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30 People Share “Unwritten” Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About

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Traveling can produce a sense of wonder and excitement, but it’s pretty easy to commit cultural faux pas without even realizing it. From hand gestures to eating habits, some things are just not universal and tourists would do their best to prepare accordingly. Fortunately, well-organized internet users decided to ask locals what are the dos and don'ts of visiting their country, city, or general area.

So scroll down, dear Pandas, and upvote the rules that surprised you. Be sure to comment your own stories or unwritten local rules and if the travel bug has not left you, check out Bored Panda’s other lists of unwritten travel rules here.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Ireland here; We don't care if you're the bloody love child of Michael Collins and Eamon De Valera, if you weren't born or raised in Ireland, you don't call yourself Irish.

I'm looking at you, American tourists...

Eoin741 , Threetails05 Report

Final score:

380points

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#2

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

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#3

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

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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.

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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.

#4

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

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

Final score:

345points

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#5

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

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#6

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

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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.

#7

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

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#8

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

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#9

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

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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

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#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.

DirtMaster3000 , seventyfourimages Report

Final score:

215points

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#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

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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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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.

thisisbowling , Lisanto 李奕良 Report

Final score:

162points

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#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

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#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

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#26

Don't mess with the seagulls.

Aberdeen, Scotland.

Final score:

156points

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#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

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#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

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#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.

Final score:

139points

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#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

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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.

Final score:

40points

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#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

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#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

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#34

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

(Canada.)

Final score:

35points

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#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

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#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.

Final score:

34points

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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

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#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.

Final score:

28points

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#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

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#43

Canada: Shovel your part of the sidewalk

Final score:

26points

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#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

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#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

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#46

Germany: Don't touch someone's car

notmadatall Report

Final score:

21points

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#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

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#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

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#49

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

Final score:

18points

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#50

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

dumspirosper0 Report

Final score:

4points

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Justin Sandberg

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.

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.

Viktorija Ošikaitė

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

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

What do you think ?

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

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

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

Aboredpanda 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aboredpanda 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

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

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

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

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

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

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