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Here’s a mind-blowing nugget of truth that y’all probably already know, Pandas: life in different countries is, well, different. Shocker, right? But the fact of the matter is that we can’t expect everyone to behave and communicate the same way as the folks in our comfort zone, social circle, and hometown. When you go abroad, there’s a whole set of hidden rules you have to abide by. Obviously, it’s hard to even be aware of what you might be doing wrong at the start.

Luckily for us, the r/AskEurope online community over on Reddit has spelled it out loud and clear in two threads. The locals from various European countries shared the ‘faux pas’ that some visitors do and stressed what behaviors you should avoid and what you should never ever say. It’s educational. It’s fun. It’s going to go great with a cup of coffee. And it’s a great reminder to never call someone from Scotland “English.”

Remember to upvote the best responses as you scroll down, and tell us all about what tourists shouldn’t ever do when visiting your home country in the comments, Pandas. Think of it as a gentle way to remind everyone to be on their best behavior. Meanwhile, check out Bored Panda's interview about what to never do when visiting the United Kingdom with comedy writer and self-proclaimed Insta story addict Ariane Sherine from London. (Pssst, she also revealed what'd happen if you actually do end up calling someone from Scotland "English.")

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#1

People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Doing the nazi greeting, denying the holocaust or joke about it. I'm German and a shocking amount of Americans I met found it funny to go "oh you're german, sieg heil!" Just nein.

Bonbonkopf , Mark Fosh from Watford, UK Report

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Each country has its own particular character if you will. You’d probably never mix up an Englishman with a Frenchman, though if you do, they’d probably both get mad at you. Quelle horreur!

Comedy writer Ariane shared some of the things you should definitely avoid doing and saying if you end up visiting the UK.

"Asking people their salary is a bit of a faux pas. They probably won't tell you and will think you're odd! Don't say anything anti-Britain or anti-British (we can say it, but you can't, even if we secretly agree with you). Never be mean to an animal: that's one of the absolute worst things you can do in Brits' eyes (which is a bit inconsistent as 86% of us are meat-eaters). Being overly loud won't make you any friends either. And never, ever talk to strangers on the Tube!" she shared, stressing that when you're underground, you should mind yourself, not just the gap.

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    #2

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Germany: Asking about someone's well being just for small talk is rude. When you ask how people feel, be willing to listen.

    tschiep_voegelchen , Sora Shimazaki Report

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    #3

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Don't mention Hitler or other famous Nazis in public spaces. U may get yourself in a awkward situation. It's kind of like Voldemort in Harry Potter. U just dont mention these names in public.

    Be as respectful as possible when visiting Memorials of the war, especially concentration camps. I grew up in Dachau so I've had the pleasure of meeting and seeing people from all kinds of places but foreigners sometimes seem to underestimate how much of a sensitive place these camps are for germans. I'm talking about taking pictures of yourself and your travelling partners in the camp and not turning off your phone while watching a short documentary which are being offered in Dachau. It's not natural even for western standards that countries with a horrible past are as open and inviting in terms of learning about their war crimes and so on like germany. Don't try to be judgemental when visting those sites (apart from judging the fkn nazis ofc) but rather be thankful that you've been given the opportunity to see and learn about these atrocities in person.

    Ing0sion , hardiktuteja Report

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    According to Ariane, it's easy to spot someone who's not a local wandering about in London because they're a lot friendlier. "It's not always easy, but cameras and large backpacks are often a sign of a tourist. So are sunglasses, which are generally not strictly needed due to our terrible overcast weather, and (cliché alert) socks with sandals," she quipped.

    We were incredibly curious to learn how bad it would be to call someone "English" if they're from Scotland. Here's Ariane's take on how much of an insult that would be: "About the same as calling a Canadian an American! It won't make you popular," she said that you really shouldn't do this.
    #4

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Ireland: Don't say no to an old woman who is offering you a cup of tea.

    Gallalad , sabinevanerp Report

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    #5

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Don't say that Ukraine is part of Russia.
    Don't call us russians when you hear our language or see Cyrillic.

    DiggimonUKR Report

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    #6

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Never, ever call anyone from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland “English”.

    Cobbler91 , Tom Parnell Report

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    Bored Panda also wanted to get Ariane's opinion on just how European the UK actually is, culturally speaking. You see, it's a bit hard to gauge things with Brexit and all.

    "Well, London is very European in terms of its diversity and culture. It's the most multicultural city in Europe and all the better for it, and most big UK cities are similar. The less said about the rest of England and Wales's attitude towards Europe, the better, frankly!" Ariane told us.
    #7

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Denmark: Not a **huge** no, but please don't call people Mr/Ms [LastName] unless they're old enough to have experienced the Napoleonic wars.

    Practically everyone in Denmark is on a first name basis, up to and including the prime minister. Different rules for the Queen, but if you chance upon the Crown Prince in an informal setting, he prefers the informal tone, too.

    ScriptThat , Edmond Dantès Report

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    #8

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Ireland: Never get off a bus without thanking the driver is a big one here that has got me the occasional odd look when outside of Ireland.

    caighdean , Alex Noble Report

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    #9

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Sweden: Go into someone’s house with your outdoor footwear on.

    RegalSniper , Andrew Neel Report

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    "But I think mainland Europe is a lovely forgiving place, as evidenced by our runner-up place in Eurovision. I'm pretty sure most of Europe know that a lot of us wanted to remain in the EU and that the vote was very close. At least, I hope they do...?!"

    It'd probably be a sin not to ask a Brit about the weather, and Ariane was kind enough to share what's outside her window at the moment: "It's very variable here!"
    #10

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Finland: Violating personal space. Like sitting next to someone in the bus if there are empty seat rows. Being closer than like 2 meters to someone at a bus stop without a reason. Talking to strangers with no apparent motivation or reason.

    Bad behavior in Sauna. There should be no arguing and provocations, no sexual approaches, no farting.

    Thinking we are Russians. This happens more with foreigners who have very little knowledge about Finland. And it's not that Finnish people dislike Russian people, but our entire history has been defined by trying to be distinct from Russia. First being a buffer zone of Sweden against Novgorod/Russia, then trying to be independent of Russian Empire and then trying to defend ourselves against Soviet Union. Saying we are Russians is like erasing much of our history.

    Toby_Forrester , nissan Report

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    #11

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Italy: Please don't sing Bella Ciao in a joking way. It's a serious song about Resistence against the fascists. La Casa de Papel did a disaster with that song.

    Please don't call us mafiosi, even if you're joking, much less if you use the Godfather as a major source of info about italians.

    Italians are very talkative people so if you're not used to strangers approaching you it may shock you a little. Don't be scared tho, many italians are just curious about tourists and would be pretty offended if you just ignored them!

    This is what comes to my mind at least

    randascuriosity , Griffin Wooldridge Report

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    #12

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Ireland: Go to everyone’s funeral. If a friend’s distant aunt twice removed dies, you turn up.

    R3nmack , TuendeBede Report

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    #13

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country In Ireland if you are out to lunch or dinner with family you must literally fight or deceive them so that you can pay for it. If you don't try then you are a bad person. In England I found that people thought it was rude and awkward when I kept trying to pay!

    My granny is a pro at this. One time when we were eating dinner in a restaurant, she went to the bathroom during the meal. I saw my chance, and ran to the cashier to pay. I was stonewalled. My granny had already told the staff in her local restaurant not to let me pay. Absolute pro.

    Also on another occasion my mother literally fell over and hurt her knee because she was racing her sister to the cashier.

    Burglekat , Helena Lopes Report

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    #14

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country In France: not saying hello to the shopkeeper/ the other clients in small shops. This is particularly true in smaller cities.
    I've seen many tourists forget to do this and they usually end up receiving poor customer service.

    Heure-parme , Le grand Cricri Report

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    #15

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Estonia: Associating us with today's Russia or the old Soviet Russia. Bad memories.

    Prygikutt , Alejandro Report

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    #16

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Romania: Never ever bring someone an even number of flowers (it is reserved for the dead)

    cdanisor , Pașca Daniel Report

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    #17

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Spain: do not assume that flamenco is the national culture. IT IS A SOUTHERN THING. In absolutely every TV show in the UK that takes place in Spain (and there are many) they insist on playing flamenco sounding music even when the show is about Catalonia, Galicia or the Basque Country, for example. It is infuriating.

    Mantis_Ateista , Frank Liebig Report

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    #18

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Romania: Not giving the old people your seat in the bus/tram.

    Rioma117 , Ilya Plekhanov Report

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    #19

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Most countries are: do not mistake us for a different nationality, do not mention bad parts of our history

    Italians: DO NOT PUT THE WRONG STUFF ON TOP OF OUR FOOD

    AL_O0 , joefoodie Report

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    #20

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Queuing is the obvious one in the UK. Not understand our (apparently complicated) queuing systems is generally taken as being a faux pas. To Brits all the rules are just obvious but apparently the little things beyond "stand in the line and wait your turn" are hard for some foreigners.

    Another would be, if you bump into someone there's a good chance they will apologise. You do not accept this, you apologise back. Everyone knows it's your fault, but you will probably both apologise. This does not mean the other person believes they are at fault.

    specofdust , freestocks.org Report

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    #21

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Wearing your outside shoes indoors, seriously who does that? Calling the icelandic horse a pony just because it's small, that might not be true for everyone though just people that are into horses. Jokes about accidentally sleeping with your cousin, we have a small population but we know our cousins.

    Edit to add:

    Off-road driving is illegal and people have been fined and made to fix what they ruined. The landscape is delicate and there's been a lot of work in the last few decades to grow the areas that are full of sand. When icelandic people talk about off-road driving it's not off-road driving, we follow paths that should be visible to just about anyone.

    CarolineManihot , ArtHouse Studio Report

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    #22

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country In the UK:

    * Using the wrong national label for someone.
    * Skipping ahead in a queue
    * Similar to above, attempting to get served at a pub before someone who was at the bar before you.
    * Being that person who takes part in rounds in a pub but never gets one themselves
    * Standing on the left on an escalator in London
    * Starting a conversation about religion or politics with someone you don't know, unless it is very context appropriate e.g. in a church/political rally.

    Anaptyso , oatsy40 Report

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    #23

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country In Portugal, taking your shoes off in someone else's home would be weird as f*ck. There's obviously exceptions, like if the host is close family or a very close friend and you've asked permission, but to take the shoes off out of the blue when entering would be seen as disrespectful.

    odajoana , Allan Mas Report

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    #24

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Saying that our language sounds like Russian. There *will* be violence.

    Saying that we are Eastern European.

    Especially around older people, saying *anything* bad about Pope John Paul II. He's like a second God to some of them. That makes any conversation about pedophilia in Catholic Chruch especially difficult, since he didn't do much about it. Current government calls every person trying to criticise The Polish Pope a danger to our nation, our culture and our independence. Don't ask me how, I have no idea. But sadly, due to our propaganda TV called TVP(iS), people believe that.

    Wow, by making a comment about big No No's in Poland I managed to end up criticising our government. Guess this subject is inevitable.

    Grzechoooo , Caio Report

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    #25

    Serbia: DO. NOT. TALK. ABOUT. THE. WARS. A lot of people here lost people in the Yugo wars, also you will start a shitload of fights

    Dim6969696969420 Report

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    #26

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Putting sauce on your Schnitzel is considered a hate crime in Austria.

    marrohr , traveljunction Report

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    #27

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Saying Holland is the same as the Netherlands

    Saying the Netherlands are the same or somehow linked to Belgium

    bossie-boi , insider Report

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    #28

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Always, always get your round in. People are not buying you drinks for free; they expect one back.

    funglegunk , Peter Fazekas Report

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    #29

    Austria: The usual, as with most countries:

    - Calling us [bigger, neighbouring nationality or people group that speaks the same or a similar language].
    (Seriously, we are not Germans. Yes, we all know, we would have been considered as such 100 years ago, but it is in fact not 100 years ago. Believe us, if we say that we are not Germans, we mean that, and we know the history behind it. Don't try to teach us as to why we are acktually "ethnically" or "genetically" or whatever, Germans. Not only is that incorrect, but you'll look and sound like a fool.)

    - Doing [certain taboo gesture] or expressing favourable views towards [historical totalitarian or autocratic regime, which is viewed very negatively nowadays].
    (Seriously, don't do the Hitler salute here, it's not edgy, but only incredibly shitty. Also it's not only incredibly unfunny and unoriginal, but also incredibly illegal. And you might get punched in the face, and you would deserve it.)

    - Eating [national food] wrong.

    mki_ Report

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    #30

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Doing the "Italian accent" like Super Mario. It doesn't sound like an Italian trying to speak english, it sounds like a very very dumb Italian trying to speak English. It amazes me how much Americans love to mock Italians.

    Also pineapple on pizza.

    barbatex , Kai Pilger Report

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    #31

    Estonia: Violating personal space. We might not say anything but you certainly won’t be making a friend. We’re massive introverts for a reason.

    Also don’t call us or any other baltic countries russian or imply anything similar, there’s a lot of bad history there and quite frankly it’s a bit offensive.

    mpld Report

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    #32

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Turkey: Do NOT say "Oh, i thought you would be speaking arabic." or " I didnt know women were allowed to not wear hijabs."

    hybeve000 , Konevi Report

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    whatonceis avatar
    Lance LaRocque
    Lance LaRocque
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As of June 2, 2022 the country is Turkiye. Not calling a country by its official name would probably get on the list too.

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    Pisco
    Pisco
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry but all of these posts call the country by their english name. Yes, my country's name is not Spain but nobody us getting offended by that.

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    凜린Kat
    凜린Kat
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's "USA" in other languages? I know I unintentionally butcher other country names (spellings) so I'm curious

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    denizboro avatar
    Öz Deniz Boro
    Öz Deniz Boro
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And do not ever...EVER expect to see camel trains when you land at an airport

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    socalledracing avatar
    socalledracing
    socalledracing
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    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    So, what should we say instead? "Oh, I thought you'd be speaking arabic, which I don't understand, but you're speaking turkish, which I also don't understand" cool? 🙃

    sae84 avatar
    Bored Retsuko
    Bored Retsuko
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, this logic won't get you far on this planet, will it? (Only because you don't understand the majority of languages doesn't mean they're not different from one another??)

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    #33

    People Share 37 Things You Should Never Do In Their Country Denmark: Bragging is VERY frowned upon here. Alot will cite the law of Jante should you do it, and even more people will think of it.

    The law of Jante is basically a long list of sentences which exclaim that you are nothing compared to the collective.

    Examples.
    "You are not more than us."
    "Don't think you are smarter than us."

    If you think of the ten commandments but all centered around you being small and nothing then you're more or less there.

    Junohaar , Daniel Jurin Report

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    #34

    If it's your birthday you bring cake to work. When it's someone else's birthday they will bring the cake. Yes, I'm serious. No, it doesn't make sense.

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    #35

    Spain: Talk about politics. You could lose friends because of that, since people here are heavily divided, because, whatever some guy say, the Civil War wounds are far from healed.

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    #36

    Invading people's personal space in public (Norway). It's fine to ask for directions or something practical but other than that...

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    #37

    Off road driving that damages and causes harm to our moss and landscape

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    #38

    I was out with my coworkers and the Italian ones were (jokingly) giving the German one a hard time for ordering a Cappuccino after lunch. Apparently it's a breakfast coffee and a faux-pas to order one outside of those hours.

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    #39

    Portugal: Foregneirs talking in Spanish to us, instead of english (or portuguese). It's way more common than you may think, and it's just plain offensive and stupid, especially when both people involved know that you're Portuguese and both speak good English. It mostly happens because either they think Spanish is our language or that is similar enough that we understand it better (and most times they speak trashy Spanish to you). It's just plain offensive

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    #40

    I’m sure this is almost universal but when visiting the US, don’t bring up politics casually. And don’t assume you know which political party we follow. Unfortunately, we are bitterly divided right now and you may end up with a very awkward Uber ride, or coffee chat if you try to bring up politics or hot-button political issues like our healthcare system or guns. We know we have issues, but we aren’t looking for feedback or notes. Both sides are irritated because our political divide renders us unable to change anything.

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    #41

    I’d also add that some people are very sensitive about the idea of Poland being “EASTERN” Europe. So “Central” it is...

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    #42

    Belgium: Do not advocate serving Belgian beer in beer glasses that weren't specifically designed for them

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    #43

    For Denmark, don't wear your shoes inside someone's home! Never! As soon as your foot crosses the threshold, you better start the process of removing your shoes!
    For France, not saying bonjour when you enter a shop. Always say bonjour to the people who work there! I think some of the complaints foreigners have about French people being rude is because they walk into a bakery without saying bonjour, that will lead to some irritated looks.

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    #44

    Don’t underestimate local patriotism. Never mix up Swabians with Badener just like Franconians with Bavarians although the former and the latter each share their own state in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

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    #45

    In Northern Ireland, definitely talking about your views on united Ireland or talking smack about Protestant or Catholic leaders

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    #46

    Poland: Nothing unusual. Folks are a bit touchy on history tho, especially WW2. Don't try talking the war here with american movies like Schindler's list being your primary source of information

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    #47

    Never call us Spanish! And don't try to speak spanish in Portugal, it is better to speak in english instead.

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    #48

    Australia: please don’t come to Australia expecting everything to be like it is in Crocodile Dundee. Not everything is trying to kill you, just stay clear of snakes, spiders, sharks, scorpions, hoop snakes and most importantly, Drop Bears

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    #49

    In the capital city of Bratislava – dont talk s**t about the city.

    In the whole country of Slovakia – NEVER refer to us as Eastern Europe. We are Central Europe :D If you start calling Slovakia an eastern european country in Bratislava, in a bar, pub or club, we will get angry.

    we like to think that we developed pretty quickly after the fall of communism, faster than the eastern nations. Obviously it doesnt matter, but the mentality here is that we work hard to be a developed, modern, western country like France, Germany or Austria, but we are just a few years behind bc of communism. (obviously that's a stretch, but who doesn't dream).

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    #50

    Never assume every German has Lederhosen ESPECIALLY if they're not from Bavaria.

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    #51

    in Australia, if you’re a foreigner, don’t use idiomatic expressions. Non Aussies who call everyone “mate” usually get it wrong and use it inappropriately. Don’t use terms like “arvo” (afternoon) to try to sound like a local. You won’t.

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    #52

    Don’t come to our country then post ThikTok videos complaining that it isn’t like your home. It’s rude and disrespectful to the citizens of the country you are visiting.

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    Ellie McGrath
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    #53

    Don't be that guy who imagines that he fully understands Belgium and who suggests we split and join our neighbouring countries. This 100% pisses all of us.

    anon Report

    Final score:
    13points
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    #54

    Hong Kong: its ok to complain about something every now and then, since we do that occasionally.

    But if you add karen behavior or force your way through you will get screwed up. you will be banned from the shop, your actions in the incident recorded and uploaded to social media and worst case possible, the vids sent to the gossip and scoop show at 7:30 pm local time and not just the city, even overseas viewers will know

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    Final score:
    13points
    sleepy bean shaped bugcat
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    #55

    France: Not saying hello, please, goodbye, to waiters, salespeople, assuming that people will appreciate it when you charge like a truck speaking in English, and don’t underestimate the bickering a region can have against another one

    M_arse Report

    Final score:
    12points
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    #56

    You definitely shouldn't ask someone what they are earning

    anon Report

    Final score:
    12points
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    #57

    Spain: Dont call us mexicans or colombians and dont use their esteriotipes on us, and dont use their expresions with us

    our esteriotipes are allowed if you have a good relation but be carefull if you find someone that dont like it.

    Also dont talk abaut politics never, it isnt relevant the relation, NEVER talk abaut inmigration politics and of course the civil war or the ww2

    do not try or say if someone is from Catalonia or the Basque country

    and just to prevent Galicians also no. The nationalities are a problem so dont talk abaut that also.

    Blecao Report

    Final score:
    12points
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    #58

    In the Netherlands don't walk on bike lanes. And don't try to ride a bike in a city like Amsterdam if you don't know the traffic rules or how to properly ride a bike.
    Do not refer to Amsterdam as it is the Netherlands. The country is so much more than 1 city.
    If you want to visit the Netherlands during koningsdag (kings day) when everything turn orange and street party pop up everywhere you must know it is on 27t of April and NOT on 30t of April. It was in the past on the 30t but since our queen retired the date changed to the 27t witch happend to be the kings birthday.
    Do not use drugs you bought on the street, buy it in a shop. In Amsterdam there will be drugsdealers trying to sell tourist bad drugs. There are a lot of tourist ending up in hospitals or psychic clinics because of bad drugs.

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    Final score:
    12points
    Vics
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    #59

    Italy: Cheese on fish dishes, with very few exceptions (notably mussels ragù with pecorino).

    Allowing kids to swim after lunch, or any meal apparently.

    th4 Report

    Final score:
    11points
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    #60

    India: Never ask for beef or pork, they don't serve them. Cows are considered as god and pigs impure

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    11points
    5B STAVYA BHATNAGAR
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    #61

    Spain: Not letting a friend invite you to a drink when they are decided to. Like i've literally seen several screaming arguments because of this

    nanimo_97 Report

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    9points
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    #62

    Czech Republic: not Eastern Europe, but Central! Seriously, how more "central" could we be, just look at the map! :)) And now seriously-seriously - it has a good reason why we try to be distinct from the "East" - the obvious answer is our history with Russia/Soviet Union. Living over 40 years under communism with strong soviet influence, especially after the Warsaw pact invasion in 1968, left deep wounds that heal very slowly. And please, take off your shoes when entering someone's home! ;)

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    Final score:
    9points
    Lenka Čábalová
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    #63

    Please, the paella is delicious but it is from the community of Valencia, don't order it everywhere, ask about the typical dishes, our gastronomy is very rich. When interacting with the waiter, the clerk and people in general "Hello, good morning/good afternoon/good night... how are you? say thank you, say goodbye. And leave the nap thing alone , in the center and south of Spain it can reach 45 degrees at noon and the longest day lasts just 6 hours in SUMMER. Siestas are not taken due to laziness. and generally stereotypes from the Franco era. Thanks for understanding

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    Final score:
    8points
    Víctor García
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    #64

    Italy: Mentioning God with various epithets. Do it in a real place with real people and everyone will dog stare at you

    SantiProGamer_ Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #65

    Slovakia: The word felvídek or "upper hungary" is pretty big fight starter.

    Jinno69 Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #66

    In Germany, never ever say congratulations BEFORE it's someone's birthday! Seriously, it's considered offensive (because it means bad luck). On the same day, or next, or some days after, totally fine. But not before!

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    Final score:
    6points
    Bored Retsuko
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    #67

    france (and frankly, many countries): don't try to pretend you're a local. we can tell you are a tourist, it might bother some people but it can be very offensive to lots if you pretend that you live there or are an expert. also don't try to pronounce things the 'french' or 'local way'. it is dumb and you sound stupid. say it like you would back home, nobody really cares as long as they can understand you. i grew up mostly in america and i pronounce things like 'cra-sont' and 'bag-get' it's stupid to pretend you are french

    Report

    Final score:
    4points
    chickenuggget
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    #68

    Nigeria might be messy and yes, we talk smack about our country a lot but we’re the only ones allowed to do so, no one else.

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    Final score:
    4points
    Kay Yomi
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    #69

    Netherlands, from an Italian professor: when you are offered a cookie, for example to go with your coffee or tea, you are only offered once. So: 'would you like a stroopwafel?' 'noooo I shouldn't' 'well, ok!' and the cookie jar shuts with a bang and your opportunity to eat the delicious stroopwafel is gone forever as the jar goes back on the shelf.
    The professor she told me in Italy it is polite to go back and forth in offering and rejecting a cookie and that the jar is put on the table so you can take more if you want to. Crazy.

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    3points
    Cathy
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    #70

    Many Indians don't know English

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    Final score:
    2points
    5B STAVYA BHATNAGAR
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    #71

    In Arab & Islamic countries, kisses are on the cheeks, not on the mouth.

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    2points
    Ahmad Hamad
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    #72

    Portugal:
    Don't speak spanish to us! It's not the same language than portuguese, most of us communicate way better in english with tourists. And for many of us it's insulting.

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    Final score:
    1point
    Sakapulgas
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    #73

    In Arab & Islamic countries, allocating special rooms for men and special rooms for women is in order to respect the privacy of each group.

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    Final score:
    0points
    Ahmad Hamad
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    #74

    Show your love to your wife/husband inside your house, not outside.

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    0points
    Ahmad Hamad
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    #75

    New England: Calling Boston "Beantown". Assuming we all talk like the Kennedys - you cannot "Pahk yah cah in Hahvahd Yahhd." It will get towed and you sound like an idiot. Wearing anything with "NYC" or "Yankees" on it, especially around Fenway. Calling it "Little Italy". (That's New York - our Italian neighborhood is the "North End".) Finally, confusing us with the rest of what has become Jesusland (the former United States.) We're different and better.

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    0points
    Trisec
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    #76

    I'm from brasil

    1- please, stop calling us Portuguese or trying to talk to us in *Spanish*

    2- a lot of foreigners come here with their money being 5x ours and only go to the best places, no you do not know how brasil is if the only thing you can day about it is about the women and Rio de Janeiro, it's very rude to act like that

    3- a lot come unprepared, big cities like São paulo and Rio de Janeiro are worst than the USA, it's completely full of crimes and if you don't know how it is you ARE gonna get robbed!

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    0points
    Choco
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    #77

    Please, the paella is delicious but it is from the community of Valencia, don't order it everywhere, ask about the typical dishes, we have a very varied gastronomy. When interacting with the waiter, the clerk and people in general "Hello, good morning/good afternoon/good night... how are you? say thank you, say goodbye. And leave the nap thing alone , in the center and south of Spain it can reach 45 degrees at noon and the longest day lasts just 6 hours in SUMMER. Siestas are not taken due to laziness. and generally stereotypes from the Franco era. Thanks for understanding

    Report

    Final score:
    -1point
    Víctor García
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    #78

    In Arab & Islamic countries, you do not shake hands with a woman if you are a man, and vice versa.

    Report

    Final score:
    -1point
    Ahmad Hamad
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    #79

    Nigeria might be messy and yes, we talk smack about our country a lot but we’re the only ones allowed to do so, no one else.

    Report

    Final score:
    -1point
    Kay Yomi
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    #80

    Nigeria might be messy and yes, we talk smack about our country a lot but we’re the only ones allowed to do so, no one else.

    Report

    Final score:
    -1point
    Kay Yomi
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    #81

    france (and frankly, many countries): don't try to pretend you're a local. we can tell you are a tourist, it might bother some people but it can be very offensive to lots if you pretend that you live there or are an expert. also don't try to pronounce things the 'french' or 'local way'. it is dumb and you sound stupid. say it like you would back home, nobody really cares as long as they can understand you. i grew up mostly in america and i pronounce things like 'cra-sont' and 'bag-get' it's stupid to pretend you are french

    Report

    Final score:
    -2points
    chickenuggget
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    #82

    Czech Republic: not Eastern Europe, but Central! Seriously, how more "central" could we be, just look at the map! :)) And now seriously-seriously - it has a good reason why we try to be distinct from the "East" - the obvious answer is our history with Russia/Soviet Union. Living over 40 years under communism with strong soviet influence, especially after the Warsaw pact invasion in 1968, left deep wounds that heal very slowly. And please, take off your shoes when entering someone's home! ;)

    Report

    Final score:
    -3points
    Lenka Čábalová
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    #83

    Never say that the flag of Bavaria is blue and white....
    It´s white and blue.

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    Final score:
    -4points
    Lord of the laserprinter.
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    #84

    Czech Republic: not Eastern Europe, but Central! Seriously, how more "central" could we be, just look at the map! :)) And now seriously-seriously - it has a good reason why we try to be distinct from the "East" - the obvious answer is our history with Russia/Soviet Union. Living over 40 years under communism with strong soviet influence, especially after the Warsaw pact invasion in 1968, left deep wounds that heal very slowly. And please, take off your shoes when entering someone's home! ;)

    Report

    Final score:
    -7points
    Lenka Čábalová
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    #85

    In Arab and Islamic countries, you do not shake hands with a woman if you are a man, and vice versa.

    Report

    Final score:
    -7points
    Ahmad Hamad
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    #86

    france (and frankly, many countries): don't try to pretend you're a local. we can tell you are a tourist, it might bother some people but it can be very offensive to lots if you pretend that you live there or are an expert. also don't try to pronounce things the 'french' or 'local way'. it is dumb and you sound stupid. say it like you would back home, nobody really cares as long as they can understand you. i grew up mostly in america and i pronounce things like 'cra-sont' and 'bag-get' it's stupid to pretend you are french

    Report

    Final score:
    -8points
    chickenuggget
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    #87

    Czech Republic: not Eastern Europe, but Central! Seriously, how more "central" could we be, just look at the map! :)) And now seriously-seriously - it has a good reason why we try to be distinct from the "East" - the obvious answer is our history with Russia/Soviet Union. Living over 40 years under communism with strong soviet influence, especially after the Warsaw pact invasion in 1968, left deep wounds that heal very slowly. And please, take off your shoes when entering someone's home! ;)

    Report

    Final score:
    -9points
    Lenka Čábalová
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