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)
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
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.
Load More Replies...I had a canadian friend who called USA "northern mexico" ... so there's that /jk
Considering the land stolen from Mexico, it's not really a joke.
Load More Replies...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.
I'm a Canadian who lives in the U.S., they get sooooo excited when I say "Eh"
Load More Replies...Old joke: "We're bigger and we're on top. If this was prison, you'd be our b*tch." LMAO
Yeah but we are way crazier. Crazy beats big any day.
Load More Replies...And if you love life don't say that Canada is the same as America. You will find out how nice we are not.
I grew up in Detroit and have Canadian relatives. Love Canada and never considered anything but our cooler neighbor to the North!
If you grew up in Detroit, then you should probably refer to Canadians as our neighbors to the South. ;)
Load More Replies...I'd like to apologize on behalf of America for being an asshat, Canada is f*****g awesome and doesn't deserve that
As a Canadian, I've only ever heard this on BP, never in person from visiting people from any of the other American regions.
In our neighborhood, the people just to the south of us are loud, boisterous, and scary. So I know how Canada feels.
I'm American, would never do such a thing to a country that's 10x better than America.
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.
Load More Replies..."but we don't actually want to be you" I live in the US and SAME
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")
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?
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!
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.
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.
Load More Replies...The thing is, you can't even tell them off, as you're Canadians and therefore among the politest people on earth.
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.
Load More Replies...American here I never heard people did this much apologies Canada oh how are the leafs doing
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."
Considering that Canada probably feels like they live just north of a huge Meth lab....
And, for the life of god remember who owns Canada if you're an anglophobe
Pro-tip, if they call you their hat, you can call them your underwear.
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.
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.
I would never refer to Canadians that way! Although, as a Michigander, I've been called a Canadian before. Looking at you Kentucky!
I mean correct me if I'm wrong but the continent is named "the americas"
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.
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
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!!!
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
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.....
They lie. Just like they do anywhere else. Doesn't make it right, but that's how it is.
Load More Replies...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.
Love, timbits and kind regards for Canada is going to be my new default sign-off
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.
Load More Replies...This is not true. Much like the rest of the world, most of us do not, in fact, like the USA.
I actually wish we were more like you. Sorry for the "plague" of our idiots
Why are my countrymen so ridiculous? Apologies, Canada, and can you please send me some Tiger Tail ice cream?
Big brother. 3.8m square miles to the USA's 3.5m.
Load More Replies...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.
**India.**
- Do not criticise any religion, even constructively. People will get offended.
- Do not air any strong opinions publicly. People will get offended.
- Do not do anything out of the ordinary. People will get offended.
First, yes. Second, yes. What do you mean by the third thing? We do not live in 13th century
Guam - Taking food home with you is not a polite suggestion from your party host, it's a requirement.
DO NOT expect the weather to stay nice. Seriously.
We talk about 5 minute weather and we mean it. Iceland can be a tourist deathtrap.
Apologize if you ALMOST bump into someone. Actually, if you come within six feet of bumping into someone--apologize.
(Canada.)
Denmark: At the 12.00 o'clock lunch break, no one smokes inside the first 15 min. (to allow non-smokers to eat their food without being puffed in the face) Mostly seen on construction sites
Most workplaces here in Denmark have a strict no-smoking-indoors-ever policy. Many don't allow you to smoke on company premises, even outdoors. We even have some workplaces where you're not allowed to smoke when you're at work, even on your break.
America: In big cities, don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk. Move to a side or keep moving. This probably applies much more in NYC than other cities, but from my experiences, still applies to a degree elsewhere.
Hungary
If we casually bring up how our cuisine, wines or the beauty of our women is world famous, just play along, even if you never heard about any of them (which is likely).
Brazil : Cheek-kissing is very common in Brazil, among women and between women and men. When two women, or opposite sexes first meet, it is not uncommon to kiss. Two men WILL shake hands. A man kissing another man's cheek is extremely bizarre for Brazilian standards (unless in father-son relationships). Kissing is suitable for informal occasions, used to introduce yourself or being acquainted, especially to young people. Hand shaking is more appropriate for formal occasions or between women and men when no form of intimacy is intended. Trying to shake hands when offered a kiss will be considered odd, but never rude. However, to clearly refuse a kiss is a sign of disdain.
When people first meet, they will kiss once (São Paulo), twice (Rio de Janeiro) or three times (Florianópolis and Belo Horizonte, for instance), depending on where you are, alternating right and left cheeks. Observe that while doing this, you should not kiss on the cheeks (like in Russia) but actually only touch cheeks and make a kissing sound.
It's quite similar in France but that was pre-Covid. Since then kissing on the cheek (called "faire la bise") has really dropped in use.
Ireland. If an old person offers you something, no matter how gross, you eat it and you like it.
Speaking from experience, if you don’t you will have two outcomes. Either Mrs. Doyle offering tea (ah go on, ah ya will, go on, go on) or the Irish mammy (I spent AGES on this, AGES.) Long story short, you’ll end up eating it anyway, but saying yes is the quicker way.
Chicago here. In the winter after a snowfall, don't move the random junk in the street that's placed there to reserve the parking spot of the person who shoveled it out. Or else.
wait what? You mean that stuff we see on pavements is not stuff being discarded but a parking spot reservation? weird.
China - save as much money as possible by eating cheap food by yourself and never buying new clothes, then spend a thousand dollars taking your 35 closest friends out to dinner at the nicest place in town.
In Tokyo:
* Know the population and recent sports information from your hometown / home university (even if you couldn't give a c**p about it)
* Don't talk on mobile phones in the train, and don't speak in a loud voice if you are with people on the train
* Always carry handkerchiefs and tissues
* Never allow anyone to pay for anything - always cover the bill yourself.
Germany. If you leave your Pet monkey here because you don't want to pay a tax involving it.....we will find ways to make you pay.
Also if the Traffic Light is red, you better stay on one side till it's green.
I want to know the entire backstory to people leaving monkeys in Germany
Brussels: If you dare to talk in the metro, prepare to be stared to death.
I think this applies to Paris and London as well.
? I live in Brussels, and there's plenty of people talking in the subway... And it's not frowned upon (unless you talk loud enough for the whole wagon to "enjoy").
Germany: Don't touch someone's car
Should be everywhere. Even if it's not the best. Unless permission is given.
In Japan always use the left side of the escalator if you aren't walking fast or in a hurry (unless your near Osaka). This way people in a hurry don't get blocked by other people.
India: Learn to discreetly slip a 100 rupee note into the hands of an official. A small price for getting things done faster.
If you walk on the bicycle path, bicyclists will not slow down or swerve to avoid hitting you
Bicyclists don't slow down or swerve when they're on the sidewalk either.
US: always pretend you're in the middle class. (Even if you're rich or poor)
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
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