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“What Should People Absolutely Not Do When Visiting Your Country?” (25 Answers)
Article created by: Kotryna Br
It’s always risky to assume that some things are universal. From the side of the road we drive on to the meaning of a raised thumb, some things can and will differ, so it’s best to protect yourself from looking like a clueless tourist.
So one netizen asked people around the world to share the things tourists should absolutely avoid when visiting their country. We also got in touch with veteran traveler and blogger Jon Miksis to learn a bit more. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites, and be sure to comment your own thoughts and ideas below.
More info: Instagram | Global Viewpoint Travel Blog
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
There are two places in Norway where the borders of 3 countries meet. One is between Norway, Sweden and Finland. So you can walk around the border marker and say "I am in Finland, now I am in Sweden, now Norway". It is by a lake, so they have made a wooden walkway around the border marker so people can do that.
Norway also have a point where the borders of Norway, Finland and Russia meet. If you try to do the same there, you will be arrested. If you throw a rock or pee over the border with Russia or even just in that direction, you will be arrested.
While the Nordic countries are like brothers, Russia is the unstable psycho living next door.
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#2
UK here. Always queue. Even if there isn’t a queue, just look around politely and ask whoever’s around if they’re queueing. I know this reads like a joke but it really isn’t. There’s always a queue, and tourists always ignore it, and that’s usually why tourists get a bad rap in the UK.
#3
i'm from the czech republic originally, and something every tourist should be aware of is privacy. if you're some american influencer, DON'T GO TO CZECH REPUBLIC. you will get arrested if you push yourself into other people's lives. us czechs are not tolerant of that kind of behavior.
#4
Not a “country “ exactly but we may as well be, while in Louisiana remember a SWAMP IS NOT A LAKE. The sheer amount of tourist and northerners I see trying to swim in a swamp filled with swamp dragons is mind blowing. People have died, a Chinese tourist had her arm ripped off and another guy lost his dog throwing a ball into the water. We also have bull sharks
#5
Italy. The amount of morons (mostly tourists) climbing, scratching and desecrating monuments is stupidly high. Do these people really think it makes them cool to scratch their idiot name on someone else's millenary heritage? Beside being barbaric and ignorant, Italian taxpayers pay millions each year for monument restoration. I am a meek man, but any time one is caught in the act, I would instantly shoot them in the face with a rifle.
#6
If you are hiking through the austrian mountains with a dog, put it on a leash. The cows will hurt you if they feel threatened. In General don't disturb the cows and keep away from them.
#8
Order an ‘Irish Car Bomb’ shot. Doesn’t exist here, and the name has roots in The Troubles, a dark time in our history that people north and south of the border who are still alive lost people to.
#10
If you're not a strong swimmer, please don't wade out into our ocean expecting that you'll be okay. If you want to swim at our beaches, stay between the flags where there are lifeguards on duty.
#11
Don't go for a drive in the outback without making sure you're properly prepared if you get stuck. There's a reason you see so many abandoned cars on the highways out there.
#12
When visiting Denmark, don't sit next to people on public transport, unless there are no other seats available. And don't speak to strangers on said public transport also. Danes are incredible sensitive about their personal space and privacy. Also, not big on small talk.
#13
I am in the US and apparently it is common in other countries when a cop pulls you over, to take your papers out of the glove box yourself and walk it up to them.
Do not do this. It is a great way to get shot or tazed.
Due to the gun culture here, the cop has no way of knowing if you are or are not armed. Getting out of your car without being ordered to do so will be perceived as a hostile act, and the cop will pre-emptively defend themselves.
Stay in your car, roll down your windows. Keep your hands visible (resting on the steering wheel is good). If you need to reach anywhere, tell the cop exactly what you're doing, aka, "My passport is in my jacket pocket, I'm getting it right now."
If the cop asks if you know why they pulled you over, you don't. Be polite, be apologetic, and you'll probably get let off with a warning.
#15
DO NOT MESS WITH POLICE.
US cops are *not* your friend.
If you get lost while touring, ask a native or a firefighter.
All my homies love the fire department
#16
Compare everything and anything to your home country and complain how it’s “so much better back home!”
#17
Approach wildlife, especially when they’re with their offspring.
The amount of idiot tourists I’ve seen outside their cars within mauling distance of a bear or moose is mind boggling.
#18
If you’re visiting Brazil, specially a big city, avoid using your smartphone while walking on the streets, as you become more prone to being robbed.
#19
Try to pet/feed bears. For some reason tourists to Banff seem to think bears are mascots or something.
#20
Don't ask where the animals are in South Africa, we do not have lions walking in the streets, you are more likely to run into wildlife in America.
#21
You don't want to drive out in the desert in the southwest. That dirt road might not have had a car in ten years and if you blow a tire where it's washed out you gonna be a pile of bones faster than you think.
#22
In the USA, don't haggle retail prices, especially at local one owner stores. You can ask for better prices at flea markets .
#24
Don't go to Hollywood expecting something. Also, don't spend tons of money just to see famous people's homes on one of those bus tours. You should go to all the cool museums around LA though, those are pretty neat. And the beaches aren't too bad either
#25
Hawaii here -- don't go to Sandy beach, don't stick your head in the blowhole, don't go to toilet bowls. We have far too many people die here while on vacation.
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