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When we go abroad, we like to speak louder, gesticulate more, and play the 'dumb tourist' card whenever we get in trouble. But it would probably be wiser to just do a little homework before our trip and save ourselves the embarrassment in the first place.
In an attempt to collect the most valuable travel advice, Redditor u/Skinnysaif asked other users: "What should tourists NEVER do in your country?" and luckily for them (and now us), people from all over the world replied, sharing tidbits of information that can make journeys to foreign lands a lot more pleasurable. Here are some of the answers.
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#1
Concentration camps are not a place for you get your stupid selfies for your "influencer" profile. Those tracks you're standing on transported many to their death.
It's okay to take pictures for pictures for memories that you came here. But those people who come here to take "sexy" selfies have no place being here.
Xan A. Du 4 years ago
This reminded me of a video that was out years ago that showed teens twerking on raised graves in one of the beautiful cemeteries in Savannah, GA. Disgusting, disrespectful behavior.
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Dasha Slepenkina 4 years ago
I had commented this on another post, but will repeat. I went to Dachau when I lived in Germany. I'm Russian and of course I have family stories of loved ones going missing during WWII, likely killed or POWs in places like this. My trip to Dachau was a way of honouring those people and others like them. It was a beautiful autumn day and I was crushed when I saw people taking grinning selfies around the camp - it felt so strange to see people posing in a place where so many were imprisoned in horrifying conditions. I almost broke when I was in the room with the cremation ovens and a large group came in, laughing loudly. When you visit these places, please think about what happened there and the visitors who have come to learn or mourn. Take pictures, sure, but be respectful.
keepgoing 4 years ago
FFS what is wrong with people. Disgusting behaviour if they are taking selfies...wtf.. It is a very sad place and people should be respectful. I would absolutely approach ppl like this and s**t on them for being arrogant, self-involved dumb f###ks. Honestly, I wonder what happened in their upbringing!
Load More Replies... Nunya Bus 4 years ago
I just don't even understand how you can even feel sexy at such sites. I went to the holocaust museum in DC many years ago and we weren't even a quarter way into the exhibit and I was bawling!!!!! There was a tour group with exchange students from Kenya (I think) and this young man started crying and asked his host "how? how can people do this to others?" And he sounded so bewildered, frustrated, upset, confused and lost. And that just coupled with the artifacts and pictures etc just sent me into tailspin. I mean I'm from NY so 9/11 is extra big deal for me as that was a very difficult time for me and my family and friends and my husband is from the south. He wanted to visit the museum and I really didn't want to as its more that just a historical site to me. And I flat out had a panic attack in there. It felt like that day all over again. So how anyone ever goes to these sites and feels sexy, happy go lucky etc. I will never understand.
Aeon Flux 4 years ago
That is an amazing museum. They do an incredible job making you feel the real weight of tragedy.
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Andy Acceber 4 years ago
Yep. In the U.S., I saw tourists taking selfies where Dr. Martin Luther King was murdered. Don't do it.
Deutschland Mädchen 4 years ago
Well it's alright to take pictures of it, as it is a historical site, but taking disgusting pictures of themselves is definitively not what someone should do there.
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Denny Drossaert 4 years ago
Same for Ground Zero, where I felt sick watching other ppl all smiling and posing in front of those walls with the names of all the deceased. I only could imagine what it would feel like when you lost a dear one there and seeing all those other idiots all smiles and jiggles
ElenaK 4 years ago (edited)
In Greece many stupid influencers take photos in the Memorial to the Murdered Jews, half dressed, all boobs or legs showing. It raised reactions but they still do it! Disgusting!
Dr. Ankita Pandya 4 years ago
If we can't expect basic decency from people these days, we need to enforce dress codes and other rules of decorum at any and every place related to the Holocaust
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ZAPanda 4 years ago
no, it's much worse. You get neo-nazis visiting who do hitler salutes and similar.
Load More Replies...Cory and G Varga, the wife and husband duo behind an awesome blog called You Could Travel, for example, always research the customs of the place they're going to. "It's paramount that we do so," they told Bored Panda. "First of all, we don't want to get in trouble (imagine wearing a mini skirt in Abu Dhabi or kissing in Saudi Arabia). But we also research because we want to blend in with the locals and not stand out like sore thumbs."
The couple said it has plenty of benefits. "Locals appreciate us and give us better treatment and service. Not to mention that we set a good example for our fellow countrymen."
RELATED:
#2
Australia. For f**k sake. DON'T GO NEAR THE CROCODILE, DON'T TOUCH THE SNAKE, AND DON'T TRY TO EAT THE RED BACK SPIDER. These are all true things stupid tourists have done here, including some American picking a fight with a kangaroo. (The Kangaroo won)
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
Just leave all the wildlife alone whether it's cute, weird, cool or pretty etc.
Slick 4 years ago
I'm OK with them being suicidal, what i'm not ok with is them bothering these wildlifes.
Vicky Z 4 years ago
That day the kangaroo had a funny story to say to his friends (but i agree to leave the wildlife alone)
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Tracy Sellars 4 years ago
Basically leave all wildlife alone in Australia unless in an animal park/zoo where they allow you to interact with them. Yes we have cute wildlife and yes they will attack.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 4 years ago
Every American has seen Sylvester the Cat get his butt kicked by a kangaroo. I hate it when we ignore those educational films.
"When we're abroad we only give ourselves the freedom to try interesting culinary delicacies which we'd otherwise avoid back home. Other than that, we do what the locals do," Cory and G Varga said. "Tourists should read about the local customs and follow them as much as possible. Ideally, they wouldn't be loud or disrespect anyone. They should always follow the local dress code, understand how to behave in public, and even how to eat in a restaurant. Pay close attention to local holidays and learn a few things in the local language. Nobody asks tourists to spend days reading novels about the countries they are about to visit but to just be decent and respect their fellow humans."
However, it's impossible to learn everything. Sometimes, you make mistakes even with the best intentions. But that's OK! "When this happens the best thing to do is to apologize. And mean it!" the traveling couple said. "If there's no language barrier, explain that you've mistaken and you are very sorry for the issues you've caused. Ask someone to teach you how to do better next time. Show interest in the locals and strive to do better next time."
Cory and G Varga highlighted that it takes just 20-30 minutes of online research to understand some local customs. "As long as we all respect the basic rules, are kind and considerate, locals will be happy to accommodate tourists and welcome them to their countries."
#3
In England, respect the queues and do not cut. We will stare at you passive aggressively with the fury of a thousand suns.
jenjie.newt 4 years ago
The entire world despises a queue (or line) cutter
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Martha Meyer 4 years ago
Stare? I got asked pointedly whether I was looking for the "end of the queue?!"
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
As an AMerican, gotta say, not fond of those who cut in line (queue), either. Rude!
LivingTheDream 4 years ago
This must be passed through genetics. English/Scottish/Irish/Danish ancestry and actually heard my self shout at a guy who was trying to cut in the line after a concert for the bus ride back to the main lot "OY! The line starts back there!" ... I have never been to Europe and do not use the word "Oy!" unless I am singing to "Dirty Deeds"
UpupaEpops 4 years ago
Having grown up in a country where a queue is unheard of and people just sort of bunch up, I cannot tell you how much I loved this aspect of British life.
Stacy Beare 4 years ago
Killing myself laughing @ passively aggressive staring with the fury of a thousand suns!! Love it!!
Queen Jackson. 4 years ago
American will hit you with a timid, “Oh sorry, there’s a line. Yeah, get back.”
#4
Here in the U.S. in south Utah there are many amazing rock sculptures. Don't. Write. On. Them. They are rare structures formed by thousands of years of erosion, not something to carve your name into.
He-Matt & the MOTU 4 years ago
My favourite thing about being a Park Ranger is fining people for vandalism. And littering. Catching them is the hard part.
RoseTheMad 4 years ago
In Yorkshire, UK, there was a balancing rock formation that had been there for THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY MILLION years. All ruined in one night when some drunk teenagers knocked it over and graffiti'd it. And this is why I f*****g hate humanity.
Mich 4 years ago
I’ve seen people butting their cigarettes on centuries-old murals in Italy. Disgusting.
Kona Pake 4 years ago
Of course they didn’t want to step on the ash of the cigarette, it would get their shoes dirty (not condoning throwing butts on the ground).
Load More Replies... May 4 years ago
Never understood the need to carve/tag your name everywhere, but humans have always done it - must be an instinct some of the more primitive of us can't resist.
Viviane 4 years ago (edited)
I don't see the point. Will anyone give a s**t that Viviane Buttsucker-Bitch knows how to write her own name on random surfaces? Oh damn, not even BP cares enough to censor it!
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Lav Oravaf 4 years ago
this should be anywhere on the planet... and for future space travelling also other planets... thanks
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
DO NOT TOUCH THE ROCKS... That spray paint or carving can destroy marvels. We have this issue in the Blue Ridge ----- people have sent rare species to the edge of extinction. Go spraypaint an overpass. Leave the rocks alone.
AnnaBanana 4 years ago
Better still, have some respect and don't graffiti or spraypaint anything!
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#5
In Japan, bow to people who bow to you. In general, bow to people when they give you a service. It's a sign of respect and it goes a long way. Also, take off your shoes indoors and respect the culture.
Deutschland Mädchen 4 years ago
Perhaps they are visiting Japan and bowing back to a person off camera?
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Natasha Makinson-Hajjar 4 years ago
Correct about Japan and bowing (I’m part Japanese) but these are two Korean women, not Japanese.
Lauren Caswell 4 years ago (edited)
I've actually noticed that in the last almost ten years, I often do a slight bow when I was serving a customer or being served. I worked in a place that received huge influxes of cruise ship tourists and we did cameras, saving to disc to free up space etc, as well as our usual print shop stuff (during the time when phone cameras were new and crap, but film cameras were out, and most ppl used digital cam). I think I started doing it there, as it felt automatic when someone did it to me to do it back? I guess I never broke the habit, I've had a few mates over the years ask me do u know you just bowed your head? But I think it's actually quite nice, a respectful custom ^-^
BleeBloo 4 years ago
I've been to Japan many times. This isn't true at all, they don't expect foreigners to bow.
AnnaBanana 4 years ago
Maybe not, but they appreciate the attempt at courtesy. Japan is the most courteous nation I've ever visited and, as someone who thinks manners are very important, I absolutely LOVED it!
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Manny Alaniz 3 years ago
There are different types of bows depending on what situation you are in. Probably good to mention that otherwise you will look like a fool bowing at everything.
#6
Don't touch the wildlife in Australia. If it isn't poisonous, violent or otherwise ill-mannered and dangerous, it's probably protected or endangered.
Skara Brae 4 years ago
I visited a zoo near Sydney years ago and was very surprised that they let us hold a koala. I imagine that's not allowed anyymore. I was also surprised that koalas smell like sheep.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago
You can still hold koalas in some places. There are 2 wildlife parks (that I know of) in SA that let you hold a koala for a fee. Another wildlife park your allowed in the enclosure during certain times and pat them. They are used to people and have a wildlife worker with you.
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Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Good rule anywhere. Leave wildlife alone. It's not called *wild*life because it's a petting zoo bunny.
Lav Oravaf 4 years ago (edited)
this should be worldwide... anywhere any living wild creature should be left the F alone...
Madzdad the bard 4 years ago
The same can be said in the US, I hear stories often about people trying to pet a buffalo (American Bison), elk or moose. The former is 2500 pounds of attitude, elk are very protective of their territory and moose are big, dumb and very dangerous. I worry more about them then bears.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago
Yes, how do you think we are still alive lol.
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Firefoxy3121 4 years ago
Or it's that and has either chlamydia or transmittable face cancer depending on what and where
Kellie Whyte 3 years ago
The Transmittable Face Cancers are the Tasmanian Devils unfortunately, and it's wiping them out in HUGE NUMBERS!!!
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Amber swinger 4 years ago
The same rule applies for the new forest, England. Ive seen someone literally put there kid (who couldn't eben walk) in the middle of a group of swans. Next to the dont touch the animals sign. Seriously though, just dont touch wildlife anywhere, its disrespectful
#7
Poverty tours.
By all means, get off the beaten path and see the “good” and the “bad” if you want to. However, don’t go to a struggling neighbourhood to feel better about yourself or learn to appreciate what you have. Poverty is not entertainment
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Yes. But not in their own nations, where the pvoerty is naturally absent, b/c their nations are oh-so-better. (Nailing all EU, North Ameriacns, et al. on this..) You want to see poverty? See it at home. Be uncomfy that your nation has it. Do something about it. Leave "random poor guy's hut" off your bucket list. Soapbox put away now.
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buttonpusher 4 years ago
I'd say go there if you're going to do some good and help however you can, and not so you can post about it on social media for likes either.
Caro Caro 4 years ago
That being said, a guided tour in South Africa to SoWeTo is very interesting and an eye opener, just be respectful.
SupaCab 4 years ago (edited)
As a local, most of the tour operators do not contribute to the township economy. A few people in and around the famous streets, like Vilikazi Street, benefit from the tourists, but the majority don't. They see the tourists come through and then drive out in their fancy tourist busses. without much of a care for anyone that lives there. If you really want to see Soweto, get to know people that live there, go for a proper street party, it's honestly not as dangerous as people perceive it to be, as long as you are there with friends who are part of the community. Unfortunately, the vast majority of tourists, and locals even, are not interested in the township life outside of a few opportunistic selfies.
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Donkey boi 4 years ago
Some tour companies do this to you without your prior knowledge. You book the 'Experience [insert tourist attraction here] tour and it doesn't say anything about the stop at the local poverty stricken school, or local charity run business where they try to guilt you into giving money.
Rekhaa Gopinath 3 years ago
Tourist go to Mumbai slums thinking that it is a poverty tour, however, it is a protected area and only a few designated agents are permitted to give tours inside it -- the place is full of small business entrepreneurs ranging from world-class leather good made from scratch, wicker goods, furniture and the likes. Nearly nothing like what Slumdog Millionaire portrayed.
MysticMerman 4 years ago
Please tell me the sky rail in the picture is not used for this purpose. It's photo shop or used for something else. right?
Katherine Forrestall 4 years ago
This is an appalling practice. A cab driver in India asked if we wanted to see the slums. We were upset by the very thought.
#8
Germany here, and this mostly goes out to Americans. You should never assume you can talk privately anywhere in public Germany, just because you speak english.
I don't know if this is different in the US, but here, almost anyone can speak at least 2 languages, and very well. Pretty anyone can speak english, even more so in the cities.
I usually try to join in to any conversation americans have in the subway about how weird "those Germans" are!
Hugh Willie Mungous 4 years ago
Much of Europe is the same. To be honest . . . . . the further north you go the more likely you are to find that people speak English. English speaking in Scandinavian countries is epic. As for Germany - I lived there in a small town, as a child, in the 1960's. I couldn't speak German of course but never had a problem communicating as so many people spoke English. And that was in the 1960's!
Robert T 4 years ago (edited)
You'll find the Scandanavian countries speak excellent English because their television is subtitled rather than dubbed, except for childrens programs. Same applies to the Netherlands. We had a running joke in the office that the Danes only spoke Danish when they knew we were around and spoke English the rest of the time - their English was that good. I did make a small amount of progress learning Danish, but the pronunciation I found hard - I can read it better.
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La Kalypso 4 years ago
If a country's nice enough to welcome you, however short your stay, the very minimal decency you could show is to not overtly criticize those who, indeed, are welcoming you in their country. In your mother tongue or not, please don't. Save that for when you're back home. Thank you.
classbag 4 years ago
Don't do it when you get home either. Just don't be unkind. There's no reason for it.
Load More Replies... ElenaK 4 years ago
Depends on what you say! I once was talking greek , my language, in a small Belgian city , and a random greek replied. Never say anything offensive out loud assuming noone understands(thankfully I was not saying anything offensive of personal).
Vicky Z 4 years ago
😅😅😅this reminds me when i visited Duomo and was climbing down the stairs and there was another company climbing up and cursing in Greek about how many more stairs are! I laughed and said "a lot" in Greek and they were shocked😅😅😅
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Pungent Sauce 4 years ago (edited)
One of the best things I’ve found is to learn to say “Hello” “Thank you” and “I’m sorry, I don’t speak X, do you speak any English, please?” in the language of what ever country you’re going to. It’s not much, but it’s polite, and they probably do.
lenka 4 years ago
You should never assume this no matter language or country. I have overheard two girls having a private conversation in Dutch on the train in Australia and they were oblivious to the fact that myself and my family could understand every word. And just because someone is speaking one language, does not mean they dont understand another.
Verena Abt 4 years ago
Haha, brilliant. I had two Germans walking behind me in Dublin, youngish blokes. One said to his friend: If I was her, I'd wriggle my ass even more! I turned around and said: If you want me to, I will! That taught them. Never, ever assume people don't understand.
Steph 4 years ago
Great answer! My Mom (French) was taught a similar lesson on the subway in Munich. She assumed no one would understand her, as she commented on who rude a child was talking back to what we assumed was it's mother. I said to her, also in French, she shouldn't assume people in Bavaria don't understand French, just because they don't speak it. I speak 4 languages fluently, because my Dad is half German/half American and even though I don't speak Italian and Dutch - I understand these perfectly, thanks to have studied Latin for 5 years and having grown up in California -hence learning Spanish. The more languages you know, the easier it is understanding other ones, too! The lady backfired to my Mom: "it's NOT my child." -in perfect French
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Vicky Zar 4 years ago (edited)
Don‘t think you can talk in Polish, Russian, Albanian or Turkish either, because we have a lot of first, second and third generation immigrants from those countries too.
AnnaBanana 4 years ago
We have so many cultures and nationalities in Australia, it's just better to keep your mouth shut!
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Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Assume you are understood wherever you are. ---- my mom (who speaks four languages even after a brain tumor...)
J Kwon 4 years ago
My fellow Americans, we genuinely need to make a better effort to learn other languages! We are not the only country on the planet. I'm always embarrassed to learn how many more languages young children can speak in other countries. We don't even mandate a second language in our schools.
#9
In Germany, you should never be afraid of talking to us in German. We love it!
Any tourist who brings up the courage to ask us for directions or anything else in one of the hardest european languages just makes our day!
Caro Caro 4 years ago (edited)
Uhm, gutten tag, ick bin lost, weisst du how to get to Brandenhamburger Thor? ;)
chi-wei shen 4 years ago
This is a perfectly acceptable sentence for any foreign tourist in Germany.
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Csaba Hegedűs 4 years ago
One of the hardest European languages? *stares suspiciously in Hungarian*
A B C 4 years ago
Uh, German here. It will certainly not "make my day", but I'd really appreciate the effort one is taking upon them to try to speak German. I'd try to help them anyways though, no matter what language they're trying to ask me in. When I was backpacking through South-East Asia for the first time, I approached a local and asked him for directions. It took the combined fractions of English of his whole family to tell me the way, and I'm trying to give back this attitude. :)
Deutschland Mädchen 4 years ago
Guten Tag, wie geht es Ihnen? Amerikaner hier.
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F. H. 4 years ago
I don't think German is among the hardest languages in Europe. Literally everything east of Germany is much harder.
UpupaEpops 4 years ago
I was grinning in Hungarian when they said that. :D
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Susie Elle 4 years ago
It's always a delight to hear someone try having a conversation in your native language, no matter how well they do it. It shows you're interested and that's really cool :)
classbag 4 years ago (edited)
Maybe not so much in Paris. My friend spoke French. I didn't. I would just stand and watch helplessly as people became impatient and practically laughed in her face for trying to ask things in French. This wasn't random people on the street she was bothering but shopworkers and such. A few people were nice, of course, but a surprising number behaved as if they didn't have the time of day.
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Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago
Guten tag, gesundheit and auf wiedersehen. That's all the German in my vocabulary.
Birgit M 4 years ago (edited)
Sehr gut (very good), Foxxy! I know one Australian term: Dunny! I had a classmate named Daniela and her nickname was Danni (pronounced like dunny). After visiting Australia, she no longer wanted to be called by that name.
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Unaffected 4 years ago
I can vouch for this, Germans are so helpful and kind. Loved living in Germany!
Deutschland Mädchen 4 years ago
I really want to visit there are there any cities or towns you'd recommend?
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Gavin Johnson 4 years ago
I found that in pretty much every country I’ve visited that if you do some homework, make a concerted effort to learn the language, even just some basic polite phrases, then the vast majority of folk will join you halfway and either help you speak their language or even better they’ll test their knowledge of your language and encourage you to keep trying theirs. I ended up in a fantastic ‘conversation’ in Germany where I was driving an HGV and a bloke laughed at my German whilst I laughed at his English and we fought over which language to use in order to get me and my truck to the correct destination (pre GPS btw) we succeeded in confusing each other, settled on English, his English was better than my German and he directed me to my destination. I will say that I’ve massacred Italian, Spanish, German, French, Polish, Swedish, Dutch and a few others, I apologise! I find myself cringing when I hear people insisting on speaking English and being too loud about it, be respectful FFS.
AnnaBanana 4 years ago
Excellent attitude! I wholeheartedly agree (having massacred several languages while travelling myself)!
Load More Replies... #10
In Croatia, particularly in small towns, people are expected to clean the streets in front of their homes. As a result, you'll find exceptionally clean streets, which are a real sense of communal civic pride.
Peter Kovak 4 years ago
Between all the countries I've visited with my wife, Croatia is the only one where, at the end of the trip, my wife started to cry and say that she doesn't want to come back home. Beautiful country with very nice people.
v 4 years ago
"communal civic pride" Exactly what is missing in the U.S. right now and for the last 10-40 years. What made America great was that the majority of Americans in the past did what they had to do to keep the Country stable and moving in the right direction. Today a relatively large portion of Americans believe that making America great again it to do and say what a blustering ego maniac tells them to and the other side believe that giving away everything for nothing is the ticket to greatness.
Jackie Nettleton 4 years ago
I loved my visit to Zagreb it is a beautiful city and everyone is so friendly and helpful the only thing I had a slight problem with was they still smoke indoors which was a Bit of a shock as it’s ban in the uk
classbag 4 years ago (edited)
Yes, the list is titled "Things Tourists Should Never Do," so I'm guessing littering is the thing? You shouldn't do that anywhere, though.
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Guada Narbaitz 4 years ago
Isnt like that everywhere? Every house, every building here, takes care of their little corner.
#11
If you're visiting Portugal, don't speak to us in Spanish. You are not in Spain, and we speak Portuguese.
Slick 4 years ago
Asian has this problem too. I'm malaysian. I am from the Iban tribe. My mother tounge is iban. I can speak english, mandarin, malay, and french. I work and live in France. Some tourist try to speak chinese with me without asking my origin. I don't look chinese. I speak mandarin but not because i'm Asian. I feel awkward being treated as if all asians are chinese. It's the biggest continent in the world. China is a part of it. Not it's only country...
Two_rolling_black_eyes 4 years ago
One of my friends is Polynesian and from Guam. He owns a upscale hardwood flooring company so he has many entitled clients who refuse to believe he's not Mexican. They speak to him in Spanish and refuse to believe him when he says in English he doesn't speak Spanish. Right before COVID hit, I was with him when he explained to one that he's from Guam and they asked if that was near Cancun because they had another house down there they'd like him to do.
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Lav Oravaf 4 years ago
same goes for Italy... where people speak Italian not Spanish... so no "por favor" "gracias" and "adios" .... grazie :)
Eric Mac Fadden 4 years ago
Even being a Brazilian I sometime have difficulties with both languages mixing them up more than I should - Latin languages are very similar, but not the same
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Fabio Ribeiro 4 years ago
Well, yes. And no. If you cant speak any other Language, spanish is acceptable. Tourism parts understand English, but most of us understand spanish perfectly well.. The thing is: speaking Spanish cuz cant speak PT, is okay. What we dont like, is people assuming we speak spanish... different cases
AnnaBanana 4 years ago
That's the thing isn't it, that people assume. I always learn some of the local language where I'm travelling, because I know I'd find it SO rude if people walked up to me and started yammering at me in a foreign language. Even if I learn how to say "I'm terribly sorry, I don't speak (language), I'm Australian. Do you speak English, please?", that's at least trying. I got my way around Paris that way and nobody was rude to me because I tried.
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Losferatu 4 years ago
These would be the same people that think Spanish is the official language of Brazil because it's in South America. Of course they think the Portuguese are Latinos and not white Europeans.
D S 4 years ago
Tbf there was even UK propaganda from the last century basically stating the same stuff: that the Iberian folks were black and dumb. ... Obviously they decided to ignore the fact that we´re white asf, mostly caucasian and have, amongst others, even Celtic roots... so, there´s that.
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Shoshana Sherrington 4 years ago
Trouble is more people speak Spanish than Portuguese. So they are hoping that any similarities will help them communicate with you. Many of them hopefully know that Spanish not the language of Portugal
Ines Olabarria-Smith 4 years ago
True! But Portuguese understand better Spanish than the other way around. And are great people!!!!
Amy Pattie 4 years ago
That is such a weird assumption… I guess they’re next to each other, but I wouldn’t learn French to travel to England.
Karin Jansen 4 years ago
Once had a German woman explain to her daughter that the language I was speaking (Dutch) was "like German, but with an accent" and that if her daughter (probably around 8 years old) were to read it, she'd understand it. I didn't know whether to laugh or feel a little insulted.
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Eduardo Ffp 4 years ago
If I don't speak portuguese and you don't speak spanish but we can comunicate anyway, what's the whole point? We are neighbors, let's be nice with each other although we speak different but similar languages!!!
Daria B 4 years ago (edited)
I confess. In Japan, I'd sometimes speak in Korean. But I didn't do it on purpose. It's just the spontaneous response I have when someone interacts with me in a language I can't speak. Did the same with German staff of Luftansa, and with Russians who approach me in Russian, assuming I'm one of them. Still was very self-conscious about it. Except that time when it turned out handy in a coffee shop where owners were Korean.
#12
In Finland, don't get too close to strangers. We really value personal space.
Legen ( wait for it ) dary 4 years ago
Much way Before social distance was cool and trendy like now.
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Dietmar Pichler 4 years ago (edited)
There is this joke in europe, that the Finns looking forward to the end of corona. Then they can finally go back to their 3m distance instead of the recommended 1.5m ^^
J. F. 4 years ago (edited)
Never heard that before, but that's a good one ^^
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Pezor Zass 4 years ago
i feel like FInland is my spiritual home. they definitely don't need me to clutter up their country, though
grotesqueer 4 years ago
Also, if you talk to a stranger, don't take it personally if they ignore you or seem otherwise cold. It's not you, it's just that we don't really talk to strangers, so people might get caught by surprise and don't know how to react.
Siri Seppi 4 years ago
We are joking here that we hope that the Corona would be over soon so we could retunr to our norman 3-5 meter distance, because this 2 meter is way too close
Anna Banana 4 years ago
I love the Finns: they will rather stand on a bus than sit next to a stranger, but then they'll happily get naked and sit together in a sauna!
Dr. Ankita Pandya 4 years ago
Finland ranks first in the happiness index and now I know why! :) Introverts' dream come true! When can I shift? ;)
Kylli Anttila 4 years ago
Elevator coming, only I and one lady were waiting and she legit asked "Would you mind taking the next turn?" with a smile and we proceeded that way
Lillukka79 4 years ago
With corona, there's no need to ask, people don't even try to get in the same lift. Which is nice.
Load More Replies... #13
In Argentina, don't ask for coffee to go. We don't have paper cups. If you go to a cafe, you're expected to sit and drink your coffee.
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
Good on you, Argentina. Those things need to go the way of the dinosaurs all over the world.
Two_rolling_black_eyes 4 years ago
Most dinosaurs didn't drink coffee - no opposable thumbs to pick up the pot. Its why the T-Rex was so grumpy. He could pour himself a cup but his arms were too short to drink it.
Load More Replies... classbag 4 years ago (edited)
You better be white, then. Argentina is known for being unfriendly to non-white people. Beyond random stories I've heard, I also have a friend who tried to do study abroad there and left two weeks into a six week stay because she couldn't handle the comments about her race anymore.
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Vicky Reptile 4 years ago
This is not entirely true. We do like our coffee shops and to sit there to talk and drink coffee, but there are also places like Starbucks (or other brands) that would sell to you coffee to take on the go. But yeah, if you are here, don't go to Starbucks, go to a real coffee shop, sit down and take a good coffee and watch people come and go through the window.
Natalia Allen 3 years ago
A favourite past time, sit in or outside a cafe and watch the world go by.....
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Anett Szondra 4 years ago
That is the best for the environment! Those "paper"cups are not paper.....
More Thinking Needed 4 years ago
Unless you order from any one of the 108 Starbucks in Argentina.
Ozzie Ogawa 4 years ago
And that's how you supposed to enjoy your coffee, sit down and take your time.
Guada Narbaitz 4 years ago
This was pre pandemic times. Now, most coffee shops has To Go service.
#14
In China, NEVER go out without carrying toilet paper or tissues on you. It's never in public restrooms so you'll want to keep some on hand.
Craig Reynolds 3 years ago
It's also 100% true. I have been to China many times. Always keep TP and wet wipes on you.
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Rose the Cook 4 years ago
It isn't in each stall but there is usually a dispenser in the hand washing area. Locals know to grab some before entering a stall. That said, in any country it is always wise to keep a pocket pack of tissues with you just in case.
lenka 4 years ago
Not just China...all of Asia, most of the Middle East and all developing countries.
Kona Pake 4 years ago
You don’t need to carry TP everywhere in turkey, usually there’s a bucket of sand nearby.
Don't Look 4 years ago
This is actually quite a bit of Asia. Middle East all the way through to eastern China and then north and south. Though if you are from a western country I cannot stress this enough - don’t inhale when walking past a public toilet.
Claudia Schmid 4 years ago
This is true for a lot of countries. Always better to be safe than sorry 😉
Douglas Jenkyns 4 years ago
I went to the men's room in a very nice mall in Shanghai. There was no tissue in the stalls. There was an attendant who would give you some toilet tissue on request. You had to anticipate how much you might need.
Katherine Heasley 4 years ago
Yeah, never forget your tissues. It's very rare that a public restroom will have TP; usually, only fancier places have it. Also, throw your TP/tissues in the trash. That takes getting used to. I also recommend carrying wet wipes of whatever kind is available, because hot water and/or soap is a bit thin on the ground in public restrooms, too.
#15
In Jordan, if you compliment someone on something, it's impolite for that person to not offer that item to you. For example, if you compliment a man's watch, he will literally unlatch it from his arm and offer it to you. Of course, you're supposed to decline.
Agfox 4 years ago
Me in the Lobby of the largest bank in Amman: "I really like the look of this Bank"
Pezor Zass 4 years ago
all cultures have some sort of "pretend" behaviours like this, but it still drives me nuts. i don't get why people bother. like i even dislike people here in Canada asking me how i am if they don't want to know the answer.
Kylli Anttila 4 years ago
I guess 100 years from now people will look back and call us weird with our mannerism the way we feel about medieval mannerism
Load More Replies... Natalia Allen 3 years ago
Exactly! I hope they realise this and don't fall foul to unscrupulous arseholes..
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Daria B 4 years ago
If you complEment them, I guess you marry them and become family too. ♡
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Kylli Anttila 4 years ago
When I was in 2nd grade one of my textbooks told a story about how the Ethiopians politely asked out diplomats to hand them their shoes before leaving so they could scrap the soil off those shoes. "This is Ethiopian soil, we ain't gonna let it leave our land" 😄
Load More Replies... Amy Pattie 4 years ago
Wow that ones confusing! I could imagine a lot of people really getting peeved off at foreigners…
Tiny Dynamine 4 years ago
So weird! "Hey, I like what you did to your roof." *Walks home with a new roof.
#16
As a New Yorker, please don’t take selfies at the 9/11 memorial. Photograph the memorial, photograph the names, or in the event that one of the names means something to you I’m okay with you snapping a selfie. But the typical smiling-tourist selfies are crass.
Lee Macro 4 years ago
Been there.....one of the most moving trips I've ever been on and so glad I did it. There's also a part inside the memorial itself (there was when I went anyway) where you're not allowed to take photos at all because of how personal it all is (blood stained clothing, wallets, various ID's, children's toys etc)
Leii 4 years ago
When we visited ground zero (before the memorial was there, I think) there were people selling photos of the planes hitting the towers and even snow-globes with ground zero in. It was unbelievably grotesque and inappropriate!
classbag 4 years ago (edited)
What in the hell... I visited Ground Zero before the memorial and museum were built and thankfully didn't see anything like that.
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Enby.Minecraft.Bee. 4 years ago
Thats a place where thousands of people died and some brainless idiots decide to take smiling selfies? Thats horrible
Kinslee the witches apprentice 4 years ago
I don't understand why a person would be happy to be there. Just like they said photograph the memorial. Many people lost lives and its not a happy topic.
RoseTheMad 4 years ago
As with the concentration camps, (or any memorial where hundreds have died) this should just be common sense/courtesy and basic human decency.
#17
In London, don't look for your train ticket/Oyster card at the barrier to the tube. Locals will get mad. Find it ahead of time so you can walk right through the gates.
Nunya Bus 4 years ago
Yeah I was going to say don't do that at any major city train/subway system. New Yorkers will trample you, the Parisians will not be any kinder. Honestly just a bad idea
Load More Replies... WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Similar to the fools that stand twiddling their thumbs at the cash registers in shops waiting for the cashier to scan their 150 items. And when the cashier tells them their amount, they first look surprised and than start frantically searching for their wallet. Dude, really?
Lindsey Judd-Bruder 4 years ago (edited)
I literally just posted about the same thing happening in my drive through. You sat in line waiting to get to the window. But you don't start digging for your money until after I open the window??
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Higgleton 4 years ago
And don't try to get onto train before people have gotten off. It's so rude it drives me nuts!
Pam Pallett 4 years ago
YESSSS!! Elevators too. Or anything that people exit. Exiters first, enterers second
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An Co 4 years ago
True for EVERY city, just some natives do not realize others will get mad. What do you think is going to happen, that the barrier is just going to open for free?
Pam Pallett 4 years ago
As people stuck behind you miss their transportation
Load More Replies... Just saying 4 years ago
And don't stand on the left of the tube escalators - the left is for walking, the right is for standing. And don't stop at the bottom of the escalator working out where to go, everyone behind you will cannon into you.
#18
In Australia, swim between the flags. If you have little experience swimming in the surf and you swim outside those flags, then there is a relatively high chance that you will drown.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
People worry about the Aussie wildlife when our oceans are more dangerous. Drowning is one of the most common causes of death of tourists. So please please make sure you swim between the flags. We do have beaches where rips aren't much of an issue, you can research to find them and look for signs warning of rips and of course crocs and jellyfish etc. If a popular beach has no flags or warning signs it's not so bad but don't take risks if your not a strong swimmer.
El muerto 4 years ago
most people are not used to swim in the sea, mostly because they learn in swimmingpools or calm waters...they get cocky and don't realize how big a difference it is to fight the currents, waves and unpredictability of the sea than at the swimming hall
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Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
Same flags same rule for nz. They don't want you swimming into a rip. Stay between the flags.
TK 421 4 years ago
Back in the old days with my buddies on shore leave, we were told this as a kindness. We ignored it seven or eight beers later because, “I bet we can just ride a wave back in.” In our case, it all worked out because we were all extremely strong swimmers in our prime. I don’t recommend it for anyone else.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
They have shark patrols for busy beaches that usually have a warning siren for shark sightings. When that siren goes off it means get out of the water. The flags are too protect you from deadly rips, not sharks.
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Paul Werner 4 years ago
Between poisonous octopus,sharks, crocodile I'm just not going in the water in Australia!
Lynn Morello 4 years ago
If the siren sounds, Get out of the water and let the SHARKS swim away. Remember, Don't feed the sharks.
#19
In Ireland, stand your round. When you go out to the pubs with a group of friends, make sure to pay for a round of drinks when it's your turn. If you don't, you will be secretly labeled a cheapskate.
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
I haven't been to Ireland, but I'd assume you'd also not-so-secretly be labeled a cheapskate. I don't think of drunk folks as being particularly subtle. =)
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
You've met my Irish uncle, then... :-) Two shots and he's about as subtle as an asteroid strike!
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Karin Jansen 4 years ago
Isn't this a universal thing? Don't accept drinks if you're not going to buy a round yourself.
Karis Ravenhill 4 years ago
Secretly? Scotland and Ireland we call that crap right to your face loudly so the whole bar can hear, then everyone in the bar turns and gives you a death stare for not paying for your round.
El muerto 4 years ago
is more the being cheap, is a whole cultural unspoken rule, drinks are shared, and unless you are dead poor and this are your good friends that are cool with it, you must at least buy one round....this is not just Ireland, this apply in many many cultures and countries...read the room
Merty Robinson 4 years ago
In the UK here and absolutely stand your round, don't just pay for your own drink and don't imagine it will go unnoticed if you're first out of the taxi and last at the bar. If you're too broke to stand your round stay home, unless your friends make a real point of saying you aren't expected to pay (because it's your birthday or similar).
Emma Hudson 4 years ago
Usually in Aus, if you can only pay for your own drinks someone may still shout you some, but if you are all agreeing to pay rounds, you can't leave still owing one. Or if you are in the bar with my sister, when she is drunk she will even pay for random's drinks!
Load More Replies... Eric Mac Fadden 4 years ago
In Brazil each one pays its consumption. It's expensive to drink outside nowadays...
Skara Brae 4 years ago
Serious question. What's the point of buying rounds if everyone ends up paying the same anyway? It seems like it's pretending to be generous.
Iggy 4 years ago
We don't run tabs here so there isn't one final bill to pay and for everyone to chip in. It's just easier for one person at a time to go to the bar.
Load More Replies... #20
In India, traffic lanes exist on the roads, but people don't drive in them.
Vic 4 years ago
In India we have cows and buffaloes to make up for that..
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Raksha swami 4 years ago
Indian here. Traffic rules do exist and are followed in most of the big cities. This type of traffic you will see in non highway, small cities or less crowded places in big cities. But seriously we do have traffic rules World. Many city in india has shifted to digital traffic system. They will surely register your no when you run that rad light and next time you get caught be ready to pay the hefty bill. Reminds me of a incident when 1 person got caught and realise that he has multiple traffic tickets which are worth more than cost of vehicle so he left the vehicle at police station and didn't tried to get it back
LivingTheDream 4 years ago
Don't they use horns instead of turn signals there?
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Mich 4 years ago
A lot of people don’t understand traffic in Asia. When I first moved here, someone told me that unlike in the West, where we check who is behind us or in our blind spot before we change lanes, in Asia, they only worry about who is in front. The senses aren’t overloaded because you aren’t trying to manage a 360 degree risk, and if everyone only watches what’s in front, it all works. It’s a bit like walking in a crowded mall - you only navigate what’s in front of you. (Personally I still check my blind spot when walking in crowds, but I now understand Asian traffic better).
Pam Pallett 4 years ago
I check my blind spot when walking in crowds too. I feel like Walmart on Black Friday is what would happen if I didn't.
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#21
In Korea, the eldest person at the table should start eating first. Don't pick up your chopsticks, spoon, or whatever utensil you're using until the oldest person has started eating.
Slick 4 years ago
I once invited a few coworkers to eat in a chinese malaysian restaurant in england. My coworkers are french. I told them that playing with the utensiles are very disrespectful and frown upon. A girl i barely knew started to tap and jam with her chopsticks o. The table and on the bolw and on the head of another coworker. I was so embarassed and humiliated i contemplated to dash out of the restaurant after begging for forgiveness from thé restaurant owner... I cut ties with her from then on.
Marianne 4 years ago
She did that after explicitly being told that it is rude??
Load More Replies... Katherine Heasley 4 years ago
And if they're all looking at you, congratulations - you're the oldest person, so start eating, already!
Autumn 4 years ago
Eh its more like a respect thing, they could only be a year older than you and you'd still have to do this.
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
This applies to my mom's family's culture, too. And the oldset person at table gets first dibs on *everything* and anything.
MysticMerman 4 years ago
"Grandpa nodded off again! Will someone give him a nudge? I'm starving!"
Nicole Weymann 4 years ago
I like your name, hoopoe 😆 one of the very few animals I know in latin
Load More Replies... #22
Washington DC.
Do. Not. Leave. Trash. At. The. Monuments.
Also, get out of the water. It's not a pool.
That_One_Harry_Potter_Nerd 4 years ago
People Need To Know This! We Only Have One Planet.
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DE Ray 4 years ago (edited)
Side note: The water in the Reflecting Pool isn't (or at least wasn't the last time I was there) treated. Reportedly, people have gotten random diseases because they decided to wade in what is essentially an everyday pond which just happens to sit in the center of American government.
Daniel Marsh 4 years ago
Most famous DC native-culture rule: If you're standing on the escalator, please stay on the right. The left is for passing.
bonnyatlast 4 years ago
There was a pond at an art museum that everyone stuck their feet in. I was on the sidewalk and saw a guy near me with some hideous toenail infection. Then some teens came up and splashed water on their faces. I almost barfed right there....
Don't Look 4 years ago
But if you are a tourist from the states please do go to the intersection near Pennsylvania and Lafayette square - right about that area - and out loud say that you think that building with the dome is the White House. That absolutely cracks me up every time.
MysticMerman 4 years ago
Better yet, let's stop producing trash altogether! If you throw it in a trash can or bin, it doesn't magically disappear.
Brian Stanton 3 years ago
Only those of us that have to take ours to rural drop centers or the dump really get it. Curbside I think spoils people
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#23
In Paris, you should always say "bonjour" when entering a shop or restaurant and "au revoir" when leaving. Even if you don't purchase anything or walk right in and out.
Stefan 4 years ago
Wait, people don't do that on daily basis everywhere in the world ? (Anyway, in Paris, it's only valid in small stores or places)
Skara Brae 4 years ago
Very rare in the US. You would get a puzzled look from employees in most places.
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Robert T 4 years ago
Well I might get some funny looks if I tried "bonjour" elsewhere, but saying "good morning" or "good day" is a fairly common thing in most European countries. It works wonders for putting shop owners in a good mood if you at least try to say it in their language. I remember the delight of some of the elderly Greek stall owners when we showed that we could make the effort to learn a little bit of their language. Please and thank you also go a long way.
sofacushionfort 4 years ago
This should be social policy in every country EXCEPT for the kiosks at US malls. Do not make eye contact with a US mall kiosk attendant or their shills.
Yvette Desmarais 4 years ago
It's nice to do anytime you go into a shop. Especially a small shop. Say Hello and Thank you when you leave.
Legen ( wait for it ) dary 4 years ago
In Germany too. People on the stores are polite and friendly and you don't feel pressure to buy something.
Rissie 4 years ago (edited)
Next time I'm at the Carrefour I will make sure to greet every employee there! In _and_ out. No but really, in small shops that's hardly an exclusively french custom just like you don't go round a huge mall greeting everyone unless you make eye contact or something like that.
#24
In Vietnam, commit to crossing the road. It looks scary with the endless scooter stampedes, but if you just cross at a steady pace, they'll avoid you. Do not try to dodge or make sudden movements. Just simply walk across.
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
Better yet, find someone crossing who is Vietnamese and just follow them.
Katherine Heasley 4 years ago
Ha! That was my strategy in China. Find an old person to follow. They've survived up to this point, so your odds are good, too.
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Mich 4 years ago
This is consistent with any busy Asian city. Walk slowly but steadily, and the traffic will adjust to avoid you. Learned the hard way in Ho Chi Minh City 20 years ago when stranded across a busy road directly across from my hotel. Eventually saw how the locals did it. Took the risk, stepped into the road and it’s easy peasy.
Lav Oravaf 4 years ago
first time I had to do that I was in Hanoi... scariest s**t ever... but I did it and then you get used to it ;)
LesAnimaux 4 years ago
I tried to cross a street six years ago, I'm still waiting for traffic to slow down
#25
Singaporean here
You are allowed to wear Flip flops and shorts wherever you go. The fancy city area? Flipflop and Shorts are perfect. That 5 star hotel? Flip flops are welcomed. Public transport? You are weird if you do not wear them
Pezor Zass 4 years ago
makes me never want to. i have a nearly irrational dislike for flip flops. i hate the look of them, the feel of them, and especially the sound. like i can make a little dramatic film in my head of myself going insane from the constant echoing "slapflap flapslap"
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Corinna S. 4 years ago
These are actually acceptable nowhere in the world!
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Bruce Pummeroy 3 years ago
I asked a young girl visiting Australia from England if she brought her shorts and thongs, she gave me a dirty look and I was in trouble for asking a 14 year old girl about her sexy underwear, no in Oz thongs are flip flops . lol. We inverted them I think, hehe.
#26
In Denmark, do not stand or walk in the bike lane. You will get yelled at...and/or hit by a cyclist.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
In the Netherlands they just hit you. Especially in the tourist places where people are fed up with tourists standing in the bike lane taking selfies. The bike lanes are red for a reason. It's from the blood of tourists using the bike lanes as their private walkway.
Rissie 4 years ago
And when it's saturated, we collect it and mix it with fresh asphalt as a warning sign to the rest of the world! But always need and tidy.
Load More Replies... ElenaK 4 years ago (edited)
Is there any country where you do not get yelled at if you do this?
cugel 4 years ago
Everywhere else you are far more likely to be yelled at for daring to ride a bike, and the worst offence of all: not looking after the welfare of the clueless
Load More Replies... Rissie 4 years ago (edited)
Yes Denmarkians and Germanians claiming they invented this. Bow down to the Dutchonians. We will not yell, we will intimidate you with large masses of bicyclists and our auras will be feared by all other road users. Do. Not. Step. On. The. Red.
Ayden Manning 4 years ago
And in the U.S. you will get yelled at and/or hit even if you're on the sidewalk
Just saying 4 years ago
Walk lane, definitely, unless you can wheel yourself faster than the bikes.
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Kori Chamberlain 4 years ago
Yes! I love their bike lanes. It’s separated by a curb from both the road and the sidewalk. You can really get moving when commuting via bike through the city.
#27
In South Africa when you go on a “safari” (we call it a game drive), you must never ever get out of your vehicle or get close to any big animals because that is how there are stories of people dying to animals here. Just please stay safe and obey the rules to save lives.
TK 421 4 years ago
Also, stay silent when told to do so. The guides know what they are talking about.
Wednesday 4 years ago
I know OH so many people who would immediately say, "WHY!" in a very loud voice if told to be quiet... Shut. The. F**k. Up. (I'm speaking to my fellow Americans...)
Load More Replies... Jerry Mathers 4 years ago
Unless you believe that moral/cultural values are better than everyone else's. Then you should pack a pocketful of bacon, a ham sandwich, and approach the nearest pride of lions because everyone knows that lions only eat unwashed heathens, liberals, and atheists. :-)
UpupaEpops 4 years ago
Also leave all shiny jewellery and accessories at home, along with the very loud bangles that will be constantly making noise. And please lower your voice as well when talking to each other.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Who does this? I mean, seriously, give me a telescope or binocs, and I'll watch from a reallllllllly safe distance.
More Thinking Needed 4 years ago
Unless you are an influencer whose life revolves around taking selfies. In that case, be our guest.
AtomKat 4 years ago
And especially if you’re looking at hippos. They’re big, fat, murder machines that could probably take down Usain Bolt.
May 4 years ago
I can't go on safari - I wouldn't be able to resist trying to pet the 'kitties'. If there wasn't a fence between me and the Tigers as the zoo, I'd be long dead. There's something wrong with me.
Dr. Ankita Pandya 4 years ago
Haha damn, me too! Soft kitty, warm kitty, BIG ball of fur! ;)
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#28
Switzerland is really expensive, and you should know that ahead of time. Don't make that surprised face when you have to pay $15 for a Subway sandwich.
H Edwards 4 years ago
I paid almost a hundred euro for a round of beers in Norway.
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More Thinking Needed 4 years ago
If you are visiting Switzerland and eating at a Subway, you are missing the point of visiting other countries.
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
I don't think they take dollars in Switzerland. You'll be lucky if they accept euros.
Claudia Schmid 4 years ago
Euros are widely accepted - especially in touristy areas
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Gunn Iren Müller 3 years ago
That is so not true. We’re a Swiss-Norwegian family and we visit Switzerland a lot less now than we did ten years ago and earlier. The swiss franc is horribly expensive now and we can’t afford to visit from Norway.
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Brian Michael 4 years ago
I was blown away how a simple lunch was 25 euro when I was in Switzerland.
Sanne H. 4 years ago
Relatable. Our planned evening dinner in Bern became a spaghetti bolognese in a snackbar after watching the menus of the restaurants in the city center.
Load More Replies... Robert T 4 years ago
I'm struggling to imagine the Swiss eating at Subway! When I was working there we just went to the local supermarket and bought fresh bread and made our own lunches. The oddest part is that everyone in the office had their own mug and there didn't seem to be any for visitors, so I had to go out and buy a mug! Prices for eating out were similar to London, rather than where I live, so slightly more expensive, but not outrageous.
Norart 4 years ago
I don't understand. Why is that "expensive"? If the person making the sandwich makes a good living at that price - it's not expensive it's normal - right?
Nicholas Kraemer 4 years ago
Are you still making a good living if everything costs proportionally more?
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#29
Assume that I support Trump or am a fundamentalist Christian because I am a white American male. I've been talked down to by Germans in particular and don't like it. I wish I had more than one vote, or be rich enough to live in different countries as my mood and politics changes, but that is not in the cards.
May 4 years ago
If you're an American who has travelled outside your country's borders, my assumption would be that you're NOT a Trumpian. But yeah, the 'Americans are stupid' stereotype has been very strong since Trump first got elected
Skara Brae 4 years ago
Americans have been stereotyped as very rude and uncultured since colonial times. But then the most noticable Americans abroad actually are very rude and uncultured. When I travel, I do my best to blend in.
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Amy Pattie 4 years ago
It’s a real shame when people judge the citizens of a country for the way the country is governed. The individual didn’t choose the life they were born into.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Unless you see someone wearing the gear, do not assume any American is a Trumpy. Many of us are mortally offended at the mere suggestion, and many of us loathe him and his beyond words. Also, if we fly a flag or own a gun, we're not a Trumpy. We may be in the military, or hunt food, etc. I don't ask all Germans to wear Bavarian lederhosen, so please don't ask me to be a Trumpy to fulfill your cultural expectations of me. Peace out!
J. Normal 4 years ago
Big difference between lederhosen and a orange idiot follower. We do have one thing in common with Germany - we both have HAD leaders we should be very ashamed of.
Load More Replies... Matthew Zornig 4 years ago
I was in the wine country in California with my mother and asked a man from Belgium to take a picture in front of one of the local landmarks. He took the picture and then proceeded to scream at us about how all Americans are anti-immigration racists.
ZAPanda 4 years ago
That sounds unpleasant. Did you remind him about Leopold II and ask him to apologise for that?
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Prilsy 4 years ago
I've found Americans who travel are perfectly polite and friendly, never had a problem with them. I think most Europeans get annoyed with them because some tend to be too loud, but if you pay attention not all are like that.
Pam Pallett 4 years ago
Yeah, I've found foreign travelers in general can be loud. Even when they visit the US
Load More Replies... Pungent Sauce 4 years ago
From more than one trumptard: “Why would I want to go anywhere else?”
Shane S 4 years ago
Please, please! Our electoral system is a bit messed up. Sometimes the majority of Americans can be against a candidate and they still can win in our political system. We know. It’s weird. Please don’t include all of us into one category and we will reciprocate.
Memere 4 years ago
Agreed, but the electoral college is beyond "a bit" messed up, it needs to be gone!
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snipergun 4 years ago (edited)
I also thought trump supporters, rednecks, hillbillys are uneducated (white trash)... I was taken out of that picture finding out that colleagues from our American branch are all that. Highly educated highly skilled person was at dinner in Netherlands hitting table top with fists screaming "the wall works!" (we made joke that communists tried it and people were digging tunnels to smuggle people and western goodies).
MandiMay 4 years ago
Nope. You just have to have an in inferiority complex (like racism) and a lack of critical thinking skills
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Jessica N 4 years ago
People assumed the opposite of me, as a tattooed pierced liberal woman they assumed i voted against trump. Don't make assumptions about someone's personal beliefs or politics i think would be a better lesson. (As a president i believe he did great. As a person he's an idiot.)
#30
Don't talk to anyone in public. Only approach people for conversations if they are receptionists or something similar.
It's not for your security or anything, but it freaks us the hell out. No one talks to strangers in Norway, unless you're hiking and above the treelines.
Odd Ragnar Deng Lerstøl 4 years ago
No, that is not true. As a norwegian I can say that most norwegians are happy to talk with tourists visiting our country. We love to hear people telling us how beautiful it is (we know), and telling us how expencive everything is (we know).
Lav Oravaf 4 years ago
as a tourist in Oslo I find that Norwegians are so nice and outgoing. I personally had the "don't talk to me" experience in Sweden.
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Helene Oldemark 4 years ago
Yeah, no, not so much. We have no problems talking to tourists. It's our fellow Norwegians we usually try to avoid.
Amran Mohammed 4 years ago
its nothing like this i live here and people talk alot
Load More Replies... Legen ( wait for it ) dary 4 years ago
How am I supposed to learn to speak the language if I can't speak with the locals ?
Cecilie Linn Græsdal 4 years ago
I can't remember the face of People I walked by yesterday, but I still remember the faces of two ladies that didn't greet us when we were hiking last year. It was quite a weird experience 😂
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Steph 4 years ago
Not true. At least not for Oslo - had the time of my life there - with local strangers (not strange locals!) We got into conversation at a pier, went to Mc Donald's together (most expensive French Fries ever!) and finally ended up in a club, dancing all night. Still in touch with one of them, only seen each other once 19 years ago!!
Ingrid Best 4 years ago
Not true! Yes, we have introverts - But at least half of us love to help out strangers and talk to tourists. Waiting in the doctors office last week, all 7 of us waiting (not knowing eachother) were chatting away like friends!
MCathenaE 4 years ago
I'm just going to freak you the hell out. It is ingrained in my Midwestern(US) blood to chat with strangers. I'll even hold the door open for you and smile if we pass each other on the sidewalk. 🤷♀️
Charis Denny 4 years ago
OPE! I am Midwestern af, and I seriously don't know what I'll do with myself when I make it to a country where talking to strangers is frowned upon. I have longtime friends who I met at the grocery store, in bathroom lines at concerts, waiting at the DMV, etc, because I really like people and can strike up a good conversation with just about anyone. I like to be respectful whenever I'm visiting other places, so I'm think I'll have to take a ball gag with me or something. 😂
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#31
If you're taking the bus in Sweden, never sit down next to another person if there are other empty seats available.
lenka 4 years ago
Again, not just Sweden. Most European countries, UK, Australia, New Zealand all have this 'rule'.
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Merty Robinson 4 years ago
I lived in Sweden for 5 years and would add that you may think you are in the queue for a bus, but when the doors open it's a free for all.
Donkey boi 4 years ago
Unless it's me on the bus and your a crazy person, then you'll OBVIOUSLY sit next to me!
Karis Ravenhill 4 years ago
I thought this was universal, like two guys don't stand next to each other at the urinals if they can put a 3rd urinal in between?
Jaimie Randall 4 years ago
This should be universal, just like taking the bathroom stall next to someone when there are multiple empty stalls.
#32
been hearing a lot of northern Europeans talking about bike lanes, so: In America, if you rent a bike, you should be aware that even if the bike lane is painted onto the street in a rainbow pattern with flashing neon lights, nobody gives a [damn]. You are not safe in the bike lane.
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
Eh, this differs dramatically by city. Still, be aware of cars if you're a cyclist and don't weave across a road.
Nathan Pogorzala 4 years ago
true. Boston, you're fine and safe, NYC: you are going to die.
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Martha Meyer 4 years ago
This reminds me of the youtube channel "Just bikes." He explains why the roads in the US are so comparatively dangerous for bikers and pedestrians.
Samantha Melnychuk 4 years ago
In a lot of parts of Canada, there are trees in the middle of the bike lane, people park in it... It's just not a widely accepted concept and people aren't properly educated on it. Though, neither are the cyclists who use the sidewalks, don't signal, and don't follow traffic lights or signs. We need better cycling education over all in Canada.
RoseTheMad 4 years ago
The UK has bike lanes that aren't used, instead they just cycle in the middle of the road.
Meg Curry 4 years ago
All the bicyclists down-voting being called out for their bad behavior. Typical. Give bicyclists an inch and they'll take a mile.
Reynard 4 years ago
They're not 'bicyclists' they're humans. Just like the people inside cars, and they are no different. In fact there is a study that shows that people on a bike break fewer laws than people in cars: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/09/18/motorists-break-law-to-save-time-cyclists-break-law-to-save-lives-finds-study/?sh=3b3fe5013c54
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#33
In Malaysia, it is absolutely normal for someone to ask you what race you are, so don't be taken aback if you are asked. It isn't meant to be offensive. It's just general curiosity.
Susie Elle 4 years ago
I often wonder why it's accepted in some parts of the world and it isn't in others.
Mii 4 years ago
Propably because some don't have that aspect with slaves of a specific skin color, I'd assume
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DE Ray 4 years ago
In some parts of the world, this is an exceedingly dangerous thing to ask. There are lots of places where racially-based genocide has happened in living memory. If someone asks me my race without being a very close acquaintance, I'm going to lie while looking around for a weapon to defend myself with.
Scipio Africanus 4 years ago
As someone who lives in the US I have never understood why this is unacceptable. I don’t ask but I am often curious
#34
Southerners, USA: Be really mindful if someone says "bless your heart," because that could mean you earned high favor or just stepped in a big pile of trouble.
ChelleShock 4 years ago
Also, be aware of sundown towns if you aren't white. Do NOT stop in a sundown town after dark if you aren't white!
Lynn Morello 4 years ago
In some situation it is said to highlight how stupid you are. "Oh, bless your little cotton socks, you must be the runt of the litter. This can come across if someone thinks someone else is being a bit nasty.
Nathan Pogorzala 4 years ago
They always seem to forget about Fort Sumter.
Load More Replies... #35
In Mexico City, never get into a cab before making sure it has a visible sign with the driver's ID and a working meter. Also you might want to follow your location on a map so you'll know if the driver is taking you around in circles.
SykesDaMan 4 years ago
The second part of this advice is true for most parts of the world. I don't know if there are some exceptions.
Robert T 4 years ago
I can honestly say that in all the travelling I have done over the last 30 years, no-one has ever tried this on me.
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Paola Martz 4 years ago
It's not only because of fares, kidnapping is sadly common in Mexico too, specially if you're a young female, so always be super cautions (I'm Mexican)
classbag 4 years ago (edited)
Riding taxis in Mexico City was a bit nervewracking because we were told conflicting information, like just because a cab has a meter and the driver has ID doesn't mean they're legit. We were fine, though. Thankfully, we were also told not to ride the subway, but we did, and it was actually kind of great. This was 15 years ago, before all phones had GPS and Google Maps.
Jesse Schröder 4 years ago
better rule: Try to avoid taking the taxi at all times. I do that and it has worked out great
#36
Times Square does not represent the whole city.
Spend 15-20 minutes there looking at all the signs and lights then get away because it's s**thole. My advice would be to explore lower Manhattan
Dave P 4 years ago
There are Five Boroughs, a Federal National Wildlife Preserve (Yes, we actually have that, and you can walk, horseback and bikeride through it), several historic forts, dozens of parks, hundreds of museums and over 500 different types of ethnic and regional cuisine resturaunts from around the world. Explore a lot more than just lower Manhattan.
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
NYC is huge and you only recommend seeing Times Square and lower Manhattan? You're missing most of the city if you do that.
BasedWang 4 years ago
they were basically saying DONT spend time in Times Square. People tend to flock there, but they are saying that it doesn't stand for NY
Load More Replies... Grant Barke 4 years ago
Everything is more expensive there too. Better off not buying souvenir's, places away from there is cheaper.
Samma Jamma 4 years ago
It's a bunch of brightly lit advertisements, why anyone wants to hang out there is so strange to me.
Memere 4 years ago
And all the costumed panhandlers charging outrageous fees for pictures!
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#37
I live in Singapore, and in fast food restaurants and food courts there's a common practice called chopeing where one can reserve a table by placing a packet of tissues on top. Tourists who haven't heard of this and take a reserved seat will often get dirty looks from the local who choped the table.
Okokok! 4 years ago
We Germans have "mastered" the art of reserving sun loungers (next to a pool / at the beach) with our towels. Like getting up in the morning in your room, take your towel and before having breakfast run down to the loungers and get your freaking reservation sheet on it - and double dare you if you'll take it away to lay on the lounger!! lol
Pandasanne 4 years ago
The worst is when people " towel" sun chairs and then not use them all day :(
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#38
In Sicily, never order a specific bottle of wine at a restaurant. Just ask for the house vino. It'll be cheaper and better. Also, there is no butter with your bread, so don’t ask.
Caro Caro 4 years ago
And if a couple of tough looking blokes are sitting around and checking each other for guns you need to leave ;)
Hugo Raible 4 years ago
But it also means that the food is probably good.
Load More Replies... #39
DON'T CALL IT IRELAND DON'T CALL IT BRITAIN.
Just call it northern Ireland.
Iggy 4 years ago
It's Northern Ireland with a capital N. That's the name of the country. Anyone who calls Ireland 'Southern Ireland' will get a toe in the hole with a spiky boot! It's very simple. One island, two countries: Ireland is the bigger of the two and Northern Ireland isn't! :-D
Tracy Sellars 4 years ago
Actually a smart move would be to learn some history of a country before you visit it. Will definitely help with understanding what is acceptable.
Load More Replies... Lauren Caswell 4 years ago
And for gods sake, dont call ireland southern ireland! I heard that once from a friend, she didn't know better but I basically gave the same advice: it's northern Ireland or Ireland. Don't put southern Ireland in your vocab, I beg you
Wilf 4 years ago
Ireland= geographic description of the island of Ireland. Republic of Ireland= Political state making up the majority of the island (Republic). Northern Ireland= political state (part of UK) situated in the north of the island. Eire= Irish language geographic description of the whole of the island of Ireland AND also used interchangeably to describe the political state of the Republic of Ireland. Ulster= traditional province of the northern part of Ireland made up of 9 counties, 6 of which now form the political state of Northern Ireland, 3 of which remained in the political state of Republic of Ireland after partition. Many Unionists (i.e. pro-UK people) in Northern Ireland use the terms Ulster and Northern Ireland interchangeably, when technically they aren't. The 1998 Peace Agreement includes the legal right for people of Northern Ireland to identify as either British or Irish or both, and gives people of NI the right to have an UK, Irish, or twin passports. CLEARER???!
Iggy 4 years ago
The official name is Ireland not Republic of Ireland. https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/republic-of-korea/our-role/about-ireland/
Load More Replies... Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago
I didn't even know there was any difference so good to know. Although unlikely I would ever go there.
Donkey boi 4 years ago (edited)
Ireland & Northern Ireland can be a sensitive topic. But realistically were all pretty nice, if you mess up, we'll correct you. If you keep messing up, then we might get annoyed. I have family born in Ireland but moved to England when really young and they make a balls stew out of it sometimes. Giving it all 'Oh, I was in Ireland last week! I went the Titanic Museum!' , 'There isn't a Titanic Museum in Ireland! But there is one in Northern Ireland, ya gobshite!'. So don't worry too much.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
My Irish uncle would punch anyone who called Northern Ireland just "Ireland". Or calls "Ireland" Britain. (Yes, he's really Irish, like from Republic of Ireland, Irish.)
Mii 4 years ago
I honestly don't understand why Northern Ireland isn't a part of Ireland but Britain. Please, I don't mean to be rude but I just don't see the point of separaging the two if there was such unrest to separate them to begin with
Iggy 4 years ago
https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/irish-partition-was-a-deliberate-process-on-the-part-of-the-british-1.4557195
Load More Replies... Hugh Willie Mungous 4 years ago
Do you realise that your remark will be offensive to more than 50% of the population? Maybe you should mind your own business. Thousands of people have died in N.I. over this issue - flippant remarks from strangers don't help.
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#40
Do not say ‘you live in the UK? omg I love London!’. The entire UK population does not live in one city. It’s particularly worse when you say you’re from Wales, because you usually get the ‘is that a city in England?’ statement. The best part is... they’re being completely serious. To be fair this is mostly an American thing, considering they (as I understand it) mostly learn the geography of their own country.
Andy Acceber 4 years ago
To be honest, I don't think most Americans could even correctly identify all of our own states on a map. Geography really isn't something stressed here. There's also a definite nationalist thread through all our education, so K-12 education about other countries is minimal at best.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
Not where I went to school, but apparently, our nuns broke the mold at our school. We also didn't get out of 6th grade without naming, on a blank map, all 50 states, their capitals, and location of the state capital. we also had to name all Canadian provinces and capitals, and capitals of the world except Africa. No idea why, btw, but maybe we just ran out of time? .... I mean, we covered everything else, even filling in maps of South America, Asia, Europe.... Thank you, Sisters! :-)
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Gillian Mackenzie 4 years ago
Someone from the USA once asked me if Scotland (where I live) is in England. I politely said no! I think there's a confusing perception that the U.K. is also known as England....
Got Myself 4 Dwarves 4 years ago
I bloody hate that! And getting called a jock or scotch. Or my personal favourite 'do you have *insert normal everyday thing like electricity/internet/tv shows/bands that are in fact from the uk*
Load More Replies... Karis Ravenhill 4 years ago
I asked my ex husband once "How many countries are in the UK?", he answered "2". He'd been to England and Scotland when visiting me and didn't notice there were 2 other countries in the Island. Americans are ignorant, most of them have never looked at a globe or a map of anywhere else but America, and a lot of their schools removed Geography from the curriculum. Stupid is as stupid does, Forrest.
Nicole Weymann 4 years ago (edited)
Well, strictly speaking there's only one more country on the island, as Northern Ireland is in, well, Ireland...
Load More Replies... Skara Brae 4 years ago
The most the average american learns about other countries in high school is the name of the capitals and where the US fought wars. It's not like we aren't interested, it just that the people who dictate what schools teach are often biased.
classbag 4 years ago
Um, where? We did not learn geography in relation to wars in my school. I've never even heard of that as a thing.
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J Robertson 4 years ago
Americans don't learn hardly any geography...as an immigrant that grew up here. We were made to learn the states & their Capitol's but even that I barely remember. West Coast is the best coast. Easy Cost is awesome. The rest (other than New Orleans) is the middle. I don't go to the middle. In general, Americans barely know where other states are. I met a guy once from Southern California. I told him where I was from and he asked where it was. It's a state the boarders California.
Daniel Marsh 4 years ago
Yes, it sorta is. We have 50 states. That's a LOT more than Europe. We have to learn every state, where it is on a map, and every capital city. And usually, the capital is NOT the largest city. Our largest states' capitals are Sacramento (not Los Angeles), Albany (not New York), Tallahassee (not Miami), Austin (not Dallas or Houston), Springfield (not Chicago), Columbus (not Cleveland or Cincinnati), Lansing (not Detroit), Harrisburg (not Philadelphia) and Trenton (not Newark).
Memere 4 years ago
My home state is Missouri, and the capitol is Jefferson City, not Kansas City or St. Louis.
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Eithne Griffiths 4 years ago
I am from Wales. Asked by an American ,did I know so and so ,lives by the station. I said that Wales had more than 1 station, the reply,I meant the train station.(Not the bus station)
#41
In Germany our waiters usually earn above minimum wage so you never tip more than 15%. A 10% tip, or just rounding up, is normal for an average check.
Slick 4 years ago
In France, you tip because you enjoyed your food and you liked the service you got. It's a sign of compliment. Any amount is good.
Dina Simoné 4 years ago
U can tip as much as u want. There are no rules in Germany about this. Really useless post.
LuckyL 4 years ago
I think this is kind of a bad advice. Tip as much as you want. If the service is great, tip 15% , is the service was awful, tip nothing - and everything between or above
Susie Elle 4 years ago
That's the thing; no tips doesn't communicate the service was awful.
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Kimi Tomminello 4 years ago
I feel like the US is the only place on earth that requires tipping in order to not seem rude instead of because you enjoyed the food/ service.
A B C 4 years ago
5-10% is the usual. Also, don't accompany not giving a tip with a stupid statement like "I'm a poor student, sorry, hahaha" - if you can slurp cocktails all night massing up to 50€, you obviously can afford it. Also, most bartenders/waiters/waitresses are poor students themselves and have heard ALL of your oh so witty punchlines a dozen times before.
Nicholas Kraemer 4 years ago
Just as a fun fact, the typical waiter in the US may rely on tips, but they tend to end up earning 15-20% more than a waiter in Germany. So maybe climb down off your high horse and leave a tip.
H Edwards 4 years ago
Not standard exactly, most people just round up to the nearest euro so you'll get some cents from every customer. As Germans all pay for their food and drinks separately, it can add up to a reasonable tip with a larger group of customers.
Load More Replies... #42
In many metro cars in France, the doors still have a manual open signal. If you're closest to the exit door, you're expected to twist the lever to make it open. Do this just a second before the train actually stops to look like a local.
Stefan 4 years ago (edited)
Or, like a local, complain about the fact that doors are not open quickly enough and keep a gloomy face !
SykesDaMan 4 years ago
The tone of your voice should sound like you're almost about to cry too... :)
Load More Replies... #43
If you're visiting the US, don't try to see too much. Rather, pick a specific area and do everything you can there. If you try to see the Statue of Liberty, the Smithsonian, the Alamo, and the Grand Canyon, you're going to spend your entire trip driving. It's a BIG country.
julien 4 years ago
same for americans when they come to EUROPE !! EUROPE : Europe covers about 10,180,000 km2 (3,930,000 sq mi). Europe had a total population of about 746 million (about 10% of the world population) in 2018. Europe is divided into about fifty sovereign states, of which Russia is the largest and most populous, spanning 39% of the continent and comprising 15% of its population. Now if you mean the EUROPEAN UNION : The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The union has a total area of 4,233,255.3 km2 (1,634,469.0 sq mi) and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
Daniel Marsh 4 years ago
Oh, the European is being cute. Yes, yes, it's a continent. What the OP is referring to is the fact that the United States alone is almost twice as large as the entire European Union. You can start in San Diego and drive the distance from Milan to London and still be in California. That's not boasting: Canada and Australia are similar in size. So don't expect to see Sydney and the outback on the same trip. Or Vancouver and Quebec.
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Rose the Cook 4 years ago
Also Australia, many tourists miss the best places because they are so far apart.
Load More Replies... Robert T 4 years ago
It's not just a big country. It's a continent! It covers four timezones! Treat each state as a country and you might stand a chance.
Kimi Tomminello 4 years ago
The continent includes Canada too, which is just about the same size as the US... America is not just the United States.
Load More Replies... WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Americans on a trip in Europe while looking at the Eifeltower : "If it's Tuesday, than this must be Italy."
Pungent Sauce 4 years ago
Yeah, 2 days from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon. Also, the GC is overrated, Canyon Lands National Park is prettier and less overrun.
classbag 4 years ago
Strongly disagree that the Grand Canyon is overrated, but there's so much to see that its not a huge loss if you skip it and see something else.
Load More Replies... #44
In big Italian cities like Rome and Venice, don't eat in restaurants or bars in famous places or next to major sites. A coffee in Piazza San Marco in Venice could cost you like $30.
Hugh Willie Mungous 4 years ago
$30? You'd be lucky! Some places could catch you for hundreds. Read the menu - that's the key. If you are overcharged ask them to call the police - that will usually make them pull their horns in.
Ines Olabarria-Smith 4 years ago
That’s most of the time true but sometimes you have really good places in the “touristic “ areas. It’s true that in piazza San Marco coffee is expensive but it’s gorgeous and the restaurants there have fantastic live music. Think of your coffee as a concert ticket/museum ticket.
#45
I live in Japan. When riding an escalator, everyone stands on the left if they're going to stand so that people that want to walk can pass by on the right.
Pepper Sergent 4 years ago
Funny. In Paris it is the exact opposite : stay immobile on the right and walk on the left. As a parisian who travelled to Tokyo, it took some getting used to.
Losferatu 4 years ago
This is because the Japanese drive on the left, so the right is the fast lane
Load More Replies... ElenaK 4 years ago
I guess it is connected to which lane they drive also. In right lane driving countries, standing on the right, is indeed the correct way.
EEP 4 years ago
In London, people also stand on the right though. I don't think there's a link.
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Lunar Bicycle 4 years ago
In the US, people stand in the middle and stare at their phones. Of course, the same is true for sidewalks, aisles in stores, stop signs…
Robert Bailey 4 years ago (edited)
I stayed at a hotel in Hawaii with two sets of escalators. They were opposite each other. You could tell what country people were from when they approached the wrong side.
Karis Ravenhill 4 years ago
We were trained in school to always walk on the left so there's was no interruption to traffic on stairs. Also so your husband's right hand was free for business handshakes when you were standing next to him. (All-girls private finishing school, we had weird rules like you couldn't cross your legs at the knee, you had to cross your ankles and tuck them under your chair like the queen)
Joelle Hodges 4 years ago
Sadly, this rule applies in the US but very few people adhere to it. You'll usually find people even blocking the lanes entirely.
#46
Amsterdam: ride your rentabike bike carefully. At first glance it seems there aren't any rules, but there are lots of them. One is not to get yourself or others killed.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Another tip, if you're not very good at cycling don't rent a bicycle unless you want to be cursed with the most horrendous diseases starting with typhoid via tuberculosis to cancer and several STD's.
#47
When you sit down to eat in a restaurant in Portugal, the waiter will bring you bread, olives, or some other snacks. If you eat it, expect to pay for it. If you don't touch it, they'll take it away and pretend like never existed.
Eagle Girl 4 years ago
If they take it away.. does that mean it's "recycled" to the next person?
Rose the Cook 4 years ago
Nasty thought but it is unlikely they throw it away.
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#48
Greece
Don't get offended when someone lights up a cigar without asking for your permission to smoke.
ElenaK 4 years ago (edited)
Yes , it is unfortunately, on a large scale. We do have some people that ask though, but they are not the majority.
Load More Replies... #49
It's very subtle but never shake hands or exchange things with your left hand. The majority of the country is religious and even though some are not religious, its still part of their culture. Its considered very rude and sometime unhygienic
Eagle Girl 4 years ago (edited)
I know Egypt and some Arabic countries like Saudi practice this. The description kind of sugar coats it but the belief is since you literally wipe yourself with your left hand that if you offer it to someone you're equating them to a toilet.
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Nathan Pogorzala 4 years ago
the word Sinister translates from "Left handed" .not only legitimate reasons like ass wiping, but superstitions.
Deborah B 4 years ago
Basicly Any hot/desert country where there is a tradition of eating with hands and limited water. Historically, there may have been times of shortage of water for washing, and use of sand or dust bathing instead. For toliet purposes left hand is used, so that the right (usually dominant) hand can be used to eat or serve from communal dishes.
Coral 4 years ago
I lived in Saudi Arabia for 6 years and it was taboo to use the left hand for anything because... well, I don't think people on here completely get it when they say they wipe with the left hand. Here it is spelled out in black and white if you care to know. I can't speak for now but it was like this in the 90s. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_toilet_etiquette
H Edwards 4 years ago
Not necessarily, if everyone washes their hands properly. But the left hand is for 'dirty' things like washing after using the toilet. The right hand is for eating and other 'clean' practices.
Load More Replies... What do you think ?
Susie Elle 4 years ago (edited)
In The Netherlands: on the 4th of May, the day before Liberation Day, we have a remembrance day for those that lost their lives during WW2 (these days it's been expanded to remember those that lost their lives in war or peace operations). At two minutes to eight in the evening, everyone will hold two minutes of silence. And we mean SILENCE. In stores, restaurants, public transport - SILENCE. Even the trains and busses stop moving for two minutes (most of them, anyway). People sometimes stop in the streets. If you're a tourist and you open your mouth during these two minutes, even if it's just out of ignorance, you WILL get dirty looks.
Amsterdude 4 years ago
It actually starts at 20.00 sharp and ends at 20.02. Other than that, you're absolutely right.
Load More Replies... Agfox 4 years ago (edited)
If you happen to be in Australia or New Zealand on ANZAC Day, the 25th of April, do not wish anyone a 'Happy ANZAC Day'. It is NOT a day of celebration but one of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders who served & died "...in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations."
MzFitz1215 4 years ago
I can understand that, people here in the US who say Happy Memorial Day drive me crazy.
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Ranch Dressing 4 years ago
When in Sweden don't get into an unlicensed taxi. Licenced ones have legitimate phone numbers on the sides of the car.
Chich 4 years ago
Canada. Don't jump out of your car and try to pet the big fluffy cows (Bison)
Cori 4 years ago
Oh, my! Yeah, no. They definitely do NOT want to be petted.
Load More Replies... AtomKat 4 years ago (edited)
In South Africa, don’t be offended by the term ‘coloured’. Here, it is it’s own ethnicity - with it’s own culture, vernacular, and deeply-rooted history. ‘Mixed race’ is a completely different thing that usually (correct me if I’m wrong here) just refers to having parents of two different descents, but ‘coloured’ is it’s own thing that is vastly different from what, for example, Americans associate with the word. Also we will enforce incorrect stereotypes (like riding to work on lions) because we think it’s funny. Also teaching foreigners incorrect vernac (“jy’s ‘n poes is not a good thing to say btw) And ‘robots’ means traffic lights. No idea why.
not your average weirdo 4 years ago (edited)
I grew up in northern Arizona. A pet peeve I have: NEVER. CARVE. THINGS. INTO. THE. TREES! Alot of the trees here are very old and I hate it when people write on them.
Colin Matthews 4 years ago
If you are coming to New Zealand, make sure you are well prepared if you want to go hiking or tramping. Its not an eco Disneyland, and weather can change very quickly. Make sure you follow the rules for remote huts etc. Don't assume a day trip is automatically harmless etc
AnnaBanana 4 years ago
Same in Australia. People die because they think they'll just "get in the car and drive". Most of this country is uninhibited!
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jk nbt 4 years ago
the recreational marijuana/drug laws are different from state to state in the US... do not bring the marijuana you bought on your expensive, fun ski trip to Colorado down to Texas or any other state where it is still prohibited... You can be charged with a felony if it is a large amount... so get rid of your pot before you get on the plane to visit ex-pat relatives in a more conservative state... You have been warned!
Memere 4 years ago
The state highway patrol in Kansas has made a boatload of money from catching weed tourists coming from Colorado, and I'm sure all the other border states have too!
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RatherLoopy 4 years ago
In the U.S.A., variants of "How are you?" are common greetings but we don't really want to know how you are. We generally hope you're doing well but if not, we'd really rather not hear about it. Acceptable responses to "how ya doin'?" are "fine," "don't ask," or the somewhat more sarcastic "living the dream."
Kori Chamberlain 4 years ago
Its a custom that can drive some of our fellow Americans nuts, because it’s kind of phony. However, just “Hello.”, with no follow up, ends up sounding flat and a little closed off. 🤷🏽♀️
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Taylor Carroll 4 years ago
Also, in London's escalators... if you're going to stand and not walk up/down, stand on the RIGHT, walk on the LEFT.
Susie Elle 4 years ago (edited)
In The Netherlands: on the 4th of May, the day before Liberation Day, we have a remembrance day for those that lost their lives during WW2 (these days it's been expanded to remember those that lost their lives in war or peace operations). At two minutes to eight in the evening, everyone will hold two minutes of silence. And we mean SILENCE. In stores, restaurants, public transport - SILENCE. Even the trains and busses stop moving for two minutes (most of them, anyway). People sometimes stop in the streets. If you're a tourist and you open your mouth during these two minutes, even if it's just out of ignorance, you WILL get dirty looks.
Amsterdude 4 years ago
It actually starts at 20.00 sharp and ends at 20.02. Other than that, you're absolutely right.
Load More Replies... Agfox 4 years ago (edited)
If you happen to be in Australia or New Zealand on ANZAC Day, the 25th of April, do not wish anyone a 'Happy ANZAC Day'. It is NOT a day of celebration but one of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders who served & died "...in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations."
MzFitz1215 4 years ago
I can understand that, people here in the US who say Happy Memorial Day drive me crazy.
Load More Replies... Ranch Dressing 4 years ago
When in Sweden don't get into an unlicensed taxi. Licenced ones have legitimate phone numbers on the sides of the car.
Chich 4 years ago
Canada. Don't jump out of your car and try to pet the big fluffy cows (Bison)
Cori 4 years ago
Oh, my! Yeah, no. They definitely do NOT want to be petted.
Load More Replies... AtomKat 4 years ago (edited)
In South Africa, don’t be offended by the term ‘coloured’. Here, it is it’s own ethnicity - with it’s own culture, vernacular, and deeply-rooted history. ‘Mixed race’ is a completely different thing that usually (correct me if I’m wrong here) just refers to having parents of two different descents, but ‘coloured’ is it’s own thing that is vastly different from what, for example, Americans associate with the word. Also we will enforce incorrect stereotypes (like riding to work on lions) because we think it’s funny. Also teaching foreigners incorrect vernac (“jy’s ‘n poes is not a good thing to say btw) And ‘robots’ means traffic lights. No idea why.
not your average weirdo 4 years ago (edited)
I grew up in northern Arizona. A pet peeve I have: NEVER. CARVE. THINGS. INTO. THE. TREES! Alot of the trees here are very old and I hate it when people write on them.
Colin Matthews 4 years ago
If you are coming to New Zealand, make sure you are well prepared if you want to go hiking or tramping. Its not an eco Disneyland, and weather can change very quickly. Make sure you follow the rules for remote huts etc. Don't assume a day trip is automatically harmless etc
AnnaBanana 4 years ago
Same in Australia. People die because they think they'll just "get in the car and drive". Most of this country is uninhibited!
Load More Replies... jk nbt 4 years ago
the recreational marijuana/drug laws are different from state to state in the US... do not bring the marijuana you bought on your expensive, fun ski trip to Colorado down to Texas or any other state where it is still prohibited... You can be charged with a felony if it is a large amount... so get rid of your pot before you get on the plane to visit ex-pat relatives in a more conservative state... You have been warned!
Memere 4 years ago
The state highway patrol in Kansas has made a boatload of money from catching weed tourists coming from Colorado, and I'm sure all the other border states have too!
Load More Replies... RatherLoopy 4 years ago
In the U.S.A., variants of "How are you?" are common greetings but we don't really want to know how you are. We generally hope you're doing well but if not, we'd really rather not hear about it. Acceptable responses to "how ya doin'?" are "fine," "don't ask," or the somewhat more sarcastic "living the dream."
Kori Chamberlain 4 years ago
Its a custom that can drive some of our fellow Americans nuts, because it’s kind of phony. However, just “Hello.”, with no follow up, ends up sounding flat and a little closed off. 🤷🏽♀️
Load More Replies... Taylor Carroll 4 years ago
Also, in London's escalators... if you're going to stand and not walk up/down, stand on the RIGHT, walk on the LEFT.
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