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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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.
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."
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)
"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."
In England, respect the queues and do not cut. We will stare at you passive aggressively with the fury of a thousand suns.
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.
My favourite thing about being a Park Ranger is fining people for vandalism. And littering. Catching them is the hard part.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
If you're visiting Portugal, don't speak to us in Spanish. You are not in Spain, and we speak Portuguese.
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...
In Finland, don't get too close to strangers. We really value personal space.
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.
Good on you, Argentina. Those things need to go the way of the dinosaurs all over the world.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. =)
You've met my Irish uncle, then... :-) Two shots and he's about as subtle as an asteroid strike!
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Isn't this a universal thing? Don't accept drinks if you're not going to buy a round yourself.
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.
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
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).
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!
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In Brazil each one pays its consumption. It's expensive to drink outside nowadays...
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.
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.
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If there's one thing that can spoil a night out it is a round-dodging cheapskate.
Nearly every group has that one dry shite who skips off to the toilet when their round is coming up, or they "forgot" their wallet.
I have a question about this. Say you go to a pub with friends and you aren't drinking beer for whatever reason. Are you expected to buy a round?
Depends, what are you drinking? If it's shorts, absolutely yes, if it's soft drinks then you can do. But you choose to go into a round, someone offers you a drink they're offering to bring you into the round, so if you're unhappy to be a part of it you politely decline the drink. It's a lot easier than people seem to make out it is.
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Okay, done. If I ever have the opportunity to go to Ireland, first I'm looking up relatives and leaving a basket at their door containing the best of the best from my country, for no reason other than to do it, kind of like a hello from a distant cousin, and then going straight to the pub to buy rounds for everyone. With a little luck, I'll crawl out of that pub with a few more stories to add to my collection. Both of these are number one and two on my bucket list.
And if you are ready to go home and call it a night, Buy the round and tell your new found friends, good night and God bless and stay safe. Have this round on me, You are doing better than I ever could. Good night, And leave.
Just be sure to keep track. It isn't often announced that someone is getting a round, a drink will just appear in front of you. One way to avoid it is to suggest a kitty.
Lol, yeah, there's definitely some degree of awareness required. We've had times when we've said "who's turn is it now? Has everybody gone?"
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i honestly have anxiety over the idea of remembering everyone's order and successfully bringing the drinks back to the table. this is despite the fact that i don't go to bars and will never be in that situation. i waste a lot of energy on anxiety, maybe. still fat, though!
In India, traffic lanes exist on the roads, but people don't drive in them.
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.
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.
Washington DC.
Do. Not. Leave. Trash. At. The. Monuments.
Also, get out of the water. It's not a pool.
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.
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.
Better yet, find someone crossing who is Vietnamese and just follow them.
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
In Denmark, do not stand or walk in the bike lane. You will get yelled at...and/or hit by a cyclist.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Note: this post originally had 49 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
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.
It actually starts at 20.00 sharp and ends at 20.02. Other than that, you're absolutely right.
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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."
I can understand that, people here in the US who say Happy Memorial Day drive me crazy.
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When in Sweden don't get into an unlicensed taxi. Licenced ones have legitimate phone numbers on the sides of the car.
Canada. Don't jump out of your car and try to pet the big fluffy cows (Bison)
Oh, my! Yeah, no. They definitely do NOT want to be petted.
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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.
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.
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
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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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!
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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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."
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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Also, in London's escalators... if you're going to stand and not walk up/down, stand on the RIGHT, walk on the LEFT.
In Hungary: don't you EVER call Budapest mistakenly Bucharest. I think it's true vice versa.
I live in a TOWN called Bay CITY, not far from a CITY called BayTOWN. When I tell people I'm from Bay City, they say, "You mean Baytown?" Yes. I got my own hometown name wrong 🙄 I feel your pain lol
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Things to know when traveling in Japen: - When you walk into a restaurant or cafe the staff will usually say 'Irassyaimase' in your general direction, it basically means welcome to the store. You don't really need to reply, but you can nod in their direction or say konnichiwa - there aren't many public bins (though most train platforms have one) so be prepared to take your rubbish home - In Japan, tattoos are associated with the Japanese mafia (the yakuza) and people with tattoos are generally not permitted to use onsen (hot springs), so check what your hotel or bathhouse does for that sort of thing - If someone laughs while trying to communicate with you, they are unlikely to be laughing at you. either something was legitimately funny or they are embarrassed
Iceland. Stop getting yourselves killed by not following safety rules. If theres a sign saying not to go somewhere, its because otherwise you will die. Also, NO offroad driving. You wanna get somewhere remote, you hike.
When visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota, please leave the wildlife alone. When at Custer State Park, NEVER get out of your car to approach a bison. Also, don't ask a Native American what his or her "Indian name" is, or do that stupid thing where you hit your hand over your mouth repeatedly while yelling.
East Coast of Canada, and probably for any coastal tourist destination, do not walk on the large dark coloured rocks by the ocean. Many have slipped and fallen only to be injured or drowned having done so.
Question for UK natives here. When visiting the UK, I was told to (gently) shove through the crowd when on a crowded street, because saying "excuse me" or "pardon" is used to get someone's attention, and it may stop the flow of foot traffic. It's this true? Is there a more polite way?
Basically shove and say excuse me and sorry whilst doing it. If someone refuses to get out your way sarcastically say either under your breath whilst giving the evils.
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In Austria, never, and I mean NEVER compare us to Germany. We are a country on our own and got quite a different culture than Germany. Also, Hitler jokes are absolutely not appreciated. Plus Vienna ain't that fab, it is actually a nasty place at night.
In Malaysia it's rude to point your finger, make a fist and point with your thumb.
American here - I was fortunate enough to go on an England/France tour with a group from my high school (way back when the earth was green) and...man, I distanced myself as much as I could from some of them (super-entitled, rude, gimme...ugh). Anyway, on the outskirts of Paris we stayed for a week in a small hotel (still miss the jacket I lost there, dang'it) and frequented the same local restaurant for dinner. Idk how it is now but "then" more expensive drinks (sodas, etc) would be delivered before less expensive (waters), but I guess because I was better behaved? more respectful of staff and culture?, less obnoxious?, my drinks and meals tended to be delivered first/more quickly than those for the "typical American teenager with an attitude"s were. I remember some of the group kicking up a fuss because KETCHUP (of all things) wasn't readily available. The chef? tried making it for them, they were rude about how awful it was (it was, but someone tried). Ugh. Crass.
In America, we are particular about time. We all move as fast as possible all day long. If you travel here, you will get dirty looks if you inhibit our fast-paced flow. Examples: Getting to the front of a long line and talking to the cashier or not having your order ready; Having a prolonged personal conversation in the middle of a busy thoroughfare. We also expect you to be on time, whether meeting for business or pleasure. We consider it rude if someone is late. If you are expected to arrive at work at 2:30, it really means get there early and clock in at exactly 2:30, not 2:38 or 2:45. If you ask to meet me for lunch at 12:00, I will be seated at the table at 11:50 so that I may receive you if you are a couple minutes early. I know our strict adherence to time can make us appear rude to visitors when we rush past on the street, for which we apologize. We are just terrified of being a couple minutes late!
I don't know why this was down voted, it can certainly be true (although not always). For other Americans, know that many other countries are more relaxed when it comes to scheduling. For those who are not used to time strictness, know that I was once fired from a job for arriving ONE minute late on my first day of work after two weeks of training that went smoothly. I was late because my car died while driving...
Load More Replies... 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.
It actually starts at 20.00 sharp and ends at 20.02. Other than that, you're absolutely right.
Load More Replies... 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."
I can understand that, people here in the US who say Happy Memorial Day drive me crazy.
Load More Replies... When in Sweden don't get into an unlicensed taxi. Licenced ones have legitimate phone numbers on the sides of the car.
Canada. Don't jump out of your car and try to pet the big fluffy cows (Bison)
Oh, my! Yeah, no. They definitely do NOT want to be petted.
Load More Replies... 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.
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.
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
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... 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!
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... 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."
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... Also, in London's escalators... if you're going to stand and not walk up/down, stand on the RIGHT, walk on the LEFT.
In Hungary: don't you EVER call Budapest mistakenly Bucharest. I think it's true vice versa.
I live in a TOWN called Bay CITY, not far from a CITY called BayTOWN. When I tell people I'm from Bay City, they say, "You mean Baytown?" Yes. I got my own hometown name wrong 🙄 I feel your pain lol
Load More Replies... Things to know when traveling in Japen: - When you walk into a restaurant or cafe the staff will usually say 'Irassyaimase' in your general direction, it basically means welcome to the store. You don't really need to reply, but you can nod in their direction or say konnichiwa - there aren't many public bins (though most train platforms have one) so be prepared to take your rubbish home - In Japan, tattoos are associated with the Japanese mafia (the yakuza) and people with tattoos are generally not permitted to use onsen (hot springs), so check what your hotel or bathhouse does for that sort of thing - If someone laughs while trying to communicate with you, they are unlikely to be laughing at you. either something was legitimately funny or they are embarrassed
Iceland. Stop getting yourselves killed by not following safety rules. If theres a sign saying not to go somewhere, its because otherwise you will die. Also, NO offroad driving. You wanna get somewhere remote, you hike.
When visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota, please leave the wildlife alone. When at Custer State Park, NEVER get out of your car to approach a bison. Also, don't ask a Native American what his or her "Indian name" is, or do that stupid thing where you hit your hand over your mouth repeatedly while yelling.
East Coast of Canada, and probably for any coastal tourist destination, do not walk on the large dark coloured rocks by the ocean. Many have slipped and fallen only to be injured or drowned having done so.
Question for UK natives here. When visiting the UK, I was told to (gently) shove through the crowd when on a crowded street, because saying "excuse me" or "pardon" is used to get someone's attention, and it may stop the flow of foot traffic. It's this true? Is there a more polite way?
Basically shove and say excuse me and sorry whilst doing it. If someone refuses to get out your way sarcastically say either under your breath whilst giving the evils.
Load More Replies... In Austria, never, and I mean NEVER compare us to Germany. We are a country on our own and got quite a different culture than Germany. Also, Hitler jokes are absolutely not appreciated. Plus Vienna ain't that fab, it is actually a nasty place at night.
In Malaysia it's rude to point your finger, make a fist and point with your thumb.
American here - I was fortunate enough to go on an England/France tour with a group from my high school (way back when the earth was green) and...man, I distanced myself as much as I could from some of them (super-entitled, rude, gimme...ugh). Anyway, on the outskirts of Paris we stayed for a week in a small hotel (still miss the jacket I lost there, dang'it) and frequented the same local restaurant for dinner. Idk how it is now but "then" more expensive drinks (sodas, etc) would be delivered before less expensive (waters), but I guess because I was better behaved? more respectful of staff and culture?, less obnoxious?, my drinks and meals tended to be delivered first/more quickly than those for the "typical American teenager with an attitude"s were. I remember some of the group kicking up a fuss because KETCHUP (of all things) wasn't readily available. The chef? tried making it for them, they were rude about how awful it was (it was, but someone tried). Ugh. Crass.
In America, we are particular about time. We all move as fast as possible all day long. If you travel here, you will get dirty looks if you inhibit our fast-paced flow. Examples: Getting to the front of a long line and talking to the cashier or not having your order ready; Having a prolonged personal conversation in the middle of a busy thoroughfare. We also expect you to be on time, whether meeting for business or pleasure. We consider it rude if someone is late. If you are expected to arrive at work at 2:30, it really means get there early and clock in at exactly 2:30, not 2:38 or 2:45. If you ask to meet me for lunch at 12:00, I will be seated at the table at 11:50 so that I may receive you if you are a couple minutes early. I know our strict adherence to time can make us appear rude to visitors when we rush past on the street, for which we apologize. We are just terrified of being a couple minutes late!
I don't know why this was down voted, it can certainly be true (although not always). For other Americans, know that many other countries are more relaxed when it comes to scheduling. For those who are not used to time strictness, know that I was once fired from a job for arriving ONE minute late on my first day of work after two weeks of training that went smoothly. I was late because my car died while driving...
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