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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.

#1

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

[deleted] , Rafael Wagner Report

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."

#2

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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)

Rumplestiltskin1254 , Michael Report

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"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

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know In England, respect the queues and do not cut. We will stare at you passive aggressively with the fury of a thousand suns.

Thatweasel , Cátia Matos Report

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#4

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

Uneaqualty65 , John Fowler Report

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He-Matt & the MOTU
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My favourite thing about being a Park Ranger is fining people for vandalism. And littering. Catching them is the hard part.

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#5

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

LazzzyButtons , myllissaFollow Report

#6

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

inzur , Fairy Duff Report

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Skara Brae
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#7

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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

tebanano , wikimedia.commons Report

#8

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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!

MomoLittle , Shvets Anna Report

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Hugh Willie Mungous
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

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#9

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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!

MomoLittle , SHVETS production Report

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhm, gutten tag, ick bin lost, weisst du how to get to Brandenhamburger Thor? ;)

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#10

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

Ech1n0idea , Sergei Gussev Report

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Peter Kovak
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#11

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know If you're visiting Portugal, don't speak to us in Spanish. You are not in Spain, and we speak Portuguese.

fabz_martins , Lisa Report

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Slick
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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...

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#12

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know In Finland, don't get too close to strangers. We really value personal space.

-manabreak , Alexandr Bormotin Report

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Dietmar Pichler
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 ^^

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Pezor Zass
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i feel like FInland is my spiritual home. they definitely don't need me to clutter up their country, though

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grotesqueer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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Siri Seppi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Anna Banana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

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Dr. Ankita Pandya
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finland ranks first in the happiness index and now I know why! :) Introverts' dream come true! When can I shift? ;)

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Kylli Anttila
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Lillukka79
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With corona, there's no need to ask, people don't even try to get in the same lift. Which is nice.

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Milla Leino
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We really do, but i still think that once you get to know us beyond our "introvert shield", we can be really friendly and warm, and loyal friends too! ☺️ To all the introverts around the world; welcome! We have room ☺️💖

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Dark Pearl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finland sounds like heaven. They've got heavy metal, my 2nd fave dubstep artist, the funniest sounding swear words and actual PERSONAL SPACE! Not like the UK, where I sat down to eat my lunch and somebody who I don't even KNOW came and hugged me

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Tiny Dynamine
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Bristol, England, I've noticed a trend over the last few years that strangers will often deliberately walk into your path to try to force you to move. Obviously the pandemic cut that short and I'm not sure that it is coming back. At least, not yet.

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SAF saf
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like that, people that get too close in public stress me out.

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Gustaf Adolf Reqinald Okk
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is why the Finland population and birth rate is so low. They value their personal space in bed too

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Rex Burger
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But if you want to get into a sauna with us fully nude, well that'd be just fine.

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

It was most shocking when Covid struck and Finns were told to stay 2m apart from eachother. Nobody ever got that close before!

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Guada Narbaitz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With all this distancing and such, I lately found out that my country (Argentina) has the smallest personal bubble of all. Never thought about it, but yeah, it seems we stand too close to each other.

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Sarah Kathrin Matsoukis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Might explain why I so far failed by making friends with finnish people, I tried. And as a German I already have a greater personal space than many others : D

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DogMom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The more I learn about Finland the more I think I was meant to be Finnish

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Rall
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I value personal space too, but unfortunately, I was born in South Europe :(

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J Kwon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could you be more specific distance-wise? Some of us uncultured swine have no frame of reference and think 6 inches on a subway is plenty of room.

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Sarah Schumm
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is true in some parts of the Midwestern United States as well, especially Michigan. When I moved away from Michigan, it took me a long time to get used to people standing closer to me in public.

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Miisa
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, Michigan is the place where Finnish immigrants moved to in the late 19th and early 20th century. There is even a town which has almost 50% Finnish ancestry among its citizens https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Americans

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UpupaEpops
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's interesting to see how personal space is interpreted differently between cultures. The first thing I noticed about the two Korean ladies in the post above is how close they are standing next to each other. And yet my own preferred personal distance was way too close for comfort for the English and I had to actively remind myself to back up a bit when talking to someone while I was in the UK.

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Eric Mac Fadden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I. HATE. PEOPLE. NEAR. ME. In Brazil almost everyone MUST pass near you, or being crowded on lines... why???

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#13

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

kimboslice11 , Angela Roma Report

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Martha Meyer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good on you, Argentina. Those things need to go the way of the dinosaurs all over the world.

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#14

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

roborabbit_mama , Vie Studio Report

#15

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

[deleted] , RODNAE Productions Report

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Agfox
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me in the Lobby of the largest bank in Amman: "I really like the look of this Bank"

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#16

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

R0b0tMark , wikimedia.commons Report

#17

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

westish13 , Jennifer Kramer Report

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#18

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

[deleted] , gérard Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#19

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

tu_ne_cede_malis , Laura LaRose Report

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Andy Acceber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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. =)

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#20

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know In India, traffic lanes exist on the roads, but people don't drive in them.

[deleted] , Alex Graves Report

#21

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

waynefoolx , Markus Winkler Report

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Slick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#22

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know Washington DC.

Do. Not. Leave. Trash. At. The. Monuments.

Also, get out of the water. It's not a pool.

WatchTheBoom , wikimedia.commons Report

#23

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

france_throwaway21 , James Petts Report

#24

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

ricehatwarrior , Los viajes del Cangrejo Report

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Andy Acceber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Better yet, find someone crossing who is Vietnamese and just follow them.

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#25

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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

SirPalat , Dương Nhân Report

#26

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know In Denmark, do not stand or walk in the bike lane. You will get yelled at...and/or hit by a cyclist.

Tiralina , maksgelatin Report

#27

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

the10starpotato , Hu Chen Report

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TK 421
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, stay silent when told to do so. The guides know what they are talking about.

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#28

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

Nimrods_Legacy , crash71100 Report

#29

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

jimbo_throwaway77 , r. nial bradshaw Report

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May
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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#30

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know 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.

[deleted] , Michael Fousert Report

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Odd Ragnar Deng Lerstøl
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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).

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