finlands first paragraph .. extroverts SHOULD be considered rude

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Italy: Please don't sing Bella Ciao in a joking way. It's a serious song about Resistence against the fascists. La Casa de Papel did a disaster with that song.

Please don't call us mafiosi, even if you're joking, much less if you use the Godfather as a major source of info about italians.

Italians are very talkative people so if you're not used to strangers approaching you it may shock you a little. Don't be scared tho, many italians are just curious about tourists and would be pretty offended if you just ignored them!

This is what comes to my mind at least

randascuriosity , Griffin Wooldridge Report

Add photo comments
POST
marshalldavies avatar
Agfox
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my daughters married an Italian & they live in Australia. Went to Italy on holiday & several people in Venice yelled 'Go home, tourists' to them. Probably more a Venice thing because of the number of tourists & the fragility of the city. My SIL thought it funny rather than upsetting

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Ireland: Go to everyone’s funeral. If a friend’s distant aunt twice removed dies, you turn up.

R3nmack , TuendeBede Report

#13

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country In Ireland if you are out to lunch or dinner with family you must literally fight or deceive them so that you can pay for it. If you don't try then you are a bad person. In England I found that people thought it was rude and awkward when I kept trying to pay!

My granny is a pro at this. One time when we were eating dinner in a restaurant, she went to the bathroom during the meal. I saw my chance, and ran to the cashier to pay. I was stonewalled. My granny had already told the staff in her local restaurant not to let me pay. Absolute pro.

Also on another occasion my mother literally fell over and hurt her knee because she was racing her sister to the cashier.

Burglekat , Helena Lopes Report

Add photo comments
POST
abbeyfeale2004 avatar
Sylvia Schmitz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Father ted: the mainland. Mrs Doyle fighting with her friend over who pays for their tea.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country In France: not saying hello to the shopkeeper/ the other clients in small shops. This is particularly true in smaller cities.
I've seen many tourists forget to do this and they usually end up receiving poor customer service.

Heure-parme , Le grand Cricri Report

Add photo comments
POST
majorsnikda avatar
Natasha
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you have to say it in French, otherwise they ignore you. It’s like without Bonjour you don’t exist

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Estonia: Associating us with today's Russia or the old Soviet Russia. Bad memories.

Prygikutt , Alejandro Report

Add photo comments
POST
spoot avatar
Nimues Child
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always politely ask someone's nationality so I don't make this mistake. I really don't want to trigger Soviet bad associations.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Romania: Never ever bring someone an even number of flowers (it is reserved for the dead)

cdanisor , Pașca Daniel Report

Add photo comments
POST
meredithlovegrove avatar
Meredith
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In New Zealand, for Māori anyway, DO NOT SEND CALLA LILLIES! I grew up in the states but my mum has instilled all the do's and don't's. All the superstitions all came with my family. Last year on a Monday morning I walked into my office to find a beautiful flower arrangement from a co worker. I'd had a minor surgery the week before. I sent a text to my mom asking what I should do because of course there was a calla lily in it. I immediately got a text back "Get a napkin/tissue something and take it out. Wrap it up and throw it away. THROW IT AWAY OUTSIDE! GET IT OUT OF THE BUILDING!" The reason being they are funeral flowers and essentially a death omen. The florist my family used my entire life learned that quickly. They delivered a bouquet to my mum at our business and she stopped them at the door. They never made that mistake again. If anyone ordered a delivery for her through them, they knew what not to do. There's another flower but it's so rarely used it hasn't been a problem.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Spain: do not assume that flamenco is the national culture. IT IS A SOUTHERN THING. In absolutely every TV show in the UK that takes place in Spain (and there are many) they insist on playing flamenco sounding music even when the show is about Catalonia, Galicia or the Basque Country, for example. It is infuriating.

Mantis_Ateista , Frank Liebig Report

Add photo comments
POST
victor_kaesar avatar
Víctor García
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the topic of bullfighting is also a very sensitive topic and assuming that everyone likes it can be offensive to most

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Romania: Not giving the old people your seat in the bus/tram.

Rioma117 , Ilya Plekhanov Report

Add photo comments
POST
victor_kaesar avatar
Víctor García
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope this is worldwide. In Spain, if a young person does not give up their seat to someone older (ask first if they are not offended), someone who is pregnant or has an injury may receive disapproving comments and bad looks

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Most countries are: do not mistake us for a different nationality, do not mention bad parts of our history

Italians: DO NOT PUT THE WRONG STUFF ON TOP OF OUR FOOD

AL_O0 , joefoodie Report

#20

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Queuing is the obvious one in the UK. Not understand our (apparently complicated) queuing systems is generally taken as being a faux pas. To Brits all the rules are just obvious but apparently the little things beyond "stand in the line and wait your turn" are hard for some foreigners.

Another would be, if you bump into someone there's a good chance they will apologise. You do not accept this, you apologise back. Everyone knows it's your fault, but you will probably both apologise. This does not mean the other person believes they are at fault.

specofdust , freestocks.org Report

#21

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Wearing your outside shoes indoors, seriously who does that? Calling the icelandic horse a pony just because it's small, that might not be true for everyone though just people that are into horses. Jokes about accidentally sleeping with your cousin, we have a small population but we know our cousins.

Edit to add:

Off-road driving is illegal and people have been fined and made to fix what they ruined. The landscape is delicate and there's been a lot of work in the last few decades to grow the areas that are full of sand. When icelandic people talk about off-road driving it's not off-road driving, we follow paths that should be visible to just about anyone.

CarolineManihot , ArtHouse Studio Report

#22

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country In the UK:

* Using the wrong national label for someone.
* Skipping ahead in a queue
* Similar to above, attempting to get served at a pub before someone who was at the bar before you.
* Being that person who takes part in rounds in a pub but never gets one themselves
* Standing on the left on an escalator in London
* Starting a conversation about religion or politics with someone you don't know, unless it is very context appropriate e.g. in a church/political rally.

Anaptyso , oatsy40 Report

#23

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country In Portugal, taking your shoes off in someone else's home would be weird as f*ck. There's obviously exceptions, like if the host is close family or a very close friend and you've asked permission, but to take the shoes off out of the blue when entering would be seen as disrespectful.

odajoana , Allan Mas Report

Add photo comments
POST
s-shane-shelton avatar
Shane S
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. So the opposite of many other cultures. That’s an interesting pitfall

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Saying that our language sounds like Russian. There *will* be violence.

Saying that we are Eastern European.

Especially around older people, saying *anything* bad about Pope John Paul II. He's like a second God to some of them. That makes any conversation about pedophilia in Catholic Chruch especially difficult, since he didn't do much about it. Current government calls every person trying to criticise The Polish Pope a danger to our nation, our culture and our independence. Don't ask me how, I have no idea. But sadly, due to our propaganda TV called TVP(iS), people believe that.

Wow, by making a comment about big No No's in Poland I managed to end up criticising our government. Guess this subject is inevitable.

Grzechoooo , Caio Report

Add photo comments
POST
adinaisme avatar
AndThenICommented
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ll never understand how the Church is supposed to be more important than the safety of children.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Serbia: DO. NOT. TALK. ABOUT. THE. WARS. A lot of people here lost people in the Yugo wars, also you will start a shitload of fights

Dim6969696969420 Report

#26

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Putting sauce on your Schnitzel is considered a hate crime in Austria.

marrohr , traveljunction Report

#27

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Saying Holland is the same as the Netherlands

Saying the Netherlands are the same or somehow linked to Belgium

bossie-boi , insider Report

Add photo comments
POST
beizhudi-serv avatar
Judes
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But the Netherlands and Belgium do have historic and linguistic links, so definitely not 'the same' but they are 'somehow linked'. From 1815 to1839 the United Netherlands was a country consisting of most (if not all) Dutch and Belgium provinces. Also, Dutch and Flemish are mutually intelligible.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Always, always get your round in. People are not buying you drinks for free; they expect one back.

funglegunk , Peter Fazekas Report

Add photo comments
POST
jackieporter avatar
Poppy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could be anywhere but I'm guessing the UK as it is a huge faux pas not contributing

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Austria: The usual, as with most countries:

- Calling us [bigger, neighbouring nationality or people group that speaks the same or a similar language].
(Seriously, we are not Germans. Yes, we all know, we would have been considered as such 100 years ago, but it is in fact not 100 years ago. Believe us, if we say that we are not Germans, we mean that, and we know the history behind it. Don't try to teach us as to why we are acktually "ethnically" or "genetically" or whatever, Germans. Not only is that incorrect, but you'll look and sound like a fool.)

- Doing [certain taboo gesture] or expressing favourable views towards [historical totalitarian or autocratic regime, which is viewed very negatively nowadays].
(Seriously, don't do the Hitler salute here, it's not edgy, but only incredibly shitty. Also it's not only incredibly unfunny and unoriginal, but also incredibly illegal. And you might get punched in the face, and you would deserve it.)

- Eating [national food] wrong.

mki_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
terybriggs avatar
Mama Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think anyone anywhere who does the Hitler salute should get punched in the face

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Doing the "Italian accent" like Super Mario. It doesn't sound like an Italian trying to speak english, it sounds like a very very dumb Italian trying to speak English. It amazes me how much Americans love to mock Italians.

Also pineapple on pizza.

barbatex , Kai Pilger Report

#31

Estonia: Violating personal space. We might not say anything but you certainly won’t be making a friend. We’re massive introverts for a reason.

Also don’t call us or any other baltic countries russian or imply anything similar, there’s a lot of bad history there and quite frankly it’s a bit offensive.

mpld Report

#32

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Turkey: Do NOT say "Oh, i thought you would be speaking arabic." or " I didnt know women were allowed to not wear hijabs."

hybeve000 , Konevi Report

Add photo comments
POST
whatonceis avatar
Lance LaRocque
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As of June 2, 2022 the country is Turkiye. Not calling a country by its official name would probably get on the list too.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Denmark: Bragging is VERY frowned upon here. Alot will cite the law of Jante should you do it, and even more people will think of it.

The law of Jante is basically a long list of sentences which exclaim that you are nothing compared to the collective.

Examples.
"You are not more than us."
"Don't think you are smarter than us."

If you think of the ten commandments but all centered around you being small and nothing then you're more or less there.

Junohaar , Daniel Jurin Report

#34

If it's your birthday you bring cake to work. When it's someone else's birthday they will bring the cake. Yes, I'm serious. No, it doesn't make sense.

ScriptThat Report

#35

Spain: Talk about politics. You could lose friends because of that, since people here are heavily divided, because, whatever some guy say, the Civil War wounds are far from healed.

Spynner987 Report

#36

Invading people's personal space in public (Norway). It's fine to ask for directions or something practical but other than that...

Phunkstar Report

Add photo comments
POST
valkyrie2007 avatar
Deb M.F.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish everyone would adhere to that rule. I hate when someone gets closer than 3 feet to me. it isn't nice and I can't deal with anyone invading my space. So very rude

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

Off road driving that damages and causes harm to our moss and landscape

Our-Brains-Are-Sick Report

Add photo comments
POST
andrewcoe42 avatar
Zol
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

where in particular ? it's cool not anywhere , but a little geographical info would be nice

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

I was out with my coworkers and the Italian ones were (jokingly) giving the German one a hard time for ordering a Cappuccino after lunch. Apparently it's a breakfast coffee and a faux-pas to order one outside of those hours.

huazzy Report

Add photo comments
POST
terryfarter avatar
Full English
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whilst working in Milan my co workers asked if I wanted to take coffee with them during the break. We got our drinks and stood in a small group and I immediately started talking about work. I was greeted with tuts and frowns. One of my colleagues explained in Italy we take our coffee seriously and take the time to enjoy it and our friends company. Not sure if this is true for all Italians but I learnt a life lesson that day and now only take drinks at work if I can stop and relax for a few moments and enjoy my coffee

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

Portugal: Foregneirs talking in Spanish to us, instead of english (or portuguese). It's way more common than you may think, and it's just plain offensive and stupid, especially when both people involved know that you're Portuguese and both speak good English. It mostly happens because either they think Spanish is our language or that is similar enough that we understand it better (and most times they speak trashy Spanish to you). It's just plain offensive

bdebota Report

Add photo comments
POST
brendaspagnola avatar
Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Years ago (I'm talking like 25 or so) my father went to Portugal. His company sent him to a class that taught him about the country and its ways. He loved it there and whenever they needed a particular job done, they always asked for him because he was always aware of his actions. He made a lot of very good friends. Two actually came here for business and then took vacation. My mom, dad and I took them all around our area for 3 days. They are some of the nicest, kindest and friendliest I've ever met. Even though he's retired, he still keeps in touch with them. Just using common courtesy and manners goes a long way.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

I’m sure this is almost universal but when visiting the US, don’t bring up politics casually. And don’t assume you know which political party we follow. Unfortunately, we are bitterly divided right now and you may end up with a very awkward Uber ride, or coffee chat if you try to bring up politics or hot-button political issues like our healthcare system or guns. We know we have issues, but we aren’t looking for feedback or notes. Both sides are irritated because our political divide renders us unable to change anything.

Report

#41

I’d also add that some people are very sensitive about the idea of Poland being “EASTERN” Europe. So “Central” it is...

Wereroo Report

Add photo comments
POST
dominika_3 avatar
Dominika
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dont EVER say Polish Death Camp. They were never polish, they are located in Poland.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

Belgium: Do not advocate serving Belgian beer in beer glasses that weren't specifically designed for them

GraafBerengeur Report

Add photo comments
POST
f-rizzardi avatar
MarioRossi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I ordered a beer in Antwerp the waitress came back apologizing profusely for not having the right glass, and asking me if I wanted to modify my choice. I secretly found that highly amusing (I accepted the "wrong" glass).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

For Denmark, don't wear your shoes inside someone's home! Never! As soon as your foot crosses the threshold, you better start the process of removing your shoes!
For France, not saying bonjour when you enter a shop. Always say bonjour to the people who work there! I think some of the complaints foreigners have about French people being rude is because they walk into a bakery without saying bonjour, that will lead to some irritated looks.

Marilee_Kemp Report

Add photo comments
POST
brendaspagnola avatar
Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American here. My aunt didn't let people wear shoes in her house. She had a white carpet. At the time, I'd never heard of that. She also had tons of flip flops and slippers for those who wanted to wear something. This was back in the early 70's. Now it makes sense (except having a white carpet when you have 3 kids!)

View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

Don’t underestimate local patriotism. Never mix up Swabians with Badener just like Franconians with Bavarians although the former and the latter each share their own state in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

HimikoHime Report

#45

In Northern Ireland, definitely talking about your views on united Ireland or talking smack about Protestant or Catholic leaders

Derp497 Report

Add photo comments
POST
brendaspagnola avatar
Brenda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lived in Belfast in Jan 91 when ex was transferred from London. I signed up with a temp agency. I was good with computers, so jobs were plentiful. After interviewing, the owner, had jobs she wanted me for, but I had to do the paperwork. No biggie, until I got to the question regarding whate religious affiliatio. I left it blank, but she gave it back because it was MANDATORY to state your religion. I don't practice anything, I wrote in agnostic. The girl in front thought it meant devil worship! I knew about the troubles there, but had no idea just HOW important religion was.. Crossing over to the Republic of Ireland you knew immediately if the neighborhood was Catholic or Protestant - they painted the curbs different different colors. As an Irish American, I visited several places in The Republic my family was from. Even got to meet (very) distant cousins. While it's beautiful, the people were just amazing!

View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#46

Poland: Nothing unusual. Folks are a bit touchy on history tho, especially WW2. Don't try talking the war here with american movies like Schindler's list being your primary source of information

Eupowa Report

Add photo comments
POST
terryfarter avatar
Full English
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We British owe an incredible debt to the Polish Airmen who fought during the battle of Britain, which is sadly overlooked today. So I hope it's okay to thank you for this

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

Never call us Spanish! And don't try to speak spanish in Portugal, it is better to speak in english instead.

riccafrancisco Report

Add photo comments
POST
sakapulgas avatar
Sakapulgas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahah I didn't see this one and just posted the exact same answer 😉

View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

Australia: please don’t come to Australia expecting everything to be like it is in Crocodile Dundee. Not everything is trying to kill you, just stay clear of snakes, spiders, sharks, scorpions, hoop snakes and most importantly, Drop Bears

Report

#49

In the capital city of Bratislava – dont talk s**t about the city.

In the whole country of Slovakia – NEVER refer to us as Eastern Europe. We are Central Europe :D If you start calling Slovakia an eastern european country in Bratislava, in a bar, pub or club, we will get angry.

we like to think that we developed pretty quickly after the fall of communism, faster than the eastern nations. Obviously it doesnt matter, but the mentality here is that we work hard to be a developed, modern, western country like France, Germany or Austria, but we are just a few years behind bc of communism. (obviously that's a stretch, but who doesn't dream).

jachcemmatnickspace Report

Add photo comments
POST
hrb81 avatar
Hubert Zasępa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bratislava is beautyful city! Same as the whole country. Everything what you write can be applied to Poland as well.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Never assume every German has Lederhosen ESPECIALLY if they're not from Bavaria.

Jekawi Report

Add photo comments
POST
mariannekraus avatar
Marianne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is no such thing as GERMAN culture or traditions. All of them refer to specific places in Germany and people might get angry when you mix that up, because there is a good amount of rivalry between German regions.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#51

in Australia, if you’re a foreigner, don’t use idiomatic expressions. Non Aussies who call everyone “mate” usually get it wrong and use it inappropriately. Don’t use terms like “arvo” (afternoon) to try to sound like a local. You won’t.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
example avatar
I Think I'm Hilarious
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never Ever Ever bring up 'throwing a shrimp on the barbie'. No self respecting Aussie would ever use the word shrimp. They're PRAWNS

View more commentsArrow down menu
#52

Don’t come to our country then post ThikTok videos complaining that it isn’t like your home. It’s rude and disrespectful to the citizens of the country you are visiting.

Report

#53

Don't be that guy who imagines that he fully understands Belgium and who suggests we split and join our neighbouring countries. This 100% pisses all of us.

anon Report

#54

Hong Kong: its ok to complain about something every now and then, since we do that occasionally.

But if you add karen behavior or force your way through you will get screwed up. you will be banned from the shop, your actions in the incident recorded and uploaded to social media and worst case possible, the vids sent to the gossip and scoop show at 7:30 pm local time and not just the city, even overseas viewers will know

Report

#55

France: Not saying hello, please, goodbye, to waiters, salespeople, assuming that people will appreciate it when you charge like a truck speaking in English, and don’t underestimate the bickering a region can have against another one

M_arse Report

Add photo comments
POST
jackieporter avatar
Poppy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On a school trip to France, no one explained this to us so every shop keeper we encountered was rude and brusque with us. It wasn't until I found out it's impolite not to greet the shopkeeper and it annoys them that it twigged why they were rude, it's because I was being rude first.

View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#56

You definitely shouldn't ask someone what they are earning

anon Report

#57

Spain: Dont call us mexicans or colombians and dont use their esteriotipes on us, and dont use their expresions with us

our esteriotipes are allowed if you have a good relation but be carefull if you find someone that dont like it.

Also dont talk abaut politics never, it isnt relevant the relation, NEVER talk abaut inmigration politics and of course the civil war or the ww2

do not try or say if someone is from Catalonia or the Basque country

and just to prevent Galicians also no. The nationalities are a problem so dont talk abaut that also.

Blecao Report

#58

In the Netherlands don't walk on bike lanes. And don't try to ride a bike in a city like Amsterdam if you don't know the traffic rules or how to properly ride a bike.
Do not refer to Amsterdam as it is the Netherlands. The country is so much more than 1 city.
If you want to visit the Netherlands during koningsdag (kings day) when everything turn orange and street party pop up everywhere you must know it is on 27t of April and NOT on 30t of April. It was in the past on the 30t but since our queen retired the date changed to the 27t witch happend to be the kings birthday.
Do not use drugs you bought on the street, buy it in a shop. In Amsterdam there will be drugsdealers trying to sell tourist bad drugs. There are a lot of tourist ending up in hospitals or psychic clinics because of bad drugs.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
dieuwke avatar
Dieuwke
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also don't assume all Dutch people you befriend want to smoke weed with you. No, I don't have any weed and no, I don't want it either. Yes, I do know how to get it. Everyone does. Also, and I can't believe I have to say this as a separate thing, TELL US IF YOUR EDIBLES ARE EDIBLES. Not all Dutchies have had them before and not everyone will know.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#59

Italy: Cheese on fish dishes, with very few exceptions (notably mussels ragù with pecorino).

Allowing kids to swim after lunch, or any meal apparently.

th4 Report

Add photo comments
POST
mmroma51 avatar
Mike diRoma
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And there’s more to pasta (a lot more) than spaghetti. Many shapes are designed to go with a specific type of sauce. And please, please don’t call pasta sauce “gravy”.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#60

India: Never ask for beef or pork, they don't serve them. Cows are considered as god and pigs impure

Report

Add photo comments
POST
aayushkumar avatar
Aayush Kumar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pork is usually available in most plans except some states. Only according to Islam, which is the largest minority faith is it considered impure

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#61

Spain: Not letting a friend invite you to a drink when they are decided to. Like i've literally seen several screaming arguments because of this

nanimo_97 Report

#62

Czech Republic: not Eastern Europe, but Central! Seriously, how more "central" could we be, just look at the map! :)) And now seriously-seriously - it has a good reason why we try to be distinct from the "East" - the obvious answer is our history with Russia/Soviet Union. Living over 40 years under communism with strong soviet influence, especially after the Warsaw pact invasion in 1968, left deep wounds that heal very slowly. And please, take off your shoes when entering someone's home! ;)

Report

Add photo comments
POST
contentwombat avatar
Content Wombat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, today I learnt! There's quite a few comments about what is considered "Eastern Europe" in this thread and I had no idea of the difference. I was born and brought up in the UK and in school we are/were taught to call everything that historically was part of the Soviet Union "Eastern Europe", the term being political rather than geographical i think, however now I know some nations would find that offensive I will ensure that I do not use that term again. Thank you.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#63

Please, the paella is delicious but it is from the community of Valencia, don't order it everywhere, ask about the typical dishes, our gastronomy is very rich. When interacting with the waiter, the clerk and people in general "Hello, good morning/good afternoon/good night... how are you? say thank you, say goodbye. And leave the nap thing alone , in the center and south of Spain it can reach 45 degrees at noon and the longest day lasts just 6 hours in SUMMER. Siestas are not taken due to laziness. and generally stereotypes from the Franco era. Thanks for understanding

Report

Add photo comments
POST
bursanvime avatar
Pisco
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also to assume that most people actually sleep siesta. Yes during holidays and maybe in small villages. But in big cities and most places people dont even go home for lunch, we have like 1h break. In my village some places still close until 17h for siesta but its extremely rare in big cities.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#64

Italy: Mentioning God with various epithets. Do it in a real place with real people and everyone will dog stare at you

SantiProGamer_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
f-rizzardi avatar
MarioRossi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhm. Living in nothern Italy, I can confidently say that people around here can hold whole conversations that consist of little more than taking the Lord's name in vain, with different inflections to convey meaning.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#65

Slovakia: The word felvídek or "upper hungary" is pretty big fight starter.

Jinno69 Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#66

In Germany, never ever say congratulations BEFORE it's someone's birthday! Seriously, it's considered offensive (because it means bad luck). On the same day, or next, or some days after, totally fine. But not before!

Report

Add photo comments
POST
dkreupeling avatar
Puck
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it customary in Germany to congratulate all birthday guests? The Dutch do, the Swiss i know don't.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#67

france (and frankly, many countries): don't try to pretend you're a local. we can tell you are a tourist, it might bother some people but it can be very offensive to lots if you pretend that you live there or are an expert. also don't try to pronounce things the 'french' or 'local way'. it is dumb and you sound stupid. say it like you would back home, nobody really cares as long as they can understand you. i grew up mostly in america and i pronounce things like 'cra-sont' and 'bag-get' it's stupid to pretend you are french

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#68

Nigeria might be messy and yes, we talk smack about our country a lot but we’re the only ones allowed to do so, no one else.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#69

Netherlands, from an Italian professor: when you are offered a cookie, for example to go with your coffee or tea, you are only offered once. So: 'would you like a stroopwafel?' 'noooo I shouldn't' 'well, ok!' and the cookie jar shuts with a bang and your opportunity to eat the delicious stroopwafel is gone forever as the jar goes back on the shelf.
The professor she told me in Italy it is polite to go back and forth in offering and rejecting a cookie and that the jar is put on the table so you can take more if you want to. Crazy.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#70

Many Indians don't know English

Report

#71

In Arab & Islamic countries, kisses are on the cheeks, not on the mouth.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
stephanietrosch avatar
Scotira
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

🤔 except with your spouse I suppose, right? Otherwise it would be kind of sad. (Edit: but maybe not in public?)

#72

Portugal:
Don't speak spanish to us! It's not the same language than portuguese, most of us communicate way better in english with tourists. And for many of us it's insulting.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#73

In Arab & Islamic countries, allocating special rooms for men and special rooms for women is in order to respect the privacy of each group.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#74

Show your love to your wife/husband inside your house, not outside.

Report

#75

New England: Calling Boston "Beantown". Assuming we all talk like the Kennedys - you cannot "Pahk yah cah in Hahvahd Yahhd." It will get towed and you sound like an idiot. Wearing anything with "NYC" or "Yankees" on it, especially around Fenway. Calling it "Little Italy". (That's New York - our Italian neighborhood is the "North End".) Finally, confusing us with the rest of what has become Jesusland (the former United States.) We're different and better.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
christopherhosmer avatar
Panda in the Fake South
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a dumbass comment. People like this give all the other Americans a bad name. Please understand this kind of stuff is not how most Americans are.

See Also on Bored Panda
#76

I'm from brasil

1- please, stop calling us Portuguese or trying to talk to us in *Spanish*

2- a lot of foreigners come here with their money being 5x ours and only go to the best places, no you do not know how brasil is if the only thing you can day about it is about the women and Rio de Janeiro, it's very rude to act like that

3- a lot come unprepared, big cities like São paulo and Rio de Janeiro are worst than the USA, it's completely full of crimes and if you don't know how it is you ARE gonna get robbed!

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#77

Please, the paella is delicious but it is from the community of Valencia, don't order it everywhere, ask about the typical dishes, we have a very varied gastronomy. When interacting with the waiter, the clerk and people in general "Hello, good morning/good afternoon/good night... how are you? say thank you, say goodbye. And leave the nap thing alone , in the center and south of Spain it can reach 45 degrees at noon and the longest day lasts just 6 hours in SUMMER. Siestas are not taken due to laziness. and generally stereotypes from the Franco era. Thanks for understanding

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#78

In Arab & Islamic countries, you do not shake hands with a woman if you are a man, and vice versa.

Report

#79

Nigeria might be messy and yes, we talk smack about our country a lot but we’re the only ones allowed to do so, no one else.

Report

#80

Nigeria might be messy and yes, we talk smack about our country a lot but we’re the only ones allowed to do so, no one else.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#81

france (and frankly, many countries): don't try to pretend you're a local. we can tell you are a tourist, it might bother some people but it can be very offensive to lots if you pretend that you live there or are an expert. also don't try to pronounce things the 'french' or 'local way'. it is dumb and you sound stupid. say it like you would back home, nobody really cares as long as they can understand you. i grew up mostly in america and i pronounce things like 'cra-sont' and 'bag-get' it's stupid to pretend you are french

Report

#82

Czech Republic: not Eastern Europe, but Central! Seriously, how more "central" could we be, just look at the map! :)) And now seriously-seriously - it has a good reason why we try to be distinct from the "East" - the obvious answer is our history with Russia/Soviet Union. Living over 40 years under communism with strong soviet influence, especially after the Warsaw pact invasion in 1968, left deep wounds that heal very slowly. And please, take off your shoes when entering someone's home! ;)

Report

#83

Never say that the flag of Bavaria is blue and white....
It´s white and blue.

Report

#84

Czech Republic: not Eastern Europe, but Central! Seriously, how more "central" could we be, just look at the map! :)) And now seriously-seriously - it has a good reason why we try to be distinct from the "East" - the obvious answer is our history with Russia/Soviet Union. Living over 40 years under communism with strong soviet influence, especially after the Warsaw pact invasion in 1968, left deep wounds that heal very slowly. And please, take off your shoes when entering someone's home! ;)

Report

#85

In Arab and Islamic countries, you do not shake hands with a woman if you are a man, and vice versa.

Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#86

france (and frankly, many countries): don't try to pretend you're a local. we can tell you are a tourist, it might bother some people but it can be very offensive to lots if you pretend that you live there or are an expert. also don't try to pronounce things the 'french' or 'local way'. it is dumb and you sound stupid. say it like you would back home, nobody really cares as long as they can understand you. i grew up mostly in america and i pronounce things like 'cra-sont' and 'bag-get' it's stupid to pretend you are french

Report

#87

Czech Republic: not Eastern Europe, but Central! Seriously, how more "central" could we be, just look at the map! :)) And now seriously-seriously - it has a good reason why we try to be distinct from the "East" - the obvious answer is our history with Russia/Soviet Union. Living over 40 years under communism with strong soviet influence, especially after the Warsaw pact invasion in 1968, left deep wounds that heal very slowly. And please, take off your shoes when entering someone's home! ;)

Report