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When we go abroad, we like to speak louder, gesticulate more, and play the 'dumb tourist' card whenever we get in trouble. But it would probably be wiser to just do a little homework before our trip and save ourselves the embarrassment in the first place.
In an attempt to collect the most valuable travel advice, Redditor u/Skinnysaif asked other users: "What should tourists NEVER do in your country?" and luckily for them (and now us), people from all over the world replied, sharing tidbits of information that can make journeys to foreign lands a lot more pleasurable. Here are some of the answers.
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#1
Concentration camps are not a place for you get your stupid selfies for your "influencer" profile. Those tracks you're standing on transported many to their death.
It's okay to take pictures for pictures for memories that you came here. But those people who come here to take "sexy" selfies have no place being here.
Cory and G Varga, the wife and husband duo behind an awesome blog called You Could Travel, for example, always research the customs of the place they're going to. "It's paramount that we do so," they told Bored Panda. "First of all, we don't want to get in trouble (imagine wearing a mini skirt in Abu Dhabi or kissing in Saudi Arabia). But we also research because we want to blend in with the locals and not stand out like sore thumbs."
The couple said it has plenty of benefits. "Locals appreciate us and give us better treatment and service. Not to mention that we set a good example for our fellow countrymen."
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#2
Australia. For f**k sake. DON'T GO NEAR THE CROCODILE, DON'T TOUCH THE SNAKE, AND DON'T TRY TO EAT THE RED BACK SPIDER. These are all true things stupid tourists have done here, including some American picking a fight with a kangaroo. (The Kangaroo won)
"When we're abroad we only give ourselves the freedom to try interesting culinary delicacies which we'd otherwise avoid back home. Other than that, we do what the locals do," Cory and G Varga said. "Tourists should read about the local customs and follow them as much as possible. Ideally, they wouldn't be loud or disrespect anyone. They should always follow the local dress code, understand how to behave in public, and even how to eat in a restaurant. Pay close attention to local holidays and learn a few things in the local language. Nobody asks tourists to spend days reading novels about the countries they are about to visit but to just be decent and respect their fellow humans."
However, it's impossible to learn everything. Sometimes, you make mistakes even with the best intentions. But that's OK! "When this happens the best thing to do is to apologize. And mean it!" the traveling couple said. "If there's no language barrier, explain that you've mistaken and you are very sorry for the issues you've caused. Ask someone to teach you how to do better next time. Show interest in the locals and strive to do better next time."
Cory and G Varga highlighted that it takes just 20-30 minutes of online research to understand some local customs. "As long as we all respect the basic rules, are kind and considerate, locals will be happy to accommodate tourists and welcome them to their countries."
#3
In England, respect the queues and do not cut. We will stare at you passive aggressively with the fury of a thousand suns.
#4
Here in the U.S. in south Utah there are many amazing rock sculptures. Don't. Write. On. Them. They are rare structures formed by thousands of years of erosion, not something to carve your name into.
He-Matt & the MOTU 3 years ago
My favourite thing about being a Park Ranger is fining people for vandalism. And littering. Catching them is the hard part.
#5
In Japan, bow to people who bow to you. In general, bow to people when they give you a service. It's a sign of respect and it goes a long way. Also, take off your shoes indoors and respect the culture.
#6
Don't touch the wildlife in Australia. If it isn't poisonous, violent or otherwise ill-mannered and dangerous, it's probably protected or endangered.
Skara Brae 3 years ago
I visited a zoo near Sydney years ago and was very surprised that they let us hold a koala. I imagine that's not allowed anyymore. I was also surprised that koalas smell like sheep.
#7
Poverty tours.
By all means, get off the beaten path and see the “good” and the “bad” if you want to. However, don’t go to a struggling neighbourhood to feel better about yourself or learn to appreciate what you have. Poverty is not entertainment
#8
Germany here, and this mostly goes out to Americans. You should never assume you can talk privately anywhere in public Germany, just because you speak english.
I don't know if this is different in the US, but here, almost anyone can speak at least 2 languages, and very well. Pretty anyone can speak english, even more so in the cities.
I usually try to join in to any conversation americans have in the subway about how weird "those Germans" are!
Hugh Willie Mungous 3 years ago
Much of Europe is the same. To be honest . . . . . the further north you go the more likely you are to find that people speak English. English speaking in Scandinavian countries is epic. As for Germany - I lived there in a small town, as a child, in the 1960's. I couldn't speak German of course but never had a problem communicating as so many people spoke English. And that was in the 1960's!
#9
In Germany, you should never be afraid of talking to us in German. We love it!
Any tourist who brings up the courage to ask us for directions or anything else in one of the hardest european languages just makes our day!
#10
In Croatia, particularly in small towns, people are expected to clean the streets in front of their homes. As a result, you'll find exceptionally clean streets, which are a real sense of communal civic pride.
Peter Kovak 3 years ago
Between all the countries I've visited with my wife, Croatia is the only one where, at the end of the trip, my wife started to cry and say that she doesn't want to come back home. Beautiful country with very nice people.
#11
If you're visiting Portugal, don't speak to us in Spanish. You are not in Spain, and we speak Portuguese.
Slick 3 years ago
Asian has this problem too. I'm malaysian. I am from the Iban tribe. My mother tounge is iban. I can speak english, mandarin, malay, and french. I work and live in France. Some tourist try to speak chinese with me without asking my origin. I don't look chinese. I speak mandarin but not because i'm Asian. I feel awkward being treated as if all asians are chinese. It's the biggest continent in the world. China is a part of it. Not it's only country...
#12
In Finland, don't get too close to strangers. We really value personal space.
#13
In Argentina, don't ask for coffee to go. We don't have paper cups. If you go to a cafe, you're expected to sit and drink your coffee.
Martha Meyer 3 years ago
Good on you, Argentina. Those things need to go the way of the dinosaurs all over the world.
#14
In China, NEVER go out without carrying toilet paper or tissues on you. It's never in public restrooms so you'll want to keep some on hand.
#15
In Jordan, if you compliment someone on something, it's impolite for that person to not offer that item to you. For example, if you compliment a man's watch, he will literally unlatch it from his arm and offer it to you. Of course, you're supposed to decline.
#16
As a New Yorker, please don’t take selfies at the 9/11 memorial. Photograph the memorial, photograph the names, or in the event that one of the names means something to you I’m okay with you snapping a selfie. But the typical smiling-tourist selfies are crass.
#17
In London, don't look for your train ticket/Oyster card at the barrier to the tube. Locals will get mad. Find it ahead of time so you can walk right through the gates.
#18
In Australia, swim between the flags. If you have little experience swimming in the surf and you swim outside those flags, then there is a relatively high chance that you will drown.
Foxxy (The Original) 3 years ago (edited)
People worry about the Aussie wildlife when our oceans are more dangerous. Drowning is one of the most common causes of death of tourists. So please please make sure you swim between the flags. We do have beaches where rips aren't much of an issue, you can research to find them and look for signs warning of rips and of course crocs and jellyfish etc. If a popular beach has no flags or warning signs it's not so bad but don't take risks if your not a strong swimmer.
#19
In Ireland, stand your round. When you go out to the pubs with a group of friends, make sure to pay for a round of drinks when it's your turn. If you don't, you will be secretly labeled a cheapskate.
Andy Acceber 3 years ago
I haven't been to Ireland, but I'd assume you'd also not-so-secretly be labeled a cheapskate. I don't think of drunk folks as being particularly subtle. =)
#20
In India, traffic lanes exist on the roads, but people don't drive in them.
#21
In Korea, the eldest person at the table should start eating first. Don't pick up your chopsticks, spoon, or whatever utensil you're using until the oldest person has started eating.
Slick 3 years ago
I once invited a few coworkers to eat in a chinese malaysian restaurant in england. My coworkers are french. I told them that playing with the utensiles are very disrespectful and frown upon. A girl i barely knew started to tap and jam with her chopsticks o. The table and on the bolw and on the head of another coworker. I was so embarassed and humiliated i contemplated to dash out of the restaurant after begging for forgiveness from thé restaurant owner... I cut ties with her from then on.
#22
Washington DC.
Do. Not. Leave. Trash. At. The. Monuments.
Also, get out of the water. It's not a pool.
#23
In Paris, you should always say "bonjour" when entering a shop or restaurant and "au revoir" when leaving. Even if you don't purchase anything or walk right in and out.
#24
In Vietnam, commit to crossing the road. It looks scary with the endless scooter stampedes, but if you just cross at a steady pace, they'll avoid you. Do not try to dodge or make sudden movements. Just simply walk across.
Andy Acceber 3 years ago
Better yet, find someone crossing who is Vietnamese and just follow them.
#25
Singaporean here
You are allowed to wear Flip flops and shorts wherever you go. The fancy city area? Flipflop and Shorts are perfect. That 5 star hotel? Flip flops are welcomed. Public transport? You are weird if you do not wear them
#26
In Denmark, do not stand or walk in the bike lane. You will get yelled at...and/or hit by a cyclist.
#27
In South Africa when you go on a “safari” (we call it a game drive), you must never ever get out of your vehicle or get close to any big animals because that is how there are stories of people dying to animals here. Just please stay safe and obey the rules to save lives.
#28
Switzerland is really expensive, and you should know that ahead of time. Don't make that surprised face when you have to pay $15 for a Subway sandwich.
#29
Assume that I support Trump or am a fundamentalist Christian because I am a white American male. I've been talked down to by Germans in particular and don't like it. I wish I had more than one vote, or be rich enough to live in different countries as my mood and politics changes, but that is not in the cards.
#30
Don't talk to anyone in public. Only approach people for conversations if they are receptionists or something similar.
It's not for your security or anything, but it freaks us the hell out. No one talks to strangers in Norway, unless you're hiking and above the treelines.
What do you think ?
Susie Elle 3 years ago (edited)
In The Netherlands: on the 4th of May, the day before Liberation Day, we have a remembrance day for those that lost their lives during WW2 (these days it's been expanded to remember those that lost their lives in war or peace operations). At two minutes to eight in the evening, everyone will hold two minutes of silence. And we mean SILENCE. In stores, restaurants, public transport - SILENCE. Even the trains and busses stop moving for two minutes (most of them, anyway). People sometimes stop in the streets. If you're a tourist and you open your mouth during these two minutes, even if it's just out of ignorance, you WILL get dirty looks.
Amsterdude 3 years ago
It actually starts at 20.00 sharp and ends at 20.02. Other than that, you're absolutely right.
Load More Replies...
Agfox 3 years ago (edited)
If you happen to be in Australia or New Zealand on ANZAC Day, the 25th of April, do not wish anyone a 'Happy ANZAC Day'. It is NOT a day of celebration but one of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders who served & died "...in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations."
MzFitz1215 3 years ago
I can understand that, people here in the US who say Happy Memorial Day drive me crazy.
Load More Replies...
Ranch Dressing 3 years ago
When in Sweden don't get into an unlicensed taxi. Licenced ones have legitimate phone numbers on the sides of the car.
Susie Elle 3 years ago (edited)
In The Netherlands: on the 4th of May, the day before Liberation Day, we have a remembrance day for those that lost their lives during WW2 (these days it's been expanded to remember those that lost their lives in war or peace operations). At two minutes to eight in the evening, everyone will hold two minutes of silence. And we mean SILENCE. In stores, restaurants, public transport - SILENCE. Even the trains and busses stop moving for two minutes (most of them, anyway). People sometimes stop in the streets. If you're a tourist and you open your mouth during these two minutes, even if it's just out of ignorance, you WILL get dirty looks.
Amsterdude 3 years ago
It actually starts at 20.00 sharp and ends at 20.02. Other than that, you're absolutely right.
Load More Replies... Agfox 3 years ago (edited)
If you happen to be in Australia or New Zealand on ANZAC Day, the 25th of April, do not wish anyone a 'Happy ANZAC Day'. It is NOT a day of celebration but one of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders who served & died "...in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations."
MzFitz1215 3 years ago
I can understand that, people here in the US who say Happy Memorial Day drive me crazy.
Load More Replies... Ranch Dressing 3 years ago
When in Sweden don't get into an unlicensed taxi. Licenced ones have legitimate phone numbers on the sides of the car.
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