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
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???
Dear Necromancer, you just outed yourself as an extreme narcissist. Has it ever occurred to you that you are wasting other people's life by your lateness? I'm 100% with Nor on this, as my grandmother always said, by being late you are telling other people that they are less important than yourself.
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Also, in Germany: saying "half seven" means 18:30 (like half to seven), apparently? I only know this because I once had a german guest turn up an hour early to my party when I was still running around with wet hair, tidying 😅
Please note that to the UK contingent, and I think the Aussies as well, you have just informed us that if we arrive late you will be extremely drunk. Just while we're on the subject of regional quirks.
You beat me to it. The addition of the word "off" is needed for it to make sense here.
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I am German and I agree. Better yet, arrive 5-10 mins early. And if you get delayed for some reason, give me a call so we can determine if it is still worth it to meet up. And for companies, if someone leaves an Object, a car for example, with you for repairs, DO NOT give them your exact closing time to come pick it up. I am still salty about the story I experienced with that.
I can understand 10 minutes late without being able to contact the person waiting, if it was truly out of your control. But anything more than that requires a call or text or email, IMHO. There's enough time to say "I'm running late because of XYZ".
While I understand that being constantly late is really annoying for people that are waiting, this really depends a lot on the country where you live. I'm Italian and if for some kind of appointments you are required to be on time (doctor, jobs interview, school or work meetings...), when the occasion is less formal the timing is less strict. Meet up at 7? You can be there from 7.15 to 7.30 without being considered rude. It's also true that everyone knows it so no one is really bothered and nobody shows exactly on time (edit:typo)
I'm autistic, so it can be incredibly challenging to be fluid, but I believe we are in agreement. I feel that for most formal/semi- formal settings, punctuality is a must. For a one-on- one shopping trip or outing with a friend/family, the time frame usually isn't as rigid (generally within a 10-20 minute window) and typically there's a quick text with an ETA. In relaxed family/friend hangout situations, that's definitely a far more laid back, arrive when you arrive vibe. I certainly prefer punctuality, but I try to understand each situation.
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I've never understood cultures that promote being late for things. It's a total dìck move and annoying to no end. I'm glad your time means nothing to you, but mine sure does.
I think it’s promoting the notion that precision in social settings is less important than the quality of time spent. Flexibility is a nice quality in a friendship. Rigor can be off-putting, even stressful. What matters is being clear about your expectations, rather than letting guests figure it out by upsetting you upon their inexact arrival.
Load More Replies... No problem with that. I’m the same way. I think it goes back to the olden days when there were no cellphones. If you weren’t on time, whomever you were meeting started to freak out that something had happened to you.
I agree - habitually late people really boil my p**s. I’ll just give them 5 mins and then leave/order my meal/go to the pub. Life goes on without them.
I think being late for anything is so rude. I think keeping someone waiting without very good reasons beyond your control shows a lack of respect for that person and often an inflated sense of self importance. If you know you struggle to be on time, do something about it; set alarms to keep you on schedule, plan your time, think ahead about what makes you late and makes changes. My partner had time keeping issues when we first met, and once he realised it bothered me he worked on fixing it. He first worked on not being late for me, then slowly that spread into other parts of his life. He now appreciates when others are on time and often says that life is so much easier when you aren't always stressed about being late and constantly apologising for it.
I live in a small town in B.C. And it’s the polar opposite here. If someone says they’ll meet you at 2pm, it means they’ll be there anywhere between 1:30 to 2:45. If they’re late, I don’t care and if I’m late, they won’t care or even notice
This is so relatable, my family NEVER gets out of the house on time and I always get so annoyed, because we're making life harder for innocent people.
I give people 5 minutes, 10 at the most, and I'm gone. People who are consistently late tick me off beyond all bounds. I simply will NOT wait around for them.
being German myself, born and raised, my Oma always taught me to never be late and to eat everything on my plate. * didn't mean to rhyme *
That's my major pet peeve. Be there when you say you're going to be there. If you can't make it or will be late then text me and let me know! Don't ever ignore me and my texts and then show up an hour or 2 later and expect me to just accept it. Sorry, I'm going to be very p!ssed and you're getting an earful of rage.
Had a German client who appreciated my punctuality, but cut me slack when unexpected situations arose.
Brazil: If I'm there when you told me I will be waiting for a very long time
Omg!!!! We had an Irish gent as our bus tour guide in Germany & he made sure to inform us how Germans are very punctual. (They'd HATE my husband! LOL)
My sister can/will not be on time for anything. EVER! Even if we tell her an earlier time than truly necessary. It's so narcissistic.
People being late for things drives me INSANE. If you say you're going to be somewhere at a specific time, BE THERE. I shudder to think how much of my life I've wasted in just hanging around waiting on other people.
If you're not early, you're late. Except when rush hour traffic is worse than usual. But I personally always allow extra time.
I made the mistake of telling people I was born in Canada when growing up. The endless joked of eh and zed and going back to where I belonged ... I've spent the majority of my life in the US and I refuse to be called American I tell everyone I'm Canadian\ born in Canada (got my us citizenship waaayyyy later on in life)
And do not even try to visit somebody in the Netherlands spontaneously at 18.00 a.k.a. Dinner Time. They do not cook for extra people, and it is a real, daily and "holy" family gathering. Do not even think you might get some food. Most people find it rude when you drop by at 18.00.
My boyfriend was from Germany, he also was very annoyed with my bad punctuality. But that was something i ended up learning from my family who was always 5 minutes late no mater how much we prepared or how early we left. I also had it drilled into me that nothing was guaranteed, anything and everything I asked for, needed, wanted always had the word "wait" attached to it. So to me things just happened when they happened and planing was so that things could happen at an approximate time. Time makes little to no sense to me because of how I grew up. No mater how early I think I need to be, I'm always 5 minutes late. I could leave an hour early and still end up late.
Early is on time, on time is late, and late will get you slapped in the face. I fit right in during my time in Germany.
i always accept someone being late if they didn't catch the train oe bus. So that'd be abour 10 minutes. everything beyond that is just rude, especially without notice. i am always on time and i dont think i have ever met up with someone who was too. i had to learn very early that you cannot rely on other people if they fck up something as simple as meeting on time.
I try to arrive several minutes early, if not more, for appointments. It depends. I hate being late - this is kind of a personal thing, no?
I have a strict rule about appointments, whether it's a home visit or outside the home, at the doctors for example. I am ready/there 20 minutes before the appointment time and I'll wait for 20 minutes after the appointment is supposed to started. Any later and I tell them to book a new time. My time is important
Correction: Make sure you are present AT the time we have agreed. NOT earlier, NOT later! If you are early, wait out of sight; don´t mess with the time scedule of your host. A meeting NEVER takes longer than agreed.
Naw, it isn’t always *that* strict, really not. It strongly depends on the situation and the people you have an appointment with: at business meetings for instance you better be on time unless you have a very good excuse (or you’re the boss). Private appointments are often way more “easy going”, depending on the location you’ll meet at – in a café or pub it’s much more okay to be a little late than it is if somebody’s waiting outdoors in the pouring rain (just to name two extremes). Also the term “very pissed” is a bit exaggerated, depending on the person who’s waiting for you. Some people take it easy, some are slightly upset – and only a few with a significant lack of patience might overreact and be furious. In my experience, ten minutes late are perfectly okay in many cases, but half an hour late is indeed considered a bit rude. P.S.: as you probably will have guessed, yes I’m German – and I’m a rather patient guy when it comes to waiting for someone on an appointment. :^)
Nope. Not even slightly. Turn up "on time" in Ireland or Jamaica and you're probably in for a long wait.
Load More Replies...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.
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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
