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Locals Are Sharing Social Norms And Insider Tips For Traveling In Their Country That People Might Not Consider (21 Answers)
Article created by: Rasa Žilinskaitė
According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals almost tripled in January to July 2022 (+172%) compared to the same time frame in 2021.
This means the sector returned to almost 60% of pre-pandemic levels. The steady recovery reflects strong pent-up demand for international travel as well as the easing or lifting of travel restrictions to date.
However, if you're planning to join the 474 million tourists who went abroad over the period, you must remember that you're immersing yourself in a different culture. It sounds simple, but if you don't do your homework, even seemingly little differences, inconsistencies, or whatever it is you want to call your tactless actions, can ruin the day for you or the locals.
But don't worry, Bored Panda has you covered. We scrolled through the internet and compiled what people think foreigners should know about the places they live in before visiting, and their insights can act as a stepping stone for your further education.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Sweden:
We are very informal.
Everyone is on a first name basis, and we don't use titles. If your doctor's name is Maria Johnsson, you adress her as Maria during your visit.
And just because we don't act as excited as a dog when their master is coming home, it doesn't mean you are unwelcome here. We're just a little toned down.
Also, unisex bathrooms are the standard here.
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#2
Police here is usually quite nice. No risk of randomly getting shot. Also, we dont greet strangers on the street or interact with them if not necessary. Joking about the holocaust or doing the hitler salute can very well get you in trouble.
Germany
#3
Also lived in Japan. This is what I have to say. Bow to people who bow to you. Bow to people in general when they give you a service. It's a sign of respect and it goes a long way.
Also, take off your shoes and respect the culture.
#4
Stop this so called slumdog tourism..
Going on guided tours to these slums and taking photos is akin to those human zoos in Belgium where they had African kids for amusement...
Those slum people are not some animals and you are not on a safari...
Also just because you visited a few temples, took selfies with some sadhu and donated some chocolates worth a Starbucks latte doesn't mean you " found yourself"...
I'm living in India for 28 years but still haven't found myself.
#6
If you travel to the netherlands I advice to take a train daycard and travel across the country. Visit towns and nature you like and book a hotel somewhere you are. The Netherlands is much more than Amsterdam.
#7
America is MASSIVE. You cannot see the grand canyon and NYC and vegas and Seattle in one trip unless you are a) here for a long time b) have money to spend on all those flights c) really really like driving.
#8
Iceland.
Don't be fooled, we are really quite rude, and semi unhappy. Not all of us, but since just recently we have never been known for being the "happiest nation" ever.
The women are not as easy as you think.
There is no such thing as a traditional Icelandic restaurant. Today we eat a lot hamburgers.
I don't want to be asked about my personal life. Most don't, unless they've had a drink or two.
We really do love to party, but the party doesn't start until 2:00 am. Don't go out before 12 and expect excitement. Also we drink to get drunk.
Do your research. It is expensive here. Tax is included in everything. If you spend 4000kr or more on merchandise (excluding food, postcards and stamps) you are entitled to 15% of your money back at the airport. The office is open 24/7. If you get your tax back in the city you will only receive 10%.
Take off your shoes when you come into our homes. (I think this goes for most Scandinavian countries).
Shower naked before you get into our swimming pools. No one cares, or is thinking about your body. It's a policy here, when in Rome and just do it.
I feel like I should also add that going to the swimming pools is one of the cheapest things you can do here they are heated and really are magnificent. It's totally worth it.
There is one main highway. It will take you all around Iceland. It is the number 1. The one and only. If you are in Iceland and have rented a car please beware of the weather conditions (i.e. black ice) and darkness especially in the winter.
If you do not consider 10 and 11 in the morning to be early, then supermarkets do not open early.
Summer in Iceland is great. New years in Iceland is mind blowing.
#9
Norway. It's very expensive here.
We speak English quite well, so you'll be perfectly fine language-wise if you speak decent English.
People will think you're an insane weirdo if you sit next to them on the bus while there are free double seats elsewhere.
#10
Scotland with one T. Not Scottland. Scots, not Scotts.
It's "Ed-in-Bruh" or "Ed-in-bu-ruh" not "Ed-in-borrow".
It's "Glas-go" not "Glas-cow"
We don't really care about your Scottish heritage. Tartan as it exists now is mostly an invention by the Victorians, so no, that was not your actual clan tartan.
Don't call it scotch. It's just called whisky here, without the 'e', we will assume you mean single malt scottish whisky unless you specify otherwise.
#11
When going to Germany y'all better bring some cash, because we don't do card payments everywhere. It's a bit random, but you should always have cash on you when checking out new places.
#12
Don’t ever use your phone while you are walking on the street or even while you are stuck in the middle of the traffic because you will get robbed. Also, pay special attention to motorcycles, if there are two people on one, there is a 95% chance they will take away your phone or purse.
- Sincerely, a Peruvian that hates her country
#14
Spain, unless you're in a very touristic focus area you won't be able to eat in a restaurant at 12:00 or have dinner at 18:00 - 20:00.
We have lunch at 14:00 - 15:00 and dinner at 21:00 - 22:00. Also, don't expect people to speak English because the absolute majority of us do not.
#15
In Morocco, make a point to stay at riads — townhouses with internal courtyards — whenever you can. They vary in price and room type (think: hostel dormitory to fancy and high-end). They are invariably unique, well decorated, and staffed by friendly helpful people. Most have a courtyard and roof terrace that offer a nice place to relax only a few meters from the chaos outside. Finding Riads can be a problem if it is your first trip to the medina, as they are often tucked down winding alleys, and some barely have a sign on their front door. Check a map before you arrive, and note down the name and address in case you need to ask people for help.
#16
If your are going to Argentina and hear someone asking for the time, just ignore them or run really fast. You're most probably going to get mugged.
#17
India - if you ain't from there, make sure you negotiate the price before agreeing to a service or purchasing an item because dual pricing is a thing...
#18
If you are going to France, don't stay in Paris. Try to visit other places in the country.
Paris is horrible even for French people. People are kind of rude there and there are so many scammers and thieves waiting for tourists. Stay like a day or two there to visit some famous places.
You will see while traveling that France has some beautiful places outside Paris, like the "Côtes de Granite rose" in Brittany, many mountain ranges like the Alps, the Pyrenees or The Central Massif (to cite the biggest ones), the Auvergne's Volcanoes, the "Calanques" in the South and even other beautiful big cities.
France is quite a small country compared to the US for example. You can easily travel across the country in less than a day with trains or planes. Even with a car it would take you around a full day.
Yes some people will only speak French, but they are very friendly and willing to help you out. If you visit some well-known places in the "countryside", there will be people talking at least English. Don't worry!
#19
South Africa - be aware of your surroundings when you are out exploring. Unfortunately, crime is common. Keep a close eye on your pockets and don’t walk around at night.
#20
When visiting Cape Town, make sure to carefully check the weather conditions at Table Mountain. Different conditions like wind and fog affect when it's open. It may appear like a totally fine day in the city, yet the mountain could be closed because of high winds on the cable car. If you are there for a short trip, visit Table Mountain at your first opportunity.
#21
Cities are boring and ugly, but geography is awesome... Chile
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