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Bangbangsmashsmash , Anastasia Vityukova Report

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American I went to Russia once, and they knew I was American because I smiled too much.

Final score:

210points

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80 Van 3 years ago

What a lovely thing to be identified by!

106points

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Confidence. I have never seen someone walk so confidently in the wrong direction like an American can.

olaolie , Alex Perri Report

Final score:

208points

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Karin Lange 3 years ago

i can walk very confidently in the wrong direction also. Believe me, you don't have to be an American to do that.

106points

I had an insightful chat about cultural stereotypes with redditor Pfl2020, who created another thread about how Americans are viewed abroad. The redditor, who lives in the United States and has traveled abroad and seen the stereotypes foreigners have about Americans firsthand, shared with Bored Panda that some of these points of view are here to stay.

“I think cultural stereotypes are impossible to live without to some degree. Until people have been exposed to other cultures and really understand that there is more than one way to live they will continue to pass judgment on things they don't fully understand,” Pfl2020 told Bored Panda.

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Some Americans are way more polite than expected. Whenever I hear someone say 'ma'am,' I know they're American. One time I was in Lidl and there was an American family asking a worker if they sold cellphones. When the woman said they didn't, they were all, 'Oh, okay, thank you for your time, ma'am! Have a great day!' which is a lot cheerier than the average Scot.

foundcosy , Alex Bocharov Report

Final score:

204points

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80 Van 3 years ago

The use of “ma’am” is somewhat more typical of a specific region of the US (the Southeast, mostly). “Thank you for your time” is a pretty common sentiment throughout the US.

65points

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American While in Korea, I was casually talking to a friend on the bus in a regular speaking voice. Not even a minute later, the lady in front of us turned around in her seat and very casually said, 'Please calm down.' I guess American volume is noticeably louder.

jrlags , Blake Guidry Report

Final score:

195points

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Kristal 3 years ago

Yes it is. I hate it. (I have sound sensitivity)

114points

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American When Americans cross the street, they expect cars to stop for them. In my country, the cars will run you down without thinking twice.

ToeRagger , Colby Winfield Report

Final score:

190points

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Bear Hall 3 years ago

I always tell my American friends: "Here two kinds of people cross the street: the fast and the flat."

155points

According to the redditor, something that greatly influences how the world stereotypes people from the United States is the media that the country puts out.

“I think pop culture and the prevalence of American media internationally is the true source of so much of the ‘presumption.’ As Americans, we really don't know that much about the way other people around the world live day to day,” they pointed out that many foreigners already have an idea of how Americans are ‘supposed to’ act and can shoehorn some of them into neat little categories when they meet them. After all, we tend to look for things that support our hypotheses when we’ve already come to a conclusion about something.

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American When I went to Italy with a friend, I couldn't figure out why everyone greeted me in English before I said a word. I don't wear running shoes outside of the gym, I dress pretty posh, I can't remember the last time I owned a baseball cap, and I try to have a basic grasp on the local language. How could they tell I'm American? My friend told me, 'It's because you're smiling at them.'

thewidowgorey , pexels Report

Final score:

186points

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Miss Cris 3 years ago (edited)

I don't believe this. Italian people are smiling, too. I guess it was your clothes and mouvement manners and that your friend wanted to be kind with you.

18points

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Americans are amazed by old things. My girlfriend used to work on a farm in an estate in the UK and would often have Americans in awe of the old buildings. One time someone said, 'Some of these buildings are older than my country'.

curved_oracle , vaasuu ahluwalia Report

Final score:

184points

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Kirsten Kerkhof 3 years ago

That is sad since the US has such a long diverse native culture. I'm from Europe so I'm used to old buildings (the entirely insignificant church in my village is over 600 years old and it's church #4 in its place), and I'm not particularly interested in native American art and culture personally, but I find it rather sad that these people's long history and rich culture is just ... not seen as history. America has thousands of years of history, it just wasn't European for the longest time. /steps off soapbox

115points

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Saying, 'Hi, how are you?' to baristas, servers, retail workers, etc. My country doesn’t quite have that culture, so I find it really sweet.

tomayto_tomaahto , Brooke Cagle Report

Final score:

183points

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Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

Pretty normal in Australia.

72points

Pfl2020 told me that they’ve been abroad only a couple of times and it was to visit their wife’s extended family in England. “I was intrigued at the assumptions some placed on us because of where we lived. We just had candid friendly discussions about how we lived that was different from England in particular,” they shared.

The key to being a good tourist is pretty much the same as being a decent human being: respecting others and doing your best to fit in with the local customs. The more time you put into learning about the culture, the better off you’ll be.

#10

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American I was at a beach where music was playing and 'Sweet Caroline' came on. I told my sister (we are both Hispanic, but I live in the US): 'Hey, if you are wondering who here is from the US, you are about to find out.' Ten seconds later, we heard: 'BA BA BAAAAAA.'

ardyndidnothingwrong , kuszapro Report

Final score:

178points

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Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

I'm not American and I would do the same.

126points

#11

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American I mean, obviously you could tell they were an American when they spoke, but once in my little village in Scotland I was in the pub and a woman politely asked the barman where the restrooms were. He didn’t know wtf she was on about and then it obviously clicked. 'Ye mean the toilet? Aye hen it’s joost back ‘err.'

MogadonMandy , pixabay Report

Final score:

167points

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Joi Cain 3 years ago

Love the phonetic skill on this one!

98points

whatissevenbysix , Ludovic Migneault Report

#12

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American It's 80 degrees out there!

How many miles?

That's two pounds?

Final score:

160points

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debster 3 years ago

I was in grade school in the 70s in the US. We, for a whole year I think, were FINALLY switching to the metric system with the rest of the world. I don’t know why we stopped. It's idiocy I agree. I tell my kids about it. I rebel and use that side of the ruler because it's easier for me.

14points

Also, make sure to learn at least a handful of key words and phrases so that you can communicate with the locals. Yes, English might be a global language but it would be arrogant to assume everyone knows it. Besides, learning a new language before your trip is part of the romance of travel. Embrace the experience.

#13

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American When Americans introduce themselves, they never say they're from America. They mostly say the state/city they're from.

hazily , MAKY_OREL Report

Final score:

157points

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Håvard Hovde 3 years ago

I usually reply with "Oh, ok. I'm from Harestua". I've always seen it as them thinking everybody knows where Baltimore or Seattle is, when I usually have no idea UwU

52points

#14

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Baseball caps, university spirit wear, cargo shorts, free T-shirts from events with ads and text all over them, and, for the older Americans, they always seem to just kinda stand in the middle of everything and look around

Zack1018 , Maureen De Wit Report

Final score:

148points

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Donna Leske 3 years ago

"free t-shirts from events"? you should know we BUY those to support the artist or event - and they ain't cheap!

17points

AthleticallyLazy , Surprising_Shots Report

#15

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American The absolute fearlessness of asking anyone on the street about anything

Final score:

132points

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Miss Cris 3 years ago

It's not only a thing of USA people. I life in a touristic city and people from all nationalities, even those steretyped as more introverted, do.

47points

#16

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American They complain that the portions are too small.

TheBenji300 , congerdesign Report

Final score:

128points

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Cip IESAN 3 years ago

Smaller, but healthier and natural!

11points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

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Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#17

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Absolutely no problem with long car/bus drives.

sfzilabs , 4634656 Report

Final score:

121points

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Neil Bidle 3 years ago

This is mostly because you can (and sometimes have to) drive thousands of miles to visit places or people, "gas" is super, super cheap, and the roads are often scenic. You try driving 1000 miles in England and you'll either be in the sea, or going in circles

15points

#18

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American They’re overexcited over something ordinary. “OMG look that grass how green it is”

tajmer , p26jp Report

Final score:

121points

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A B C 3 years ago

That's not only US-Americans, but stoners all over the world :D

12points

#19

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American If you see an American in Japan, they will frantically look for public trash cans. The absence of trash receptacles is something unfounded in the US, and they become confused at the idea of having to hold onto their trash for extended periods of time.

Dayoldpancakes Report

Final score:

120points

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Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago

I think many people from various countries would be looking for public rubbish bins, not just Americans.

194points

#20

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Having conversations with family at a level appropriate to a rock concert. HEY SANDRA WOULD YA LOOK AT THIS!

tragicworldrecord , pixabay Report

Final score:

117points

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troufaki13 3 years ago

Have you met Greeks and Italians???

92points

#21

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American When we were visiting Paris, my wife and I learned that they don't seat you at restaurants. You just walk in and sit down at an available table. We figured it out after standing around at the entrance a few times. Then we started noticing other American tourists doing the same.

dcabines , Artur Tumasjan Report

Final score:

114points

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Katie Lutesinger 3 years ago

Here in Australia, there's usually a sign saying "PLEASE WAIT TO BE SEATED". If there isn't one, just help yourself.

23points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#22

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Americans are very outspoken. At my local aquarium the other day, I heard a lady very loudly say, ‘Have the penguins gone to bed? Can we not see them? Y'all, the penguins have gone to bed! Y'all, we missed 'em.’

Rangersgers , Jeffery Erhunse Report

Final score:

105points

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denzoren 3 years ago

This is just downright obnoxious....this isn't outspoken.

75points

#23

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Inability to be discreet + really really really loud.

From across the petrol station on the other pump, I can hear that your wife's pin number is 7321 and she also wants you to buy her a coke, the other lady in the back just wants a sprite or whatever that is over here.

You are counting the money in your wallet on the way into the store out in the open, and i can see you have about a grand in 50's.

Where does the loudness come from, is it because everyone lives in such large houses that are built a few yards apart, so there has just absolutely never been a requirement to be quiet?

SickboyGPK , 1265983 Report

Final score:

104points

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DragonflyGreen 3 years ago

Not all Americans are loud and indiscreet. Most aren't. Too many are. And apparently, they are the ones who travel abroad the most. We Americans HATE the loud ones too.

29points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#24

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Americans will try to tip everyone, even in countries where tipping isn't a thing/is considered a serious insult

lukan2 , Dan Smedley Report

Final score:

103points

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80 Van 3 years ago

Truly, no harm is meant when that happens (though a bit of cultural research is always advised before visiting another country). It is viewed as rude to not tip in the US, so Americans are simply trying to be polite when they tip, not trying to push some agenda.

98points

#25

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American There was a bowl of ice in the middle of the table for everyone to share between them, and this American guy took the bowl and dumped all of the ice in his own drink. Apparently Americans like ice more than Europeans

BestUserEU , andreas291 Report

Final score:

98points

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Amy Pattie 3 years ago

I feel like this goes hand in hand with the “free refills” culture. In other countries, the more ice, the less drink, and ordering/getting more is too much of a haste

29points

#26

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American They’re looking for a store to be open at like 11 p.m. In most European countries stores close at like 7–8 p.m

millennium-popsicle , Devanath Report

Final score:

95points

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therarestbanana 3 years ago

In rural Germany everything closes at 6pm. And good luck trying to shop on a Sunday 😂 the only thing that opens 24/7 are gas stations usually

48points

SherrifOfNothingtown , mastersenaiper Report

#27

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Handing the credit card to the server to be taken away and processed

Final score:

77points

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Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)

I think this is a terrible idea. Never hand your card over, especially out of your sight. Is this normal anywhere else besides the US?

56points

#28

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American Not looking to blame or shame, but there was this (otherwise Adorable) lady at a social gathering a few weeks back, that started talking about religion, and abortion, and how everyone should basically 'pick a side' (her words). I live in Northern Ireland, and that happened in Derry. Luckily everyone took it fine and the conversation went on after a short silence.

Edit : so pretty much as expected, obviously not all Americans are Muricans :)

lllGreyfoxlll , stephen7272 Report

Final score:

75points

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Downunderdude 3 years ago

When it comes to things like abortion, religion or politics, laying down the law among a bunch of people you don't know just marks you as an ignorant, arrogant clod, no matter what your nationality.

117points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#29

29 People Share How They Can Tell If A Tourist Is American I hear that us Americans can easily be spotted in the airport by the fact usually were use to taking off our shoes in TSA

R3ddspider , pixabay Report

Final score:

55points

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Robert T 3 years ago

We went through a phase of that after the "shoe bomber".

7points

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

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I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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What do you think ?

POST

Mohammad Ammar 3 years ago (edited)

I know this is an America centric site with a predominantly English speaking community, but can we please have posts about countries other than the US. I've also noticed how little people in this community know about Latin America, Asia and Africa. I'm sure you'd all find it incredibly refreshing and even entertaining.

50points

Neil Bidle 3 years ago

Make one then!

21points

brukernavn340 3 years ago

The irony is that it is run by Lithuanians.

11points

Ian Smith 3 years ago

They mostly s**t on the US, so careful what you wish for.

4points

COCO puff 3 years ago

and Europe? Or Europe its not a thing?

3points

Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

Agreed. I am from the US, and wow, this is silly stuff. I've seen people form other nations have some strange reactions. Also, since the site is run from (allegedly) Lithuania, so why the US obsession?

2points

Marnie 3 years ago

I hope someone does. It won't be me doing it, but I'd love to see more posts about other countries, too!

1point

Carmen Sandiego 3 years ago

I completely agree.

1point

Monday 3 years ago

I second Neil here, make one. I'm sure most of the community would enjoy it.

1point

CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago

I find this site is more about Europe and UK more than American. This post was pretty nice, but the majority of posts about the USA are... less than flattering, shall we say?

0points

YoyoSthlm 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)

This is a pretty terrible list. Firstly many of these people seem to presume the person is from the US. Secondly many people from other countries would do a lot of these as well coz their experiencing something different too etc.

27points

Daria B 3 years ago

I agree. I opened this article hoping it would be examples from experienced workers in the tourism field, because they notice patterns and such. But no, it's just about a common illusion based on what's on the surface.

8points

J Adams 3 years ago (edited)

I was working in a pub in my hometown in the southwest of England a group of American ladies come to the bar to order drinks and say “your accent, where are you from? Australia?” They simply wouldn’t accept that England has different accents other than the queens English

10points

blugeagua 3 years ago

The US has many different accents too. But many people can't accept that either and think we all sound like mid-westerners.

7points

Don't Look 3 years ago

talk about culture shock.

1point

Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

If all you experience of a nation ---- England, or the US, or any other given nation ---- is from TV, then what do you expect when you go to that place?

0points

Steve 3 years ago

When tourist women come into a bar/pub and start asking you stupid questions, they're chatting you up. If you responded in a friendly way, your story would have a much happier ending

-1point

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POST

Mohammad Ammar 3 years ago (edited)

50points

Neil Bidle 3 years ago

Make one then!

21points

brukernavn340 3 years ago

The irony is that it is run by Lithuanians.

11points

Ian Smith 3 years ago

They mostly s**t on the US, so careful what you wish for.

4points

COCO puff 3 years ago

and Europe? Or Europe its not a thing?

3points

Leo Domitrix 3 years ago

2points

Marnie 3 years ago

I hope someone does. It won't be me doing it, but I'd love to see more posts about other countries, too!

1point

Carmen Sandiego 3 years ago

I completely agree.

1point

Monday 3 years ago

I second Neil here, make one. I'm sure most of the community would enjoy it.

1point

CrunChewy McSandybutt 3 years ago

I find this site is more about Europe and UK more than American. This post was pretty nice, but the majority of posts about the USA are... less than flattering, shall we say?

0points

YoyoSthlm 3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)

27points

Daria B 3 years ago

8points

J Adams 3 years ago (edited)

10points

blugeagua 3 years ago

The US has many different accents too. But many people can't accept that either and think we all sound like mid-westerners.

7points