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???
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....
I'm with you. Oh, heck no. I literally CANNOT eat solid food due to a medical condition (only a list of liquids and some few mushy foods). I cannot consume coffee for the same reason (not on the list) - though I can buy it. NO ONE TOUCHES ME WITHOUT CONSENT (I rarely give it). I do not talk much to strangers. Note to self: avoid Italy at all costs. It's not as if they'd like me, anyway, lol
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Finns didn't even enter the room... strangers forcing you to eat and make conversation while touching and kissing you... 😰
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I lived in southern italy ten years and this is phrased very poorly. Yes, Italians greet friends with cheek kisses but this make it sounds like they pounce on strangers.
I don't give a s**t what's normal in your culture, touch me without my consent and someone's gonna get hurt
We NEVER touch or kiss tourist/stranger, this rule its applied ONLY with friends or relatives
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A lot of people in the US are like this too. Of course this opinion is based on my experience of having an Italian American family and grew up with and have a lot of Mexican and central and South American friends and neighbors. Lots of hugs, lots of coffee. Saying goodbye takes at least 20 minutes.
So a sicilian here. We don't shake hands together, we france kiss each other. Kiss on a cheek, but only with relatives, not strangers.
A North European here, so hugging and kissing was not a part of my upbringing. Moved to Central Europe, and they seemed to be very big on these little kisses as a way of saying hello. A new friend introduced me to this custom, expecting to have much fun on my account (imagine the standard introvert's reaction!) but what happened? I found I liked kissing people so much that for a few months I was kissing everyone! And not a polite little peck or an air kiss, but a real, honest smack! It was only later that I understood that this was actually not expected of me ... now, some 15 years later I hardly kiss anyone, as I have no family here, and among friends, we hug, if even that. But thinking back, that was rather sweet!
Well no, it's not like that. Yes, they will put something to eat on the table, but if you don't want it, don't eat it. They will offer you coffee when visiting them, but you can always say a glass of water will do. If you're not thirsty, just leave it there. They will probably greet you with a hug or kisses if they know you, but after that just take a footstep backwards so you let them know your boundaries. And no-one wil force you to talk if they don't know you, but they will probably talk to you, too, if you do. It is courtesy though to offer an espresso or something else at a bar, when it occurs, especially when they did you some kind of a favour, like showing you the city or opening their home to you.
All of this is fine except the random hugging and kissing. Sorry, but no.
This is also true of many parts of South America. But Argentina and Brazil have enormous Italian populations, so maybe it's something they brought to us. You kiss to say hello, we hug, you talk on the bus, everybody is your friend.
Besides which, it doesn't happen. I've never met an Italian who didn't wait for me to initiate any contact. I did like your quip about Fitzpatrick though...
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ohh i remember how I did not know about first plates and stuffed my self with it before the second plate...some 20 yrs ago...
these are things that are at least somewhat expected, it’s always ok to set boundaries
I’m American, and kind of do these, or a variation of them, already. #1: This is just basic politeness, even if you just take a dab of everything, at least you tried all of it. #2: I like coffee, so wouldn’t mind this very much. #3: As long as the touching, hugging, and kissing stays appropriate and doesn’t turn into groping, tentative OK. #4: Hey, if someone buys me coffee, like in #1, I have no problem paying the favor forward. #5: I already do this. Good weather or bad weather, you can always make some kind of polite small talk, that everyone can relate to, just to pass the time.
Is it weird I don’t mind the physical contact part, but the conversation with strangers part gives me sweaty palms?
You should not have to pretend it's ok for people to touch you if it actually makes you feel uncomfortable.
I’m a long-term diabetic with gastroparesis. I do NOT do any activities that involve food. I do love Italy, but don’t get social when I’m there. It’s NOT rude, I’m just protecting myself by following my medical necessities. If you can’t accept that I will not allow you to push unwanted food on me, then the only rude one here is you.
The touching and talking are fine with me... but I don't drink coffee so I guess I'll avoid southern Italy.
#1 definitely. First question I ask anyone visiting "Are you hungry? What can I get you to drink?" It's called hospitality.
I was a little kid when I was told that men pinch ones butt on the street over there and so knew never to go.
Wow! My kind of place now that I obliterated that effing agoraphobia that crippled me for years
OK, So I get you. If you hate being hugged and kissed, never go to Italy. I CAN and DO do talking :-)
I think that these rules apply to most, if not all, Mediterranean countries.
"Always eat offered food if visiting". NOT if that food is Casu martzu (aka, "Maggot Cheese")!
Anyone wonder why the female in the middle is holding the plate and a slice while taking a bite out of the slice that the female on her right is holding? And they all seem happy about this bite.
1-4 all true if you are long-time friends or relatives. "Always talk to people" it means acknowledging that people around you exist so that you won't look like a narcissistic snob. You usually do that if you make eye contact with that person. The talk could also be just a simply "good morning" or a nod of your head. This is usually a more bon ton stuff in smaller towns. In bigger cities, no one gives a heck about you.
For the coffee, does decaf count? If so, then I'm okay with that, but I like to limit my caffeine intake. Also, I'm a vegetarian. Finally, I may have to pop pills in order to digest what they're serving (my body has issues with certain types of carbohydrate chains). But if that's all okay, then I'm good with it!
I sincerely dislike coffee and anything coffee flavored. Guess I'll have to skip southern Italy.
Yikes....I started writing a long paragraph with way too much oversharing, but I caught myself and to sum it up: My mental health hates these so SO much.
I'm a very social person, so this is awesome for me. I strike up a conversation whenever I can.
1. No. I have a food intolerance that I need to make sure I don't consume. However, I will be very polite and express this to them so as not to hurt their feelings or think they are a bad host. 2. No, I do not like coffee and I don't want people wasting their money. Though, I would accept tea. 3. I'm not scared but not a fan of people I don't know hugging or kissing me. Consent is kind if a big deal. 4. I can totally do this if I have funds. I will also offer to buy tea in case some don't like coffee. 5. No. Sometimes I don't want to talk but won't be rude if someone else initiates. Maybe me going to southern Italy would not be a good idea?
Italy sounds like everything i don't want to do lol. 1 and 2 - . I will take a bit of what you offer food or drink , but if I don't want to eat I'm not going to. 3- Yeah I get the kiss on cheeks etc...but I mean if i feel uncomfortable I might have to step away. 4. -5 - NO.
The food expectations are exactly why i wouldn't choose to visit. I would absolutely be happy to accept food offered if wheat didn't destroy my digestive system. And while I adore coffee and espresso caffeine makes me incredibly ill. The rest I wouldn't have a problem with. But food limitations are part of why my bucket list vacations are in Central America, certain Asian destinations, and the Caribbean. Though it's been a dream to see Pompeii for a long time.
guess I'm not going to southern italy, I'm too introverted for that. Lake Garda and Lake Como in northern Italy are beautiful though. xP
Physical contact and always talking are dealbreakers for me. So (southern) Italy, here I don't come!
I'm never going there then. I'm not eating if I don't want to, I hate coffee and do not f*****g touch me. Ever. Also, don't talk to me, I don't know you.
Aaaaand I won’t be going to Southern Italy. I hate all those things, except the one about coffee. Feel free to buy me as much coffee as you want.
Thanks for the warning. I don't appreciate touching or kissing from strangers, no matter how good their intentions.
That sounds like entire part of a county who don’t understand consent or boundaries. This is really messed up.
1. What if I am not hungry or don´t like what they are offering? 2. I hate coffee, so what to do? 3. I don´t know you, so please don´t. 4. Meh, Depends on the price of the coffee and If I have a payment method on Hand. I usually leave my wallet home when I don´t plan to visit a store. 5. If they start the conservation, I am willing to answer. Otherwise I prefer to daydream and listen to music.
1. You can still eat without being hungry; it's homemade italian food, you will like it. 2. It's a espresso, just jug it down, you just have to swallow once and it's gone. 3. You get used to it. 4. Coffee is extremely cheap in Italy. 5. I don't think you have to start conversations, but it's extremely funny to listen to elderly italian people enthusiastically telling you the latest gossip, while you can't understand a single word and they don't care at all and continue talking!
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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
