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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

#1

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About 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...

Eoin741 , Threetails05 Report

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Hotdogking
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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)

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#2

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

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PolymathNecromancer
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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Monster hunter greatsword ️
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American, I have never heard this, or have actually met someone this stupid. If you encounter someone like this, take my words and remember that a lot of us are sorry for how stupid some of us are. Some of us are not like this.

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censorshipsucks
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a canadian friend who called USA "northern mexico" ... so there's that /jk

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

Also going up to us and saying "Eh" or asking "aboot" something isn't funny. Someone is going to punch you if you do that, yes there are violent Canadians.

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

I'm a Canadian who lives in the U.S., they get sooooo excited when I say "Eh"

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Tim Martin
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if you love life don't say that Canada is the same as America. You will find out how nice we are not.

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Veronica Richard
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I grew up in Detroit and have Canadian relatives. Love Canada and never considered anything but our cooler neighbor to the North!

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

If you grew up in Detroit, then you should probably refer to Canadians as our neighbors to the South. ;)

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Kennethbush
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1 year ago

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Oh, jokes about Canada baaaad. Jokes about America fuunnyyy 🙄

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Lisa H
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some light jabbing to each country is fine, but if someone says stop, you stop. If you don't, then it's crossed the threshold to bullying and that's not okay.

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

I'd like to apologize on behalf of America for being an asshat, Canada is f*****g awesome and doesn't deserve that

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Kennethbush
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1 year ago

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Don’t lick the boots. It doesn’t happen, it isn’t true

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️️Upvote faery️
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Canadian, I've only ever heard this on BP, never in person from visiting people from any of the other American regions.

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Michael Largey
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In our neighborhood, the people just to the south of us are loud, boisterous, and scary. So I know how Canada feels.

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Aria the Dog Lover
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm American, would never do such a thing to a country that's 10x better than America.

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bob cameron
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans are, for the most part, great folk. As an outsider it seems to me it is your politics that paint your country (not your population) in a less than flattering light.

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Kennethbush
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1 year ago

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Feel free to cross the border. Self haters are annoying anyway

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Jeff White
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From U.S. (Michigan) and half the time I WANT to be Canadian. Heck, more than half the time, I think the U.P. of Michigan is part of Canada. They are cool people. Do not insult Canada (except to poke very minor fun of how Windsor says "about" and "garage")

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Kristal
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, what? This happens? Orh I'm totally going to ask my colleagues tomorrow

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Bi-Polar Express
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not once did any of the c**p come up in any of the times I was an tourist in Canada or entertaining tourists from Canada. Does Bored Panda exist only to cause these issues?

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Pam Page
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While visiting Canada I met more than a few people who said that Canadiens view Americans are their southern cousins. I wasn't offended, but then I never am.

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The Original Bruno
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK this is dying out. But before so many Latin Americans moved into the United States, "North America" wasn't typically contrasted with "South America," but with "Latin America." If, for instance, you bought an atlas, most states would get their own page, with some smaller ones getting fit together on the same page. Likewise, the larger Canadian provinces would also get their own pages (with the Maritime provinces smushed together), but Mexico was treated like a foreign nation, all on one page. Products were packaged with instructions in English and French... but not Spanish (due to obsolete trade rules). US and Canadian teams play in the major sports leagues together (except football), but with no Mexican teams. There's all the effects of (largely) sharing a common language. And of course, maps of America include just about every Canadian city (except possibly Edmonton). Even Canadian manufactured goods were legally counted as "domestic." This resulted in a sense of that there's the U.S./Canada and there's the rest of the world. Canada was sorta like that "uncle" who you knew wasn't technically in your family, but you didn't care. What was not always understood by the less intelligent Americans is that it's still damned rude to treat Uncle Fred's stuff as if it were yours; Uncle Fred still has a right to his own personhood and privacy!

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Shelby Moonheart
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom told me a story when I was little about while in Ecuador she declared that she was American. The person she was talking to commented that they were American too. There are two American continents, the South and the North.

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The Original Bruno
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Countries whose people call themselves "Americans" (not counting "Americanos"): U.S., Canada, Belize. But in reality, Canadians rarely do. And I don't suspect Belizeans (?) do very often, either. Let's face it: "America" is a word with two senses: nations arbitraily grouped together because of a long, extremely narrow isthmus and no other commonalities, and the United States of America. "The United States" is not a solution, since there's also Estados Unidos Mexicanos right next door.

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David Green
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The thing is, you can't even tell them off, as you're Canadians and therefore among the politest people on earth.

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

Polite, most of the time yes, but if you're being rude we won't put up with you. We may not be rude about it but you will know that the conversation is over when we simply walk away.

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William zeringue
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American here I never heard people did this much apologies Canada oh how are the leafs doing

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

I swear, robberies in Canada are like: 'excuse me, good sir. would you ever so kindly put your money in this bag?' "why of course! you are such a kind fellow."

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Dawnieangel76
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering that Canada probably feels like they live just north of a huge Meth lab....

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Barbara Baldwin
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And, for the life of god remember who owns Canada if you're an anglophobe

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

Nosa according to the babbling heads everyone wants to be us,

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

Pro-tip, if they call you their hat, you can call them your underwear.

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

I've never heard those phrases and I'm genuinely shocked but happy that you still love us. Mostly shocked because the lower 50 states are mostly full of brats.

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Tree P
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, I guess you could respond and say America must be Canada's pants! I am kidding, so don't get mad.

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

Can't say I blame you.... we're like the annoying downstairs neighbor who parties all night keeping you up and then gets pissed when you're grumpy.

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

I would never refer to Canadians that way! Although, as a Michigander, I've been called a Canadian before. Looking at you Kentucky!

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

I mean correct me if I'm wrong but the continent is named "the americas"

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El Jordo Mac
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked for a company that was bought by United States Steel USS. During their first meeting with the union they called us snow ni**ers.

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

Ahhhh yes. Many a time I've heard this. But I disagree on being besties. I've always been treated horribly when going to the US

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

I think a lot of people farther down south wonder what y’all actually do up there? We never hear any drama.. are you bored? Do you want to come down? We have Margaritas and Queso!!!

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Shannon K
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow I'm neither American nor Canadian but no matter where you're from that's just plain rude!

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

Next time an American calls you Canadians something you don't like, tell them that as far as Canada is concerned, the US is South America

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

Hey Canada, can you guys please just absorb my state? I'm sick of the US lol

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Hannah Bridges
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly I don't dislike American citizens, and Canada is certainly not perfect, especially recently, but sometimes I read the news and just ?????? What is with the politicians over there.....

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

They lie. Just like they do anywhere else. Doesn't make it right, but that's how it is.

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avi11420
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never heard that one but I have heard Canadians calling the US "North Mexico". I got a good laugh from that one.

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

This was written super cute tho...Canucks, you guys rock!

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Givemeabreak101
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never heard of this sounds incredibly stupid thing to say. I've been Canada a couple of times, everyone I delt with was incredibly nice and helpful. Victoria is one of the most beautiful places in the world I have been. I had the opportunity to train with some Canadians when I was in the military. A very professional and well trained bunch of young men and women.

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Kelly A.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm from Michigan and I didn't even know that was a thing! I don't think of our neighbors as a "hat"

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

Love, timbits and kind regards for Canada is going to be my new default sign-off

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

Oh for Christ's sake Rebecca, no they don't. We do things well, they do things well. We have problems, so do they. No country or person does "everything" better than another country or person.

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

This is not true. Much like the rest of the world, most of us do not, in fact, like the USA.

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

This is not true anymore. You folk have worn out our kindness and now we just want you to leave.

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Gardener of Weeden
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually wish we were more like you. Sorry for the "plague" of our idiots

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Cathy Jo Baker
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are my countrymen so ridiculous? Apologies, Canada, and can you please send me some Tiger Tail ice cream?

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Ben
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1 year ago (edited)

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In my 42 years of being born and raised and living all over the US, I have never heard any American say anything about Canada being a hat or a 51st state. To be honest, I don't believe Americans give Canada even a second thought. Other than thinking Canada is cold, beautiful, and having polite people.

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Iustin Vreme
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1 year ago

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such issues even appear between bullies, and doesn't make a qualitative difference. if you wanted to settle things with your pals, you did; if you wanted to show themselves better, you didn't.

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Denise Lewis
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1 year ago

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well ok you all speak English when you hit Maine stop speaking in French. because some of us know French and you guy's are very rude. when you think we don't understand you.

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Augie Chapin
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1 year ago

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you try to be special bt really your'e just the US' little brother

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Raymond Core
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1 year ago

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I told a Canadian a joke on how Canada was named. I said they put all the consonants in a hat and called each one out as it came from the hat... 'C' aye? 'N' aye? 'D' aye?. He was not amused. BTW, Canada means 'small village'. All the funny Canadians move to the US and have good careers.

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#3

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Germany - Be there by the time you told me or I will be very pissed.

idonteven93 , westend61 Report

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Nor
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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???

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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. 

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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.

#4

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS. Or you will die. [Australia]

squashedfrog462 , S O C I A L . C U T Report

#5

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About ~~England~~ **UK** here.
Thanking the bus driver for the journey when you leave at your stop.

chakraattack , brandonann Report

#6

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.

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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.

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#7

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About (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

anon , engy91 Report

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Subtlelikeawreckingball
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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....

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#8

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About 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.

SPullen , Peter Hellberg Report

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Niall Mac Iomera
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My auntie got into trouble in Thailand for putting money in her shoe. Apparently it's tantamount to stepping on the kings face

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#9

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About 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.

MaceoPlex , Image-Source Report

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

We don't queue THAT close!! But yeah, we queue for everything....it's an unspoken rule that if, not done, you will get multiple tuts, sighs and the odd angry person going 'EY!! Get to the back'

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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. 

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#10

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About South Africa - Don't ever pick up hitchhikers!

kayoss922 , Satura_ Report

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

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.

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#11

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Norway:

Don't sit next to someone on the bus if you can avoid it.

Don't talk to strangers.

DirtMaster3000 , seventyfourimages Report

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

We scandinavians are so warm, open and always up for chit chatting with strangers. 🥰 /s

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#12

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Northern Ireland: Do not bring up religion/scottish football teams in a pub unless you are looking for a fight.

Kaos_pro , Pressmaster Report

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.

#13

Southern US- If you propose something and everyone just nods and smiles, it's a southern no.

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#14

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About 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.

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#15

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About 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.

RamsesThePigeon , Chris Barbalis Report

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

Sorry, but if I ran into Robin Williams, I'm not sure how I would react since he's been dead since 2014 (RIP - we still miss him).

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#16

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About 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.

Tcbf88 , petruninsphotos Report

#17

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.)

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

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.

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#18

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

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Bill Evs
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A similar thing in the UK too. If someone greets you with "alright" they're just basically saying hello and not actually asking if you're OK

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#19

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Sweden checking in. Respect for personal space is probably #1 here

mr_loveboat , Barry Dale Gilfry Report

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Nor
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OOOOOH i need to move to Sweden...where i come from, that's never been heard of until C19 hit and then some couldn't even understand, respect or adhere to that

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#20

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!!

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Hotdogking
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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)

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#21

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About 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.

citrusonic , Luis Villasmil Report

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PolymathNecromancer
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#22

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About 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.

SigridPixie , graziegranata Report

#23

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Trinidad & Tobago. You better say good morning/good afternoon/good evening when you enter public transportation vehicles.

thisisbowling , Lisanto 李奕良 Report

#24

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About 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.

danrennt98 , msvyatkovska Report

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Doctor Strange
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The wave is NOT for if you cut someone off. If someone lets you in, wave to say thank you.

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#25

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!

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Ivana Bašić
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always break spaghetti at least twice and cook pasta for at least 20 minutes.

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#26

Don't mess with the seagulls.

Aberdeen, Scotland.

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HelluvaHedgehogAlien
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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?

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#27

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.

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#28

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About India: Lanes exist on the roads but lane driving doesn't.

anon , ADITYA PRAKASH Report

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Tushar Roy Mukherjee
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#29

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.

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#30

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.

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Corvus
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably some very, very old tradition for politeness that has stuck around for centuries.

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