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Traveling is an incredibly vital aspect of human life – and although we occupy the same planet, we each live in a separate world that everyone must explore at least once. 

Visiting places allows us to experience different cultures and become closer to each other; on top of that, it also does wonders for our mental health and gets our batteries recharged. 

However, before heading off on your new adventure, it's important to keep a couple of things in mind: 

“What should tourists NEVER do in your country?” – this online user took to one of the most informative and thought-provoking subreddits to ask locals about the things visitors should never do in their country. The thread has managed to receive nearly 8K upvotes and 20.4K worth of comments discussing the unspoken rules of folks’ home countries.

More info: Reddit

#1

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Canada here. Please don't litter in our wildlife preserves. Please.

Drifty_Canadian , VLADIMIR NAUMOFF Report

#2

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Don't talk so damn much. Don't sit next to us. Keep at least one meter of personal space. Don't tip. Don't haggle. Shut up. Drink more.

Finland, in case you were wondering.

Anomuumitar , violablom Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have found my country and my people. Standby while I figure out how to migrate to Finland.

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#3

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Don't just walk up to a kangaroo and pat it in the wild. Those f**kers will kick the s**t out of you. I'm looking at you Japanese

Tronspecial15 , Ted Report

#4

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group South Africa

Wearing khakis And hiking boots screams tourist. It makes you a target for criminals and that sweet camera you bought for your trip is going to find a new home. And besides, if your trip is going to involve hiking of any kind S&R would prefer you wore bright clothes so it makes your a*s easier to find if you get lost.

If you are going on a game drive (no one here calls it a safari) keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. Otherwise, enjoy being Simbas lunch. Respect the wildlife, they are wild animals and have no qualms about making you unalive.

[deleted] , Brian Burger Report

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T'Mar of Vulcan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There have been instances of tourists getting out to go pat the lions and being eaten. DO NOT.

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#5

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Britain - Do not antagonise the Queen's Guard. They are well within their rights to lay hands on you if you provoke them.

Snuggleproof , Alex Guibord Report

#6

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group In America, don't get out of your car and approach the cop when being stopped by a cop unless told to.

TheBassMeister · , My Photo Journeys Report

#7

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Iceland: Just because you watched Top Gear, don't think you can drive all over nature. Actually, this probably applies to most countries Top Gear has visited.

vadlaheidi , Tony Harrison Report

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

My godmother and her wife have been to Iceland. Apparently, it's very pretty and scenic.

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#8

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Australia: Don't go to our beaches without first applying sunscreen. Wear clothes and POLARISED sunglasses. We have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world due to extreme UV during summer. Also don't go swimming in your clothes at a beach, you'll drown.

halfcastaussie , osseous Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Swim between the flags and take note of any warnings ie jelly fish, crocs, sharks etc.

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#9

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Quebec here, well Canada. Don't buy maple syrup from the first stall you see, it will be way overpriced. Just go to a grocery store you'll do great economy

OneManYordleGang , Ed and Eddie Report

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#10

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group America: Plan too much. If you wanna see the Statue of Liberty, the Smithsonian, the Alamo, and the Grand Canyon, you're going to spend all of your time driving. Pick a specific area, and do everything you can in there.

BlueBackedRobin , WorldIslandInfo.com Report

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

Distances are a real problem in a big country like the U.S.A. Same in Australia, where most visitors miss the best places by sticking to the East Coast.

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#11

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Go on a hike unarmed when visiting the Svalbard archipelago here in Norway. You are required to aways have a firearm with you to protect against polar bears when traveling outside the populated areas.

Lick_my_balloon-knot , Gary Bembridge Report

#12

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Denmark:

Don't f**king walk out of the bus without looking both ways. There is an actual bike path between the pavement and the road at almost all bus stops. This means that if you just walk out of the bus once you reach your stop, you will get hit by a person on a steel contraption, moving at a very dangerous speed. It can get bloody, expensive and very embarrassing. This same thing applies when you need to get onto a bus. Don't just walk up to it and hop it: Look both ways before you cross the bike path

[deleted] , Alper Çuğun Report

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

Come to the Netherlands instead, where you can safely exit busses! (Just kidding, I love Denmark)

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

Shouldn't all traffic including bikes stop when a bus stops and the doors open? This should be the norm everywhere. The should be stop tags on all bus doors to prevent these incidents and so everyone understands the rule.

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

There are signs in the busses telling you to stop when you get off. And danish cyclists stops for nothing, so that's an easy rule to remember.

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

And while we're at it - Don't walk along the bike path. They will not appreciate this, and will let you know.

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

Nearly got run over by bikes several times in Amsterdam. Here in Manchester UK pretty much zero people cycle around the city.

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

what part of manchester are u in? because the city centre is heaving with cyclists. walking on oxford road means nearly losing ur life to a bike every time u try to walk, cross, or have to navigate into the bike path bc of unending roadworks. ubereats and deliveroo are almost exclusively ppl on bikes and there is an incessant stream of them. the air is punctuated by thick northern accented swears bc cyclists seem to think the footpath crammed with pedestrians and barely 30cm across is the perfect space to zoom along and happily knock the masses over like a bowling ball as they tear across the path

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't do this in South Australia either. Not because or bike lanes but because jaywalking is illegal and cars have right of way.

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

And sometimes they are not on the bike path. Always be aware of your surroundings.

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

I was like: Denmark looks strangely familiar, and then I noticed the billboard...

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

The law in Denmark actually states that bikes have to yield to buses at bus stops but most cyclists here know very little about traffic laws for bikes.

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

Only if there is no pavement between the bus stop and the bicycle lane, or at least that is what I was taught many, many moons ago, when we had to take a bicycle permit in school. As far as I can tell this hasn't changed.

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BadCat
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1 year ago

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#13

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group UK: Don't ever - ever - criticise the BBC or the NHS.

It's ours; we can complain all we like because we pay for it. And we like to complain too. It's our unofficial national sport.

You are merely a guest - if you ever need to use the BBC or NHS, you do not get to complain about it!

StuHardy , Gordon Joly Report

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

So Scots person here you are 100% allowed to criticise the BBC ( many of the reasons gotmyself4pandas states ), its awful, we all do it and tbh non of us would take offence of it. NHS is another story though, most of those guys worked their asses off for very poor pay during the pandemic and did they get a pay rise after nah our goverment decided that claps were far more useful. So we don't make fun of the NHS purely out of respect and not knowing if it could be us that needs their help next

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#14

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group USA: Tell anyone your political opinions they will never treat you the same whether they agree or disagree

CarrieDune , Michael Vadon Report

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

With the USA in the political condition it's in right now, this is solid advice.

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#15

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group the Netherlands.

Please don't say we are like Germans in any way. We do not sound like them, we do not look like them, in fact, just don't mention anything German.

Also; Don't walk in the bicycle lane, don't feed the doves and don't be a cool with the weed. Yeah it's fine to smoke in public but don't do it in crowded places or when kids are around.

Maklo_Never_Forget , anokarina Report

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

Not to rub Dutch people the wrong way, but the languages are similar. Dutch is easier to learn.

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#16

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group UK: Don't sit at a table in the pub and wait for someone to come and take your order.

Reason why? They won't.

Brickie78 , WordRidden Report

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Got Myself 4 Pandas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would depend on the establishment really, and usually whether the pub sells food. Not going to lie, when pub reopened after lockdown I quite enjoyed the fact everywhere was required to provide table service - much better than playing the how many drinks can I carry at one without spilling anything game

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#17

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Japan: stop with the stereotypes, don't mention the war, don't try to hug people/hand shaking, keep tidy.

[deleted] , Gabriel Garcia Marengo Report

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

Funny: who starts a conversation with "hey, what about that war 70 years ago."?

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#18

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group INDIA-

Do not kiss in public.

In India it is okay to pee in public but not okay to kiss in public.

Kamalnathan , Adam Jones Report

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

I'm going to poop at the side of the road and then throw a corpse into the Ganges. This is more acceptable than kissing.

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#19

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group In S. Korea tipping is acceptable is some places, but is mostly considered rude and belittling

Shinters , amanderson2 Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like tipping is big only in the US. We have it here in the Caribbean now in some places but it isn't very popular.

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#20

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Barbados.

Dont wear camo/military style clothing.

When the lifeguard tells you "dont swim near the rocks", DONT. F**KING. SWIM. NEAR. THE . ROCKS. You will either pass away, or break every bone in your body.

apophis-pegasus , Randy Robertson Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Camo is also illegal in Trinidad & Tobago, only the military or special forces are allow to wear it.

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#21

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Brazil. Don't go to the favelas (slums), it's usually not save for people that don't live there. Even worst don't go without someone that knows or lives there. I honestly don't get why so many tourists want to go to the worst part of the country.

theChaos77 , Pēteris Report

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#22

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Hawaii:

Decide you don't need sunscreen because you're from California and it's pretty much the same. Yes, I know your hotel is only ten miles from the airport and you paid extra for a convertible. You're toast. Literal toast.

Figure it's a tropical theme park, not a place where people live and work. Yes, folks, that's a road. For cars. Don't walk right down the middle. And no, I am not a cast member.

fusepark , Pedro Szekely Report

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

Seriously, people, just wear sunscreen or cover up no matter what season it is or what the weather's like or where you are. Skin cancer is no joke.

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#23

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group In France : don't ever sign a young deaf girl's petition (she's actually not deaf at all) she's just doing this to make money. And no, don't buy this amazing gold ring this old lady found on the floor right behind you..

atchoum013 , Dan Moyle Report

#24

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Poland:

Maybe not never, but be cautious while getting a cab at the airport/train stations. Most of the guys will try to rip foreigners off.

Also, never leave our country without trying traditional polish cuisine, because it's awesome. I recommend some pierogi, bigos, żurek and zapiekanka.

Wu-TangLAN , Pawel Kabanski Report

#25

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group USA here. Whistling at a waiter.

orose24 , Kate Ter Haar Report

#26

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Dublin, Ireland(didn't realise there was so many dublin's): don't go to Temple bar, tourists always stop to ask directions, i try and tell them there are nicer, much less expensive places, but because all the guide books tell them it's the place to be they don't want to listen.

Gwendilater , Heather R Report

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

Go there, drink a pint and go to another pub outside the temple area. Once there be surprised about the price and be embarrassed you didn't listen to the locals in the first place.

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#27

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Venezuela : Show $ in cash on the sreets or any kind of smartphone.

DropItToTheFloor , Amanda Report

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DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll say the same about neighboring Trinidad & Tobago. The smartphone...maybe not as bad...but definitely the cash. Don't make yourself a target.

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#28

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Singapore: Act like we cannot speak English, insult the elderly, or criticise the working class (meaning stuff like the public transport and things working class people use), or do crimes and expect the law to be lenient to you because you're a foreigner.

We may not react to you irl but the passive aggressiveness will turn into a s**tstorm online as swarms of wrathful keyboard warriors descend upon your sins.

letdown-inlife , missbossy Report

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

Go to another country and disrespect them (as per posted list), you'll rightly get what you deserve!

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#29

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Have [your] windows rolled down. In Tijuana especially. You'll be guilted into buying so many f**king churros.

S**tlord_EddardStark , Sami Keinänen Report

#30

30 Of The Biggest No-Nos When Visiting These Countries, As Shared By Folks In This Online Group Don't get a traditional tattoo and then go get it covered up when you leave... I'm not Maori so I don't have much of an understanding of the beliefs of it all, but I'm pretty darn sure that's not something you should do. They aren't going to welcome you back and look at you in the same light very easily. Looking at you Rihanna

Country: New Zealand

SureShaw , Micael Faccio Report

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

whaaaaa, she did that?! I'm kiwi and would not dream of getting a moko or traditional tatt because I'm totally pakeha (white, dad is from uk), and it would feel like cultural appropriation. I found a big chunk of pounamu (greenstone) when gardening last year, clearly a river rock and quite stunning. Emailed the local iwi immediately to ask how to return it to then (they met and decided it should stay with me 😊 an honour)

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