Traveling can produce a sense of wonder and excitement, but it’s pretty easy to commit cultural faux pas without even realizing it. From hand gestures to eating habits, some things are just not universal and tourists would do their best to prepare accordingly. Fortunately, well-organized internet users decided to ask locals what are the dos and don'ts of visiting their country, city, or general area.
So scroll down, dear Pandas, and upvote the rules that surprised you. Be sure to comment your own stories or unwritten local rules and if the travel bug has not left you, check out Bored Panda’s other lists of unwritten travel rules here.
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Ireland here; We don't care if you're the bloody love child of Michael Collins and Eamon De Valera, if you weren't born or raised in Ireland, you don't call yourself Irish.
I'm looking at you, American tourists...
And for the love of God, don’t try to talk in an “Irish accent”, ya just sound offensive. In fact, don’t even say you love the “Irish accent,” because every county has a noticeably different one! It’s like saying your favourite animal is a mammal. (Source: I’m Irish myself, born and raised)
I completely agree with you but ask for a small grace. The south and north east parts of the US have very distinct accents. I'm from the Midwest which had it's own speech nuances. I have found myself lapsing into the speech cadence of an area if I spend more than a couple of days socializing with the locals. Not intentional in any way. It'd probably happen if I traveled abroad. Apologies in advance.
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That's funny because my dad went to Ireland and was completely embraced by the locals for celebrating his Irish heritage. Just about everyone I know whose been to Ireland had the same experience saying it's by far one of the most friendly countries they've ever visited.
We are friendly. And anyone who is nice and wants to learn more about where their ancestors cans from, grand! But there are a whole heap of people online who claim to be Irish... ask them where and in Éire they're from?.... oh no I wasnt born there but I flew over it once. No lad... flying over a country is not the same. Come have the craic and we'll all welcome yiz
Load More Replies... There are plenty of people in every country that say "if you weren't born and raised here, you're not from here" (i.e. one of us). As someone that was born in one country and raised in another, I find that attitude highly problematic. It's also insulting to immigrants who've spent many years living in and contributing to their new home.
This comment is aimed at immigrants who've happily embraced their new home. It states if you live in Ireland, you can say you are Irish. Its aimed at Americans like me who had 1 Irish ancestor move away 180 years ago and are 1/128 Irish by blood. We have a tendency to show up in Dublin claiming we are Irish and not even know North Ireland isn't part of the country.
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I’ve seen the argument “Americans don’t say you’re [insert ethnicity here] when you weren’t born or raised here” so often. What people outside of the US do not understand is we do this out of habit. When immigrants first came to the country there was (and still is) a LOT of bigotry. And because looks can be deceiving, you had to tell people where your family immigrated from. The habit has just become part of what we do. And in many cases, people are still trying to honor their ancestral heritage while making a connection with someone who was born and raised in that country.
This propably count for most european countries. Especially those with a lot of immigrants to the states
As an American with the tiniest amount of Irish blood possible, I won't be calling myself Irish. Your welcome. But I do love Ireland as a country, it's very beautiful and I'd love to visit someday.
I know, I know. I used the wrong "your", I just don't know how to edit comments.
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Yeah it's funny - they don't want immigration but they identify with there great, great, great grandparent's nationality.
I am an American who both heartily welcomes immigration and is very fond of researching my ancestry. My family and friends would also fit that description. While there are plenty of redneck conservatives who might fit your description of hypocritical Americans, we’re a physically big country with a *lot* of people so generalizations like yours are also kinda generally untrue
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Families in the US that identify with their culture outside of the 'States say these things generally because we have different lifestyles and traditions. What are we to say to each other, "Hi, I'm American? Gasp - so am I!" No. We say, "Oh, I'm Italian," for instance, and then you might gather that we eat a certain way (slower meals with multiple courses and we talk a lot during, etc). We're proud of where we came from, but seeing posts like this where people talk badly of us makes me feel amused - you want to chide the silly Americans for having bad manners all the time, but when they want to embrace their ancestry some act just as badly as those that go overboard here for other reasons. Look, I get it - when people make **anything** their sole identity it's annoying. But let the rest of us say we have roots where we do and be proud.
...Us Scots (that's Scots not Scotch) are sitting comfortably and watching this with a big box of popcorn...
I'm going to get my Tunnock Teacakes and join you.
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People are quite free to explore their ancestry but that’s what it is - they are (insert country you were born and brought up in) with Irish ancestry. They can come to Ireland and protest all they like but most Irish people will just be amused and not annoyed like the OP appears to suggest I was born and raised in Ireland so I’m Irish but, by blood (my mother), I have strong German ancestry. While we celebrated German festivals, ate a lot of German food and spoke a fair bit of German around the house, I’ve never considered myself to be anything than where I was brought up.which was Ireland and you’d never guess that part of me unless I told you. There’s the difference.
I think that you could not have said it any better. I think some people fail to see that the United States is such a diverse and young country with a wealth of people who happen to be immigrants or are second generation. I think it can be fascinating to research your heritage and ancestry and learn more about your ancestors and family. For some people who are second generation it can help them feel closer to the home country of their parents. I also think that learning about your heritage can make you more fascinated by different cultures and perhaps even more empathetic. I have family in both the United States and United Kingdom so I do have to admit that I do feel an odd divide.
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Well, if he moved permanently to Katmandu the next day, that's another story. (Probably one worth hearing, though.)
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I don't accept that. I have family in Ireland, my parents are Irish, I *AM* Irish but I can't call myself Irish because I don't live there? You don't have a right to say I can't acknowledge my heritage.
My mum was born in Poland, lived there until she was 6 years old, I still have a lot of family in Poland but I am not polish. I am German. I was born and raised in Germany. I don't know why that is so hard to understand for Americans
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I know a family in the Milwaukee area in Wisconsin, USA, who are from Ireland like 6 generations ago yet are so over the top with everything Irish I can’t go around them. Tattoos, clothes with Irish themes, name all their children and pets with Irish names, travelled to Ireland like it was the holy land. To top it off the dad is a firefighter and has to let everyone know he’s an Irish firefighter at all times.
I’ve noticed that in the US, some Irish Americans have a tendency to magnify certain Irish stereotypes and wear them like a suit E.g. green-wearing, heavy drinking, violent, lyrical and quick to anger acting like it’s involuntary behaviour (“Oh, it’s just my Irish genes boyo!” and all that BS). It’s like a one-dimensional cultural parody come to life.
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Please don't down vote me on this, but I'm truly curious on the rationale and if this only applies to Ireland. I'm first generation American on my moms side who is English, Irish, and Welsh. Am I not these? What about a 3rd generation American of Japanese descent? Are they no longer Japanese since they weren't born and raised there? I promise I'm being totally serious. I hope this is really just based on people going to a different country and bragging "I'm just like you!" Which is totally understandable and I'd never do that, even as a silly American, lol.
Because they are getting nationality and ethnicity mixed up. They are also failing to acknowledge those with dual citizenships.
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Whilst I appreciate some tourists must be annoying in this regard. Imagine someone in an American accent in 1900 New York shouting "I don't care if you are the love child of Abraham Lincoln! Don't call yourself American unless you were born here!". I think you'd consider that pretty atrocious.
That's not the same thing at all. Someone who lives here, whether they were born here or not, have a legit claim to be at least part Irish. Yanks who claim to be Irish because their great great great grandfather was, whilst simultaneously knowing f**k all about the culture and are unable to pick it out on a map, it's insulting to all of us who live here whether we were born here or not.
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This is idiotic. I'm Irish because my ancestors were born there. And I have a number of friends there and friends from there who agree with me on that. There are a small number of people who think that your ancestral makeup is since sort of earned right, and it just makes no sense. Beside the fact that people like me put money back into the country, it's just a fact that if a DNA test would say you are more than half one type of ancestry, then that's what you are.
You're right. Your comment is idiotic. Your nationality is where you were born or live. Your heritage would be Irish.
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I’m part Irish can I do that (I mean say that I’m part Irish not say I’m fully Irish cause I’m not)
Sigh, this again. When are you guys going to realize that "I'm (insert nationality here)" is shorthand for "I am of (insert nationality here) descent?" We say that because unlike you, who have been essentially living in the same place for thousands of years, our country was created fairly recently, as a product of all the world's people moving to a brand new place all at once? As a result, a bunch of literally Irish people showed up and said "I'm Irish" because they were in fact Irish. We've all had school projects every year where we research how we all got here, then get up in front of the class and give a presentation on where our (very recent) ancestors came from. There's not really a such thing as "American" beyond our citizenship. We identify our background by where our ancestors were from when they got here, usually only 2-3 generations ago.
So the Americans who had ancestors forcibly transported to North America in the 1700s from the UK can't claim their Scottish or English heritage? The descendants of the Irish refugees forced to leave Ireland during the Potato famine and swore they would never forget their homeland, those Americans can't be proud of their heritage? I can understand the world's loathing for Right Wing, Trump worshipping Americans and want nothing to do with them. But there are Americans who don't wallow in 'American Patriotism' and clinging to our Irish or Scottish heritage is how we accomplish that. My Grandparents were born in 1894 and 1896 so I am not that far removed from those initial American immigrants.
A lot of Irish people (North and South) are still angry with Americans because of the amount of money that came from the USA and was funnelled into provisioning the IRA. Until 9/11 happened and suddenly "we don't negotiate with terrorists". Without American funding the "Troubles" would have been a darn sight less troubling.
It actually took some months after 9/11 before the US government realised that "if you feed a terrorist or fund a terrorist, you're a terrorist" applied to NORAID.
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Usually when people from the states say they are Irish, it means they are of Irish heritage. In the states, it's common for someone to say "I'm german" or "I'm Irish" [etc] and refer to heritage, particularly after DNA testing kits came out. It's in no way offensive, just people proud and/or excited for their heritage. According to my results, I'm mostly an Irish and British mix ... so someone decided to make love instead of war in my ancestry :p
I was not born in Ireland but I will still call myself Irish. You cannot stop me.
I want to say as an Irish-American that if I had a dollar for how many f*cking potato jokes kids make to me I would be richer than Elon Musk
I was born in the U.S. so naturally I would refer to myself as an American. I do have a lot of Irish ancestry, as well as polish. When I refer to my ancestry I'm just expressing that I'm proud of where my family all comes from. I think most people from the U.S. just think of it as a fun fact about themselves. At least that's my view :)
And that's wonderful to be proud of your heritage. But it's ridiculous when people claim to be Irish because of it
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Sounds very petty and elitist. Being Irish is not about location but heritage. If i moved to Ireland would I immediately become Irish ? I am sure this same poster would have a problem with that.
Ancestry told me I'm 42% Irish from Donegal and Ulster. Anyone here from those areas? I'm just curious :) (I'm also 30% German, 9% Polish, 8% Sweden/Denmark, 8% Scottish and 3% Baltics) it's very interesting to me we always thought we were Scottish my grandparents and father were born there in Cambaslang.
Sorry but I am Irish American idgaf who it offends, I'm proud of my heritage. No one seems to care that other people call themselves Italian American, Mexican American, black American, Jewish American, etc so....🤷♀️ get over it I guess.
No one said you couldn't say Irish-Americsn. They stated you can't claim to just be Irish.
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Wow having a problem with someone describing their genetic heritage in the country that heritage comes from, what a d**k.
Heredity is fine, but you're not fecking Irish if one of your great grandparents was Irish. If you swan around proclaiming how "Irish" you are, expect to be mocked for it.
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This kind of gatekeeping is embarrassing. We relied on tourism to get us through many hard years after our independence. We were a poor country then and took every opportunity to rip off unsuspecting Americans tracing their genealogy.we were happy to call them Irish then. The big American companies here are currently our greatest source of revenue and employment. If American people wanting to call themselves Irish upsets you this much, you need a hobby smh.
People can call themselves whatever they want. It's when people are labeled by others that is problematical.
According to the government of Ireland, if your grandparents were born in Ireland, you're Irish, and you can confidently apply for the citizenship paperwork to affirm it.
Normally I'd agree with this, but in my opinion, I feel like a lot of Europeans don't understand what Americans mean when we say we're "German, Irish". Etc. We're not talking about nationality, we're talking about our heritage/bloodline. People forget that the US is a young country that is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. It's not a homogeneous country like a lot of countries in Europe are. We don't define ourself by being American even. If an American we're to ask me (a fellow American) where I come from and I say "American". 9 times out of 10 they will most like respond "no, where are your grandparents or ancestors from?". American culture itself is about defining ourselves by our ancestry instead of where we were born and raised because we are a country of immigrants. The only true Americans would be the Native American tribes.
Thank you! Exactly! Just because we're born here doesn't change our heritage/bloodline.
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This isn’t specific to Ireland and the US. I’m not from either of them, but I know of many people in Australia who will say they’re, for example, Italian, when what they mean is they are related to someone who is/was Italian (as in born and lived in Italy and then migrated to Australia). They themselves are Australian and have often never even been to Italy. It’s a common theme in countries like the US and Australia, although amusingly you rarely hear Australians introducing themselves as English (even if their mother is). It’s not exotic enough for them!
Thank you. I'm an American an I can't stand it when an American whose family has been here more 200 years calls themselves Irish. You're American.
Although my late dad had a strong southern Irish accent, he proudly called himself an "Irish-born American." During my visits to County Cork, I was brought to tears listening to voices that sounded so much like him. And always greeted with warmth wherever we went. Of course, my red hair, freckles and green eyes did help me to blend in.
While that's really sweet, there aren't actually as many Irish people born in Ireland who have red hair. Statistically speaking. Don't feel bad though. TV and media made us all think stuff like this.
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Why is no one mentioning the Kilt in the picture....that's certainly not Irish..BP looking at you
I'm afraid it is Irish. In that it's not Scottish. And it dates back to the 1950's
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Included in every PB post about Ireland is this resentment of Irish-American as a unique cultural identity. I believe it arises from having stuck it out after the Famine, endured the revolution and civil war and the crushing poverty of the early years of independence, through the Troubles and building Ireland into the economic miracle it is today: experiences that the Irish Americans can claim no part of. I fully understand not one of you having warm feelings toward Americans (with the exception of Father Oliver O’Grady with his cherished memories of the American children that were in his care).
I'm of Irish descent, but also English, Scottish, and a wee bit of Coctaw. But... born 'murican. What can one do?
You’re entitled to that rather mean spirited opinion. But, in America, we’re a mix of nationalities and we prize our background countries. I’m sorry that’s offensive to you. However, I can’t imagine attempting an accent in another country but, also, if you have Irish relatives, you have some Irish in you you get claim it.
I've been to Ireland but as an American I did not say that I was Irish, even though most of my ancestry is Irish and Scottish. (Yes, I know that is not the same thing).
My dad was born in Mullingar... I qualify for Irish passport. I'm totally American with both Irish and Italian ancestry. Is that acceptable then?
Yeah... I'll just keep my money here in the States... We have enough douchey people here without traveling to meet more. Thank you for the information though. Saved me a lot of money.
I found out a few years ago that I'm a direct descendent of an Irish immigrant, my great-great grandfather, I carry his last name. I'm a fair-skinned redhead (well, mostly gray now).
Black American here. When we know where our ancestors are from, we claim it because it was stripped from us & we only claim America when it’s beneficial for us. Idk why the faux Irish do this tho. My grandmother is a McNaughton and I’ve never mentioned it lol
I just hate it how when people will constantly talk about embracing their culture (which is beautiful), they treat others badly for wanting to embrace THEIR cultures/ethnicity/ancestry, whatever their roots are.
Eamon de Valera want born in on Ireland. Neither was James Connolly.
Why would I call myself Irish? The world is full of Irish people that prefer to live anywhere but Ireland, so temper your expectations.
Oddly, my genealogy tests say I'm 86% Irish and I'm not allowed by some pricks to be proud of my heritage? The other 14% is Pakistani. Crazy
lol, I'm not to sure on this one, I'm English, but you try telling my cousins I'm not Irish. Limerick city.
The accent isn't necessarily intentional. I've spent three years in South Wales and have (completely unintentionally) picked up the cadence. It's super embarrassing and frankly hurtful when monolinguals get hostile about us polyglots falling into the local accent. Not to mention, since I'm not from an English-speaking country, there are words I only know the slang for, simply because that's the only way I ever heard it.
As a gal from the American midwest, I am totally jealous of all authentic Irish accents
And don’t you dare ask me to repeat thirty three and laugh because I have an accent.
I know this isn't really to do with it...but also ...its either Paddys day or st.Patricks day.... it is NEVER "Pattys day" please can we all agree to stop that trend.
Americans say they're "half Irish" when what they mean is someone told them they had Irish ancestors. Don't get me started on the "my grandmother was a Cherokee princess" BS. I'm so happy dna kits are a thing nowadays. Shuts some of them up.
What a sad life you lead when you’re concerned about other people being curious about their heritage
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American here: WHY Would ANYONE Want Someone to Think They're Bloody IRISH!?!
Generations of immigrants who saw "Irish need not apply" signs would like to tell you to go f**k yourself.
Census asked my nationality, and I answered American. She attempted to explain, and I interrupted and said nationality means place of birth. My answer's right. Your form isn't.
What a poor gatekeeping attitude. Culture/traditions/attitudes etc. are passed down thru the family not where you are raised. If you think like an Irishman (or woman), feel like an Irishman, and act like an Irishman because of the way you were raised by Irish parents, grandparents, etc. then you can claim/boast about your Irish heritage. Saying what you are is different than saying where you are from. Most Americans would say I'm part Irish, English, German, Native American etc.
So my husband....who according to his DNA test is 98% Irish but born in the U.S....is not allowed to call himself Irish??? I was born in Italy but raised in the U.S. I don't get mad when someone born in the U.S. but have Italian ancestry calls themselves Italian.
Well he may well have Irish ancestry but that’s not the same as being born and brought up in Ireland at all. For example, he didn’t have the same experience as me growing up in the middle of sectarian hatred and the subtle nuances regarding religion and politics that brings. Tbh, such DNA tests are so much BS to start with as there is no such thing as a pure bred of any nationality. Where you are born and brought up is your nationality. For example, in my hometown (near Belfast) the local market has a stall run by a Sikh family who go back generations there. They were born and brought up in Belfast and have stronger accents than mine. They are Irish (with Asian heritage) and certainly more Irish (in the real sense) than your husband.
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But I wasn't raised in Ireland at all, 0% of my life. But I am 100% Irish... bloody hell
Americans visiting Canada: Don't call us America's hat or the 51st state or any of that other nonsense. It's not endearing and it's not funny. It's just annoying. We love your country very much, and you're totally out bestie. But we don't want to actually be you.
With love, Timbits and kind regards,
Canada
This is SO F*CKED UP, I...I can't even imagine anyone from the U.S. being so insulting to Canada..... please accept my apologies for this nonsense
Germany - Be there by the time you told me or I will be very pissed.
I think it's so rude when people are late (unless it's really out of their hands). I have a friend that wears a watch and will give you a time and rock up 2/3 hours late and either thinks its funny or pretends nothing is wrong!!!! Do you know what all I could've done while waiting for you???
Traveling often means dealing with a language you don’t know, sometimes involving a completely incomprehensible alphabet. So often, as tourists, we rely on hand gestures and smiles to communicate an idea. Can’t say thank you in the language? Just show a thumbs up! Unless you are in the Middle East or West Africa, where it is roughly equivalent to the middle finger! So if you are a person who gesticulates a lot, be sure to practice before leaving to avoid making an international incident.
Similarly, the ‘ok’ sign, formed by making a circle with the thumb and index finger, is relatively insulting in Brazil. So the bottom line is, maybe learn a few useful phrases ahead of time and practice them at home. It will save you the embarrassment of accidentally flipping someone off and you’ll expand your vocabulary at the same time.
SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS. Or you will die. [Australia]
Yes. The lifeguards put them there for a reason. Rip currents can be fatal
~~England~~ **UK** here.
Thanking the bus driver for the journey when you leave at your stop.
Denmark - "Janteloven"
Don't flaunt your s**t in the face of people who have less than you, and don't feel that you are worth more than others, merely because you are wealthy.
It's important to also remember that something normal in your country might be weird almost everywhere else. For example, in most places, one takes their shoes off at the door, before entering a house, while Americans might leave them on. Now, this isn’t universal and consistent, but in much of the world, walking around your host’s home in shoes or, God forbid, boots, would be seen as rude. The origins of this American practice are unclear, but it’s often linked to American car dependency. If you go from driveway to car to driveway, your shoes are unlikely to be that dirty anyway.
(southern) Italy
1. Always eat offered food if visiting
2. Always accept to have coffe bought
3. Don t be scared of phisical contact. People will touch you, hug you, kiss you.
4. Offer to buy coffe. it s mandatory if you want to have "respect"
5. always talk to people. In line, in the bus, at the bank, at the post office
Guess I'll be avoiding southern Italy... I don't like being touched and I don't like talking to random people.... but the rules around food and coffee are appealing....
Thailand - Always pay for items with the banknote showing the Kings head facing up.
The same goes for India and Ghandi.
Most won't bat an eyelid as your obviously a foreigner, however some will be very offended. Surprisingly this is something a lot of travelling folk have never heard of.
My auntie got into trouble in Thailand for putting money in her shoe. Apparently it's tantamount to stepping on the kings face
England checking in: Always queue. Never push. This morning since the tubes are down because of strikes, there were people actually queuing for queues. Intense.
If you are traveling and you are unsure what small talk topics are acceptable, defaulting to the weather is a safe bet. This is stereotypically attributed to the Brits but can be applied everywhere. After all, the weather is a universal experience and affects both the rich and poor alike. Experiencing bad weather together also creates a sort of social solidarity.
South Africa - Don't ever pick up hitchhikers!
Pft I can give you tons of rules. 1. Don't leave valuables visible. 2. Keep your bag in front/on your lap except in a car where it goes under the seat (yes, smash and grab is a thing). 3. Don't accept help at ATMs. 4. Don't park or walk anywhere dirty/dark/isolated. 5. Avoid crowded scenarios particularly street pavements with lots of people on them. 6. Rather pay to park than park somewhere isolated. 7. Rather use a phone camera than an SLR (grab risk). 8. Don't leave your drink unattended at a bar if a woman. (Sorry, that's really horrible but... yeah.). Otherwise please do visit, we need the cash, our country is bleeding money.
Norway:
Don't sit next to someone on the bus if you can avoid it.
Don't talk to strangers.
Northern Ireland: Do not bring up religion/scottish football teams in a pub unless you are looking for a fight.
Don't bring up religion anywhere. keep it to your place of worship.
Similarly, be sure to avoid certain topics or small talk in general. Learn about a country's history and religion before, so you don’t accidentally offend a local or provoke a rant about their horrible neighbors, rival football teams, or anything else. In some places, like Northern Europe, small talk is uncommon and it is best to simply stay silent.
Southern US- If you propose something and everyone just nods and smiles, it's a southern no.
America: When someone on the train or subway says - "Good Morning Everyone.. My name is..", you turn around cuz they're about to tell a sob story and start begging for money.
In San Francisco, you are expected to act like nothing fazes you.
Old man dressed entirely in leather straps with a ball gag in his mouth? Obese homeless lady with an electronic skeleton playing a banjo? Three young women wearing only sandals? Robin Williams? No matter what you encounter, you're supposed to pretend that it's a part of your daily routine to see it. Outsiders are quickly identified by their tendency to stare, comment, or otherwise take notice of the city's eclectic sights and sounds, at which point they will be swindled by a junk vendor.
England: Always moan about the weather.
It's never "just right". You are either too hot, too cold, too wet, too dull, too windy.
Three flakes of snow on the ground and the whole f*****g country comes to a standstill.
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. The other members of your group *will* make a big show of trying to pay for you, telling you to put your wallet away, etc., especially if you are new to the group or are a foreigner (or both). DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, GIVE IN TO THIS TOMFOOLERY. If you do, you will be secretly labeled a cheap bastard and will not be invited out the next day.
(The foregoing should be interpreted half-jokingly, but no more than half.)
But remember, everyone has to take turns buying the rounds. Went out with a whole group of friends last Summer and one guy decided to mooch instead of taking his turn paying by taking advantage of the offers. He didn’t get invited out for a good few months lol.
in america if someone random asks you hows it going just say "good, you?". dont actually tell them how's it going.
no idea how this became a thing
Sweden checking in. Respect for personal space is probably #1 here
Ireland-give as good as you get! If we like you we will 'rip the p**s' (tease you/insult you) and expect you to do the same in return!! It's called banter and it's basically our 2nd language!!
It’s so ingrained in our culture, that if you hang out with your mates and haven’t been insulted at least once, you can consider the friendship over. (I’m only joking of course)
Southern USA-
If someone offers you something, or offers to do something for you, refuse at least three times. Three times is obligatory. If they continue to offer after that, it's a true offer, but if they say after the third refusal "are you sure?" you say yes, you are, and then all is well.
Also, Yes means yes, sure means maybe, maybe means no, no means "how could you possibly be so rude as to continue to pester me until I have to say no?"
Finally, "bless your heart" is not a compliment.
The Northeast is sooo much less passive aggressive, we just tell you STFU and/or maybe argue a bit and then go our merry ways without so much emotional constipation lurking for the next victim.
Always take off your shoes when visiting an Estonian. They might not say anything if you don't but you'll practically FEEL their disapproval.
Trinidad & Tobago. You better say good morning/good afternoon/good evening when you enter public transportation vehicles.
America: If you cut someone off in traffic, give a little wave - it makes everything okay. I swear I could have a head on collision at their fault, but if they waved afterwards I'd feel bad that I called them a f*****g douchebag.
The wave is NOT for if you cut someone off. If someone lets you in, wave to say thank you.
Italy
No parmesan on pasta seasoned with fish sauces
No capuccino after 11am
If you have 3 people coming for dinner, cook for 19.
And I only listed the food rules!
Always break spaghetti at least twice and cook pasta for at least 20 minutes.
Don't mess with the seagulls.
Aberdeen, Scotland.
Don’t mess with the seagulls in China too. At some tourist locations next to beaches, they’re vicious enough to swoop over your head and either grab that thing right out of your hand or s**t all over you. Or is that a universal thing?
Canadian here. B***h about the cold, but only to other Canadians. Nobody else needs to know that we're f*****g sick of minus 30 with the windchill.
India: Lanes exist on the roads but lane driving doesn't.
Also In Kolkata( in picture), lane markers and stop-line markers are made with chalk and can be eroded by traffic in 2 days. Also people will stand at the Zebra crossing during a red light. Pedestrians don't recognize the specific pedestrian traffic lights and follow the ones for vehicles. DO NOT be on a bicycle at a main road. Since Cycles are not under any legal jurisdiction here, everyone , INCLUDING THE POLICE, will want you to break the rules and move waaay ahead of the stop-line during a red light, so that ' they can stand a little ahead of the crowd'. Oh and vehicles will break a red light,and will get caught in very few instances, so don't start crossing the road the moment there is a red light.Someone WILL be a d*ck. And for God's sake, do beware of the cyclists. Some of them will stand in the wrong lane and will NOT use hand-turn signals. if you are in a motorised vehicle and even touch a Cyclist by accident, people will beat you up.
Puerto Rico:
Another puertorican in a street of PR? Enemy.
Another puertorican in a street of anywhere in the world? Long lost best friend.
This is how I ended up with my current roommate. I was at the gym and I notice that he had a PRican flag and island tattoed on his arm. I said "Boricua?" (which is the native word for puertoricans) and we hit it off right away. We've been best buddies since then.
Hope they don't travel to PR together, then they will be mortal enemies.
Iran: If there is money involved, the person receiving money (shopkeeper, taxi driver, lender) HAS TO say a phrase that basically means it's free, similar to "it's on the house."
It is NEVER free. It's just something that has to be said, to the point that shopkeepers emotionlessly say it while taking your money at the same time. And even more extreme they will say it even after an argument about the money or bargaining has taken place.
No one can explain it, it's just the way it is.
Note: this post originally had 50 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
Finland. If you do not have something to say it is more than ok for you to be quiet. Even in a party. :)
I feel like I would like Finland... Except for the cold, I don't like the cold.
Load More Replies... I was fine till the article's text said "especially Americans". Seriously, have they never met some of the tourists from around the world?! We get 'em here b/c of the hiking. Absolute nightmares can be from any continent/country.
"Especially" singles out. "Like everyone" does not.
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I swear I'm about ready to leave here for awhile. I'm clearly not wanted here as an American anyway, since I'm proud of my ancestry and refuse to put myself down every second for being born here. I can't help that, but others can help by not perpetuating fallacies and not seeing us as monsters. We're not. Just like not all women or men are evil, not all of us are. Ugh.
I do find it ironic that BoredPanda continually bashes the United States when every country has problems and is not perfect. It is a really disturbing trend on this site. I noticed that on the rare occasion where a country other than the US is portrayed in a negative light on this site that users from said country are allowed to complain, but if users form the US complain they are branded as being whiny and annoying. It is incredibly strange and a very sad way to view the world.
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Some of these are useful, I was not aware of the Thai thing applying to the money as well. I knew you were not supposed to insult their king but being careful with how you present money as well? OK then.
Considering how many people holiday in Thailand, I'm surprised it's not better known. Maybe they give you some leeway as a foreigner
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When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I don't care if you don't do it that way at home. I don't care what the law is in your home country. When you visit a foreign countries, obey their laws, respect their customs, do what other people do. Dress appropriately, speak appropriately, behave appropriately, and please don't walk about in public talking about how stupid everyone is, especially when speaking English, because lots of people all over the world speak English, but remember that even if you think not a lot of people will speak your native language, you never really know who does. Charlize Theron told a story one time about how she and her mother were having a conversation in Afrikaans, and later, someone told her, in Afrikaans, that someone might be able to understand her.
Lemme add something that applies to pretty much a lot of places in the world: Never. P**s. Off. The. Seagulls. (Learned this the hard way after not offering food to seagull overlords at a tourist-filled spot at a beach. For no apparent reason a seagull decided to snatch my phone from my hand and drop it into the water, and then promptly nearly s**t on me.) 😑
Never p*$$ off Canada geese. They will kill you. If they happen to be guarding a nest, I hope you have a will.
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Some of these p**s me off because they're completely illogical. Say what you mean. Don't nod your head and smile if you mean no. Don't offer to pay for drinks if you're gonna judge someone for accepting your offer. F**k.
Singapore here: NEVER spit out gum on the sidewalk, you will be fined $2000, possibly jailed for repeated offences and maybe more. It is illegal to buy or sell gum here. Another one is, Singapore is VERY strict. Some Australian girls came over for a netball match and proceeded to steal lingerie from a Victoria’s Secret. They were immediately banned and deported from the country. If you are seen bringing drugs/have drugs in your system, you are not allowed in. If you consume drugs, death penalty. We have a lot of strict rules but that makes this country so safe - a young girl can walk in 3am on the most run down places, and she’d be safe.
I've been to a lot of places in the U.S. that had a lot of foreign tourists. Quit a few of them did things that would be considered outside the norm in the U.S. It never dawned on me that I should be offended and whine about it to Bored Panda.
Southern USA here! “Bless your heart” is basically us saying “Your an idiot” but in a nice way!!
World travel is not for the faint of heart or the ignorant of mind.
Taiwan: For the love of god/whatever you believe in, be QUIET on the subway. Whisper if you have to. Also, priority seating is a big deal. If an elderly person or a little kid gets on and all the seats are taken, and you're an able-bodied adult, you will be expected to give them a seat.
I'm shocked the rule of three for hospitality in Ireland wasn't mentioned. If your host offers you a drink or food. You say no. They'll offer again a few minutes later and you say no. The third time they offer, and they will, you say "well if you insist" and partake.
I've heard similar for other cultures as well. I'd fail so hard cause I just accept if being offered, no point on playing mind games if there are cookies at stake. Just saying ...
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If you're ever around Samoans - unless you're on /good/ terms, don't chee - doubly so if you're a haole - a chee is a fa'amu - a warcry, do it around people that don't know you as a brother and you're announcing you're the biggest, baddest toa (warrior) and you'll take on any and all...and they. Will. Oblige. You. Even the kids'll come out to kick you in the dangles and take your shoes. Unless you /know/ you can - just don't. It won't end well.
In Spain: walk on your right side of the street. Yes, it's a municipal law in every goddamn city in this country. Actually, what the law says is you have to use the right sidewalk in a street bit just walk on the right side even if you're on the left sidewalk. This rule has been here since the romans came, it's not new. That's why cars go on the right side too.
If I could only judge by what I read on BP I would only be able to conclude that European folks are annoying like a runny nose, complainers with no joy in their lives and hateful and closed minded to anyone that is culturally different. Must suck to live across the pond. Hope things improve for you.
Sweden: never ask to get a doggy bag from a restaurant. It's considered very embarrassing.
Huh? I’m not sure I could agree to that - It’s uncommon but not embarrassing, not as far as I know - maybe it’s different depending on where in Sweden one is located?
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America (or at least the South) "no yea" = yea "yea no" = no "yea yea yea" = no "no no yea" = yea
Finland. If you do not have something to say it is more than ok for you to be quiet. Even in a party. :)
I feel like I would like Finland... Except for the cold, I don't like the cold.
Load More Replies... I was fine till the article's text said "especially Americans". Seriously, have they never met some of the tourists from around the world?! We get 'em here b/c of the hiking. Absolute nightmares can be from any continent/country.
"Especially" singles out. "Like everyone" does not.
Load More Replies... I swear I'm about ready to leave here for awhile. I'm clearly not wanted here as an American anyway, since I'm proud of my ancestry and refuse to put myself down every second for being born here. I can't help that, but others can help by not perpetuating fallacies and not seeing us as monsters. We're not. Just like not all women or men are evil, not all of us are. Ugh.
I do find it ironic that BoredPanda continually bashes the United States when every country has problems and is not perfect. It is a really disturbing trend on this site. I noticed that on the rare occasion where a country other than the US is portrayed in a negative light on this site that users from said country are allowed to complain, but if users form the US complain they are branded as being whiny and annoying. It is incredibly strange and a very sad way to view the world.
Load More Replies... Some of these are useful, I was not aware of the Thai thing applying to the money as well. I knew you were not supposed to insult their king but being careful with how you present money as well? OK then.
Considering how many people holiday in Thailand, I'm surprised it's not better known. Maybe they give you some leeway as a foreigner
Load More Replies... When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I don't care if you don't do it that way at home. I don't care what the law is in your home country. When you visit a foreign countries, obey their laws, respect their customs, do what other people do. Dress appropriately, speak appropriately, behave appropriately, and please don't walk about in public talking about how stupid everyone is, especially when speaking English, because lots of people all over the world speak English, but remember that even if you think not a lot of people will speak your native language, you never really know who does. Charlize Theron told a story one time about how she and her mother were having a conversation in Afrikaans, and later, someone told her, in Afrikaans, that someone might be able to understand her.
Lemme add something that applies to pretty much a lot of places in the world: Never. P**s. Off. The. Seagulls. (Learned this the hard way after not offering food to seagull overlords at a tourist-filled spot at a beach. For no apparent reason a seagull decided to snatch my phone from my hand and drop it into the water, and then promptly nearly s**t on me.) 😑
Never p*$$ off Canada geese. They will kill you. If they happen to be guarding a nest, I hope you have a will.
Load More Replies... Some of these p**s me off because they're completely illogical. Say what you mean. Don't nod your head and smile if you mean no. Don't offer to pay for drinks if you're gonna judge someone for accepting your offer. F**k.
Singapore here: NEVER spit out gum on the sidewalk, you will be fined $2000, possibly jailed for repeated offences and maybe more. It is illegal to buy or sell gum here. Another one is, Singapore is VERY strict. Some Australian girls came over for a netball match and proceeded to steal lingerie from a Victoria’s Secret. They were immediately banned and deported from the country. If you are seen bringing drugs/have drugs in your system, you are not allowed in. If you consume drugs, death penalty. We have a lot of strict rules but that makes this country so safe - a young girl can walk in 3am on the most run down places, and she’d be safe.
I've been to a lot of places in the U.S. that had a lot of foreign tourists. Quit a few of them did things that would be considered outside the norm in the U.S. It never dawned on me that I should be offended and whine about it to Bored Panda.
Southern USA here! “Bless your heart” is basically us saying “Your an idiot” but in a nice way!!
World travel is not for the faint of heart or the ignorant of mind.
Taiwan: For the love of god/whatever you believe in, be QUIET on the subway. Whisper if you have to. Also, priority seating is a big deal. If an elderly person or a little kid gets on and all the seats are taken, and you're an able-bodied adult, you will be expected to give them a seat.
I'm shocked the rule of three for hospitality in Ireland wasn't mentioned. If your host offers you a drink or food. You say no. They'll offer again a few minutes later and you say no. The third time they offer, and they will, you say "well if you insist" and partake.
I've heard similar for other cultures as well. I'd fail so hard cause I just accept if being offered, no point on playing mind games if there are cookies at stake. Just saying ...
Load More Replies... If you're ever around Samoans - unless you're on /good/ terms, don't chee - doubly so if you're a haole - a chee is a fa'amu - a warcry, do it around people that don't know you as a brother and you're announcing you're the biggest, baddest toa (warrior) and you'll take on any and all...and they. Will. Oblige. You. Even the kids'll come out to kick you in the dangles and take your shoes. Unless you /know/ you can - just don't. It won't end well.
In Spain: walk on your right side of the street. Yes, it's a municipal law in every goddamn city in this country. Actually, what the law says is you have to use the right sidewalk in a street bit just walk on the right side even if you're on the left sidewalk. This rule has been here since the romans came, it's not new. That's why cars go on the right side too.
If I could only judge by what I read on BP I would only be able to conclude that European folks are annoying like a runny nose, complainers with no joy in their lives and hateful and closed minded to anyone that is culturally different. Must suck to live across the pond. Hope things improve for you.
Sweden: never ask to get a doggy bag from a restaurant. It's considered very embarrassing.
Huh? I’m not sure I could agree to that - It’s uncommon but not embarrassing, not as far as I know - maybe it’s different depending on where in Sweden one is located?
Load More Replies... America (or at least the South) "no yea" = yea "yea no" = no "yea yea yea" = no "no no yea" = yea
