Join the Fun!

Americans visiting Canada: Don't call us America's hat or the 51st state or any of that other nonsense. It's not endearing and it's not funny. It's just annoying. We love your country very much, and you're totally out bestie. But we don't want to actually be you.

With love, Timbits and kind regards,
Canada

StickleyMan Report

Final score:

352points

POST

PolymathNecromancer 1 year ago

This is SO F*CKED UP, I...I can't even imagine anyone from the U.S. being so insulting to Canada..... please accept my apologies for this nonsense

146points

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Germany - Be there by the time you told me or I will be very pissed.

idonteven93 , westend61 Report

Final score:

350points

POST

Nor 1 year ago

I think it's so rude when people are late (unless it's really out of their hands). I have a friend that wears a watch and will give you a time and rock up 2/3 hours late and either thinks its funny or pretends nothing is wrong!!!! Do you know what all I could've done while waiting for you???

143points

squashedfrog462 , S O C I A L . C U T Report

Traveling often means dealing with a language you don’t know, sometimes involving a completely incomprehensible alphabet. So often, as tourists, we rely on hand gestures and smiles to communicate an idea. Can’t say thank you in the language? Just show a thumbs up! Unless you are in the Middle East or West Africa, where it is roughly equivalent to the middle finger! So if you are a person who gesticulates a lot, be sure to practice before leaving to avoid making an international incident.

Similarly, the ‘ok’ sign, formed by making a circle with the thumb and index finger, is relatively insulting in Brazil. So the bottom line is, maybe learn a few useful phrases ahead of time and practice them at home. It will save you the embarrassment of accidentally flipping someone off and you’ll expand your vocabulary at the same time.

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS. Or you will die. [Australia]

Final score:

345points

POST

Tucker Cahooter 1 year ago

Yes. The lifeguards put them there for a reason. Rip currents can be fatal

113points

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About ~~England~~ **UK** here.
Thanking the bus driver for the journey when you leave at your stop.

chakraattack , brandonann Report

Final score:

319points

POST

EM 1 year ago

Like the queing,just simple good manners.

115points

Denmark - "Janteloven"

Don't flaunt your s**t in the face of people who have less than you, and don't feel that you are worth more than others, merely because you are wealthy.

upvotesthenrages Report

Final score:

312points

POST

Hayley Smith 1 year ago

I feel like this should be all over the world

245points

It's important to also remember that something normal in your country might be weird almost everywhere else. For example, in most places, one takes their shoes off at the door, before entering a house, while Americans might leave them on. Now, this isn’t universal and consistent, but in much of the world, walking around your host’s home in shoes or, God forbid, boots, would be seen as rude. The origins of this American practice are unclear, but it’s often linked to American car dependency. If you go from driveway to car to driveway, your shoes are unlikely to be that dirty anyway.

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About (southern) Italy

1. Always eat offered food if visiting
2. Always accept to have coffe bought
3. Don t be scared of phisical contact. People will touch you, hug you, kiss you.
4. Offer to buy coffe. it s mandatory if you want to have "respect"
5. always talk to people. In line, in the bus, at the bank, at the post office

anon , engy91 Report

Final score:

277points

POST

Subtlelikeawreckingball 1 year ago

Guess I'll be avoiding southern Italy... I don't like being touched and I don't like talking to random people.... but the rules around food and coffee are appealing....

170points

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Thailand - Always pay for items with the banknote showing the Kings head facing up.

The same goes for India and Ghandi.

Most won't bat an eyelid as your obviously a foreigner, however some will be very offended. Surprisingly this is something a lot of travelling folk have never heard of.

SPullen , Peter Hellberg Report

Final score:

242points

POST

Niall Mac Iomera 1 year ago

My auntie got into trouble in Thailand for putting money in her shoe. Apparently it's tantamount to stepping on the kings face

104points

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About England checking in: Always queue. Never push. This morning since the tubes are down because of strikes, there were people actually queuing for queues. Intense.

MaceoPlex , Image-Source Report

Final score:

238points

POST

David Fox 1 year ago

We don't queue THAT close!! But yeah, we queue for everything....it's an unspoken rule that if, not done, you will get multiple tuts, sighs and the odd angry person going 'EY!! Get to the back'

135points

If you are traveling and you are unsure what small talk topics are acceptable, defaulting to the weather is a safe bet. This is stereotypically attributed to the Brits but can be applied everywhere. After all, the weather is a universal experience and affects both the rich and poor alike. Experiencing bad weather together also creates a sort of social solidarity.

#10

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About South Africa - Don't ever pick up hitchhikers!

kayoss922 , Satura_ Report

Final score:

237points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

Pft I can give you tons of rules. 1. Don't leave valuables visible. 2. Keep your bag in front/on your lap except in a car where it goes under the seat (yes, smash and grab is a thing). 3. Don't accept help at ATMs. 4. Don't park or walk anywhere dirty/dark/isolated. 5. Avoid crowded scenarios particularly street pavements with lots of people on them. 6. Rather pay to park than park somewhere isolated. 7. Rather use a phone camera than an SLR (grab risk). 8. Don't leave your drink unattended at a bar if a woman. (Sorry, that's really horrible but... yeah.). Otherwise please do visit, we need the cash, our country is bleeding money.

132points

DirtMaster3000 , seventyfourimages Report

#11

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Norway:

Don't sit next to someone on the bus if you can avoid it.

Don't talk to strangers.

Final score:

215points

POST

Ansi 1 year ago

We scandinavians are so warm, open and always up for chit chatting with strangers. 🥰 /s

101points

#12

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Northern Ireland: Do not bring up religion/scottish football teams in a pub unless you are looking for a fight.

Kaos_pro , Pressmaster Report

Final score:

212points

POST

Casey McAlister 1 year ago

Don't bring up religion anywhere. keep it to your place of worship.

249points

ShellsBells 1 year ago

Religion, politics, and money should never be brought up in a pub.

20points

RafCo (he/him/ele) 1 year ago

Brazil: religion, politics, and sex are all on the table for casual conversation. My step-mother likes to say, the average Brazilian solves all of the worlds problems everyday over coffee.

14points

Kathryn Baylis 1 year ago

I was taught that religion, sex, and politics are topics to avoid in what are supposed to be polite conversations.

6points

Burnt Bagel 1 year ago

Especially, ESPECIALLY, in government!

4points

Dingooo 1 year ago

But what would American conservative politicians do if they couldn't go around wearing their mean version of God like a flag pin.

2points

Jane Alexander 1 year ago

-an 'specially don't go knocking on strangers doors with your damn fool notions of "religion' That is really a very private matter.

1point

SingingCatMom 1 year ago

That should be a basic courtesy. Religion really has no place except in the place of worship. And NOBODY wants to hear about whatever cult you follow!

0points

HBrown 1 year ago

People afraid of talking about religion 🙄😂 Merely respect different beliefs and enjoy learning about them.

0points

Shoshana Sherrington 1 year ago

And where should people keep their opinions that god doesn't exist?

0points

Danalalala 1 year ago

So... don't bring up food unless we're in a restaurant, don't bring up sex unless we're in bed... I could go on.. my religion is part of ME. If I choose to bring it up, stop acting like I referred to your least favorite food. It's not always about you.

0points

Shawn Barry 1 year ago

OMG YES! if we could beat that into the heads of our Evangelicals, the US would be a much better place. A total rando walks up and "HAVE YOU ACCEPTED JESUS INTO YOUR LIFE"? the conceit and hubris in that one sentence.

0points

Kristal 1 year ago

I can't do that because my job is to study religion. But totally safe with Scottish football teams.

0points

Nyree Bergeest 1 year ago

OMG YES! THANK YOU!!!!

0points

Vix Spiderthrust 1 year ago

There's an old joke...an Englishman goes to the Celtic-Rangers game. Ten minutes in he gets a tap on his shoulder. He turns round to find a huge Scot looming over him. "Hey youse," says the Scot, "Are youse supportin' Celtic or Rangers?" Terrified, the Englishman stammers out that he doesn't support either team and is just there to enjoy the game. "Oho," says the Scot, "A f*ckin' atheist is it?"

13points

Cuppa tea? 1 year ago

Similar one: journalist in our is asked whether he's Catholic or Protestant. He answered he's in fact an atheist. The other guy ponders for a while and then just to make sure he asks again: All right, but are you Catholic atheist or Protestant atheist?

11points

Id row 1 year ago

I was a bartender for years, the universal rule of bars is no religion or politics. This isn't limited to regional areas of Ireland.

6points

Kirsten Kerkhof 1 year ago

To all Dutch people: I don't care if it is King's Day back home or the national football team just did a little less badly than normal: do not wear your orange shirt.

6points

Aaricia 1 year ago

Then you shouldn't wear your country's flag/national colour either.

4points

RafCo (he/him/ele) 1 year ago

I have too many friends in Scotland to say what I really want to say about Scottish football teams.

5points

Greg Wilhelm 1 year ago

America you avoid politics and religion.

5points

LivNLearn 1 year ago

Sadly that seems to be changing at least in our experience- examples from the past two years 1) Northern Ca, talking to city worker about downed power line. While chit- chatting, he asked us if we were Trump supporters. 2) Nor Cal again- Family Christmas party- our niece’s new husband asks my husband if he’s a “God fearing man” 3) visiting our kids in Idaho- plumber there to replace their rental toilet asks where their flag is before he deems them “ok” to have moved to Idaho. Then claims he is “center” politically. Example 2: just moved to the South, while spraying our home for pests, our bug guy asked us “where about we worship come Sunday.” Thankfully, we are good at using humor to defuse most of these rude questions.

0points

morticia_b85 1 year ago

Yes! 100% ... People that bring this sh/t up generally are looking to antagonise other people.

4points

Denise Lewis 1 year ago

you don't talk about religion or politics anywhere.

4points

Karl Baxter 1 year ago

Yep - very, very good advice.

3points

Ash Bash 1 year ago

Why does the person in the picture have the flag of the Republic of Ireland on his shoulders?

2points

KariAdoresHerKats 1 year ago

Because its the flag of Ireland all of Ireland and that includes the North.

0points

Cassi Lyris 1 year ago

Huh, don't care about either of those things. Guess I'm safe.

2points

Bernd Herbert 1 year ago

After being in this world since 1978 I still don't get the whole Northern Ireland conflict. But well, I am not religious, so I really can't understand why you would fight, hate and kill just because of a different interpretation of some old book.

2points

John Carr 1 year ago

It's wayyyy more complicated than a different interpretation of some old book. There's politics, colonisation, triumphalism etc. It's a horrible horrible mess and due to scumbags on both sides teaching their children to hate (most of them probably don'teven know why they hate), there doesn't seem to be any end in sight. Granted it's nowhere as bad as during the Troubles, it's just a powder keg waiting for something to blow the whole thing back to the shitstorm of the 70s and 80s.

27points

Danish Susanne 1 year ago (edited)

Do you mean religion and / or scottisch football teams or do you mean that scottisch football teams are the same as religion

0points

Jeremy Bell 1 year ago

Religion should be banned.

0points

Danalalala 1 year ago

Duly noted.

0points

El Dee 1 year ago

Also politics..

0points

DrBronxx 1 year ago

Most places don't allow sports jerseys of any kind. Even if they're showing football on the TV. Also, names are an interesting thing. A name like William or Robert is considered protestant, whereas an Irish name is considered catholic. These are guidelines as opposed to rules, and I have heard that in the years that I've been living out of Ireland, it has kind of eased. However, my brother, who has an Irish first name, would sometimes use his "neutral" middle name in certain situations, depending on the location and/or the people present.

0points

Colin 1 year ago

This is the reason most pubs in areas where mixed crowds occur have signs of "no football club tops". Very similar to wearing gang colours in American areas.

0points

Jared Robinson 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Dan Padgett 1 year ago

Believe that's what normal people call a hateful stereotype.

15points

Similarly, be sure to avoid certain topics or small talk in general. Learn about a country's history and religion before, so you don’t accidentally offend a local or provoke a rant about their horrible neighbors, rival football teams, or anything else. In some places, like Northern Europe, small talk is uncommon and it is best to simply stay silent.

#13

Southern US- If you propose something and everyone just nods and smiles, it's a southern no.

garcia38 Report

Final score:

211points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

interesting. So, too polite to explicitly say "no"?

83points

#14

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About America: When someone on the train or subway says - "Good Morning Everyone.. My name is..", you turn around cuz they're about to tell a sob story and start begging for money.

danrennt98 Report

Final score:

208points

POST

Elita One 1 year ago

Pretty universal thing.

116points

#15

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About In San Francisco, you are expected to act like nothing fazes you.

Old man dressed entirely in leather straps with a ball gag in his mouth? Obese homeless lady with an electronic skeleton playing a banjo? Three young women wearing only sandals? Robin Williams? No matter what you encounter, you're supposed to pretend that it's a part of your daily routine to see it. Outsiders are quickly identified by their tendency to stare, comment, or otherwise take notice of the city's eclectic sights and sounds, at which point they will be swindled by a junk vendor.

RamsesThePigeon , Chris Barbalis Report

Final score:

208points

POST

Hawkmoon 1 year ago

Sorry, but if I ran into Robin Williams, I'm not sure how I would react since he's been dead since 2014 (RIP - we still miss him).

304points

#16

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About England: Always moan about the weather.

It's never "just right". You are either too hot, too cold, too wet, too dull, too windy.

Three flakes of snow on the ground and the whole f*****g country comes to a standstill.

Tcbf88 , petruninsphotos Report

Final score:

207points

POST

Tyke 1 year ago

forgot to mention if a leaf touches the train tracks

90points

#17

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. The other members of your group *will* make a big show of trying to pay for you, telling you to put your wallet away, etc., especially if you are new to the group or are a foreigner (or both). DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, GIVE IN TO THIS TOMFOOLERY. If you do, you will be secretly labeled a cheap bastard and will not be invited out the next day.

(The foregoing should be interpreted half-jokingly, but no more than half.)

tu_ne_cede_malis Report

Final score:

197points

POST

Hotdogking 1 year ago

But remember, everyone has to take turns buying the rounds. Went out with a whole group of friends last Summer and one guy decided to mooch instead of taking his turn paying by taking advantage of the offers. He didn’t get invited out for a good few months lol.

51points

#18

in america if someone random asks you hows it going just say "good, you?". dont actually tell them how's it going.

no idea how this became a thing

jimbojammy Report

Final score:

189points

POST

Bill Evs 1 year ago

A similar thing in the UK too. If someone greets you with "alright" they're just basically saying hello and not actually asking if you're OK

89points

#19

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Sweden checking in. Respect for personal space is probably #1 here

mr_loveboat , Barry Dale Gilfry Report

Final score:

184points

POST

Nor 1 year ago

OOOOOH i need to move to Sweden...where i come from, that's never been heard of until C19 hit and then some couldn't even understand, respect or adhere to that

65points

#20

Ireland-give as good as you get! If we like you we will 'rip the p**s' (tease you/insult you) and expect you to do the same in return!! It's called banter and it's basically our 2nd language!!

Giddyboots Report

Final score:

176points

POST

Hotdogking 1 year ago

It’s so ingrained in our culture, that if you hang out with your mates and haven’t been insulted at least once, you can consider the friendship over. (I’m only joking of course)

65points

#21

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Southern USA-
If someone offers you something, or offers to do something for you, refuse at least three times. Three times is obligatory. If they continue to offer after that, it's a true offer, but if they say after the third refusal "are you sure?" you say yes, you are, and then all is well.

Also, Yes means yes, sure means maybe, maybe means no, no means "how could you possibly be so rude as to continue to pester me until I have to say no?"

Finally, "bless your heart" is not a compliment.

citrusonic , Luis Villasmil Report

Final score:

173points

POST

PolymathNecromancer 1 year ago

The Northeast is sooo much less passive aggressive, we just tell you STFU and/or maybe argue a bit and then go our merry ways without so much emotional constipation lurking for the next victim.

115points

#22

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Always take off your shoes when visiting an Estonian. They might not say anything if you don't but you'll practically FEEL their disapproval.

SigridPixie , graziegranata Report

Final score:

162points

POST

Elita One 1 year ago

This goes for most of the world.

123points

thisisbowling , Lisanto 李奕良 Report

#23

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Trinidad & Tobago. You better say good morning/good afternoon/good evening when you enter public transportation vehicles.

Final score:

162points

POST

Tucker Cahooter 1 year ago

Or else what?

34points

#24

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About America: If you cut someone off in traffic, give a little wave - it makes everything okay. I swear I could have a head on collision at their fault, but if they waved afterwards I'd feel bad that I called them a f*****g douchebag.

danrennt98 , msvyatkovska Report

Final score:

161points

POST

Doctor Strange 1 year ago

The wave is NOT for if you cut someone off. If someone lets you in, wave to say thank you.

190points

#25

Italy

No parmesan on pasta seasoned with fish sauces

No capuccino after 11am

If you have 3 people coming for dinner, cook for 19.

And I only listed the food rules!

badgirlgoneworse Report

Final score:

160points

POST

Ivana Bašić 1 year ago

Always break spaghetti at least twice and cook pasta for at least 20 minutes.

69points

#26

Don't mess with the seagulls.

Aberdeen, Scotland.

Mac4491 Report

Final score:

156points

POST

HelluvaHedgehogAlien 1 year ago (edited)

Don’t mess with the seagulls in China too. At some tourist locations next to beaches, they’re vicious enough to swoop over your head and either grab that thing right out of your hand or s**t all over you. Or is that a universal thing?

62points

#27

Canadian here. B***h about the cold, but only to other Canadians. Nobody else needs to know that we're f*****g sick of minus 30 with the windchill.

Final score:

143points

POST

i_like_boats 1 year ago

See but you told us now! The whole world knows!

56points

#28

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About India: Lanes exist on the roads but lane driving doesn't.

anon , ADITYA PRAKASH Report

Final score:

140points

POST

Tushar Roy Mukherjee 1 year ago

Also In Kolkata( in picture), lane markers and stop-line markers are made with chalk and can be eroded by traffic in 2 days. Also people will stand at the Zebra crossing during a red light. Pedestrians don't recognize the specific pedestrian traffic lights and follow the ones for vehicles. DO NOT be on a bicycle at a main road. Since Cycles are not under any legal jurisdiction here, everyone , INCLUDING THE POLICE, will want you to break the rules and move waaay ahead of the stop-line during a red light, so that ' they can stand a little ahead of the crowd'. Oh and vehicles will break a red light,and will get caught in very few instances, so don't start crossing the road the moment there is a red light.Someone WILL be a d*ck. And for God's sake, do beware of the cyclists. Some of them will stand in the wrong lane and will NOT use hand-turn signals. if you are in a motorised vehicle and even touch a Cyclist by accident, people will beat you up.

27points

#29

Puerto Rico:

Another puertorican in a street of PR? Enemy.

Another puertorican in a street of anywhere in the world? Long lost best friend.

This is how I ended up with my current roommate. I was at the gym and I notice that he had a PRican flag and island tattoed on his arm. I said "Boricua?" (which is the native word for puertoricans) and we hit it off right away. We've been best buddies since then.

seikot Report

Final score:

139points

POST

Per-Ole Sjuve 1 year ago

Hope they don't travel to PR together, then they will be mortal enemies.

87points

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

See Also on Bored Panda

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

#30

Iran: If there is money involved, the person receiving money (shopkeeper, taxi driver, lender) HAS TO say a phrase that basically means it's free, similar to "it's on the house."

It is NEVER free. It's just something that has to be said, to the point that shopkeepers emotionlessly say it while taking your money at the same time. And even more extreme they will say it even after an argument about the money or bargaining has taken place.

No one can explain it, it's just the way it is.

one-eleven Report

Final score:

124points

POST

Corvus 1 year ago

Probably some very, very old tradition for politeness that has stuck around for centuries.

38points

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#31

**India.**

- Do not criticise any religion, even constructively. People will get offended.

- Do not air any strong opinions publicly. People will get offended.

- Do not do anything out of the ordinary. People will get offended.

ani625 Report

Final score:

40points

POST

Sapna Sarfare 1 year ago

First, yes. Second, yes. What do you mean by the third thing? We do not live in 13th century

16points

#32

Guam - Taking food home with you is not a polite suggestion from your party host, it's a requirement.

thepizzlefry Report

Final score:

40points

POST

XenoMurph 1 year ago

I must have Guamian ancestors, I can't let people leave without feeding them for a week

7points

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

See Also on Bored Panda

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

#33

DO NOT expect the weather to stay nice. Seriously.

We talk about 5 minute weather and we mean it. Iceland can be a tourist deathtrap.

Kjartanski Report

Final score:

40points

POST

VonBlade 1 year ago

There's no bad weather, only the wrong clothes.

30points

#34

Apologize if you ALMOST bump into someone. Actually, if you come within six feet of bumping into someone--apologize.

(Canada.)

mblack3 Report

Final score:

35points

POST

Lindilou 1 year ago

In UK, you should apologise if someone bumps into you.

30points

#35

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Denmark: At the 12.00 o'clock lunch break, no one smokes inside the first 15 min. (to allow non-smokers to eat their food without being puffed in the face) Mostly seen on construction sites

Virez , Kristaps Solims Report

Final score:

34points

POST

Henrik Schmidt 1 year ago

Most workplaces here in Denmark have a strict no-smoking-indoors-ever policy. Many don't allow you to smoke on company premises, even outdoors. We even have some workplaces where you're not allowed to smoke when you're at work, even on your break.

25points

#36

America: In big cities, don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk. Move to a side or keep moving. This probably applies much more in NYC than other cities, but from my experiences, still applies to a degree elsewhere.

zabraba Report

Final score:

34points

POST

Bernd Herbert 1 year ago

Not only in the US

24points

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

See Also on Bored Panda

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

#37

Hungary

If we casually bring up how our cuisine, wines or the beauty of our women is world famous, just play along, even if you never heard about any of them (which is likely).

vernazza Report

Final score:

33points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

Goulash!

21points

#38

Brazil : Cheek-kissing is very common in Brazil, among women and between women and men. When two women, or opposite sexes first meet, it is not uncommon to kiss. Two men WILL shake hands. A man kissing another man's cheek is extremely bizarre for Brazilian standards (unless in father-son relationships). Kissing is suitable for informal occasions, used to introduce yourself or being acquainted, especially to young people. Hand shaking is more appropriate for formal occasions or between women and men when no form of intimacy is intended. Trying to shake hands when offered a kiss will be considered odd, but never rude. However, to clearly refuse a kiss is a sign of disdain.

When people first meet, they will kiss once (São Paulo), twice (Rio de Janeiro) or three times (Florianópolis and Belo Horizonte, for instance), depending on where you are, alternating right and left cheeks. Observe that while doing this, you should not kiss on the cheeks (like in Russia) but actually only touch cheeks and make a kissing sound.

magroski Report

Final score:

32points

POST

MrLoufoque 1 year ago

It's quite similar in France but that was pre-Covid. Since then kissing on the cheek (called "faire la bise") has really dropped in use.

17points

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

See Also on Bored Panda

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

#39

Ireland. If an old person offers you something, no matter how gross, you eat it and you like it.

orangelego Report

Final score:

30points

POST

Hotdogking 1 year ago

Speaking from experience, if you don’t you will have two outcomes. Either Mrs. Doyle offering tea (ah go on, ah ya will, go on, go on) or the Irish mammy (I spent AGES on this, AGES.) Long story short, you’ll end up eating it anyway, but saying yes is the quicker way.

31points

#40

Chicago here. In the winter after a snowfall, don't move the random junk in the street that's placed there to reserve the parking spot of the person who shoveled it out. Or else.

shchmara Report

Final score:

30points

POST

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

wait what? You mean that stuff we see on pavements is not stuff being discarded but a parking spot reservation? weird.

7points

#41

China - save as much money as possible by eating cheap food by yourself and never buying new clothes, then spend a thousand dollars taking your 35 closest friends out to dinner at the nicest place in town.

-t0m- Report

Final score:

28points

POST

VonBlade 1 year ago

If I took all my friends out to dinner I'd still be eating alone. Yay me.

18points

#42

In Tokyo:

* Know the population and recent sports information from your hometown / home university (even if you couldn't give a c**p about it)
* Don't talk on mobile phones in the train, and don't speak in a loud voice if you are with people on the train
* Always carry handkerchiefs and tissues
* Never allow anyone to pay for anything - always cover the bill yourself.

Final score:

27points

POST

Tyke 1 year ago

How does the latter work if eating out in a group? I can imagine people sat there for years no debating who will actually pay

8points

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

#43

Canada: Shovel your part of the sidewalk

Final score:

26points

POST

Ba-Na-Na 1 year ago

*AND* if you have an elderly/disabled neighbour or just feel neighbourly - do their walk as well.

20points

#44

Germany. If you leave your Pet monkey here because you don't want to pay a tax involving it.....we will find ways to make you pay.

Also if the Traffic Light is red, you better stay on one side till it's green.

Knusperklotz Report

Final score:

26points

POST

PolymathNecromancer 1 year ago

I want to know the entire backstory to people leaving monkeys in Germany

35points

#45

Brussels: If you dare to talk in the metro, prepare to be stared to death.

I think this applies to Paris and London as well.

mmmmoooohhhh Report

Final score:

24points

POST

Saint Thomas 1 year ago (edited)

? I live in Brussels, and there's plenty of people talking in the subway... And it's not frowned upon (unless you talk loud enough for the whole wagon to "enjoy").

20points

#46

Germany: Don't touch someone's car

notmadatall Report

Final score:

21points

POST

PolymathNecromancer 1 year ago

Should be everywhere. Even if it's not the best. Unless permission is given.

14points

#47

In Japan always use the left side of the escalator if you aren't walking fast or in a hurry (unless your near Osaka). This way people in a hurry don't get blocked by other people.

Final score:

21points

POST

Mr Red 1 year ago

In Belgium, do the same but on te right side.

13points

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

See Also on Bored Panda

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

#48

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About India: Learn to discreetly slip a 100 rupee note into the hands of an official. A small price for getting things done faster.

anon , Satish Krishnamurthy Report

Final score:

20points

POST

Bernd Herbert 1 year ago

I really really hate corruption

51points

#49

If you walk on the bicycle path, bicyclists will not slow down or swerve to avoid hitting you

visvis Report

Final score:

18points

POST

General Anaesthesia 1 year ago

Bicyclists don't slow down or swerve when they're on the sidewalk either.

17points

#50

US: always pretend you're in the middle class. (Even if you're rich or poor)

dumspirosper0 Report

Final score:

4points

POST

Kristin Ingersoll 1 year ago

Huh???? US here and I don't know what this means.

12points

I am a writer at Bored Panda. Despite being born in the US, I ended up spending most of my life in Europe, from Latvia, Austria, and Georgia to finally settling in Lithuania. At Bored Panda, you’ll find me covering topics ranging from the cat meme of the day to red flags in the workplace and really anything else. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, beating other people at board games, cooking, good books, and bad films.

Read less »

I'm a visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries

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What do you think ?

POST

Saara-Elina Kaukiainen 1 year ago

Finland. If you do not have something to say it is more than ok for you to be quiet. Even in a party. :)

19points

️️Upvote faery️ 1 year ago

I feel like I would like Finland... Except for the cold, I don't like the cold.

7points

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

I was fine till the article's text said "especially Americans". Seriously, have they never met some of the tourists from around the world?! We get 'em here b/c of the hiking. Absolute nightmares can be from any continent/country.

19points

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

"Especially" singles out. "Like everyone" does not.

8points

Miss Frankfurter 1 year ago

So true. There are jerks everywhere.

3points

EEP 1 year ago

Where do you see that???

0points

Little L 1 year ago

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Moose 1 year ago

I think the world would be a happier place if we followed these two codes of conduct: 1. As a foreign travel, respect the culture and be slow to cause offense. 2. As a native, welcome foreign travels and be slow to take offense.

11points

Ches Yamada 1 year ago

I swear I'm about ready to leave here for awhile. I'm clearly not wanted here as an American anyway, since I'm proud of my ancestry and refuse to put myself down every second for being born here. I can't help that, but others can help by not perpetuating fallacies and not seeing us as monsters. We're not. Just like not all women or men are evil, not all of us are. Ugh.

8points

LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)

I do find it ironic that BoredPanda continually bashes the United States when every country has problems and is not perfect. It is a really disturbing trend on this site. I noticed that on the rare occasion where a country other than the US is portrayed in a negative light on this site that users from said country are allowed to complain, but if users form the US complain they are branded as being whiny and annoying. It is incredibly strange and a very sad way to view the world.

14points

Aboredpanda 1 year ago

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Kennethbush 1 year ago

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censorshipsucks 1 year ago

Some of these are useful, I was not aware of the Thai thing applying to the money as well. I knew you were not supposed to insult their king but being careful with how you present money as well? OK then.

8points

Auntriarch 1 year ago

Considering how many people holiday in Thailand, I'm surprised it's not better known. Maybe they give you some leeway as a foreigner

1point

similarly 1 year ago

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I don't care if you don't do it that way at home. I don't care what the law is in your home country. When you visit a foreign countries, obey their laws, respect their customs, do what other people do. Dress appropriately, speak appropriately, behave appropriately, and please don't walk about in public talking about how stupid everyone is, especially when speaking English, because lots of people all over the world speak English, but remember that even if you think not a lot of people will speak your native language, you never really know who does. Charlize Theron told a story one time about how she and her mother were having a conversation in Afrikaans, and later, someone told her, in Afrikaans, that someone might be able to understand her.

7points

HelluvaHedgehogAlien 1 year ago

Lemme add something that applies to pretty much a lot of places in the world: Never. P**s. Off. The. Seagulls. (Learned this the hard way after not offering food to seagull overlords at a tourist-filled spot at a beach. For no apparent reason a seagull decided to snatch my phone from my hand and drop it into the water, and then promptly nearly s**t on me.) 😑

7points

Miss Frankfurter 1 year ago

Never p*$$ off Canada geese. They will kill you. If they happen to be guarding a nest, I hope you have a will.

13points

Jordi Sharpe 1 year ago

Some of these p**s me off because they're completely illogical. Say what you mean. Don't nod your head and smile if you mean no. Don't offer to pay for drinks if you're gonna judge someone for accepting your offer. F**k.

6points

Kennethbush 1 year ago

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A Bi-Cycle 1 year ago

Singapore here: NEVER spit out gum on the sidewalk, you will be fined $2000, possibly jailed for repeated offences and maybe more. It is illegal to buy or sell gum here. Another one is, Singapore is VERY strict. Some Australian girls came over for a netball match and proceeded to steal lingerie from a Victoria’s Secret. They were immediately banned and deported from the country. If you are seen bringing drugs/have drugs in your system, you are not allowed in. If you consume drugs, death penalty. We have a lot of strict rules but that makes this country so safe - a young girl can walk in 3am on the most run down places, and she’d be safe.

5points

Kenny Kulbiski 1 year ago

I've been to a lot of places in the U.S. that had a lot of foreign tourists. Quit a few of them did things that would be considered outside the norm in the U.S. It never dawned on me that I should be offended and whine about it to Bored Panda.

5points

The Doom Song 1 year ago

Here's one more for Australia... stay out the long grass....

3points

alex_with_adhd 1 year ago

Southern USA here! “Bless your heart” is basically us saying “Your an idiot” but in a nice way!!

2points

Kevin J. Henning 1 year ago

World travel is not for the faint of heart or the ignorant of mind.

2points

Literal Pigeon 1 year ago

Taiwan: For the love of god/whatever you believe in, be QUIET on the subway. Whisper if you have to. Also, priority seating is a big deal. If an elderly person or a little kid gets on and all the seats are taken, and you're an able-bodied adult, you will be expected to give them a seat.

2points

Bi-Polar Express 1 year ago

Everything in here is utter and complete b******t.

1point

Colin 1 year ago

I'm shocked the rule of three for hospitality in Ireland wasn't mentioned. If your host offers you a drink or food. You say no. They'll offer again a few minutes later and you say no. The third time they offer, and they will, you say "well if you insist" and partake.

1point

Kristal 1 year ago

I've heard similar for other cultures as well. I'd fail so hard cause I just accept if being offered, no point on playing mind games if there are cookies at stake. Just saying ...

3points

Edward Teague 1 year ago

If you're ever around Samoans - unless you're on /good/ terms, don't chee - doubly so if you're a haole - a chee is a fa'amu - a warcry, do it around people that don't know you as a brother and you're announcing you're the biggest, baddest toa (warrior) and you'll take on any and all...and they. Will. Oblige. You. Even the kids'll come out to kick you in the dangles and take your shoes. Unless you /know/ you can - just don't. It won't end well.

0points

Aedonia Nightsong 1 year ago

In Spain: walk on your right side of the street. Yes, it's a municipal law in every goddamn city in this country. Actually, what the law says is you have to use the right sidewalk in a street bit just walk on the right side even if you're on the left sidewalk. This rule has been here since the romans came, it's not new. That's why cars go on the right side too.

0points

Allen Packard 1 year ago

Great article. Thank you!

0points

Exotic Butters 1 year ago

If I could only judge by what I read on BP I would only be able to conclude that European folks are annoying like a runny nose, complainers with no joy in their lives and hateful and closed minded to anyone that is culturally different. Must suck to live across the pond. Hope things improve for you.

0points

Little L 1 year ago

Sweden: never ask to get a doggy bag from a restaurant. It's considered very embarrassing.

0points

Mim“the Swede”Sorensson 1 year ago (edited)

Huh? I’m not sure I could agree to that - It’s uncommon but not embarrassing, not as far as I know - maybe it’s different depending on where in Sweden one is located?

3points

callme_toon 1 year ago

America (or at least the South) "no yea" = yea "yea no" = no "yea yea yea" = no "no no yea" = yea

-1point

POST

Saara-Elina Kaukiainen 1 year ago

Finland. If you do not have something to say it is more than ok for you to be quiet. Even in a party. :)

19points

️️Upvote faery️ 1 year ago

I feel like I would like Finland... Except for the cold, I don't like the cold.

7points

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

19points

Leo Domitrix 1 year ago

"Especially" singles out. "Like everyone" does not.

8points

Miss Frankfurter 1 year ago

So true. There are jerks everywhere.

3points

EEP 1 year ago

Where do you see that???

0points

Little L 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Moose 1 year ago

11points

Ches Yamada 1 year ago

8points

LokisLilButterknife 1 year ago (edited)

14points

Aboredpanda 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Kennethbush 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

censorshipsucks 1 year ago

8points

Auntriarch 1 year ago

Considering how many people holiday in Thailand, I'm surprised it's not better known. Maybe they give you some leeway as a foreigner

1point

similarly 1 year ago

7points

HelluvaHedgehogAlien 1 year ago

7points

Miss Frankfurter 1 year ago

Never p*$$ off Canada geese. They will kill you. If they happen to be guarding a nest, I hope you have a will.

13points

Jordi Sharpe 1 year ago

6points

Kennethbush 1 year ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

A Bi-Cycle 1 year ago

5points

Kenny Kulbiski 1 year ago

5points

The Doom Song 1 year ago

Here's one more for Australia... stay out the long grass....

3points

alex_with_adhd 1 year ago

Southern USA here! “Bless your heart” is basically us saying “Your an idiot” but in a nice way!!

2points

Kevin J. Henning 1 year ago

World travel is not for the faint of heart or the ignorant of mind.

2points

Literal Pigeon 1 year ago

2points

Bi-Polar Express 1 year ago

Everything in here is utter and complete b******t.

1point

Colin 1 year ago

1point

Kristal 1 year ago

I've heard similar for other cultures as well. I'd fail so hard cause I just accept if being offered, no point on playing mind games if there are cookies at stake. Just saying ...

3points

Edward Teague 1 year ago

0points

Aedonia Nightsong 1 year ago

0points

Allen Packard 1 year ago

Great article. Thank you!

0points

Exotic Butters 1 year ago

0points

Little L 1 year ago

Sweden: never ask to get a doggy bag from a restaurant. It's considered very embarrassing.

0points

Mim“the Swede”Sorensson 1 year ago (edited)

Huh? I’m not sure I could agree to that - It’s uncommon but not embarrassing, not as far as I know - maybe it’s different depending on where in Sweden one is located?

3points