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30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe As an American who did this foolishly: American chain restaurants. You flew 5,000 miles across an ocean, don't waste your time eating American food you could have gotten in Ohio. Don't just try the "local" stuff, go out of your way to find small mom and pop restaurants that the actual residents prefer.

The best meal of my entire life was in such a restaurant in Greece. I had rented a car with a friend who was visiting his grandparents and we were driving up north from Athens for hours. I kept trying to stop on the highway for some American or similar fast food (Pita Pan is legit decent fast food).

We had pulled off onto a smaller road and for hours didn't see anything. We were so hungry we promised to pull over at the next restaurant we saw. When we finally saw one we pulled over immediately, only to find ourselves in someone's house. It literally looked like someone's driveway. Eventually I noticed a little coke branded refrigerator (filled with beers) and realized it really was a restaurant, kind of.

Inside was literally some grandma's house but the living room was full of small wooden tables (probably 4-5). We were the only ones in the entire place besides grandpa who was reading a newspaper and having a coffee. You could see into the rest of the house, which was literally just some old people's home. Grandma excitedly welcomed us and asked us what we wanted to drink. The food was whatever she cooked that day, you didn't have a choice. That day it was some kind of meat (either beef or beef + goat) in red meat sauce with potatoes and some Greek salad and hearty bread. I guess if you didn't like what she was serving, you were out of luck, but it was utterly divine, best thing I've ever had. It was also like $7 for the whole thing.

I figure she literally just cooks for herself and her husband and makes 2-3x as much on the chance that a few people stop by. I wish I had some idea where that place was, but I'd never find it in 100 years of traveling again. :/

Ut_Prosim , vinylmeister Report

Final score:

184points

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intermezzono1 1 year ago

i cant believe anyone would even visit another country and then go to McDonalds, thats... so odd

99points

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Be respectful to memorial places. Don't come to the idea to make selfies or similar.

Inform yourself about the traditions of the country. In some countries, you can openly make smalltalk with strangers, while in another one, you do have to approach them like a wild animal.

ES-Flinter , demilked Report

Final score:

178points

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I'm bad at nicknames 1 year ago

Yeah, the picture in this post is of the Holocaust memorial in Berlin.

151points

If you ever visit England and go to the lovely little town in Shropshire called Ludlow...You should avoid eye contact with Dennis...f****r will talk you to death

bintasaurus Report

Final score:

168points

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SCP 4666 1 year ago

Dennis...who the f**k is Dennis 🎶

6points

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Don't rent a car if you're going to stay at a major capital, it's not worth it, it's much better to use public transport and get an occasional Uber

mateusarc , Kevin.B Report

Final score:

143points

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Fora Nakit 1 year ago

Check the rates for daily, weekly, and other long-term tickets for public transport. They are usually much more affordable than one-way tickets.

34points

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Avoid assuming Europe is all roughly the same. It's a continent, not a country. You don't go to Japan and expect it to be like Indonesia just because they are both in Asia. In other words, it all depends on which country in Europe you are traveling to.

texchan , Pixabay Report

Final score:

143points

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Jo Jones 1 year ago

I still find it mind blowing when my American colleagues said they went to Europe on holiday .. ok like Rome or Sheffield ?

124points

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Tipping. Don't start making it the norm here.

KenzoAtreides , Bicanski Report

Final score:

129points

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October 1 year ago (edited)

In the Neterlands we generallly do tip for very good service but not for average or bad service. The tip is a nice extra, the staff earns a steady wage and doesn't need tips to survive.

88points

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Insinuating that Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland - and possibly some parts of Cornwall are in England.

Doesn't go down too well.

Peg_leg_J , Acabashi Report

Final score:

127points

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Dispolo 1 year ago

Yes, except the last one: Cornwall is part of England.

41points

Don’t f**k around with the royal guards in London

Bout3Fidy Report

Final score:

119points

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Did I say that out loud? 1 year ago

Too many tourists seem to think the guards are playing dress up like its Disney land. They're not, they're real f*****g soldiers and will NOT take any nonsense from you.

121points

#10

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Avoid speaking without exchanging greetings first (in France at least) and not responding in kind when someone greets you. In other words, exchange *bon jour*s before you ask where the toilet is.

Avoid letting your kids act like monsters in public--in restaurants, in particular.

Avoid rushing through meals (unless your kids are acting like monsters).

__Pers , Mathias Reding Report

Final score:

110points

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Monday 1 year ago

Isn't the first one just common sense?

28points

#11

Dressing "patriotic". I saw a lad in the West of Ireland in a shirt with a big screaming eagle on it and a wall of text on the back like "this is AMERICA, we salute the FLAG, we pray to GOD, we speak ENGLISH... and if you don't like it I'll help you pack!"

He was in a Gaeltacht at the time, one of the few surviving areas were the Irish language is the default.

SeriouslySuspect Report

Final score:

106points

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Weasel Wise 1 year ago

🤦🏾‍♀️ PLEASE don't lump all of us in the US into the same trailer park as this glorious example of human waste. We aren't all ignorant racists.

95points

Spirited_Tadpole_508 , Iker Merodio Report

#12

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe To avoid, letting the taxi know you don't know where you are or where you are going, the bad ones will drive you in circles and run the tab up.

However, one thing that opened Germany up for me while stationed there was one interaction. I would ask in German "Sprechen sie englisch", do you speak English. Followed by "Mine Deutsch ist scheisse", my German is s**t. Everyone from women at the bar to elderly people would laugh hysterically and then immediately switch to English in good spirits. They just like to see you try, then they are more than happy to help you out. So my advice would be to learn a quick fire phrase that you can pop off to quickly to avoid the fumbling and starting the interaction on a bad foot.

Final score:

101points

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sturmwesen 1 year ago

Mayve don't use Scheiße in interactions with strangers.

57points

#13

American living in Spain here, but have been to a few other countries - if you’re American / Canadian, most folks will notice whether you want them to or not, but try to remember to use less volume when speaking, learn the tipping culture before you travel to the country (same goes for how they bring the bill, in many countries you need to ask for it, as they expect you to enjoy your meal and hang out as long as you want, and won’t interrupt by bringing the bill), keep valuables hidden away, don’t hang a purse on the back of your chair when you eat, or leave it open when you’re on the train, etc. But most importantly, remember that things will be different, and embrace those differences… they likely won’t have ranch dressing, and might bring you olive oil and vinegar with your salad, or if you order a coffee it might be an espresso or other tiny beverage. Don’t get angry about it, enjoy that it’s different than what you get at home, and adapt. I’ve found that smiling at everyone as I walk around kind of freaks them out, but there’s only so much I can change… try to learn a few words / phrases in the language of the country you’re visiting (especially for France), it can change the entire interaction if you show them you respect their culture / language. There’s a thousand things you can consider, but those are what I’ve learned are the easiest / most important. Oh, also, depending on the country, a hamburger is just the patty, so don’t get mad when there’s no bun. ;)

MamaOf2Monsters Report

Final score:

95points

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Kevin Bhieey 1 year ago

In a more general sense: DO SOME HOMEWORK! If you go in without reading something about how the place you are visiting is different from where you live, then you shouldn't be going. That's rude AF.

15points

#14

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe It really, really, REALLY depends on which part of Europe you are talking about. For example, Finland and Italy are very different places with different social cultures. Heck, there are differences even inside a country!

Some tips in Finland, capital area especially:

- Never sit right next to a stranger unless the bus is super cramped or something. Otherwise, you'll be regarded as a creep. Also don't walk or stand too close to people if there is space. Finnish bus stops are actually a bit funny with how people spread horizontally as far away as possible while still being at the proximity of the bus stop.

- Don't speak loudly in public spaces, only if you really have to. Otherwise, again, you're a creep. (This is more a city thing.)

- Don't interrupt other people (unless, again, you have to, or the other personis REALLY rambling on and you have limited time to speak). This is actually a significant difference between Finns and aforementioned Italians: interrupting or more like "elbowing" in conversations in Italy is normal "traffic rule" and implies active engagement and listening (assuming that both parties are "elbowing"), while interrupting in Finland implies that you aren't valuing what the other person is telling. (Source: I'm a Finn that worked a bit with Italians, I kinda needed to learn new "traffic rules" with them, it went fine after that!)

- Don't take schedules lightly. A Finn says 2 PM? They MEAN 2 PM sharp.

AavaMeri_247 , Snufflebox Report

Final score:

93points

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censorshipsucks 1 year ago

seems common advice for most nordic countries including germany and NL... similar rules.

51points

#15

If you visit The Netherlands:

- Red = dead. Red asphalt means it's a bike path. Yes, even if there aren't any signs. It's for bikes.

- Giethoorn is a village with humans living in it. Be respectful.

- The red light district isn't that exciting. There's a bunch of naked ladies inside some houses. Super cool.

- One gram of weed should be between €10 and €20. If you pay more than €20 it just ain't worth it fam.

- As for avoiding specifically: Amsterdam. It's like a Dutch-themed attraction park. Disneyland for Weedaboos.

Source: am Dutch.

Edit: a few points people are bringing up. Bike paths are for bikes, don't be a dingdong. Giethoorn is gorgeous but the islands are people's actual property don't be weird!!!! I'm not straight so I sure understand the appeal of tits but it's not the Free For All Sex Land™ that a lot of my international friends think it is. It's a neighbourhood with prostitution. And finally; Amsterdam is fun, but if you want a less touristy experience _and_ a lower risk of being hit by a cyclist, go to Utrecht.

skorletun Report

Final score:

90points

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The Problem With Censorship Is ******* 1 year ago (edited)

"Dutch-themed attraction park" is the absolute best description of Amsterdam I've ever read. It's completely true. EDIT: Utrecht has knives on wheels flying around you too. I'm always scared of them when I'm there (I'm from the south-east, where things are... slow.)

39points

#16

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe In major cities don't let anyone hand you anything such as flowers or whatever. Once it is in your hands they start asking for money. They even gave a flower to one my kids and then wouldn't take it back. Just set it on the ground and walk away.

darkhelmet03 , ctyt Report

Final score:

81points

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censorshipsucks 1 year ago

I had this happen in italy, nuisance.

22points

#17

Don't make small talk, especially in northern countries. It's not part of our cultures and it's freaking us out big time. We're not rude, we're just minding our business, be respectful

abfukson Report

Final score:

76points

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XenoMurph 1 year ago

Some people like to chat. North England here, a couple of friendly words at the bus stop, they'll either respond or not, some of the best conversations are with strangers.

30points

#18

Saying you're travelling to 'Europe' rather than the country you're actually travelling too.

Europe is an entire continent of vastly different countries and entirely different cultures. Saying you're travelling to Europe means absolutely nothing, and makes you look extremely ignorant (and/or American)

__GoldenFace__ Report

Final score:

67points

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Mitchell 1 year ago

Oh rubbish. I say I’m traveling to Europe because I don’t necessarily want to disclose where I’m going. Same as saying I’m going to Asia. There are good reasons to be unspecific .

61points

#19

When arriving in Iceland on your way to France and going through customs, don’t answer the question “What is your destination?” with “Europe”. Also when they tell you “Sir you are in Europe”, don’t answer with “Real Europe”.
I travel abroad about once a year and this is the only time that I have been “the dumb American” (to the best of my knowledge anyway) and I cringe every time I think of this.

dvrooster Report

Final score:

67points

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Jan Rosier 1 year ago

Wait, how do you arrive in Iceland on your way to France?

17points

#20

Check the language of the country you’re travelling to. You’d think it’d be common sense, but I’ve had so many tourists assuming Polish people speak Russian/German and not, you know, *Polish*. From what I’ve heard, this applies to the majority of Eastern Europe

Also, while I understand amazement with architecture that looks straight out of a fairytale (god knows I’m amazed with it too), remember that people actually live there. As in, don’t try to make a full photoshoot on one of the busiest streets of the city because it’s “aesthetic”. Definitely don’t block traffic while doing that, and don’t snap at people who are trying to walk past that they’re “ruining the photo”. Applies even more if the place of your photoshoot is literally in front of someone’s “aesthetic” house.

Always-bi-myself Report

Final score:

63points

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The Scout 1 year ago

In the cities the language problem often is not that big. Most europeans are at least bilingual. That might not always be the case in rural areas or with older folks, though. When traveling in Poland for example, I knew enough polish words to scantily get places, but only once was met with a situation that I could not deal with either in German nor English (that one then was resolved in Latin, of all things - village priests can have their uses...).

22points

A. Starhawk Hunt 1 year ago

I, for one, was ecstatic to find out most Germans do speak English when I lived in Germany back in 1983. I was a bride in a long distance relationship back then so it was letters. I actually spent time in person with him approximately 4 weeks, so I was timid. Then ten days of arriving in Germany, we were hit riding his motorcycle. I saw the chrome headlight rim when it hit the exact middle of my kneecap. Not fun. People were so kind and helpful. If I and a cashier didn’t share a language but I could trust them to take exactly what I owed. And even the older lady who lived below us would see me sweeping the floor-a shared chore taken in turns. I’d go to take my turn and she’d be there already doing it. She would fuss at me in German, telling me to go get my knee better. In the 4 months we lived there, she never let me. In short, loved Germany and it’s caring people.

3points

Very bored 1 year ago

I had someone trying speaking to me in Russian before, he thought that everyone in Poland spoke Russian. Had to inform the poor man, that the occupation is over.

7points

Bisexual Axolotls 1 year ago

Speaking Russian in East Europe isn't really the best idea either way, unless your in Russia. Austria & Germany both speak German, although Austrian German is a different dialect (I'm not entirely sure, but I think it's like English and American English?)

5points

Rilmar 1 year ago (edited)

I'm a Pole living in western Poland and it's not that uncommon to hear Russian around here, Belarusians and some Ukrainians speak it As for German, I'd say the difference is a little larger than between British and American English, though the real oddity is Swiss German

2points

The Original Bruno 1 year ago

Yeah, a relative from Slovenia considered his language to be Austrian, not German. (He was from a linguistic enclave, so yes, I know Slovenian is the dominant language of Slovenia... especially after Tito's genocides.)

1point

Sonja 1 year ago

It's not that different and they can speak modern German if they want to though. They're smart people

0points

David H 1 year ago

in Eastern Europe, anyone over a certain age speaks Russian to a degree, thanks to the Soviets forcing their puppet Warsaw Pact countries to mandate it in education, and the former Soviet Republics forced Russian on the people.

2points

Petra Neomillnerová 1 year ago

I am from the Czech Republic and most Czechs refuse to speak Russian precisely because we were forced to learn Russian and Russia is the aggressor and ocupant for as. In the time of war in Ukraine you'd better not speak Russian at all.

3points

Miki 1 year ago

When in Poland NEVER TRY WITH RUSSIAN, speak engilish. Everyone here knows it. if somebody will yell at you: "to jest Polska, tu się mówi po polsku!!" (more or less: "This is Poland, Polish is spoken here!!"), than you just had a bad luck. They are morons..

2points

Robert T 1 year ago

Depending upon the age of the person you are speaking to, a Pole may well speak some Russian. My gf had to learn Russian as a second language at school. These days it will be English. Some countries, like Belgium and Switzerland can be very confusing to tourists as they speak multiple languages, but you never know which is the one the person you are about to address uses. I speak a bit of French and a bit of German, but I tended not to use them for fear of causing offence. It did at least mean I didn't have to ask for the "special" English menu. :D

1point

$fracarr avatar$

François Carré 1 year ago (edited)

According to what I noticed with my friends from Central or Eastern Europe : they were kids or teenagers when the Berlin wall fell down, and after that started learning English at school because they obviously expected to travel abroad a lot (which they did). There was no way they would learn German or Russian, due to bad memories related to these languages in their families. Their parents rarely had learnt any other language than the national one. The exception would be Hungary : the country having been associated with Austria for a long time and Hungarian language being quite complicated, they tend to go with German as the "easy" language to communicate with strangers. And also, for other ancient historical reasons, many Bulgarians have a thing for Russian language and culture.

1point

Maria Vaz 9 months ago

ahah i used to live in a highly touristic area and it's crazy to share with my colleagues that i had people traffic walking to my job. The tour groups would be so chill on the narrow streets and there i was, a late portuguese rushing throught them xD crazy

0points

René Sauer 1 year ago

Well, If you stay in the border areas there is probably a high chance to find people speaking their neighbors languages.

0points

Helen Jones 1 year ago

This happens so much where I live - Bristol city centre, UK. Near my home there’s a busy footbridge/cycle path with an iconic view where tourists stop in large groups to look and take photos. They’re always shocked/offended when asked to move aside or when cyclists ring a bell at them. Makes me want to kick them in the shins!

0points

Cassandra Franke 1 year ago

under no circumstances make photoshoots in ausschwitz, this is not the place for it. don't take any earth with you either. the ashes of the murdered jews were scattered around the camp. the whole area is considered a cemetery.

0points

censorshipsucks 1 year ago (edited)

Polish is massively different from German and only similar to Russian. Alphabet for starters is almost totally different (roman with diacriticals instead of cyrillic). If I think about it, the only letters that are _similar_ in Cyrillic and Polish Roman are... A, B (V), C (TS/S), E (YE), I/bI (I/YI), K, M, O, T.

0points

Very bored 1 year ago

Polish is similar to Slovakian and maybe Czech, as for russian it is the same as German and English - they share words, maybe a little grammar and share common roots but too often people compare the two, when the real similarities lye with Slovak and Czech.

4points

Dispolo 1 year ago

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Dispolo 1 year ago

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#21

Let go of expectations, bin the lonely planet book, go find a local who speaks English when you get there and ask them what to do. Do that. Get lost, go on an adventure, don't rate a single thing on tripadvisor.

As a Scotsman I had one of the best weekends of my life in New York City and I did it by not seeing a single tourist attraction but instead just going full immersion. "Nice to meet you. You're going where? F**k it I'll come along...." 14 hours later on a rooftop in Brooklyn. Far better view than a postcard. I suggest this approach to travel.

xileja9338 Report

Final score:

63points

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Minty mosasaurus 1 year ago

Sounds like a fun way to get ✨ kidnapped ✨

44points

#22

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Avoid any restaurant that tries to strong arm you into entering.

Kanguin , Andrea Piacquadio Report

Final score:

62points

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Dispolo 1 year ago

This is not unique to European countries.

23points

#23

Complaining that something isn’t how it is in the US (or whatever your home country is)

mkg4169 Report

Final score:

61points

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Jan Rosier 1 year ago

Beleive it or not, but that is even true for some people from the Netherlands visiting Antwerp (or the major Antwerp cinema complex being visited a lot by the Dutch) who then start complaining how some thing or other is much better on their side of the border. Dear Northern neighbours : we speak the same language, we understand what you're saying, and if you donot like it here : please stay at home. Flipside : this is a minority spoiling it for the vast majority who are nice people.

23points

#24

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe If you're from the US don't sign up for the bull s**t $10 per day international service with Verizon or other service providers. Nearly any airport you arrive in will have a place where you can buy an sim card to put in your phone at fraction of the price. For instance, I once got a sim card in Seville, Spain for something like 12 Euros and it came with a month of service and 9 GB of data.

wcruse92 , londoncheapo Report

Final score:

55points

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Marcos Valencia 1 year ago

Also, you can use the SIM card all around the EU, if you intend to change countries. I expend about 2 months per year in Italy (my wife is Italian) and I use my Spanish SIM card (with the same prices and service that at home).

19points

#25

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Don't assume that everything will be open during the hours you'd expect in your home country--this is true no matter where you're going. It varies by country and region, but in my experience, grocery stores, banks, post offices, etc., had much more restricted hours than they do in the US. In the US, it's rare for a grocery store to close before 9 PM, if it's not open 24 hours. In Europe, it's normal for grocery stores to close quite early, and for things to be closed on weekends, though this varies by country.

Also, mind your manners. In America, you can often skip over the formalities without being seen as rude. In Europe, this is much harder. Be more direct about what you want, and more polite about requesting it. Part of what perpetuates the unfortunate "rude American" stereotype is that Americans tend to find European manners blunt, and Europeans tend to find American manners invasive.

frisky_husky , psd-tutorials Report

Final score:

54points

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SuperChicken 1 year ago

Small family businesses would make-up their own hours, especially, on a nice day or, if the business is running slow that day. However, there's a grocery store in Germany called, REWE, that's open until 22:00 and some until 00:00.

9points

#26

If someone asks you if you dropped your wallet, don't reach for where you keep it. You're telling them exactly where you keep your valuables.

mattgen88 Report

Final score:

52points

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censorshipsucks 1 year ago (edited)

my advice in south africa is ditch the wallet. You will get pickpocketed if you walk in the streets with it. Rather just carry one credit card and ID, and put the rest of your cards into Stocard app or Apple Wallet or similar. Keep your hand on your phone at all times so they have to fight you for it. The reason I say "one" credit card is in case your phone's data does not work or something weird like that. There's no need at all to carry a wallet full of cards and cash here. We are 100% digital when it comes to money in our cities.

8points

#27

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Falling in canals and walking on bicycle paths if they come to the Netherlands

LaoBa , nan palmero Report

Final score:

50points

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Fembot 1 year ago

Fall or jump into any canal you want. Just don’t walk on the bike paths!

54points

#28

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe I’d avoid social media and watching TV in the month before your trip and spend that time on Duolingo instead. Not sure where exactly you’re going in Europe but it’ll help you to know a couple of phrases in the language.

regnarbensin_ , ajay_suresh Report

Final score:

48points

POST

Monday 1 year ago

And be sure to practice every day....or else Duo will kill your family.

49points

#29

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Street scammers in Paris, anywhere really, I just mostly see it in Paris.

missingtoothtyler , simonjwils Report

Final score:

39points

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Guido Pisano 1 year ago

common in italy too

11points

#30

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe carry your wallet in your front pocket, if carrying a bag or purse, towards the front. It's a comment for all tourist areas, Europe just has a lot of them.

MerryBandOfPirates , boredpanda Report

Final score:

34points

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Zia Barrett 1 year ago

Conceal your wallet under at least one layer of clothing. Don't put wallets in front pockets, butt pockets, or any kind of external patch pocket.

17points

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

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#31

Don't think that what goes for one country goes for all. There is all sorts of differences in cultures, laws, etc.

WitchingWaters Report

Final score:

21points

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Dispolo 1 year ago

This is not unique to European countries.

1point

#32

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe SCAMS. There are a lot of them.

Beware the person that picks up a gold object (ring etc) and tells you that you dropped it. It is NOT yours and it is COSTUME (fake). They will then try to get money out of you.

There's another one with a guy that will ask for directions or something like that and then GIVE you an article of clothing. The jacket or shirt will be garbage and he'll try to get money out of you.

there are LOTS of other scams too.

happy-anus , WorldScott.com Report

Final score:

20points

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Rizzo 1 year ago

Just rub the ring on the pavement to reveal that it's not gold and throw it back to them. That's how I do it all the time.

5points

#33

If you rent a car and drive on the highway don’t sit in the left lane when not passing anyone you’ll get brights flashed at you and you might get a ticket. Also stop doing that in America too it’s extremely annoying and causes traffic to pile up behind you.

Catprincessmeoww Report

Final score:

20points

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Dispolo 1 year ago

The first sentence is very bad advice for Ireland and UK.

22points

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

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#34

Americans: do not look left first when you try to cross a street in the UK as you do in the US. Learn to look right before crossing a street as that is the direction the vehicle that will hit you is coming from.

Callmeoneofakind Report

Final score:

19points

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censorshipsucks 1 year ago

or look both ways like we were taught...

17points

#35

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Petty theft and scams. Don't leave stuff lying in the seat next to you on public transport..

moeriscus , kitten121 Report

Final score:

18points

POST

intermezzono1 1 year ago

anyone who does this instead of letting other people sit there sucks anyway

12points

#36

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Euronet ATMs as they are basically a scam and will charge you up to %20 in fees for the money you are withdrawing.

Edit: If you want to find the best deal on cash withdrawal at an ATM, look for a local ATM and opt to use your home bank to calculate the exchange rate.

theGrippo , FredTC Report

Final score:

18points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

I found that most places understand mastercard/visa so...

3points

Beth_Harmons_Bulova Report

#37

If you’re a woman going to Italy, you should know it’s more conservative than you think. You can’t enter holy places and churches with bare arms or knees showing, and that’s more places than you would expect (like the Colosseum and the Pantheon). Even in the height of blistering summer, bring something for your shoulders or a light poncho cover up.
Edit: I believe people saying it wasn’t true when they visited the Colosseum, it’s just what I observed when I went.

Final score:

18points

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Fembot 1 year ago

No that only applies to the Vatican and churches. Not the colosseum.

15points

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#38

Ordering "water" at a restaurant 9/10 times you will get sparkling water, you have to specify that you want plain water.

Edit: As many are guessing this did happen in Germany, but also France, Austria and several Balkan states.

EtherealPheonix Report

Final score:

18points

POST

gerard julien 1 year ago (edited)

tap water is free in all restaurants in France ! if you don't specify " tap water " they will bring you bottled water and will have to pay for it, pretty much EVERYWHERE in Europe ! tip : say " une carafe d'eau " ( carafe of water)

4points

#39

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Creepy dudes outside airports tryin to split cabs. 😂
Unless your dad's Liam Neeson.

Jeep2king , scalleja Report

Final score:

16points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

Uber. f**k these yellow cabs, they are crooks and drive you in circles. Uber isn't great but at least you can check the GPS and see he is going in a circle.

2points

#40

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Do not put your bag/purse/backpack on the back of your chair when you sit down to eat, especially outside.

Thieves look for this, in groups of three or four. One of them will come from one side of you as a snatcher, and the rest will stand in a group very close to you taking or smoking, etc., pretending that they don't know the snatcher.

Then the one guy will snatch your item, and run right through the group, in case someone is quick enough to chase. They will "accidentally" be in your way.

Happened in Rome, but locals recognized it and broke it up.

nctkcmo71 , Ray Piedra Report

Final score:

16points

POST

Marcos Valencia 1 year ago

These are general tips for every big city.

6points

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

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

#41

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Coming over with a bunch of cash ($) and using an exchange service to buy €. Just use your debit or credit card, everywhere. If you need some cash, take it out of the atm. Exchange rates will be much better, no commission, 3% fee from your bank, but that's reasonable.

sawman_screwgun , cottonbro studio Report

Final score:

16points

POST

Natalie Bohrteller 1 year ago

Good luck with using your credit card everywhere in Germany. 😆

6points

#42

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe I would recommend avoiding let any tourist group plan your trip. You will only see the most touristy stuff and everything you eat will be insanely expensive. If you research enough you can do well in Europe and eat for much less.

lendmeflight Report

Final score:

16points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

sure, but you might also get less hassles from local beggars etc.

0points

#43

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Avoid trying to visit too many cities and countries during the same trip and stay everywhere for a minimum of two nights. US tourists seem to want to see too many places for short visits and end up not really experiencing anywhere properly.

DaMiBu , Hank Paul Report

Final score:

15points

POST

General Anaesthesia 1 year ago

If it's Tuesday this must be Belgium, if it's Wednesday this must be Rome... https://youtu.be/SHRmLu8lkAw

10points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

See Also on Bored Panda

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#44

while visiting Poland, refer to Polish cities/towns with their German names (like saying "Danzig" for Gdansk). I witnessed couple of drunk German guys did that... did not go well.

muaddipp Report

Final score:

15points

POST

Dispolo 1 year ago

And if in Northern Ireland keep your views related to the Troubles to yourself.

16points

811545b2-4ff7-4041 Report

#45

Trying to pay in dollars

Final score:

15points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

Actually if an american offered me dollars instead of my crappy local currency I'd probably take it.

8points

#46

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Restaurants in touristy areas that have signs out front with pictures of the meals and the price featured prominently.

apfsmith , ankar s. Report

Final score:

14points

POST

Agfox 1 year ago

The plastic models of food, called sampuru, in the windows of most Japanese restaurants are especially helpful. On our first few visits, 10 to 12 years ago, staff in smaller cities/towns were happy to take me outside so I could point to what I wanted to order. As a matter of courtesy, I've always learned a number of phrases/sentences to be able thank people for their assistance

12points

#47

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Staying in major / capital cities the whole vacation. You will only see a small part of culture there. Try travelling to some smaller cities or even villages and go for a few trips into nature as well!

nepnop , David Tip Report

Final score:

14points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

I think this is ok if you are short of time. In fact, if you are short of time it is the best solution. Otherwise you miss out seeing the definitive landmarks etc. My policy is to see smaller places/towns etc., if I have a week or more in a country. If I do not then I stick to the big city. As for trips in nature, If I can put in a plug for my country. People come to south africa to see animals. That sucks in my view. Once you've seen a giraffe at the zoo you've seen one. The fact that they're walking around in the forest ... woopdedoo. I guess I grew up with it so it seems unimpressive to me. Rather take more time in our cities. Cape Town is our disneyland. it's cute, pretty, and mostly white dominated. If you want to see a REAL african city, try johannesburg. It has fancy parts with rich people and bourgie restaurants, and it has slums. Just be respectful in our low-income areas and do not do poverty porn photoshoots please. These are my people and we have pride, it is not a zoo.

3points

#48

30 Common Mistakes That Tourists Make While Visiting Europe Assuming that European countries are the same.

Walking around loudly exclaiming how “cute” and “quaint” things are.

Being extremely loud.

Talking loudly about how much everything costs in dollars and say it’s cheap. It may not be for those around you.

missyesil , Sam Lion Report

Final score:

11points

POST

SuperChicken 1 year ago

The last paragraph, or the last two sentences, I think is just rude.

10points

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

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Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

#49

Do not, for the love of god, wear stilettos in Germany. You will slip and fall down in front of 100 people including children who will point and laugh at you as you wobble away on the cobblestone with ankles quivering

gigibigbooty Report

Final score:

11points

POST

Show thyself 1 year ago

I don't know where in germany this person lives, but here in Leipzig you can wear stilettos, but may reconsider it or take a spare pair of shoes with you. There are many different kinds of streets here. Some are safe for stilletos, more are not (at least the city center isn't that great for stilletos - to much cobblestone). IF you're falling the most of us WILL rush to help, a few will be concerned but stay away and even less will laugh. - in addition: here I learned that the most helpfull people are the ones that look "weird" (dyed hair, tattoos all over the Body, Piercings, etc)

10points

#50

currency exchanges.

Just go to the bank or use an ATM.

jadayne Report

Final score:

10points

POST

ColorEd 1 year ago

Depends on the country.

4points

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

#51

I vacationed to Barcelona a few years back and the people on la rambla would do this thing where they ask you for a lighter and then go in for a high five/embrace and pickpocket you. Someone told us to look out for it and then it literally happened the same night. Also girls who look like prostitutes but are actually trained pickpockets. They will come up acting like they are trying to swindle you to paying for a hookup and distract you by being extremely attractive and grabbing your d**k and s**t. Meanwhile your phone and wallet are
Also being taken. Happened to me and my buddy but the girls caught up to us and returned our stuff. I guess they either felt bad or didn’t like the spoils (a s****y off brand galaxy and a Nintendo switch brick charger)

ThatsBetrayalDude Report

Final score:

7points

POST

VonBlade 1 year ago

So the price of getting my junk grabbed is a used hankie and a packet of rizlas? Seems a bargain. Also good luck trying to grab my family jewels without my partner flattening you.

2points

See Also on Bored Panda

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#52

Avoid trying to see too many different countries. Americans tend to think of Europe as one place when really there are many cultures and the entire continent is an open air museum, you really can't go wrong. Spend time in one or a few places and become familiar with them instead of trying to take the cheap flights between major cities just so you can say you've been there. Exhaustion and jet lag set in and you already bought tickets so you just push through and your vacation leaves something to be desired. Sometimes people think it is a trip of a lifetime, but if you really like it, you can come back, those places have been there a long time already. If you like it enough, you will find a way to afford the trip again.

SatisfactionBulky717 Report

Final score:

6points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

it depends on affordability. For me as an African it was too expensive, I will probably never afford it again, so I rushed it all in about two weeks. I couldn't afford more.

5points

#53

Don’t forget to bring counterfeit money to hand to the scammers.

And have a mousetrap in a nice, juicy, open pocket.

giovannigiannis Report

Final score:

2points

POST

ColorEd 1 year ago

For a free stay in prison, bring counterfeit money with you. That's a sound advice!

25points

Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

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Austėja is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Photography.

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Austėja is a Photo Editor at Bored Panda with a BA in Photography.

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What do you think ?

POST

ColorEd 1 year ago

It's simple: wherever you go, don't be an idiot and everything will be fine.

33points

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

accurate summary.

5points

Bill Evs 1 year ago

For Americans travelling to the UK I would say don't bring an AMEX card with you, bring a VISA or Mastercard instead. I don't know if it's also the same in other European countries but AMEX cards aren't really accepted in many places here (especially if you are outside of London).

15points

The Scout 1 year ago

Absolutely true for most of Europe. Most places in Germany will grudgingly accept AMEX after some bartering, but prefer any other credit card. That's because the AMEX transaction fees outside the USA, paid by the business, are a much higher percentage as the others , so depending on calculation the business could actually end up losing money if you pay by American Express.

6points

Little L 1 year ago

Same in Sweden, most places don't accept AMEX

2points

Jack O'reilly 1 year ago

amex is accepted in most places in europe but always good to bring a back up just in case it's not (also just in case you lose your main card you have a back up)

0points

Dispolo 1 year ago

One reason is the high fees charged by AmEx.

-2points

Christos Arvanitis 1 year ago (edited)

A post mostly slamming Americans disguised as things to avoid doing in Europe...

13points

Mim“the Swede”Sorensson 1 year ago

It’s not necessarily directed at Americans, though, there are other people in the planet who are not Europeans.

3points

Andrea Steinacher 9 months ago

it also adresses Europeans on holiday in another European country ...

0points

Jack O'reilly 1 year ago

tip for americans: don't assume everything in the internet is about you just because it's in english

0points

Robert Pagnani 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Dispolo 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Void 13 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

Sarcasm alert: You mean... Europe isn't perfect?! Bad things can happen there?! *faint* .... Sarcasm over. Speaking as a traveling American? Just pay attention to the laws of where are you, not where you're from, and watch the natives. It's pretty easy to travel without getting into trouble since the internet came along to provide us that information.

10points

R Dennis 1 year ago

Ah, the ever low hanging fruit of bashing Americans. With the invariable commenters looking down their noses at us. I envy a lot of things in European countries, the arrogance of some citizens prove they are just as bad as the worst Americans.

9points

Mani 1 year ago

Yeah, dunno about American tourists in other countries, but having worked as a tour guide in Paris for 5 years, Americans tourists were defo the nicest and most well behaved. Would not say that for tourists of many European countries, which I will not name.

3points

ColorEd 1 year ago

It was mentioned a few times to not consider Europe to be a single county, but the advice given many times acted like it in fact is.

9points

Unpopular opinions 1 year ago

I love how so many Europeans on BP are quick to talk s**t & point out every problem with America while acting like their countries are perfect, but judging by this it would appear these countries are full of thieves & scammers.

7points

Ansi 1 year ago

A good tip when you travel. Don't talk s**t in your home language and think no one will understand it. People get around a lot more then you think and it can become really akward really fast.

3points

R Dennis 1 year ago

Doesn't have to be traveling. I was working a job and most of the other people were from Spanish speaking countries. I never let them know I understood. One day, I heard them talking trash about a manager. I looked up and the main guy started laughing because he realized I knew what they were saying. I then told them, in Spanish, where I grew up (Mexicantown in Detroit) and that my wife's family was from Oaxaca... Another time, I was on a work trip to Chicago. While waiting at a mall for places to open, I hear a family speaking French. The dad came up and was attempting to ask me, in English, where something was. I told him, in French, that I didn't know and would ask. I then told him what one of the workers told me... Yet another time, I was interviewing someone for a job. While looking at their resume, I saw they were from Bulgaria. I picked up a little from an employee. When I went to shake their hand, I asked how they were doing in Bulgarian. The look on her face was priceless.

0points

Amanda 1 year ago

Wow. The comments here have proven only one thing. Some people suck, wherever they're from.

1point

Krásnoočko Zelené 1 year ago

A tip from an eastern european: if you assume that we are "something like russia", expect us to speak russian, look for russian-like experiences or buy russian/soviet memorabilia (actually sold in souvenir shops by non-locals) we are going to be VERY pissed.

1point

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

10,000 upvotes.

1point

Kat Min 1 year ago

To Americans: Don't talk about God and don't ask people about their religion. It's private and people who openly gush on about Jesus loves this or that are considered weird and maybe even creepy.

0points

Ash Hind 1 year ago

Most of these are good advice. I would also suggest you learn simple phrases of the language of the country you intend to visit, like 'hello', 'thank-you', 'good bye' and 'do you speak English'. English is the language of the EU countries but do not expect everyone to speak it, especially in rural areas. Don't forget, if someone from a foreign country visits your country and doesn't speak your language, it is the same if you visit their country.

0points

Zenonas Bukauskas 1 year ago

Neimanoma patiketi , kad visa sita mesla kazkas stebi ir skaito

0points

David Paterson 1 year ago

Just one further comment. A friend went on a tour bus in Europe. The bus broke down and they ended the tour a full two days late.

-1point

DAVE 1 year ago

After reading this, why on earth would anyone want to go to Europe? Sounds even worse than the US.

-2points

eydeekay 1 year ago

This is the dumbest article here so far. I'm insulted. Be that as it may... uhm... don't leave me stranded: What do I do when I "visit America"? That's two continents right there. Oh my.

-2points

Dispolo 1 year ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Siobhan Gournay 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Little L 1 year ago

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LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)

Wow Little L, you do know that *gasp* there are bad tourists from all countries? Tourists can behave poorly no matter where they are from. Please stop with these stereotypes.

12points

POST

ColorEd 1 year ago

It's simple: wherever you go, don't be an idiot and everything will be fine.

33points

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

accurate summary.

5points

Bill Evs 1 year ago

15points

The Scout 1 year ago

6points

Little L 1 year ago

Same in Sweden, most places don't accept AMEX

2points

Jack O'reilly 1 year ago

amex is accepted in most places in europe but always good to bring a back up just in case it's not (also just in case you lose your main card you have a back up)

0points

Dispolo 1 year ago

One reason is the high fees charged by AmEx.

-2points

Christos Arvanitis 1 year ago (edited)

A post mostly slamming Americans disguised as things to avoid doing in Europe...

13points

Mim“the Swede”Sorensson 1 year ago

It’s not necessarily directed at Americans, though, there are other people in the planet who are not Europeans.

3points

Andrea Steinacher 9 months ago

it also adresses Europeans on holiday in another European country ...

0points

Jack O'reilly 1 year ago

tip for americans: don't assume everything in the internet is about you just because it's in english

0points

Robert Pagnani 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Dispolo 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Void 13 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

10points

R Dennis 1 year ago

9points

Mani 1 year ago

3points

ColorEd 1 year ago

It was mentioned a few times to not consider Europe to be a single county, but the advice given many times acted like it in fact is.

9points

Unpopular opinions 1 year ago

7points

Ansi 1 year ago

A good tip when you travel. Don't talk s**t in your home language and think no one will understand it. People get around a lot more then you think and it can become really akward really fast.

3points

R Dennis 1 year ago

0points

Amanda 1 year ago

Wow. The comments here have proven only one thing. Some people suck, wherever they're from.

1point

Krásnoočko Zelené 1 year ago

1point

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

10,000 upvotes.

1point

Kat Min 1 year ago

To Americans: Don't talk about God and don't ask people about their religion. It's private and people who openly gush on about Jesus loves this or that are considered weird and maybe even creepy.

0points

Ash Hind 1 year ago

0points

Zenonas Bukauskas 1 year ago

Neimanoma patiketi , kad visa sita mesla kazkas stebi ir skaito

0points

David Paterson 1 year ago

Just one further comment. A friend went on a tour bus in Europe. The bus broke down and they ended the tour a full two days late.

-1point

DAVE 1 year ago

After reading this, why on earth would anyone want to go to Europe? Sounds even worse than the US.

-2points

eydeekay 1 year ago

This is the dumbest article here so far. I'm insulted. Be that as it may... uhm... don't leave me stranded: What do I do when I "visit America"? That's two continents right there. Oh my.

-2points

Dispolo 1 year ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Siobhan Gournay 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Little L 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)

Wow Little L, you do know that *gasp* there are bad tourists from all countries? Tourists can behave poorly no matter where they are from. Please stop with these stereotypes.

12points