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Being a tourist entails a number of things. On the one hand, you have adventure and excitement, but on the other—there’s the notorious reputation of tourists heeding zero warnings and taking no guff in terms of respecting rules, laws, and customs. To an extreme degree, it seems.

Redditors have recently been discussing unwritten rules in their respective countries that tourists always seem to break. And it sounds like some of these are often made very clear, and even that doesn’t help the case.

#1

“What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Stop asking how to catch a leprechaun. It's trafficking, and they are a protected species under EU law.

WalkwiththeWolf , Joe/flickr Report

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    #2

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Be quiet at memorials. Stay off the monuments.

    The-potatoman , Karen Mardahl/flickr Report

    #3

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Do not approach the wildlife in North America. People joke about Australia having all the dangerous animals, then will walk right up to our elk during rutting season and get gored. Same with bears, bison, moose. These animals are NOT tame.

    ThisLion329 , Pixabay/pexels Report

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    Trillian
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't approach strange animals, period. People have been killed by cows in Austria. They are not your pets.

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    Tourists come in all shapes and sizes, and the reasons why they might end up breaking a rule or two (or several dozen) can differ just as much.

    This can range from something as simple as a lack of awareness to an utter absence of respect. It’s one thing to miss a cultural norm or or get blindsided by an overinflated sense of anonymity, thinking rules don’t apply to you in another country. But it’s a whole different can of beans if they travel just to spend their time getting boozed out of their minds.

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    #4

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) NZ - No littering. A lot of us here will straight up scream at you to pick your s**t up if you litter in our beautiful country. Tourist or not.

    GoldenUther29062019 , Mike Mozart/flickr Report

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    Jeff White
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can I help? I'm not from or in NZ right now, but I would still like to help with this.

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    #5

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) In England please respect the queue.

    Jumping the queue will bring forth a seething rage and putrid hatred that spews forth tutting and a passive aggressive muttering rant that's loud enough for others, but not you, to hear

    "Oh no you go ahead mate, I'll just stand back here with everyone else, good job I didn't have anything on at all...."

    The queue is so deeply entrenched in the psyche of the nation that during the 2011 England riots that lasted a week, during which the social fabric broke down, looters could be seen to queue outside the shops they were robbing.

    Please respect the queue!

    Ilostmypassword43 , George Redgrave/flickr Report

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    Bored Panda reached out to freelance tour leader Irmante Sungailaite to learn more about the whats, whys, and hows of respectful tourism.

    Irmante primarily works with National Geographic Journeys and private clients, taking travelers to a variety of locations across the globe—in 40 countries, to be precise, including Mexico, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Irmante herself has visited over 100 countries at this point, but it’s not about the count—rather about the experience.

    #7

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) This one is highly specific, but here in the USA we have a monument called The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The changing of the guard always draws a crowd and you are supposed to remain silent. I've seen a few videos of people talking, laughing, etc. They tend to get yelled at. These are real guards. They carry weapons. They guard the Tomb 24/7/365 in any weather. Do not disrespect them or the Tomb. Stand silently, film, take pics, and that is all. Most of the videos I've seen of people being disrespectful were clearly Americans. Gods forbid these a******s go to another country and s**t all over other people's traditions.

    fappyday , Arlington National Cemet/flickr Report

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    Annik Perrot
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same with the French Unknown Soldier, whose tomb is under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

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    #8

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) If the locals don't understand English, raising your voice and saying it slowly will not help you be understood.

    CountMcBurney , SHVETS production/pexels Report

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    Trillian
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many people understand some English so speaking slower can help. Just don't yell, it's a problem with language, not hearing.

    Andy
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, I speak English with a Scottish accent, often when travelling people do understand English, but need me to speak slower to understand just because they are not used to the accent

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    N.
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am learning Spanish and I DO want you to speak it slower to me! In fact, there's a podcast called News In Slow Spanish to help people learn.

    Blue
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also, exactly the same applies with deaf people, or those hard of hearing, and those with other wide and varying disabilities.

    Carrie Laughs
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, to be fair, for some of us who are hard of hearing raising your voice and saying it more slowly WILL help you to be understood! A lot of people gabble and are quietly spoken and if you've got poor hearing that makes it difficult. I speak from very personal expererience and living with a quietly spoken (natural mumbler) husband! It's not going to work if you don't have some hearing and definitely not going to work if the disability is completely unrelated to your ears!

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    Bols
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It helps to speak plain English, my partner was unintentionally confusing vendors in Greece by speaking very quickly with British accent and using flowery words

    The Original Bruno
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ya know what? It helps a LOT when French speakers slow down and raise their voices.

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, if you raise your voice and repeat yourself over and over, the locals will get a very good understanding of you

    Forrest McCanless
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "With the loud voice and omission of syntax that stupid people use when speaking to foreigners and children"

    Skywitness
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many years ago a friend from Luxembourg was speeding near Cincinnati. She got pulled over by Ohio state police. She showed them her passport. They had no idea Luxembourg was a country. She spoke only French to them. They spoke louder and eventually let her go without even a warning. She graduated from Cambridge. If she was a few decades younger, I would have married her.

    Thomas Ewing
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always try to speak in their language first; you'll get the sympathy vote for trying.

    The Redhead
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol that's true in every language in the universe. Years ago (warehouse work) a man got dehydrated and passed out. I was part of the first responder crew so I got there right away. HR happened to be around so she showed up as well. As the man came to (he was Asian & didn't speak English). Anyway she asks him in English if he was OK, he didn't understand so she shouted it, still nothing; HR was bilingual so she tried shouting in Spanish hoping to get an answer. Of course by this point I knew he was concise so I went to get another employee who spoke his language & was able to translate.

    Donald Crocker, Jr.
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    English has stolen more words than the British Museum has stolen artifacts.

    Rtblast66
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Try speaking the native language instead. Wherever you are - works a treat.

    Bored Seb
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if people don't understand the second time, rephrase what you're saying

    Kayjunmoon
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This made me smile. I don’t know why this happens but it does.

    EJN
    Community Member
    10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It all has to do with attitude. If you speak kindly and patiently, they will have a better chance of understanding you. Carry a phrase book for foreign languages or a cell phone with a translator app and you will be appreciated and helped.

    Brittany Copeland
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes I will repeat slower not because you don't understand English but because I can't understand myself I'm going so fast!

    PFD
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dad used to do this but while using really obscure regional colloquialisms. He never understood why it caused so much confusion.

    John Smith (he/him/xy/️)
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On the fence on this one. I live in japanese where a lot of people have at least some command of English. If I would, however, speak at the pace and with the vocabulary I talk to my international friends, many japanese won't be able to understand me.

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    #9

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Do not pick up the cute blue ringed octopus, do not pick up the cute blue ringed octopus, do not pick up the cute blue ringed octopus, do not pick up the cute blue ringed octopus. Do not f*****g do this.

    DrakeAU , Etienne Gosse/flickr Report

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    Mister E
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why would you pick it up? I thought it was well known that vibrant colors on animals means they are venomous? Avoid touching it even!

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    “I’ve seen all sorts of travelers—the most outrageous ones are doing something right in front of the sign that actually says not to do it,” elaborated Irmante on what makes some tourists break rules.

    “It depends on the person’s education and manners if they obey the rules, written or not. You can be wearing shorts in a place that it straight up means that you’re not from there. So you’re just giving yourself away. Yet, not following unwritten rules can be complicated sometimes, especially when you know no locals to advise you otherwise.

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    #10

    • Don’t try and do a Scottish accent. Barely any of us talk or sound like Shrek and it just pisses us off.

    • Don’t claim to be Scottish just because your great great great great great grandfather was Scottish - newsflash, you’re not Scottish.

    • Don’t talk about religion - it’s a touchy subject with a lot of sectarianism between Protestants and Catholics.

    • Don’t mistake us for England, or ask us to speak more English.

    Maleficent-Eagle9659 Report

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    Randy Sanders
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I met a man with a very thick Scot accent, that I could barely understand. I just said that I was sorry but that I could not understand him, due to never hearing it in America. Long story short, we got drunk and talked for hours.

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    #11

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) In Medellin, Colombia, do not glorify Pablo Escobar. We don't want to hear about the museum, the tour or you greeting his brother. It was awful for those who lived through it and there are so many other things to do.

    FewTax2 , YenaMagana/reddit Report

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    #12

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) If there are red flags on the beach it means “NO SWIMMING”
    Which also means NO SNORKELING. NO DIVING. NO SURFING. NO PADDLEBOARDING.NO BODYBOARDING. NO SELFIES ON THE REEFS. FFS.

    algunadiana , Andreas Schnabl/pexels Report

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    Somebodys grandmother
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes! This. Every year tourist drown on our beaches. They don't know the sea, the tide, the wind, the "horseholes", the stream.... It is not a swimmingpool- it's a open ocean... Denmark

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    The most common reasons for breaking rules, however, are failure to get to know the country’s rules and customs, and being flat out rude, as Irmante notes:

    “Tourists either are so ignorant and fail to familiarize themselves with written or unwritten rules when heading to a certain destination or are just straight up rude not to comply with social norms.”

    “They might feel that certain boundaries don’t exist to them and that way they cast a shadow of shame on all of the traveling community. Traveling with conscience, understanding, respect and an open mind is really the way to go.”

    #13

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Don’t pet the fluffy cows and stay on the boardwalks in Yellowstone. It’s actually a written rule, but apparently it’s too difficult to comprehend.

    Trick_Few , Yellowstone National Park/flickr Report

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    Zaphod
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yellowstone is a world treasure. I have been on two long camping trips there. I've seen moose, elk, otters, bison, and even a grizzly across the Hayden Valley. If you break camp each day, you can work your way around the park and see all of the famous attractions in 4 days. 10/10

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    #14

    Use headphones or turn your volume off on your phone.

    NomadicallySedentary Report

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    Blyss Blyssylb
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    YES! THIS! IS! SO! RUDE! WHEN! PPL! LISTEN! TO! WHATEVER! ON! THEIR! PHONES! LOUD! ENOUGH! FOR! MY! DEAF! A$$! TO! HEAR!

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    #15

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Use of sun protection, I know its technically the same sun, but it works a bit different here in Australia.

    delayedconfusion , Armin Rimoldi/pexels Report

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    Jeff White
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As far as I understand, EVERYTHING works different in Australia. Like you have a Nuclear powered Sun (ignoring the fact that the Sun is nuclear powered).

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    Besides getting into heaps of trouble themselves, the willy-nilly kind of tourists make those around them have to deal with the consequences of their actions as well.

    And this is besides the idea of unsustainable tourism—practices performed by those trying to make a quick buck in the travel and tourism industry that cause harm to the destination’s environment, society, economy and more.

    #16

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Yosemite is in fact NOT Disneyland. You do need to wear more than flip flops when hiking up a cliff and the bears are not, I repeat, NOT animatronic.

    seadondo , Leonardo Pallotta/flickr Report

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    Anyone-for-tea?
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have heard you need bear proof bags for hanging your food off a tree, but I didn’t know that about cars!

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    #17

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) More specific to my region: stand on the right, walk on the left.

    Stop blocking the escalators like a human iron curtain. The poor government workers have already lost enough of their souls, don't make them mutter "on your left," as you dawdle around in bewilderment.

    WassupSassySquatch , oatsy40/flickr Report

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    James016
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Certainly on the London Underground there are many signs saying "Stand on the right" There are 2 in the picture.

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    #18

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Do not sit in seats reserved for the elderly, infirm, or pregnant women on subways and buses. South Korea.

    Epiphanes21 , Ann-Sophie Qvarnström/flickr Report

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    Kurichfield
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's ok in Japan, but give up your seat when someone that needs it gets on

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    Unsustainable tourism is caused by a purely profit-driven approach to tourism, lack of regulation, global economic disparities, consumer demand, and lack of awareness. And that can affect the environment, the people living there and the economy.

    And yes, it can get as bad as the travel sector benefiting completely and the people whose land and very soul is being sucked out getting zilch.

    #19

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Stand to the side and let people off the train before trying to board the train. So many times in NYC I've encountered groups of Chinese tourists trying to bumrush the train as soon as the doors open.

    im_on_the_case , Keira Burton/pexels Report

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    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you do this in The Netherlands, expect to be body checked by whoever is trying to get out of the train. This used to be common sense when I was younger, but nowadays people seem to just wanna force their way into a train at any cost

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    #20

    Trying to pet the local moose.

    Look, I know it's a majestic creature right in the middle of the city but it's a really, really bad idea to start thinking it's Bullwinkle and try to get a selfie with it.

    On second thought...you do you. Go give him a big old skritch on the snoot. Us locals will be watching...from way over there.

    Suspicious_Hornet_77 Report

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    #21

    Please, for the love of god, don’t walk up the steps to the pyramids in Mexico. Aside from it being against the rules, it is taboo and incredibly disrespectful to the indigenous communities. Take pictures and admire from a distance but don’t climb them. And especially don’t get an attitude when a local yells at you to get off.

    mexheavymetal Report

    “How and why you go around the globe normally determines what sort of traveler you are. Traveling in groups with a guide or at least having a local guide can give such a great insight into not only how to behave in a certain culture but also gives a chance of a local insight that results in valuable local insight and amazing experiences,” added Irmante.

    “Traveling responsibly and being aware helps to avoid making a total fool of yourself and shedding a bad reputation. Being a blasé traveler could become a sustainability issue—but in a social way –traveling is precious and any connections we have on the way could have a butterfly effect—so let it be positive."

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    #22

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Don't swim in brackish rivers in the Nortern Territory.
    Oh wait, that's a written rule tourist's always seem to break.

    DeusSpaghetti , Lindy Buckley/flickr Report

    #23

    "Hi, how are you".

    In Estonian culture it's rude to ask it if you're actually not prepared to listen to my whole life story. To us this is a very intimate question.

    To top it off, a surprising amount of times I've been berated by a foreigner for not welcoming them in this exact way. Like I'm supposed to be a psychic and know what culture their from. Or their way is the only universal way to welcome someone. I've been extremely offended by this. Someone came to my country as a guest and didn't even bother to Google how to say hello. 😤

    kenakuhi Report

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    A Nelson
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you this is quite helpful and easy to forget that there are different ways to introduce yourself respectfully

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    #24

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Don’t pose for pictures with the big waves and pretty rocks behind you. Too many people get knocked down by a sneaker wave and are swept out and they drown. (Pacific Coast of California.) Stay away from the edges!

    SnooLentils3066 , Anastasiia/pexels Report

    Irmante continued: “As a tour guide and tour leader, I introduce my groups and clients to the local traveling nuances. I make sure to empower my travelers and make them aware of the power they have to the local communities we visit.”

    “Being a tourist is probably the worst that can happen when exploring the world. Being in an area allows you to connect your culture to someone else’s. Make a friend in the destination you’re headed to, get a hold of a travel guide covering all of the odd habits, rules, customs and traditions, and at least google how you should and should not behave.”

    “Traveling and tourism is such a powerful tool of creation as well as destruction. As a traveler, you hold an immense responsibility to do it the right way. So educating yourself prior to the trip, connecting with locals or someone who can run you through the local rules will ensure seamless yet powerful coexistence and outcome of the travel world.”

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    #25

    Do not go to Ireland and order a "Car Bomb" unless you want to be punched in the mouth.

    arrows_of_ithilien Report

    #26

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Don't walk on the cycling lanes.

    draaijman95 , Joybot/flickr Report

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    Dominik
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And don't park you freaking cars on the cycling lanes or use these as overtaking lane. It's super dangerous. Still to many countries/places where drivers see these as perfectly legit (temporary) parking lots

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    #27

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Obey the signs seems to be planet wide.

    Ruathar , Fabio Eckert/pexels Report

    “Ignorance is bliss, but not when it comes to respect, coexistence and witnessing the beauty of the world. It’s naive to think that traveling starts with everyone else but you. You as a traveler not only make it but maintain it and spread it to everyone around you. So don’t chew gum in Singapore, carve your name on the Coliseum, take smiley selfies in Auschwitz, bring archaeological artifacts from Iraq, climb pre-Hispanic structures in Chichén Itzá or dangle off a cliff trying to drive through Canon del Pato,” concluded Irmante.

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    #28

    No peeing in public!!!

    Source: I see specifically mainland Chinese doing this, whether it's in Hong Kong or Toronto. It's disgusting.

    Chuchoter Report

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    Jaquibear
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Giethoorn in the Netherlands (a very pretty village visited by hordes of tourists), I spotted "No peeing/pooping" signs on gates leading to private homes. "Why?" I asked a local. "Because the Chinese tourists enter our gardens and c**p on our lawns!"

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    #29

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) When ordering in a busy pub, please have your entire order ready. Don't order two things, then add another one on, then go back to the table to ask Deborah what she wants. And if Guinness is in the order, ask for that first.

    Kyadagum_Dulgadee , [puamelia]/flickr Report

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If there's only you, order a Smithwicks first so you have something to drink while your Guinness is pouring

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    #30

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) don't dismantle the coliseum please

    dekuius , Philip Warp/pexels Report

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    Jeff White
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or even really touch it. Come one, there cannot be a single person in the World that doesn't understand that you should not scribe your initials or name onto such an obvious World Heritage Site.

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    You can follow Irmante on her Instagram where she shares her travel experiences.

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    Also, be sure to share some unwritten rules in your country or area that you see tourists shamelessly breaking in the comment section below!

    But if you feel like you need more rules in life, here are some more—also unwritten, also on tourism.

    #31

    Respect personal space. If I can feel your body heat or your breath… you’re too damn close!

    Extra_Intro_Version Report

    #32

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Don’t walk holding your cellphone you are gonna get robbed.

    Do not f**k with people. Seriously you don’t know if that guy is just a normie or a high rank on the trafficking groups.

    Latin women are not objects no matter how little clothing we wear. Do not grope or touch someone without their consent.

    DONT TOUCH THE CAPYBARAS YOU CAN GET SICK.

    Dont feed the monkeys.

    Oldlunna Report

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    Zaphod
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never trust a monkey! I bought a small carved wooden Buddha staute in Thailand. A monkey stole the bag and ran up a tree. The shop owner shot at it with a slingshot until the monkey dropped it. At the same spot, another monkey stood on my brother's shoulder and tried to hump his ear.

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    #33

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) They dont stay off the wet rocks and end up in the ocean

    Outdoorsmen_87 , Luis Quintero/pexels Report

    #35

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) I only ever get chatted up by tourists on the train or bus. You don't chat up people in switzerland, just never.

    Sartozz , Miguel Barrera/pexels Report

    #36

    Don't f**k with Canadian geese.

    And it's always hilarious when they do.

    medium_buffalo_wings Report

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    ॐBoyGanesh
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This applies everywhere there are Canada geese. Those f*****s migrate across the world and back, so this should be very well-known to many people outside of Canada.

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    #37

    A bit more specific than country in general, but in my home region: Stay the *f**k* off the mud flats. There are sometimes warning signs, but what's frequently unwritten is the reason *why* you can't go onto the beach-- it's made of glacial-silt quicksand. It will suck you down and never let go, and then the tide comes in. And you know it's coming in, and you know you're going to drown, and there's nothing anyone can do for you, because you're inextricably stuck. I frequently see non-locals or newcomers running about on the mud and I want to shout at them.

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    Anyone-for-tea?
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Damn it annoys me when people don’t say WHERE they are talking about. But apparently it’s Turnagain Arm, Alaska 🤦🏻‍♀️

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    #38

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) When entering our parks, leave nothing but foot prints behind.

    cherrie7 , Quang Nguyen Vinh/pexels Report

    #39

    You will not be able to see everything during your stay (USA). Even trying to see all that you want in one state can end up being a lot. This country is frickin’ huge.

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    #40

    Don't suddenly hit the breaks and completly stop in the middel of the road because you see a mountain, a reindeer or the northen light. We all are going somewhere, and most of us don't care about waiting while you fill your Instagram. Get off the road - take as many pictures as you like. Remember that in the winter it's pitch black most of the day and slippery roads. It's not a good idea to stop for no good reason.

    Octoberchild81 , Zachary DeBottis/pexels Report

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    Rob
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THIS! We live near Loch Ness, and ton the south side the road is a single track with passing places, and stunning scenery. You get stuck behind people who don't know how to use single track roads, stop and take photos in random places, all whilst your Chinese carry-out is getting cold.

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    #41

    Listen to the lifeguards when on the beach.

    The amount of drownings and rescues we have here because “people know better” than the lifeguards is appalling. We had the highest rates of preventable drownings for a decade in 2022, with slightly less in 2023.
    58% were men over 45!

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    ॐBoyGanesh
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    45% of all tourist deaths in my state are drowning. Followed by car accidents. After that, it’s natural causes of preexisting health issues. On my particular island, untreated staph infections or other forms sepsis are known killers and the usual culprit is leptospirosis. The nasty bug has screwed up some of our fresh water locals and is rampant in our geothermal-heated tidal waters. People with cuts and scrapes, especially those with compromised immune systems, don’t even realize they have it until it’s detrimental to their health. As a sort of twisted luck, our 2018 eruption and lava flow wiped out some of our warm water natural destinations.

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    #42

    if you bump into someone say SORRY

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    #43

    Respect personal space. No close talkers

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doesn’t matter what country. No close talkers anywhere, please.

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    #44

    Don’t take pictures of dead people at a funeral pyre. Saw a*****e European tourists doing this in Nepal.

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    Zaphod
    Community Member
    11 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cremation is a Hindu funeral rite. In 2004, I watched the sunrise from a row boat on the Ganges in Varanasi, India. There were funeral pyres at the ghats along the river, as the people came out for their morning abulutions. It was other-worldly.

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    #45

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Where there are seals, there are great whites. Those signs aren't there for a joke. No one will rescue you because there are no lifeguards and/or the beach is closed. Also seals will [unalive] you.

    thatsaSagittarius , humboldthead/flickr Report

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    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are no great whites along the coast of the North East of England. What country do you mean?

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    #46

    Don't feed the F'n seagulls! Or any wild life for that matter.

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    Rob
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The seagulls will feed themselves. Just be prepared, they'll swoop in and your chips are gone!

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    #47

    “What’s An Unwritten Rule In Your Country That Tourists Always Seem To Break?” (30 Answers) Do not block entrances or exits. When waiting in line, give the people around you some space, no touching.

    loritree , Alvaro Matzumura/pexels Report

    #48

    Don’t f**k with the bison or The Grand Canyon. Both can kill you

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    Kate
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep. I've lost count of how many headlines I've seen about tourists taking selfies falling into the GC.

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    #49

    Not specifically tourists, just Americans.... They say St Patty's Day............who is Patty?

    It's St Paddy's Day

    Calling us British/English won't go down well in Ireland (Republic)

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    MacToast
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah but when I say "Paddy" and "Patty" out loud, they sound the exact same, sooo.....

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    #50

    In Canada you say sorry even when it’s not your fault and you didn’t do anything wrong.

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    Captain Grump
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you want be a true Canadian, say "Sorry!" then mutter "a**hole..." under your breath. It's part of why our homicide rate is relatively low.

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    #51

    In Germany, the train or the bus wait for no one.

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    Happy Quokka
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trains don’t have to wait because they are delayed more often than not. Deutsche Bahn is terrible.

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    #52

    F*****G. MOVE.

    I imagine this is everywhere, but keep your groups tight and walk with purpose. People will just stop in large crowds and completely block pedestrian traffic and not give a single f**k.

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    Jeff White
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agree! Pay attention and try as well as possible to stay the f*** out of the way. Please.

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    #53

    Coming to Canada and talking about how much we Canadian love Tim Hortons. We don't. They got bought out and bastardized by Burger King and now the food and coffee is terrible but there are thousands of locations everywhere, some even across the street from each other.

    We do not like Tim's, it's been forced upon us.

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    Dan Holden
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know a lot of people who would disagree. Personally, I think their coffee has always been mediocre at best. And yeah, the food used to be decent (for a meal from a coffee and donut shop). Not so much for the last 20+ years.

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    #54

    Funniest sign I ever saw “don’t feed the bears… they can be dangerous “ LMAO like reeeaaally?? How come there has to be a sign!!

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    Blyss Blyssylb
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because some dipsh*t for brains thought they could teach the bear a new trick

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    #55

    Do not strut into a random restaurant and expect to be seated right away in Japan even if they have a table open.

    No they did *not* turn you away just because you're a foreigner.

    But they may have turned you away if you don't seem willing or able to respectfully work through the language barrier to understand and accommodate that restaurant's rules rather than immediately demanding service in English.

    Also, Japanese restaurant staff expect you to show them the utmost respect at all times, especially the higher class you go. Demanding, grumpy, or rude customers of any nationality will likely be asked to leave, or not even allowed in in the first place. And note that your normal attitude as a foreign tourist *can potentially be misinterpreted as demanding or rude behavior* compared to Japanese or long term resident foreign diners, so try and tone it down. This includes the volume of your voice. Speaking quietly will alone open a lot of doors that would otherwise be closed to you.

    If you want to explore, wonderful, but expect to *possibly* be turned away from multiple restaurants before you get in somewhere, and don't take it personal. You are probably missing important cues (such as Japanese signs that say members only, reservation only, or reserved for a private party) that are obvious to locals and foreign residents but unclear to tourists. Roll with it.

    If you want to avoid the confusion and potential embarrassment, *you MUST ask your hotel to get you a reservation somewhere*.

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    BrownTabby
    Community Member
    11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not to be a former long term resident but tf part of Japan is this?

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