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No, you can’t order a cappuccino after lunch. You might wander around the city searching for a trash can for hours. If you need to use the restroom, be prepared to pay. And if someone tries to kiss you on the cheek, don’t freak out. They’re just being friendly!
When traveling internationally, it’s a given that you should mentally prepare yourself for some cultural differences. But no matter how many times they visit a place, some Redditors can’t seem to get behind all of the local customs. Below, you’ll find some of the quirks of various countries that travelers sometimes struggle with, as well as a conversation with travel expert Alex Miles from offMetro!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
This is an extremely controversial opinion, but religion-based "modesty" clothing that is designed to protect women's "sexual purity" will always rub me the wrong way. I don't care if the religion is Christian, Muslim, Pastafarian, or whatever else: I just think it is abhorrent and archaic when women are singled out as the ones responsible for keeping men from being sexual predators and deviants and are made to cover any portion of their body because of some religious mandate. I also do not agree with the logic that this can ever be a woman's choice or a "feminist act" as long as a religious community is the source of the pressure to dress a certain way.
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#2
The unhinged tipping culture in the US. I just wanna go to a restaurant without feeling like I'm either either an ungrateful scrooge or ripping myself off. I understand that staffing is an expense, just factor it into the price!
Less egregious but in a similar vein is not including tax in stores.
T MB83 1 year ago
I come from a non-tipping country and yeah, it kind of puts a downer on the whole experince and awkwardness when you're eating with other people and they don't really understand/want to tip. Plus you also forget when you're not used to it, I'd got out and eat a meal that was already probably too expensive for my travelling bugdet and then you have this horrible realisation halfway through eating that you have to also then pay another 20% on top.
To learn more about some of the cultural differences that might prove challenging to travelers, we reached out to travel expert and editor at offMetro, Alex Miles. Alex shared with Bored Panda that even he has had difficulties adjusting to the local customs in some places.
"I once found myself in Japan, a land of incredible sushi, impeccable manners, and a penchant for bowing that would make your head spin. Now, don't get me wrong, I adore sushi. But let me tell you, there's an art to bowing, and I've got two left feet when it comes to it," he explained. "On my first day, I nodded like a bobblehead on steroids, while the locals performed graceful, synchronized ballets of respect. It was like trying to dance the waltz at a rave party—slightly out of place."
#3
QR codes for menus in the US, and probably other places, not sure.
"Hey welcome to Zany Bob's House of Kebabs! Scan the QR right there on that nasty sticker on the table and you'll be brought to our site. Click on the menu, scroll through a too-large PDF of the menu on your phone because the owner couldn't get a proper developer for this, then order online! Isn't that easy?!"
"Oh, what's that, Grandma doesn't have a phone? Well, I'd love to bring you a paper menu, but it's gonna be about 10 mins because we only have a few in the place."
"Hey here's your food! I'll be back in 20 minutes to rush you out and expect a 20% tip for doing absolutely f**k all. Y'all come back, now!"
#4
Dubai not allowing people to hold hands in public. And also that they have the death penalty if you're gay.
Natural resources don't always lead to progress, sometimes they prevent it as a resource curse.
Edda Kamphues 1 year ago
There is a huge difference between how Emerati are being treated and how foreigners are being treated. Yet, the country could not function without foreigners. Treat them accordingly!
#5
In general, the notion that turning down food is rude.
I appreciate that someone cooked a meal for me, but forcing me to choke down something I don’t like is ruder than me simply saying “No, thank you.”
Katrin Krueger 1 year ago
Plus all the rules surrounding this. If you want it, still refuse it and make the cook persist. Refuse x times. Eat y times. Thank z times. What...?
We were also curious if there are any customs in Alex's home country that he can't get behind. "In the good old U.S. of A, we're known for our generous portion sizes," he noted. "Sometimes it feels like our motto should be 'Supersize Everything!' But there's a caveat to this American indulgence. The portion sizes may be large, but our waste bins are equally enormous."
"The amount of food that goes to waste is a monstrous problem," Alex explained. "So, being an eco-friendly activist, I found myself yearning for the Japanese custom of ordering just enough to savor every bite, reducing both my waistline and my ecological footprint."
#6
How American public restroom stalls have that gap between the door and frame wide enough for you to make eye contact with anyone walking outside the stall.
#7
China - people spitting all over the place right in front of you, on the streets, on the sidewalks. It’s disgusting.
Rose the Cook 1 year ago
Unfortunately this is a real problem. Discussing this in a class and asking for ideas to stop it one small boy suggested,, that since it was usually older people doing this, young people should all carry a stick and give offenders a smack. You had to love him.
#8
The tipping screen at a coffee shop in the US requesting 20%/22%/25%/other.
Every other country in the world has figured out how to pay service employees without tipping. How has America not figured out how to run a business without handouts?
Gustav Gallifrey 1 year ago
The weird thing is that American business owners will tell you that paying their staff low wages and forcing them to rely on tips help them to keep prices down, to the customer's advantage. While it keeps the advertised price down, it's no advantage to the customer, who's obliged to pay AT LEAST an additional 20%. It benefits the business owner, no-one else.
"As for some tips for fellow travelers who may find themselves dancing on the tightrope of cultural adaptation, first and foremost, research, my friends!" Alex told Bored Panda. "Google is your best pal. Learn about local customs and etiquettes before you step off that plane. It can save you from a world of awkward encounters."
"Next, don't be afraid to embrace the unknown," the travel expert continued. "You're in a foreign land, after all. Experiment with local customs, even if you look like a lost puppy trying to fit in. Most locals appreciate the effort, and they might just teach you a thing or two."
#10
Working in Japan temporarily:
Yeah, we'll be here ready to go at 8AM
Ok, it's 8PM, time to call it a day.
But first, the boss and the big boss want to take us out to dinner
Now we have to go with them to the bar for drinks and karaoke.
Ok, it's 1AM, Boss and Big Boss have left. See you in the morning at 7:30.
David A Paterson 1 year ago
Yep. That's Japan. And during those 12 work hours there is no time to walk, you have to run.
#11
Tipping and taxes not included on the price tag.
Alex also urges travelers to keep an open mind. "Remember, you're not just observing customs; you're experiencing a way of life. Be patient with yourself and others, and be ready for some slip-ups. It's all part of the adventure," he explained.
"And here's a secret sauce tip: learn a few essential phrases in the local language. Nothing earns you more goodwill than a heartfelt 'hello' or 'thank you' in the native tongue," Alex added. "It's like sprinkling a bit of magic on your interactions."
If you'd like to gain more travel tips from Alex and the rest of the offMetro team, be sure to visit their site right here!
#12
Squatting toilets. I know it is just local culture/tradition, but I hate going into a public toilet and be welcomed by others' effluence...
#13
In Serbia where people mistreat their dogs. Leave them in cages in the front yard, or just outside unwashed on a chain, even in the snow.
#14
The lack of spatial awareness in China, like people rushing to get into the elevator before you can exit it. Men casually coughing up phlegm and spitting everywhere. Shirts rolled up above belly to cool down. All the stench that can catch you off-guard anytime anywhere.
Monstarr the Divisive 1 year ago (edited)
Aaah yes, the Beijing Bikini, greatest of belly flexes
#16
Lack of air conditioning in Europe and no screens on the windows. I was staying in Italy at a Marriott property and the hotel room was sweltering in December. I opened the window and the room was immediately flooded with mosquitoes.
#17
Portuguese waiters disappearing after serving you the desserts!
A guidebook told me that dessert is seen as the best part of the meal therefore they give you plenty of time to enjoy it. But I wanna pay and move on!
On the other hand: in the US they bring you the check when you haven’t even swallowed the last bite. I don’t like that either 😆
Find some middle ground!
Donkeywheel 1 year ago (edited)
They are not disappearing, they are leaving you alone to enjoy your meal without pestering or useless small talk. If you need anything (reorder, check) just raise your hand or call them, is that so hard?
#18
Squat toilets. I'm a woman and I live in jeans. Every time I encounter one where there aren't other options (which has been infrequent, thankfully), I feel like I'm about to try solving a quadratic equation where if I get the answer wrong, my foot gets soaked in pee.
#19
I've been to Spain twice and can't get my head around everything happening 3-5 hours later than I'm used to... Breakfast at midday... Dinner at 11pm... Out for drinks until 4am...
#20
I can't get used to how nothing in the US is the advertised price, and why starters and mains have the wrong name on menus
Gustav Gallifrey 1 year ago
As i said elsewhere: It sort of violates a rule of contracts. The contract is, e.g. , the restaurant advertises a meal at a certain price, and the customer accepts to pay that price. But the restaurant then repudiates that contract by expecting the customer to pay another 20% on top of the advertised price. Same goes for state and local taxes not mentioned in the advertised price.
#21
The amount of food on a plate in most US restaurants, and how much leftovers of it go to the garbage, along with the exaggerated use of single use disposable cutlery.
censorshipsucks 1 year ago
Don't forget that giving them to homeless or letting homeless dive for them in the dumpster is illegal too.
#23
For me, it's in Mexico where the septic system can't handle toilet paper, so there are small trash cans next to every toilet for the.. um.. used paper.
#24
People clapping after a plane lands. This is done in several places but I’m most familiar with it in Russia. Men squatting in public, as often witnessed in Central Asia. People in Bulgaria shaking their heads to mean yes and nodding to say no.
theswallowii 1 year ago
I have a mnemotechnic thing for that! They're NOdding...they mean NO! Hope that helps
#25
Women being hissed at as they walk down the street. A method of catcalling in many countries. I experienced it most in Latin America.
BoredPossum 1 year ago
Cat calling for real. Hissing and meowing at people sounds like a mental disorder.
#26
Idk how to phrase this but the absolute disregard for noise pollution in Manila. It's almost impossible to escape the noise. There's loud cars and beeping everywhere. Also, nobody uses headphones. People will play videos at full volume and nobody seems to mind and so many of those videos have these really annoying sound effects. I feel like I developed some disorder there lol.
#27
I’m Filipino. Brought my Canadian husband home, he had a hard time adjusting his appetite because we eat 5 times a day. 😅
#28
For me it's the chronic car dependency (US, Canada and the Gulf are particularly egregious). Also I love Iraq but always find it somewhat unsettling how disproportionally few women you see in public (federal Iraq anyway, Kurdistan has is much better in this regard)
MontanaMariner 1 year ago
US and Canada are massive countries with 500 million people. And poor public transport systems.
#29
I learned in Italy if you see a shop you want to visit and it’s open, go in right then and there because they’re bound to close with no notice at any time during the day without explanation. I don’t think I could ever get used to unpredictable business hours.
Donkeywheel 1 year ago (edited)
They’re not unpredictable, they’re different than what you’re used to (lunch break / nap break / afternoon break / early closing etc) It’s usually written somewhere, or so customary that it’s not necessary.
#30
The lack of public trashcans in Japan. I realize it's Japanese custom to take your trash with you / dispose of it at your own home, but having trashcans at least in heavy tourist areas would be appreciated!
What do you think ?
Kyra Heiker 1 year ago
Some of these people need to stay home. The rest need to research before they go to a country because, guess what?, they're not going to change for you.
Delta Dawn 1 year ago
If you want everything to be like it is at home, then don’t travel abroad. Otherwise, get used to doing some things differently. It’s part of the fun!
Kyra Heiker 1 year ago
Some of these people need to stay home. The rest need to research before they go to a country because, guess what?, they're not going to change for you.
Delta Dawn 1 year ago
If you want everything to be like it is at home, then don’t travel abroad. Otherwise, get used to doing some things differently. It’s part of the fun!
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