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Our accents, body language, and mannerisms can tell everyone around us what country we’re from before they even ask. However, there are other more subtle cultural and behavioral differences that give this away as well when you’re going abroad on holiday. We’re not even aware of some of these things until someone points these out to us.
Redditor Mknapp37 went on r/AskReddit and asked people to share the ways in which you can recognize that a tourist is American, besides their accents. Redditors from all over the globe, including from the US, shared their opinions and experiences. Having loads of confidence, talking to waiters and strangers, and being super polite are all just the tip of the iceberg.
Have a scroll through these subtle and not-so-subtle signs that someone’s American, upvote the ones you agree with, and share your own insights from your travels in the comment section. Remember, dear Pandas, this list is a mix of compliments and subtle criticisms—all cultures have their upsides and downsides and it isn’t something that any of us should be ashamed of. However, stereotypes and false assumptions also play a large role in how Americans are seen abroad. More about that below in Bored Panda's interview with a redditor from the US.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Being called African American while living in the Netherlands
Randolph Croft 4 years ago (edited)
Most of the 'Africans' I know in Toronto identify as being from the Caribbean. A few who are actually from a country in Africa refer to themselves as Nigerian or Eritrean. As a larger group, they tend to lean towards 'People of Colour' because of that.
Brian Stanton 3 years ago
Americans were stripped of their origin, so were many Carribeans
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Karin Morris 3 years ago
They are trying to be respectful because the black people in America has asked to be called so many different things and we aren't sure how to not hurt your feelings anymore.
Liz Carroll 3 years ago
Yeah but he's not American, and probably not even of African descent. A lot of black people in the Netherlands are from the Carribbean/Jamaica
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Marina Bailey 4 years ago
I once unironically used the term "my black boys" in a FB thread about the racism that African-American male children face. I'm not American and was making an observation about the kids I teach not having to face that kind of racism here. I refer to the kids I teach as "my" kids. The ones I was talking about are literally also boys, as in 10-11 years old, and not specifically one ethnic group (usually Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho or Tswana). But it came out sounding SO bad. I went back and clarified that I was thankful that the indigenous male children from my register class would not have to face the shocking racism that African American males do. We live in Mzansi (the Xhosa term for South Africa, which is much cooler and faster to type).
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
This is habit. We're raised to not use terms like "black" or "Negro" now. It just happens automatically.
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
That's another thing about Americans. They cannot use the same terms for more than a year before having to change the wordings used, for some asinine reason.
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Daniel Marsh 4 years ago
There was a famous PC flap a couple olympics back about a reporter... one of the big ones, like an evening news national anchor ... referring to "African-Americans from other countries" or something of the like to refer to black people at the Olympics.
Ninn Kynok 2 4 years ago
The they thought it necessary to highlight the colour of someone's skin / ethnicity during the Olympics looks like racism.
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#2
I went to Russia once, and they knew I was American because I smiled too much.
Marnie 4 years ago
Actually, I've heard many times that it creeps out a lot of people from other cultures. They don't smile at someone as a greeting. They find it be fake (not a genuine smile) and thus creepy. I kind of like that idea of using a smile only to relay emotion, not as a form of direct communication, but I'm a smiley person myself.
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Thomas brennan 4 years ago (edited)
The whole 'Russians don't smile' thing is quite interesting. A few Russian friends explained it to me that it's more that smiling at strangers is considered odd - like going up and hugging someone you just met. It's not that they aren't as happy as anyone else, it's just that particular social cue is different. When I visited Moscow I was put off by that for a bit, but when I did something like try to speak a bit of Russian, they brightened up immediately and were very encouraging. When you get to know Russian people, they are just as smiley and humorous as anyone else.
Random Panda 4 years ago
It's kind of similar in Bulgaria. We don't smile all the time, but if you engage with someone politely you will likely get the same in return. I have friends who live in the States and for most of them the expectation to smile all the time is a bit exhausting.
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Telmo Belo 4 years ago
As I understand, Russians don't give fake smiles. If someone is smiling at you, they actually like you.
Diemond Star 4 years ago
There is nothing wrong with smiling all the time. It seems to have a positive effect on people:)
Minion Walker 4 years ago
I am Russian, who lives in America, and I do appreciate smiling actually. It does make everyday life more enjoyable, rather than seeing misery on people's faces.
Bear Hall 4 years ago
Friends were visiting from the States. We were walking together in my little town when we passed a group of people. My friends were immediately like: "Wow, these people were all smiling at us." "You haven't noticed their uniform? They were all from the US Air Force." (We have a big airport there.)
s. vitkovitsky 4 years ago
In Canada, a hospital, I'm about to be taken into operating room for emergency op. Serious Russian-Canadian anesthetist hovers over me, asks, would you prefer epidural (local,) or total knockout? I say total! He looks very serious, so I say, ' you don't look very happy with my decision.' He replies, 'No, it's fine. This is my happy face.'
Luiza NP 4 years ago
More like russian people smile less than most cultures. In the sense that culturally smiling means more. In Brazil it is polite to smile all the time.
Anna Banana 4 years ago
Nope. It's not that Russians smile less than others, most of east and north Europe is the same. Interacting with strangers is considered weird and people get confused because they don't know what you want from them. I used to live in a more open culture and now I miss it a lot. Maybe not the smiling itself, but just saying hello to strangers and casual small talk.
Load More Replies... Liz Carroll 3 years ago
Yep, Russians don't smile at people they don't know. They'll likely think you're crazy for walking around smiling at everyone
#3
Confidence. I have never seen someone walk so confidently in the wrong direction like an American can.
Karin Lange 4 years ago
i can walk very confidently in the wrong direction also. Believe me, you don't have to be an American to do that.
Kirsten Kerkhof 4 years ago
However, the moment I very confidently find out I'm heading in completely the wrong direction and have to do the return-walk-of-shame ... Not so confident ...
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Naima Ivansdóttir 4 years ago
walking confidently in the wrong direction is a basic skill you need to master when you travel alone. never ever make obvious that you're lost or have no idea where to go. i'm not american btw.
cassiushumanmother 4 years ago
This is very true. Once i was lost in the old town in Marrakech (very tricky one) but i was still walking as fast as usual. As i was passing by an old lady with some family members i just asked her where to go to... She was nice, glad to help and corrected my Arabic pronunciation lol. I would never take a map or a phone to find my way in a crowded foreign city, it's like shouting "i'm lost! I'm an easy target!".
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sofacushionfort 4 years ago
Winston Churchill was almost killed by a NYC taxi when he stepped off the curb looking to the right
Calypso poet 4 years ago
Lol! I wish I would have had a leash for my mom when I took her to NYC! She was always looking up.
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Patricia Tornborg 4 years ago
Well, if you are going in the wrong direction, what is the point of creeping along slowly and timidly? It will just take you TWICE as long to get nowhere! You’ve hear the expression, “We’re getting nowhere, fast!”? THAT’S American!
I had an insightful chat about cultural stereotypes with redditor Pfl2020, who created another thread about how Americans are viewed abroad. The redditor, who lives in the United States and has traveled abroad and seen the stereotypes foreigners have about Americans firsthand, shared with Bored Panda that some of these points of view are here to stay.
“I think cultural stereotypes are impossible to live without to some degree. Until people have been exposed to other cultures and really understand that there is more than one way to live they will continue to pass judgment on things they don't fully understand,” Pfl2020 told Bored Panda.
#4
Some Americans are way more polite than expected. Whenever I hear someone say 'ma'am,' I know they're American. One time I was in Lidl and there was an American family asking a worker if they sold cellphones. When the woman said they didn't, they were all, 'Oh, okay, thank you for your time, ma'am! Have a great day!' which is a lot cheerier than the average Scot.
80 Van 4 years ago
The use of “ma’am” is somewhat more typical of a specific region of the US (the Southeast, mostly). “Thank you for your time” is a pretty common sentiment throughout the US.
sofacushionfort 4 years ago
In the SE USA, "sir" and "ma'am" are even used to address cashiers and waitresses, even if they are younger than yourself.
cassiushumanmother 4 years ago
I'm French and i always use Madam and Sir. (i'm not a slaver, i mean i use the words)
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
I was raised with ma'am in the US North, so it may be generational, but we do try to be polite.
Amy Pattie 4 years ago
Yes, the ma’am culture! It’s so quaint and nice! I want to try sometimes but I feel so awkward it comes out creepy 😞
Aunt Messy 4 years ago
It's not always meant to be polite. It can be used to patronize and belittle people too. A tip! The two deadliest insults from the southern US are, "Well, bless your heart", and, "Isn't that nice?"
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stacyh 4 years ago
I was going to say, in all my travels Scottish people seemed to be some of the friendliest, loveliest, most helpful people I’ve come across. I loved it there.
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Steve Wilson 4 years ago
Are you sure you weren’t really talking to a Canadian? As an American I’m skeptical of “Americans being polite”. Don’t see it much myself.
#5
While in Korea, I was casually talking to a friend on the bus in a regular speaking voice. Not even a minute later, the lady in front of us turned around in her seat and very casually said, 'Please calm down.' I guess American volume is noticeably louder.
D D 4 years ago
I don't have sound sensitivity and I still hate it. We are not exactly silent whisperers in Western Europe either, but dear God, stereotypical Americans can make ears bleed...
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Giovanna 4 years ago
I can confirm it is, and I'm Italian, we're loud speakers too, but still I notice it!
Reynard 4 years ago
Funny story, I was taking a train from Nice to San Remo. After crossing int0 and with mostly French people, it was pretty quiet. After entering Italy and swiching trains in Ventimiglia, the train was now pretty empty and mostly Italians and it was far louder than a train full of French. I'm half American/French, and pretty quiet, by the way...
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Bogaert David 4 years ago
Always wonder why people talk out loud in public places. Like anyone cares what you have to say? Or like anyone needs to know what you are saying.. keep it private!
JessG 4 years ago
What do you mean "talk out loud in public"? Like, not talk at all? Or just don't be loud? I assume it's talking loud that bothers you, and I'd have to agree
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Anton Kider 4 years ago
Indeed. They shout too much as if they wanted people to know they are around.
로희 4 years ago
In this case, it's not only Americans, the majority of Koreans just don't appreciate loud, even only slightly loud, conversation in public transportations.
bubblyIam 4 years ago
the 50ish ladies in Seoul's busses or on the market are not that "silent" either ;)
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When Americans cross the street, they expect cars to stop for them. In my country, the cars will run you down without thinking twice.
Bear Hall 4 years ago
I always tell my American friends: "Here two kinds of people cross the street: the fast and the flat."
Kirsten Kerkhof 4 years ago
That is priceless! Thank you for a hearty laugh on a dreary day.
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Daria B 4 years ago
I was actually surprised in Slovenia. Cars just stopped any time we needed to cross the road. In Croatia, some will stop, some won't, but if there's traffic lights, they mostly tend to respect them. In Korea, especially northern Seoul, sometimes you need to have suicidal tendencies, or you'll never cross the road, even when your light is green.
Rose the Cook 4 years ago
That is what marked pedestrian crossings are for although some drivers ignore them too.
Vicky Z 4 years ago
Interesting difference between Cyprus and Greece which are considered the same but actually have differences! In Cyprus the cars will stop at pedestrian's crossings where there are not even street lights! In Greece they will definitely run over you and curse you while they leave!
Soph the Loaf 4 years ago
In Vietnam, you have to make the cars (and motorcycles. SO many motorcycles) stop for you or you'll never cross, haha. Pedestrians have to kind of group together and aggressively step into the street, while also being prepared to step back just in case.
Brian Stanton 3 years ago
I saw something about there where they absolutely dont stop and you just have to learn timing and dont pause and be slow
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According to the redditor, something that greatly influences how the world stereotypes people from the United States is the media that the country puts out.
“I think pop culture and the prevalence of American media internationally is the true source of so much of the ‘presumption.’ As Americans, we really don't know that much about the way other people around the world live day to day,” they pointed out that many foreigners already have an idea of how Americans are ‘supposed to’ act and can shoehorn some of them into neat little categories when they meet them. After all, we tend to look for things that support our hypotheses when we’ve already come to a conclusion about something.
#7
When I went to Italy with a friend, I couldn't figure out why everyone greeted me in English before I said a word. I don't wear running shoes outside of the gym, I dress pretty posh, I can't remember the last time I owned a baseball cap, and I try to have a basic grasp on the local language. How could they tell I'm American? My friend told me, 'It's because you're smiling at them.'
Miss Cris 4 years ago (edited)
I don't believe this. Italian people are smiling, too. I guess it was your clothes and mouvement manners and that your friend wanted to be kind with you.
Red rockin lobster 4 years ago
Italians are smiling a lot, as well. I live in Milan and there's a mixture of cultures. But you always recognize a tourist. Is it the way they are looking around (you see clearly when somebody is in the town for the first time), is it the way of walking, is it the too enthusiastic approach, is it the haircut , you choose it.
ElenaK 4 years ago
That is strange! Italians are not so inclined in talking English to tourists(we have Italians in the family also)! Most of them reply in Italian. Have been in Italy twice and I had to try and dust my Italian to communicate.
Miss Cris 4 years ago
It depends on the place. In touristic areas people tend to use English or other languages. Also, which is your mother language? Mine is a romance language and, when I'm in Italy, I don't use English as we prefer to use our respectives mother tongues. We can understand each other, it's fun and it feels more natural.
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Amyah Labrèche-Docq 4 years ago
Well, I am not american and I smile at people too so... americans are not the only ones able to smile... what a strange reflection! And I am from Europe and people are smiling and smiling back... I really don't understand that one!
Daria B 4 years ago
My French colleague, who has been living long years in Korea, said once, while small talking, that when he visits hometown, people tend to approach or greet him in English, thinking he's a tourist.
Miss Cris 4 years ago
It happens to me, too, because I'm too white and I get pink burned very easyly.
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Sonia Bailey 4 years ago
I'm English and I had the same experience in Rome. Usually they were these really aggressive ticket touts so I'd just tell them 'no hablo inglés' just to f**k with them.
#8
Americans are amazed by old things. My girlfriend used to work on a farm in an estate in the UK and would often have Americans in awe of the old buildings. One time someone said, 'Some of these buildings are older than my country'.
Kirsten Kerkhof 4 years ago
That is sad since the US has such a long diverse native culture. I'm from Europe so I'm used to old buildings (the entirely insignificant church in my village is over 600 years old and it's church #4 in its place), and I'm not particularly interested in native American art and culture personally, but I find it rather sad that these people's long history and rich culture is just ... not seen as history. America has thousands of years of history, it just wasn't European for the longest time. /steps off soapbox
Ozacoter 4 years ago
Yeah its very sad how people from USA dont consider "history" anything that happened before the colonisation. Spain was very different millenia ago but we consider the celts and iberians our history too. Same with the pre indoeuropean tribes that were basically replaced by indoeuropeans. Most of us dont descend from them but they are part of our history.
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Denise Lewis 4 years ago
Americans like to tear down not restore i bought a house 10 years ago there was someone else who offered more money over the asking price i got the house because he was going to tear it down the realtor was shocked when i told her i was going to live in it full time yes it was ugly and dirty inside but i saw the potential and it didn't need to be torn down
Crystal Pool 3 years ago
dont assume all americans are the same tho, just cause you know a handful that dont like to restore doesn’t mean all are like that. I love older style things and the beauty of antiques.
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Bear Hall 4 years ago (edited)
We were with a bigger group of Americans in a museum with a tour guide. There was a nice old table and the lady told us while she casually pulled out some its foldable parts: "It was used as a portable altar at outside masses more than 200 years ago." All those shocked faces in the group like "Don't touch that. It's almost older than the US."
#9
Saying, 'Hi, how are you?' to baristas, servers, retail workers, etc. My country doesn’t quite have that culture, so I find it really sweet.
Neil Bidle 4 years ago
Yeah, just basic politeness, I can't stand people who think retail workers and service staff are beneath them, they far more useful to society than the rich snobs
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I’m A Black Cat 4 years ago
European here (both Eastern and Western): The phrase "How are you" is not common in most European countries, as opposed to just saying Hello, Hi of Good Day (or the likes). The latter is common courtesy and those who don't greet restaurant or bar personnel or retail workers are considered rude. Quite a different story with "How are you" or "How's it going" which is really awkward to Europeans, since we don't really know what to reply. Do you want to know how my day has been? Or whether my life is generally ok? This question in Europe ist normally asked among friends when expecting a more or less thorough answer about how life is going and what's new. This is why the phrase said in Europe normally gives away an American tourist
Miss Cris 4 years ago
The question "how are you?" is like saying "hello". We don't expect (nor want!) any answer. Answers are usually "fine, thanks" and "how are you?". It's like saying "see you later!" when it simply means "good bye".
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Guy MacGregor 4 years ago
Yeah but they don't mean it. If you start answering they will most likely be puzzled
Charleybo 4 years ago
There's nothing wrong with greeting folks with politeness & a smile. It's rude to do business with someone and not be acknowledged that you even exist. Every time I enter a business I treat people with sincere kindness...and a real smile. You never know when you may brighten someone else's dismal day. Everyone who kindly greets you is not insincere or superficial. If you feel that they are, then it may have more to do with your thinking than it is them.
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Charleybo 4 years ago
There's nothing wrong with greeting folks with politeness & a smile. It's rude to do business with someone and not be acknowledged that you even exist. Every time I enter a business I treat people with sincere kindness...and a real smile. You never know when you may brighten someone else's dismal day. Everyone who kindly greets you is not insincere or superficial. If you feel that they are, then it may have more to do with your thinking than it is them.
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Andy Zbinden 4 years ago
it's weird. should i really tell, honestly? should i ask back? do they answer to every customer sincerely?
Calypso poet 4 years ago
I make small talk with cashiers and workers all the time. I might tell a funny thing that happened, or that I just went to the zoo. You would be amazed how many people actually want someone to talk to them. They might have something interesting going on. I'm the person smiles and says hi to everyone. Sorry!
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Chris Yuen 4 years ago
The "hi, how are you" greeting, where the americans quickly move on without expecting an answer, leaving the person shocked on how to answer
Pfl2020 told me that they’ve been abroad only a couple of times and it was to visit their wife’s extended family in England. “I was intrigued at the assumptions some placed on us because of where we lived. We just had candid friendly discussions about how we lived that was different from England in particular,” they shared.
The key to being a good tourist is pretty much the same as being a decent human being: respecting others and doing your best to fit in with the local customs. The more time you put into learning about the culture, the better off you’ll be.
#10
I was at a beach where music was playing and 'Sweet Caroline' came on. I told my sister (we are both Hispanic, but I live in the US): 'Hey, if you are wondering who here is from the US, you are about to find out.' Ten seconds later, we heard: 'BA BA BAAAAAA.'
Conny Dickow 4 years ago
That will happen at Oktoberfest in Munich, too, not necessarily with any Americans involved.
#11
I mean, obviously you could tell they were an American when they spoke, but once in my little village in Scotland I was in the pub and a woman politely asked the barman where the restrooms were. He didn’t know wtf she was on about and then it obviously clicked. 'Ye mean the toilet? Aye hen it’s joost back ‘err.'
cassiushumanmother 4 years ago
I heard Arthur Shelby immediatly but as a french i can't tell the difference with the Scottish accent here.
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JennyLaRue 4 years ago
I had an American friend explain the when people say "toilet" they think of the toilet bowl, rather than it just being a room with the toilet in it.
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ellie angel urban 4 years ago
There used to be women's lounges In the old days. Women could take respite in these lounges if they got exhausted in public. When they made women's bathrooms, they used to have sitting rooms attached to the toilet areas, for this reason. This was an effort apparently made to make women feel more comfortable using public toilets. Women also had clothing back then, that made it more difficult to use a toilet, so the areas allowed them to freshen up and fix their clothing and take a rest.
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Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
Toilet is French for the place you dress yourself (from French toilette ‘cloth, wrapper’, diminutive of toile. The word originally denoted a cloth used as a wrapper for clothes; then in the 17th century a cloth cover for a dressing table, the articles used in dressing, and the process of dressing, later also of washing oneself. In the 19th century the word came to denote a dressing room, and, in the US, one with washing facilities; hence, a lavatory (early 20th century). Stephen Fry pointed out on QI that all words, in any language, used to describe the place we evacuate our bowels are euphemisms.
Ninn Kynok 2 4 years ago
Not all are euphemisms ... 'the crapper' and 'shithouse' are not unknown.
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Miss Cris 4 years ago
It's quite the same in Spanish, comparing America and Europe (well, in Spain that changes a lot among regions and little areas), while in America they usually say "servicios" (services, restrooms) in Spain, at least in Catalonia, we use "lavabos" (toilet) as a polite word (that seems to be not so polite to them). Words change in all dialects and they are a way of recognising from where is a person. It's saying "I'm from thisland".
#12
It's 80 degrees out there!
How many miles?
That's two pounds?
debster 4 years ago
I was in grade school in the 70s in the US. We, for a whole year I think, were FINALLY switching to the metric system with the rest of the world. I don’t know why we stopped. It's idiocy I agree. I tell my kids about it. I rebel and use that side of the ruler because it's easier for me.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
I remember that! There was a lot of hype and news reports preparing us for it. School systems were pushing hard to teach it to us because it was going to be the norm. Then it was totally shot down by the “greatest generation”, who were in charge back then and didn’t want to have to learn, and get used to, a whole new system. They were my parents’ generation, so I have insight to their thinking. They were politically and economically powerful, but also very set in their ways. They may be called the greatest generation, but they were also an incredibly selfish generation, who may have saved the world from Hitler, but broke a lot of it after they were done with that. All they were thinking of was how to spend their children’s inheritance—-no kidding, that was an actual mindset back then, and by people whose own parents helped them get established, like giving them the money to buy a small starter home (or better, if they had money), after the war was over, as parents should do if they’re able—-so didn’t want to spend the money to retool everything to metric. But I digress. Anyway, I think the only holdover from that time is the 2 liter soda bottle.
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Jill 4 years ago
You know you're American when you measure distances in terms of how long it takes you to get somewhere....by car!
BluEyedSeoulite 4 years ago
After over a decade abroad, my husband still tries to tell me kms and I'm like... HOW MUCH TIME!! Granted, traffic tends to be a big deciding factor and GPS takes that into account
Load More Replies... TK 421 4 years ago
I was the classic American tourist in my younger days. Obviously asked the lady at the counter in London, “Pounds of what?”. My friends have never forgotten about that
Chris Little 3 years ago
Because Americans refuse to adopt the metric system, they will forever be cursed with using two systems and converting everything. My country converted to metric fifty years ago. I use only metric. If something in imperial comes up I ignore it and move on.
Suzanne Haigh 4 years ago
In England everyone (with any brains) older than 35 would understand all these except maybe a little confusion over the temp
Sarah Grape 4 years ago (edited)
kid at a pool: the coach said to swim 200 meters. everyone else on the team: where're yA fRoM???
Also, make sure to learn at least a handful of key words and phrases so that you can communicate with the locals. Yes, English might be a global language but it would be arrogant to assume everyone knows it. Besides, learning a new language before your trip is part of the romance of travel. Embrace the experience.
#13
When Americans introduce themselves, they never say they're from America. They mostly say the state/city they're from.
Håvard Hovde 4 years ago
I usually reply with "Oh, ok. I'm from Harestua". I've always seen it as them thinking everybody knows where Baltimore or Seattle is, when I usually have no idea UwU
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
Then you just started a conversation, because the natural reply would be to ask about your hometown. We’re not being stupid, or annoying, or rude. We’re just naturally curious and very interested in meeting new people, especially if they’re from a place we’re not familiar with. So there’s no need to be such a sarcastic douche about it—-though we would graciously overlook it, to be polite—-as we would happily tell you about our own hometowns.
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John Topper 4 years ago
I'm from America and I usually just say I'm from Canada. Makes people think I'm less of an idiot.
Nevits Yibble 4 years ago (edited)
I was made an honorary Canadian by my Canadian friends (they even held a ceremony, attaching a maple leaf pin to my lapel). So I do the same on occasion.
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80 Van 4 years ago
Each state is so unique, it is a better way of explaining where we are from and what our culture is like than just broadly from the US. It would be analogous to someone from Europe identifying what county they are from rather than simply saying they are from the EU.
Ozacoter 4 years ago
There is no comparison between the cultural, historical and language differences between european countries and the states in USA.
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lay1fly 4 years ago
Because the next question is always “ where in America?” Might as well cut to the chase
Θωμάς Γιόρκης 3 years ago
After "where in america" the answer should be Brazil, Canada or Argentina. Not New York
Load More Replies... Giovanna 4 years ago (edited)
Well honestly, I know it is not exactly the same, but when I introduce myself to an American I dont say I'm "european". I say I'm italian. The USA is the same size as Europe so...
Ozacoter 4 years ago
Its not comparable. Italy has millenia of history as a country, USA has 300 years. They had more but they destroyed all native american culture. The equivalent would be like you saying "I am from Campania". Most people, even other europeans would be like "ok..."
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స్టీఫెన్ ఆండ్రూ 4 years ago
That is so near-sighted. Just say you're from the United States and be done with it. Anyone interested will ask more questions.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
We do? i say I'm from the US. Huh. Missed this one in "how to be a stupid tourist" class ;-D
Amy Pattie 4 years ago
Unless they don’t… An American (who, to be fair could have been from Canada I guess) was visiting. I couldn’t pin their accent so I asked them where they were from. They replied “America” Oh, really? I couldn’t have guessed…
Me 4 years ago
To my American ear, many Americans and Canadians have the same accent.
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Kayla J 4 years ago
In my history, people usually ask where in the states, so it is sometimes easier to just cut to the chase and many have been more interested when I say Texas v just the US.
Ninn Kynok 2 4 years ago
The first part of your comment indicates they already knew you were American. That is different from people Americans, unlike other nationalities, introducing themselves as being from an state rather than country.
Load More Replies... #14
Baseball caps, university spirit wear, cargo shorts, free T-shirts from events with ads and text all over them, and, for the older Americans, they always seem to just kinda stand in the middle of everything and look around
Donna Leske 4 years ago
"free t-shirts from events"? you should know we BUY those to support the artist or event - and they ain't cheap!
Tim 3 years ago
I think he means tshirts that come from attending events that have huge lists of sponsors, all printed on the back. I don't understand why anyone would wear a shirt like that outside of the gym or bed, but they aren't talking about a concert Tshirt with a city list on the back.
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Jumpin' Jo Hosafatz 4 years ago
Not just older Americans... you can always tell when there is a group of Americans when you walk down a busy city center sidewalk. They always walk side by side, taking their time, chatting loudly and blocking everyone from passing from behind. Then as you finally get a chance to walk in front of them on the sidewalk, they will yell EXCUSE ME at you because you rubbed next to their shoulder as you tried to squeeze past them... even though you said excuse me a couple times, but they were so busy chatting they could not hear any one behind trying to get past them! They can be so self entitled sometimes, but mostly great people.
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
I feel like standing in the middle of all things is a typical old people activity everywhere.
mom24boys 4 years ago
I have NEVER known either of these to be giveaways. The true varsity jacket must be earned and even then, the athlete needs to pay for it.
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Ece Cenker 4 years ago
"for the older Americans, they always seem to just kinda stand in the middle of everything and look around"...Cracked me up. So true!
Gretchen Esquilin 4 years ago
LMAO My parents & I were sooooo guilty of all of this while in Germany!
#15
The absolute fearlessness of asking anyone on the street about anything
Miss Cris 4 years ago
It's not only a thing of USA people. I life in a touristic city and people from all nationalities, even those steretyped as more introverted, do.
Calypso poet 4 years ago
When I'm in Niagara Falls everyone who doesn't speak English asks me to take pictures and I am happy to. I guess I am approachable. I get handed so many cameras and phones it's hilarious!
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lara 4 years ago
I was in Hungary in 1976. I was with a university group. We had a free day. I was just "looking" and I was supposed to go to the Intercontinental Hotel to get a taxi back to the "youth hostel." I was lost. So, I did what any American would do, I asked a policeman, in both Russian and German. He looked at me like I had lost my mind and did not even respond. I went into a shop, asked the shopkeeper [btw, bought some beautiful woolen items] and I asked her how to get to the hotel. I told her I had asked a cop and she damn near had a heart attack. She said "YOU ASKED A POLICEMAN?" And I said, yes and she said "NEVER talk to a policeman." So we got to talking, I "exchanged" money for her at better than the going rate because "her brother was going to try and 'sneak' out of Hungary and needed the western currency." Good times.
s. vitkovitsky 4 years ago
Well, they were all pretty traumatized at those times.
Load More Replies... 80 Van 4 years ago
I don’t know, I don’t think that’s a universal trait of Americans. I’m terrified to ask anyone for anything, on the street or otherwise.
D D 4 years ago
Sure, there are millions of exeptions, because we all differ from each other. This is about cultural stereotypes.
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Live near a tourist destination, you get used to this in any nation, I suspect?
s. vitkovitsky 4 years ago
For sure. People from all over the world come to Toronto, bc there are people from all over the world here already, I guess.I've given lots of directions etc. to tourists. it's a pleasure to help.
Load More Replies... Vicky Z 4 years ago
This should be a normal tourist behaviour and it is in South Europe! You can ask anything you like in Greece and they will help you for sure and it won't be weird! When i visit North Europe it's very sad that noone helps and i have to be only with my gps! If you are out of battery you are screwed! It happened to me in Germany and tourists helped me!
Al Christensen 4 years ago
There have been times in my travels when asking at an official information kiosk was no better than asking random strangers.
Calypso poet 4 years ago
Staying in the penthouse of a 4 star Sheraton I asked the concierge about a popular footbridge that had been closed on a previous visit. He had no clue. In NYC the concierge sent us to the worst Italian restaurant for pizza.. When my husband and I went the next month we walked until I saw a line of people who looked like they just got off work driving trucks or doing doing construction. Fantastic! My husband still talks about it. Even I got a slice with pepperoni!
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Queen Jackson. 4 years ago
I’m North American and My dad always has to pressure me into asking the people at Walmart where things are. Depends who I guess.
#16
They complain that the portions are too small.
Anne Mitchell 4 years ago
I ordered nachos for one person in a bar in Massachusetts to share as a snack before dinner which we had booked for much later. Out came an enormous metal pizza plate groaning with corn chips, guacamole, salsa, sour cream and drowning in melted cheese. It defeated the four of us (still about 1/4 left) and we had to cancel the dinner reservation.
Don't Look 4 years ago
the portions here frighten me. some are literally so big I can split them in half and they are still too big.
s. vitkovitsky 4 years ago
So are the people who eat them, I would guess.
Load More Replies... Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
When I waited table in one of San Francisco's most popular tourist areas I would comment, upon seeing the surprise at my restaurant's generous portion sizes, "I took the liberty of bringing you the child's size portion." More than once I was believed.
Aunt Messy 4 years ago
America is the most obese country on the planet. They SHOULD be eating smaller portions.
Candia Lee 4 years ago
USA is not even among the top ten for either weight or percent of population that is overweight. Mostly because of small island nations that tend to genetic obesity. If USA is bad (at 16th), there must be some really awful out there.
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Viau Anna 3 years ago
Yes James Fall darling. You call ot a lie because you've never left your hometown and see the rest of the world. Those who actually have traveled know that your American portions are indeed gargantuan and unhealthy. You Americans eat as if you had affordable healthcare 🤷♀️
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hyj (she, her) 3 years ago
I wish American restaurants would cut back on the portion size. Always HUGE - we take them home and have dinner for two days on leftovers.
Pamela Blue 3 years ago
I'm sure restaurants would be happy to do that, but they wouldn't drop the prices or pay their staff a living wage, so why bother? Just divide your food and make 2 or 3 meals out of it.
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#17
Absolutely no problem with long car/bus drives.
Neil Bidle 4 years ago
This is mostly because you can (and sometimes have to) drive thousands of miles to visit places or people, "gas" is super, super cheap, and the roads are often scenic. You try driving 1000 miles in England and you'll either be in the sea, or going in circles
Dynein 4 years ago
I think another factor is that the "in-between" of America is less crowded, so its actually possible to have a fairly peaceful drive through large areas of countryside with bigger cities only at large intervals. Drive 1000 km through Germany, and you'll pass lots of larger towns with their own personal traffic jams and complicated intersections. The roads are either big and straight OR lonely and scenic, but not both.
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Karen Clark 4 years ago
Land of the free, home of the brave....we're a big, big country. If you're driving from Susanville, California, through the entire state of Nevada, and over to Salt Lake City, Utah, that's 12 hours or more behind the wheel. Sing it Alabama!: Roll on highway, roll on along Roll on daddy till you get back home Roll on family, roll on crew Roll on momma like I asked you to do And roll on eighteen-wheeler, roll on (roll on)
Al Christensen 4 years ago
Susanville to SLC? It's why Winnemucca exists.
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Connie Martin 4 years ago
Long is a relative term. In Europe you can pass through 7 countries in the time it takes to drive across Texas.
Mazer 4 years ago
I love a long drive. I live in California I had a friend say she was driving to Georgia across the country. At first she asked if she could borrow my small utility trailer to deliver some much-needed baby items (cradle, playpen etc..big items) to her son who was adopting a kid. I said sure, no problem..,then she asked if I would drive! Absolutely!! When do we go! We also have no qualms about towing things with a Prius because that’s exactly what she did, she got a company to put in a tow hitch on her Prius and we towed that trailer across the country and back. We got a lot of people looking at us like we were nuts!! *Just so you know the trailer was very small and never negatively impacted the Prius, it was all very legal
#18
They’re overexcited over something ordinary. “OMG look that grass how green it is”
sonofabass 4 years ago
Non-american tourists in the US will take many pictures of squirrels....it goes both ways. As a tourist, ordinary things are cool since you may not see them where you live.
Steve Wilson 4 years ago
My family is from South Dakota which had no trees until the pioneers planted them & no squirrels until there were trees. Both thrived until a religious group sponsored several hundred Asian immigrants who developed a taste for squirrel meat. My brother says he hasn’t seen a squirrel in his town for a couple of years.
Load More Replies... Don't Look 4 years ago
honestly, at times I can see how this is a great thing. It means you can appreciate the small things. I think it's overdone at times myself but if you don't appreciate it and it gets taken from you....
pelemele 4 years ago
During the harvest, while we were all wading in the mud with our buckets to collect the bunch of grapes (it had rained a lot and that day the work was very painful), 3 Americans disembarked including a woman half hysterical shouting that it was was "so quaint" and "so adorable" and "so wonderful" etc. so much so that the other two people accompanying her were ashamed and us, about to throw bunches of grapes in his face xD
Otter 4 years ago
I live in California, where the grass dies in April ever year, earlier if we're having a drought. By summer, I'm genuinely impressed by the sight of green grass growing wild!
Faith Hurst 4 years ago
Well, your part of California. I am surrounded by green in my part of Southern California year round. It's a pretty climate diverse state. More than many countries.
Load More Replies... James Fall 3 years ago
Wow if this isn't just a straight up Bigoted comment. What a f*****g loser
The Redhead 4 years ago
I think all people (regardless of nationality) can be awestruck by an area in their homeland they're not accustomed to. My husband is from the south, I'm from one of the mountain states; the other day we were watching something and they showed a city that was right in the foothills. He said it would be so cool to live that close to the mountains; I on the other hand was not awed I grew up in a city just like it.
#19
If you see an American in Japan, they will frantically look for public trash cans. The absence of trash receptacles is something unfounded in the US, and they become confused at the idea of having to hold onto their trash for extended periods of time.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago
I think many people from various countries would be looking for public rubbish bins, not just Americans.
Daria B 4 years ago
As a Croatian in Korea, I confirm. I didn't frantically seek them out, though. Also, nowadays there's more of them than 10 years ago.
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Alexandra Nara 4 years ago (edited)
We have quite a lot of public trashbins here in Germany.We are also obligated to collect our doggies poo from the streets and parks - I wouldn't prefer to carry this with me for hours
Jill 4 years ago
This is a VERY Japanese thing! I'm from Sweden and was also looking for trash receptacles all the time as well when I lived in Tokyo 2017-2018. Most ppl from Toyko think that the city got rid of all the bins after the Sarin poison gas attacks in 1995. Since then everyone usually has an extra bag with them for any garbage so that they can throw it away at home. We were taught to do this at the language school I studied at.
Joe Reaves 4 years ago
I don't know if it's changed in the last few years since I moved up north, but when I visited regularly you wouldn't find bins anywhere on the Tube network or in stations for similar reasons. And in Windsor around the time of any ceremonial parades/changing the guard they'd seal up the post boxes with metal plates.
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
So I guess it’s a good idea to carry a small scented trash bag with you until you can find a trash can. Thanks for the heads up.
Dan Buczynski 4 years ago
Too many americans will still just throw their garbage on the street, even when a trash bin is within arms reach.
Candia Lee 4 years ago
You must know a whole lot of Americans in order to make such a blanket statement.
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James Fall 3 years ago
Most places in the world have public garbage cans for everybody to use. I am really surprised with all the S**t Japan wraps in plastic that they aren't more Socially Conscious. What f*****g hypocrites.
#20
Having conversations with family at a level appropriate to a rock concert. HEY SANDRA WOULD YA LOOK AT THIS!
brukernavn340 4 years ago
You can probably tell they're not American by the fact that they talk in Greek or Italian.
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James Fall 3 years ago
Really? I have met way more Loud and Rude Assholes from other countries. They come here and have all these shitty stereotypes. Russians, Germans, Greek, Italian, any Asian country, all f*****g loud and rude.
Valisbourne Spiritforge 4 years ago
People, regardless of family situation or nationality, talking that loud in public is annoying. Especially in a restaurant where I can't hear my wife talking to me sitting 3 feet away.
ivan bolitekurac 4 years ago
I know people from my country talking loud,like shouting from one hill to another.Thus isn't just an American problem
#21
When we were visiting Paris, my wife and I learned that they don't seat you at restaurants. You just walk in and sit down at an available table. We figured it out after standing around at the entrance a few times. Then we started noticing other American tourists doing the same.
Katie Lutesinger 4 years ago
Here in Australia, there's usually a sign saying "PLEASE WAIT TO BE SEATED". If there isn't one, just help yourself.
Miss Cris 4 years ago
It depens on the restaurant. In general, in chaper restaurants that are without clients or reservations at this moment, you can take a sit or you can ask for one. In more classy or expensive places, or if there are reservations, you must ask. Anyway, it depends on the restaurant in Paris and in most countries I lived.
Vicky Zar 4 years ago
Isn't that a European thing? I've never had to wait to be seated, except in "American Diners". Only posh Restaurants do that otherwise
Lee Kerr 3 years ago
It varies; it’s common in the U.K. to wait to be seated and I’ve been in restaurants in other European countries which expect this. Im certainly not going into “posh” restaurants; I can’t afford it!
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wifeofweasley 4 years ago
it depends on the restaurant - in some places you can just sit down where you want to and in others you wait to get seated (mostly fancier or more busy restaurants)
Cupcake168 4 years ago (edited)
This Please-wait-to-be-seated thing is something I always ask myself: WHY? Especially when the restaurant/cafe is almost empty, there are several free tables at the windows and you end up being seated nearby the toilet doors (happens to us in San Francisco Bay Area - we left.). In my country reserved tables are marked and usually you can choose one of the available tables you want.
BG 4 years ago
Waitresses are assigned a certain section of the restaurant. They distribute the amount of customers among the different areas of the restaurant so that they can each make enough money in tips.
Load More Replies... Raphael Biock 4 years ago
As a European, I was looked by everybody kind of strange, when I just walked straight to a table in a middle-class restaurant/inn without waiting to be seated in the US.
#22
Americans are very outspoken. At my local aquarium the other day, I heard a lady very loudly say, ‘Have the penguins gone to bed? Can we not see them? Y'all, the penguins have gone to bed! Y'all, we missed 'em.’
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
I was at a special Kiwi exhibit, it needs extreme silence and dark. Cue tourists: "where are the kiwis??" Flash photo. Kiwis hide. Dammit.
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Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago (edited)
Outspoken is having personal opinions and not being ashamed to voice and defend them, as well as calling out something you see as fundamentally wrong, not merely inconvenient. This woman was being obnoxious, which is something else entirely—-and is a personality that appears in all countries and cultures. Every group, and every country has its own population of douchey people, some have more and some have less.
Ellen Ranks 4 years ago
Am afraid my fellow countrymen do this as well. I was once on a jungle tour to see local wildlife and one of my fellow tour members started yelling "hey Fred look, there's the monkeys! Look at the monkeys!" at the top of her voice. Chasing any wildlife far, far away. I am Dutch.
Calypso poet 4 years ago
My mom does this to me about everything everywhere. Everyone turns to look at me. I'm almost 50 and they are expecting to see a child the way she talks. It's so embarrassing. If my husband is with us I try to hide behind him. But I have an unusual name so it's hard not to draw attention.
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Susan Gardner 4 years ago
I (Canadian) was on a tour bus in London years ago, and every few minutes, an American woman would nudge her hard-of-hearing husband with loud pronouncements: "Isn't that cute architecture, Arnie?" "I think their Queen probably goes there", "They should be getting us lunch soon", etc.
James Fall 3 years ago
This is a Lie. Just using a stereotype so he can be part of the conversation.
Sarah Grape 4 years ago
not everyone does this. I could see myself asking a random person if they know, but not yelling it for everyone
#23
Inability to be discreet + really really really loud.
From across the petrol station on the other pump, I can hear that your wife's pin number is 7321 and she also wants you to buy her a coke, the other lady in the back just wants a sprite or whatever that is over here.
You are counting the money in your wallet on the way into the store out in the open, and i can see you have about a grand in 50's.
Where does the loudness come from, is it because everyone lives in such large houses that are built a few yards apart, so there has just absolutely never been a requirement to be quiet?
DragonflyGreen 4 years ago
Not all Americans are loud and indiscreet. Most aren't. Too many are. And apparently, they are the ones who travel abroad the most. We Americans HATE the loud ones too.
Katchen 4 years ago
I think the quiet Americans are not identified as Americans.
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Angela Melgaard Tomizu 4 years ago
There are lots of quieter Americans. You just don't notice them as much. Because they're quiet.
Ed Taylor 4 years ago
Clearly this wasn't written by someone from Germany or France. My best laugh out loud experience was watching an argument between two people, one from Germany and one from France. We could here them from a good 1/2 Kilometer away. They were so physically animated it looked cartoonish, and it sounded like something out of a bad WWII movie.
Brian Michael 4 years ago
I've traveled for work over and over and I have found this to be in reverse. I thought Germans with their ya ya ya's and the French with their almost always long guttural noooo's. We are all loud but I think people pick up on English and it sticks out in the crowd. I mean have you met anyone from Brazil or Argentina??? Soooo loud.
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
I doubt anyone except a really old person is going to yell their PIN number and count money in their wallet out loud. I can see the drink order being hollered, though.
Rosie Buckingham 3 years ago
Hearing aids aren't covered by insurance and run about $1000, so yeah, we yell often. 🙃
James Fall 3 years ago
Another Lie. Why is Everybody from France an entitled A*****e? Or Germany, Russia, Greek, Indian, anybody from Asia.
#24
Americans will try to tip everyone, even in countries where tipping isn't a thing/is considered a serious insult
80 Van 4 years ago
Truly, no harm is meant when that happens (though a bit of cultural research is always advised before visiting another country). It is viewed as rude to not tip in the US, so Americans are simply trying to be polite when they tip, not trying to push some agenda.
Sonia Bailey 4 years ago
Personally I think it's rude not to pay wait staff an actual living wage, like most civilised countries.
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Vicky Z 4 years ago
This is how we recognise Americans at the hotel i work and really we are happy when we see Americans cause they leave the biggest tips! Even if you don't have to, leaving a tip for a good service is a really nice gesture
Kristin Ingersoll 4 years ago
And Europeans come visit the US, knowing that tipping is the norm, and refuse to because it's stupid. See? It goes both ways! YAY!
Santhe van der Meulen 4 years ago
Oh god, the first time I was in a restaurant in the US, we tipped 10%, which is a very normal amount in the Netherlands. The waitress looked so angry and we had no idea why! We honestly didn't know that 20% is the norm there. I still feel sorry for the waitress!
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Ranch Dressing 4 years ago
Where is tipping considered a serious insult??? I mean, at the very least it's free cash
cassiushumanmother 4 years ago
In some countries it's an offensive thing to do. Like very condescending as if they were beggars, as if they were not paid enough, as if they were looking poor... and it could be very insulting. Depends on the culture but not everyone is eager to receive "free cash" from strangers while working.
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PenitentEyeball 4 years ago
America should not use tips and just pay their workers a reasonable amount! (Don’t even get me started on the need for the raise of minimum wage)
Glowdaddy 4 years ago
I lived in Latin America for 14 years as well as Canada, they don't seem to have a problem with tipping. FYI we tip, the car washers, the valet, the sanitation workers, the bellmen, the housekeepers in the hotels, hair stylist, ladies at the salon, taxi drivers, Uber/Lyft drivers, I'm sure I'm leaving someone out. Recently when I was in Germany, I didn't hear anybody complain when I tipped.
DetongLhamo 4 years ago
Americans are expected to tip because of their acceptance of a unliveable minimum wage. Low paid service workers rely on tips to survive.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 4 years ago
I'm trying to understand why tipping would be insulting. Like, is it considered a classist thing?
Ninn Kynok 2 4 years ago
In some cultures it can taken as belittling, and it can also distortblocal economies (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-tourists-shouldnt-pay_b_6139756)
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#25
There was a bowl of ice in the middle of the table for everyone to share between them, and this American guy took the bowl and dumped all of the ice in his own drink. Apparently Americans like ice more than Europeans
Amy Pattie 4 years ago
I feel like this goes hand in hand with the “free refills” culture. In other countries, the more ice, the less drink, and ordering/getting more is too much of a haste
Bear Hall 4 years ago
Americans always expect their glass halfway filled with ice. And they are surprised there are no free refills of soft drinks.
Nevits Yibble 4 years ago
I'm American and I don't. What's your explanation for me?
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I Just Changed My Name 4 years ago
That's poor manners but yes, we like a lot of ice in our drinks
Gary Davidson 3 years ago
In more than half of the US, the Summertime temperatures can exceed 100*F (38*C), and in some parts of the South and Southwest, it can reach near 120*F (49*C). We're accustomed to ice in drinks because it's often hotter than hell where we live!
#26
They’re looking for a store to be open at like 11 p.m. In most European countries stores close at like 7–8 p.m
therarestbanana 4 years ago
In rural Germany everything closes at 6pm. And good luck trying to shop on a Sunday 😂 the only thing that opens 24/7 are gas stations usually
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
That’s the way it used to be here in the states, before someone had the bright idea of 24/7 availability, including in holidays, and started keeping stores open all the time.
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troufaki13 4 years ago
In very touristy areas in Greece, like the islands, some shops are open until 1 or 2 am. Also almost everywhere you can find kiosks selling cigarettes, beer/refreshments, snacks open 24/7
Vicky Z 4 years ago
Yeap! I hate when there is nothing open from the early evening! I mean it's pretty ironic for example in "the city that never sleeps(NY)" , everything to close early! We are the country that never sleeps😅
Load More Replies... Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
The only shops you would find open at 11pm where I live is a Servo. Supermarkets close at 9pm and most other shops close at 5:30pm.
Iva Kazalova 4 years ago (edited)
Servo 😂😂😂 ah the magical land down under
Load More Replies... Nevits Yibble 4 years ago (edited)
In New York City I can order an omelette at 3:00 in the morning. And someone will bring it to me on a bike. God I love that city
Candia Lee 4 years ago
NYC in 1972 was already a 24/7 city. Most big US cities are, probably due to shift work. Small towns roll up their sidewalks for most retail around dark, tho enclaves along freeways are often 24/7.
InfectedVoice 4 years ago
In my city you can get things pretty much 24-7, in the little town I grew up in nothing was open past 8pm except the kebab shop.
#27
Handing the credit card to the server to be taken away and processed
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
I think this is a terrible idea. Never hand your card over, especially out of your sight. Is this normal anywhere else besides the US?
Nevits Yibble 4 years ago (edited)
It's perfectly fine Foxxy. No one here worries about that. We're protected by federal law in the U.S. for unauthorized use of a CC. If someone else tries to use it, we're not liable for the charges. It's the bank's problem, not the consumer's.
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Radek Suski 4 years ago
In Germany they will bring the terminal to the table. In older restaurants where it's not wireless they'll politely ask you to come with them
Al Christensen 4 years ago
I was renting a car in Mexico. Although I had made online reservations, there was some sort of hitch in the process and clerk said she needed my passport, driver's license and credit card. She then disappeared with them into the back office for what seemed like an exceptionally long time. Oh no, what if I've been ripped off? It was a tense few minutes while I wondered if I had been stupid and what I'd do without and ID. But she eventually came back with the paperwork and all my documents, and I was on my way. There were never any spurious charges on the card. Whew.
Robert T 4 years ago
It's not that long ago that the States were still using the card impression machines (carbon paper and a roller) which you then had to sign and we were already using chip and pin. These days it is drummed into us not to let our cards out of sight and usually not even to let anyone else handle them at all.
James Fall 3 years ago
F**k that it's normal, you're just a f*****g thief that's why you don't trust anyone because you can't be trusted.
Helmut Kok 4 years ago
main reasons is that in many European countries you need to enter a pincode
YoyoSthlm 4 years ago
Sorry but I've been to a lot of countries and the only time they take my card away is in the US. And on the same subject: how/why do you Americans still use checks? Like, how does it even work? I haven't seen a check in like 35 years.
Happy Panda 4 years ago
I am in the US. I haven't ordered checks in years. I tried to surprise my mom by paying her utility bill and the company required a check. I had to go to my bank (thankfully just down the street) and ask them to print me some blank checks. Never used another one.
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Pamela Blue 3 years ago
In Canada, our credit cards never leave our hand. I went to the US and we stopped for dinner somewhere in Pennsylvania and I had to over my card. Two months later, I "apparently" bought $2000 worth of cosmetic dental surgery and a $200 night at a pool hall.
Kimberly Brown 4 years ago
I remember in Germany the restaurants want you to pay up front when you order. I’m talking about sit-down restaurants, not fast food.
Lee Kerr 3 years ago
I’ve never had that in Germany or anywhere else in Europe.
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#28
Not looking to blame or shame, but there was this (otherwise Adorable) lady at a social gathering a few weeks back, that started talking about religion, and abortion, and how everyone should basically 'pick a side' (her words). I live in Northern Ireland, and that happened in Derry. Luckily everyone took it fine and the conversation went on after a short silence.
Edit : so pretty much as expected, obviously not all Americans are Muricans :)
Downunderdude 4 years ago
When it comes to things like abortion, religion or politics, laying down the law among a bunch of people you don't know just marks you as an ignorant, arrogant clod, no matter what your nationality.
iblowsheep 4 years ago
yeah the religious right in the US is a group of folks who scream about "liberal" government infringing on their rights....to dictate how everyone else should behave and think
Ragnhild Nilsen 4 years ago
I thought that all adult people who hadn't lived under a stone for the entire twentieth century knew that "picking a side" isn't a wise thing to do in Northern Ireland? Most places actually, but especially in Northern Ireland.
Aisling Raye 4 years ago
I love the "not all Americans are 'Muricans" observation. I feel like that's so true LMAO
Neil Bidle 4 years ago
Ireland has had a long history of arguing over the same religion, practiced differently, and a terrorist group being funded by Irish who loved their country so much they moved 5000 miles away
Ninn Kynok 2 4 years ago
Funded by Americans who believe their are Irish because of the origin of a long dead relative, that they've had the odd Guinness, listened to a Pogues album (who are mostly English), owned an Irish setter dog or worn a Kiss Me I'm Irish on Saint Patrick's Day (or as they call it to the chagrin of Irish people, Saint Patty's Day)
Load More Replies... Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
Those are topics you keep to yourself, unless asked directly, and even then you temper your answer so you don’t start an incident. Especially when you’re a guest in someone else’s country.
Marnie 4 years ago
I don't understand the relation to the photo, and I'm uneasy that the people in the photo might not want to be associated with this post. (Is it a stock photo?)
Lee Kerr 3 years ago
Probably stock; they often are on this type of site so they’re rarely appropriate
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Undead Soldier 4 years ago
I had an American in my store in a full-on panic when Trump lost. She went on and on and on about it.
Lee Kerr 3 years ago
You have my sympathy though I must admit I was just as upset over Brexit.
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#29
I hear that us Americans can easily be spotted in the airport by the fact usually were use to taking off our shoes in TSA
Anne 4 years ago
All airports needs you to take shoes off nowadays, unless it's ballet flats or slippers..
Vicky Z 4 years ago
Not true! I've traveled to Greece Cyprus Malta Italy Czech republic Hungary and Slovakia! The only place we had to remove shoes was in Germany(big company with different kind of shoes every time)
Load More Replies... Marina Bailey 4 years ago
Getting on the Eurostar (from London to Paris), a family was blocking an entire doorway with the biggest suitcases I have ever seen in my LIFE. The things couldn't fit through the door and they were arranging them this way and that to try to get them on. We had to walk down to another door and make our way back to where our seats were (they tell you which door to use to get on). I said to my companion, "I bet they're American." Listened to them for a bit and yep, American accents.
Big Chungus 4 years ago
I have had both happen at airports, sometimes I am told to take off my shoes and other times they don't seem to care
Sven Ottes van Aken 4 years ago
Shoes Off? I’m from Europe, traveled worldwide the last 10 years and never took off my shoes at any security. Only once I’ve been asked to take the shoes off, and it was not in the US. Unreleased, but related to “Security”: Twice, in Cuba and China, my lighters where “confiscated”… And in Sydney (Australia) I had a to go inside a (FullBody Scan module)… But shoes? Well, if you travel with hiking boots or similar, then: I got it!
Vicky Z 4 years ago
I was very annoyed in Germany when they requested to remove my shoes(flat ballerinas not something i could staff anything inside) and they didn't have the bags for the feet! Sorry but if you want me to remove my shoes you should provide me these bags! I don't want to walk around a dirty airport barefoot!
What do you think ?
Mohammad Ammar 4 years ago (edited)
I know this is an America centric site with a predominantly English speaking community, but can we please have posts about countries other than the US. I've also noticed how little people in this community know about Latin America, Asia and Africa. I'm sure you'd all find it incredibly refreshing and even entertaining.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
This is a pretty terrible list. Firstly many of these people seem to presume the person is from the US. Secondly many people from other countries would do a lot of these as well coz their experiencing something different too etc.
Daria B 4 years ago
I agree. I opened this article hoping it would be examples from experienced workers in the tourism field, because they notice patterns and such. But no, it's just about a common illusion based on what's on the surface.
Load More Replies... J Adams 4 years ago (edited)
I was working in a pub in my hometown in the southwest of England a group of American ladies come to the bar to order drinks and say “your accent, where are you from? Australia?” They simply wouldn’t accept that England has different accents other than the queens English
blugeagua 4 years ago
The US has many different accents too. But many people can't accept that either and think we all sound like mid-westerners.
Load More Replies... Vicky Z 4 years ago
I don't know about this weird list! I'm Greek and i found a lot in common with what is thought to be American here! We also smile, socialize and are loud! For me Americans are shown from one thing! BIG TIPS! I work in touristic industry and we always "fight" who will service the Americans!
GigiMacN 4 years ago
And we have another list of "American's are rude, loud, socially inept, etc., etc. and on and on. So tired of this.
Mazer 4 years ago
So I would just like to say that making sweeping generalizations about all Americans because you’ve had a run-in with a couple of them is not helpful to anybody. We are an absolute diverse group of people, many of us come from countries other than America and have not been in this country for more than a couple of years.
Don't Look 4 years ago
Well, now to be fair this is people in other countries recognizing american tourists (and they seem to mean US, not Canadian or anything south of the US). So it's their perception of a US citizen out of the US.
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Sandra Keith 4 years ago
I just smile when I read these kind of post. I thank God every day that I'm an American.
Linny H 4 years ago
Hilarious how Europeans are so obsessed with Americans. Yep, we aren't you and you aren't us. Glad that Americans aren't as petty and ridiculous as most of the Europeans that post here.
Linny H 4 years ago
Ninn Kynok refreshing to hear. Seems that many of the posters from countries other than the US (trying to be more specific for Lauren Caswell) paint all of us with the same brush. But you're right, I just did what I accused others of. My apologies.
Load More Replies... Nevits Yibble 4 years ago
So many people here need to learn how to use the word "some" in front of the word "Americans".
Katinka Min 4 years ago
Talking about God and Jesus like he's their next door neighbour. Soe of my American clients are almost overflowing with loud piety and some oddly cheerful Christianity.
Mohammad Ammar 4 years ago (edited)
I know this is an America centric site with a predominantly English speaking community, but can we please have posts about countries other than the US. I've also noticed how little people in this community know about Latin America, Asia and Africa. I'm sure you'd all find it incredibly refreshing and even entertaining.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
This is a pretty terrible list. Firstly many of these people seem to presume the person is from the US. Secondly many people from other countries would do a lot of these as well coz their experiencing something different too etc.
Daria B 4 years ago
I agree. I opened this article hoping it would be examples from experienced workers in the tourism field, because they notice patterns and such. But no, it's just about a common illusion based on what's on the surface.
Load More Replies... J Adams 4 years ago (edited)
I was working in a pub in my hometown in the southwest of England a group of American ladies come to the bar to order drinks and say “your accent, where are you from? Australia?” They simply wouldn’t accept that England has different accents other than the queens English
blugeagua 4 years ago
The US has many different accents too. But many people can't accept that either and think we all sound like mid-westerners.
Load More Replies... Vicky Z 4 years ago
I don't know about this weird list! I'm Greek and i found a lot in common with what is thought to be American here! We also smile, socialize and are loud! For me Americans are shown from one thing! BIG TIPS! I work in touristic industry and we always "fight" who will service the Americans!
GigiMacN 4 years ago
And we have another list of "American's are rude, loud, socially inept, etc., etc. and on and on. So tired of this.
Mazer 4 years ago
So I would just like to say that making sweeping generalizations about all Americans because you’ve had a run-in with a couple of them is not helpful to anybody. We are an absolute diverse group of people, many of us come from countries other than America and have not been in this country for more than a couple of years.
Don't Look 4 years ago
Well, now to be fair this is people in other countries recognizing american tourists (and they seem to mean US, not Canadian or anything south of the US). So it's their perception of a US citizen out of the US.
Load More Replies... Sandra Keith 4 years ago
I just smile when I read these kind of post. I thank God every day that I'm an American.
Linny H 4 years ago
Hilarious how Europeans are so obsessed with Americans. Yep, we aren't you and you aren't us. Glad that Americans aren't as petty and ridiculous as most of the Europeans that post here.
Linny H 4 years ago
Ninn Kynok refreshing to hear. Seems that many of the posters from countries other than the US (trying to be more specific for Lauren Caswell) paint all of us with the same brush. But you're right, I just did what I accused others of. My apologies.
Load More Replies... Nevits Yibble 4 years ago
So many people here need to learn how to use the word "some" in front of the word "Americans".
Katinka Min 4 years ago
Talking about God and Jesus like he's their next door neighbour. Soe of my American clients are almost overflowing with loud piety and some oddly cheerful Christianity.
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