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Traveling is a beloved part of many people’s lives and a way of discovering new things regarding landscape, people, and culture. Yet, speaking of culture, sometimes it might be a good idea to research a thing or two before getting to a location, to avoid some major misunderstandings due to certain things having a very different meaning to people from other parts of the world compared to one’s own country. People were addressing their local rules of etiquette, answering one Redditor’s question: “What’s extremely offensive in your country, that tourists might not know about beforehand?”

Do you have something to add from your own country? Please share in the comment section below!

More info: Reddit

#1

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered In France hearing "praying for you" after hearing about someone having trouble is pretty much like hearing "I won't move a finger to help you in any way but it would be rude to say it like that". We mostly are not very religious people (clergy were seen as the accomplices of tyranny during the revolution and kept this image afterwards) and most people think that praying is a convenient way to not be helpful while pretending you do something.

SalatKartoffel , Karolina Grabowska Report

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Brainmas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how it feels to a lot of us non-religious folks in general I think.

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#2

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered U.S.:

Dear Asian and a very small selection of European tourist,

Do not approach me and ask if you can touch my hair, and, No, you can not take a picture of you and your friends touching my hair.

What the hell is the matter with you?

Thanks,
A black guy

anon , Ketut Subiyanto Report

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Zedrapazia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am not black, but I have extremely long blonde hair (1.20m approximately), and sometimes Asian tourists come up behind me to touch it. I wouldn't mind it too much if they would ask, but usually they just pop up behind me and grab it. It's such a weird thing to do.

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#3

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Do not call Scots English unless you want to be stabbed.

KinZSabre , Jonathan Francisca Report

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Donkey boi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nonsense! They wouldn't stab you. You might get a Glasgow kiss, but not a stabbing.

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#4

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Canada here. It's not offensive... but very annoying when people raise a fuss about not being able to pay in US currency.... or if stores do accept it they accept it at par. Stores are not banks, and you are in another country. You have no idea how often I had to deal with this working at a gas station near a camp ground like 200 miles north of the border.

anon , Igal Ness Report

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PeepPeep the duck
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never understood this one and I haven’t been to the US or Canada, but you see it on reality tv a lot and it’s just so stupid to assume your money is worth anything outside your country in that manner

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#5

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered U.K. Don't try to antoganize the Queens guards, they're not decoration they're serving soldiers. Have a good gawp but leave them be.

anon , Dan R Report

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Every time I see a picture of a person trying to catch the guard's attention for "fun," I just want to punch them. Does this make me a very bad Panda?

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#6

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Mexico here: We get this a lot with spring breakers, more people in Mexico speak english than most tourists realize. When you go on your Fox News/ CNN spiel on the state of affairs in our country, make comments or jokes about the narcos, getting kidnapped, mugged etc. or poke fun at Mexican stereotypes, more people than you think can understand you, and it makes you look like an a*s.

angryavocadotree , Leonardo Manjarrez Report

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Tabitha
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whether they can understand you or not, just aspect as if they do, and DON’T go around saying such insulting things about the country you’re just a visitor in. You’re in THEIR country, not yours, so act like a good guest and not an a*****e. It really pains me that I feel the need to say that.

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#7

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Swedes have a HUGE sphere of personal space. If you're American, and you're talking to me, you are standing WAY too close to me. Shields up.

GryphonGuitar , Andrew Neel Report

#8

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered A Hongkonger here.
Many of us really hate people treating Hong Kong as China, some of us even loath being addressed as a Chinese.
Though Hong Kong is being ruled (in some eyes, colonized) by China, we have different lifestyle, local culture, language, political and law system than China.

And for the foreigners who speak or are learning Mandarin/Putonghua, though we appreciate the effort you try to speak in one of the spoken Chinese languages, Cantonese is the mother tongue of most of us. Though many of us understand Mandarin, I'd say you better off speak in English instead.

*Edit: firstly thanks for all the upvotes. Just want to clarify a bit, we, most of us to be precise, do not reject being a "Chinese" in cultural sense, and I personally am proud to be a "Chinese" BUT "Chinese" here has nothing to do with the nation "People's Republic of China".

diepig2000 , Nextvoyage Report

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Hugh Cookson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed. Hong Kong is entirely different to PRC even though you have been coerced into accepting their 'rules'

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#9

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered In France:
Talking about your god or religion without being invited to... Because a lot of people are angry atheists and it can go loud very quickly.

They don't care if you just ask innocent questions by curiosity, but people don't want to hear others talking about their religious beliefs like they are the truth.

anon , Atypeek Dgn Report

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gerard julien
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"If Jesus came back and saw what was being done in his name, he'd never stop throwing up." - Woody ALLEN. jesus1-653...93cce1.jpg jesus1-653fd8c93cce1.jpg

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#10

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered In Canada, please take your shoes off before entering someones home.

TimberBucket , Jakob Owens Report

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JB
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, but, qualifier: enter the door, take your shoes off just inside. It’s far too cold in winter to be taking footwear off outside. Most of us have trays for snow-covered footwear to prevent puddles/mud in the entry, please use them.

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#11

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered At a pub in the UK there is a precise queue. It might not look like it but the barman or lady knows exactly what order to serve people in, based upon when they arrived at the bar. You will not be served quicker by trying to catch their attention or fluttering money, that will actually move you to the back of the unknown queue.

However, they may serve a local before you. That is their prerogative and you should not kick up a fuss. Maybe old Derek has seen some s**t or maybe he once saved the bar from robbery. Either way, it's their choice.

N.B. this rule does not apply so much in bars and certainly not in clubs where the traditional 'girls with cleavage' amendment applies.

BaBaFiCo , Victor Clime Report

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"N.B. this rule does not apply so much in bars and certainly not in clubs where the traditional 'girls with cleavage' amendment applies." Is there a way to find out where pubs like these are so I can avoid them?

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#12

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Canadian here, don't feed the wild animals. No matter how cute that seal looks, don't feed it because you're changing its natural behaviour and that can mean an untimely death. Also, that moose calf is ugly/cute but it's mom will stomp your head in if you get too close. If you see a bear, stay far away from it. If you're hiking please stay on the trail, and for the love of god if you go into the woods please be prepared to spend the night because you stand a good chance of dying if you get lost.

Stink_pizza , Ruvim Miksanskiy Report

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-
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only wild animals I ever feed are chickadees. The worst that can happen has happened to me: chickadees following me around and a nuthatch landing at my feet to bum birdseed off me.

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#13

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered USA here. Couple things:

Unless you are at a flea market, garage sale,car dealership, or coupon matching, we don't haggle with prices. What you see is what you get. Indians and certain middle eastern countries don't get this and will try and haggle over a purse in Target. It makes the sales associate uncomfortable and no, the manager cannot haggle either.

South Koreans: while we respect our grandparents, they cannot elbow their way to the front of the line, insult our youth, or demand our seat on the bus or in a restaurant. Please tell your grandparents that it is not acceptable to be a bully even in old age.

Edit: Yes, we americans respect and love our elderly. I'm talking about the high strung gangs of old Korean people who demand special treatment while treating others like s**t.

anon , Mark Stebnicki Report

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PeepPeep the duck
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Old old Asians are so freaking funny 😂 I’ve been treated so hilariously bad by particularly the old Chinese women in restaurants, but my fave one was in an op shop/thrift shop, I found a giant seahorse that could use as a sand mold at the beach between photo shoots etc and as I’m lining up to pay two very old Chinese women start talking in canton and then one approaches me from behind 😆 and tries to grab the seahorse out of my arms cos she wants it, and I’m like wtf at this point, not letting go. She keeps trying to pull it out of my arms and I’m politely trying to resist, my bff walks up and in her bogan Aussie accent says ‘ oi b***h, can you not see that she’s trying to buy that!’ And the old lady still tries 😂 I struggled all the way to the counter, check out lady is so confused, I got my seahorse. Being raised by Asians I couldn’t bring myself to say anything or be mean cos it’s just not how we are raised, so kinda glad my bff was there even if she’s harsh.

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#14

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Saying F**k. Serously I've had a Japanese student staying with us say "That's f*****g weird." in public loudly. In Japanese there is no equivalent to the word f**k, so many people just take it to mean an extremely intense version of "very". For example my brother when he was in Japan saw a banner outside a shopping center that read "F*****G HUGE SALE!" because they wanted to express that they were having a "VERY HUGE SALE!" The fact that it's trendy to speak English in Japan mixed with people not always understanding what they're saying can lead to... interesting results.

yifftionary , Satoshi Hirayama Report

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-
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A Canadian teaching a Japanese student English: "Nori, don't ask 'Where's the f#cking secretary?' It makes it sound like that's what she's actually doing." Nori was a little disappointed as he had become quite fond of that word.

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#15

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered The Netherlands, lots of tourists think we can smoke weed everywhere we want. This is not the case, you can only smoke it in the coffee shops or at home. So don't smoke on the street.

Pandafurlulz , Kata Pal Report

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-
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Canada: if you're out in public, smoke your spliff outside, please.

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#16

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered The V for Victory (or 2) sign where the palm is facing towards you, so the back of the hand is facing everyone else. That's pretty offensive in Britain...

taekwondo_girl_lily , Michael Kessel Report

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#17

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Hungary: please try to start the conversation other than the Hungary/hungry joke. Every English-speaking Hungarian has heard it a million times. It's not offensive, we're just really tired of it.

adamd2s , Rohan Hakani Report

#18

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Brazil here;

The "OK" thing americans do with their hands means ~~'f**k you'~~ 'Shove it up your a*s'. So don't do it.

Ronald Reagan committed the same mistake.

Ich_Liegen , EGO AGENC Report

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found this out the hard way in graduate school. My Brasilian friend had me over for dinner and I thanked the cook by making this sign, putting it to my lips, making a kiss, and pulling it away, while saying "thank you." The cook turned red, ran out of the room giggling, and my hostess had to explain my fatal social blunder. 🤭 🙄 😩

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#19

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Ireland; if you're in a pub/at a bar DO NOT order a 'Black and Tan' or an 'Irish Car Bomb'.

The former was the common name for the Royal Irish Constabulary Special Reserve during the Irish war of independence. They're infamous for their violent and extreme treatment towards the Irish people. Order a 'half and half' instead.

The latter is because we don't want to be associated with terrorists and people tend to make a mess drinking them.

There are a few places where it is okay to order these but they're more of an exception rather than the rule.

MisterDeclan , gdtography Report

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Austin L
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I knew this about the car bombs but not the black and tans. Good to know because I do like "half and half" layered pints.

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#20

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered GERMANY: There are some parts of the autobahn with no speedlimit. But mostly there is a speedlimit on the German highways.

Rafael_P_S , Castorly Stock Report

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Roland Nijveld
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What most don't know it's and advised speed limit on some parts. Which means you won't be insured in the case something happens at a higher speed

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#21

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered I'm going to go against the other Aussie in this thread and say *don't call people c***s*. It's still an offensive word here, maybe not so much as in other countries but it definitely is. I could count the number of times I've used it on one hand (ok, maybe two).

allibys , Mental Health America (MHA) Report

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Donkey boi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thinks is more of a case of 'we can do it because we understand the [unwritten] rules'. I can call my friends c**t, but if you did it, even in jest, I'd land you one.

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#22

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Canadian here. Calling the Inuit, Inuvialuit (or any of the other far north aboriginal nations) Eskimos is seen as really ignorant and offensive if not downright racist. It means "eater of raw meat" and was a name given to them by non-Inuit people.
EDIT: This applies mainly to the inhabitants of Nunavut/NWT. (TIL!) Okay, "extremely offensive" might be an overstatement, "Ignorant and politically incorrect" is probably closer to the mark. Also, inaccurate terminology (thanks u/anarchybabe101!)

Ondaii , https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-group-of-children-wearing-parkas-beside-a-tupik-12017743/ Report

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#23

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Here in the United States, it's extremely offensive to play music on your f*****g cell phone without headphones.

cirquis , Tim Samuel Report

#24

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered My family is middle eastern, but I see this as a on trait in Mediterranean people in general as well.

Eat the food we offer you. All of it. Eat the seconds the matriarch of the house is putting on your plate. Eat the fruit they give you, drink the tea, eat more. Eat it all.

If you refuse more food, the matriarch will assume you are lying and either hate the food, or lying because you're shy. And if you annoy the matriarch of the household, everyone In the family is obligated to take her side, even if they don't really give a s**t.

So if you are ever visiting an Arab (or Italian, or Greek) family, be as hungry as possible.

anon , Jack Sparrow Report

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Never Snarky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm all for following customs, but if I eat more than I'm comfortable doing so, I will throw up all over the plate. I respect their customs, but they need to respect my health.

Zedrapazia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but I don't want to puke on the floor from overeating just because the mom of the house wants to stuff me like a Christmas goose. I'm pretty sure that'll be more insulting anyway than to say I am already full, or reject something that really disgusts me (I hate chillies and spicy food).

JB
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is there no way to gracefully decline based on allergies or if I eat one more bite prepare for a “waffer thin mint scene”?

InfiniteZeek
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For allergies, it should be fine (but DO NOT lie, for it shall be remembered), for everything else I suggest you express how unbelievably full and yet so sad you are because you actually really want to eat more. Do expect to get something packed for you to go though. Edit: grammar.

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Rahb in Oz
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Any particular reason? I love lamb and veal, but don't recall ever eating goat. Properly cooked kangaroo (an art) is my favourite, because it is a very lean meat, and delicious IF done properly. (I would not have a clue, so don't ask!)

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Trish
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it annoying to be shy? I don't think the whole family ganging up on someone is going to pull them out of their shell.

Alyssa Phillips
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not annoying, but if my Nonna or Tutu suspected someone not eating from shyness they would go cook an entirely different meal thinking you were just too shy to say you preferred chicken over veal.

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Dainty72
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can only eat so much! I think this is a bit much, but I understand the custom. I think hosts need to understand we're not all made to eat huge amount of food, and if they can't take or understand people are different, then you can't win

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

The trouble with Italian food is that two weeks later you're hungry again.

DrBronxx
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That really sucks. I don't have allergies per se, but a lot of food makes me gag/throw up due to smell, taste or texture. Would these matriarchs rather I refused food or threw up?

Marnie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No matter how offensive it might be, I'm not going to physically harm myself for some stupid cultural rule. Fix the rule. It's wrong to force people to eat more than what they should.

Upstaged75
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah sorry, but no. I'll eat what I want to eat and nothing more. If you came to my country I wouldn't expect you to follow every custom exactly and then get mad if you didn't. How rude!

pep Ito
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry but it's not true, at least not in Spain. you have to accept food but you don't have to gorge yourself like a pig if you don't want to. it's not offensive at all.

Rinso the Red
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, that limits my choices then. No offense, but I'm a wicked picky eater. It's most likely I'm not eating because I don't like it.

Jods
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So when I vomit in front of the matriarch because she is forcing me to eat when my stomach can’t take anymore, how disrespectful is that? Sorry, but I have a genuine stomach problem and I can only eat tiny portions.

Zelda p
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can confirm this is how it is in Tunisia (Northern Africa). My hosts over fed to the point that I started to dread mealtime.

Kayleigh haigh
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What if you purely dont like something i really dont like onions the texture makes me gag and brussel sproats the taste yuk i cant even swollow thise things

Bertha Madott
Community Member
Premium
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am 100000000% Italian (but born in Canada) and I detest this quality. If I am in Italy with the in-laws I eventually become totally revolted by food eating drinking sitting at the table etc. The food is all wonderful but I just cannot eat huge quantities.

Kathy Lonergan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate that pushy food behavior….i think that that is rude. If someone is full, they’re full.

Robyn H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I appreciate this custom, people from Middle Eastern countries who invite a foreigner into their home should also be mindful that their guest has different customs when it comes to food. The whole thing goes both ways and open communication needs to happen.

Tabitha
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thing is, I can’t eat wheat and fish, or I get violently ill. How could I convey that to my hosts so I won’t end up not eating something and insulting them? I mean, they wouldn’t expect someone with, for instance, a deadly peanut allergy, to just suck it up, eat every dish they made with peanuts in it, or that they cooked in peanut oil, and just die really painfully, for no other reason than to avoid insulting someone, would they?

Barbara Galante
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Italy as far as is concerned this may have been true till 30/40 years ago but not now!

VioletHunter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lumping in Italians and Greeks with Arabs as if they have the same culture is ridiculous.

roddy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mediterranean cultures have more in common than you might think. As a Greek.

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

They told us this when I deployed to Iraq, but I’m sorry, I couldn’t eat a lot of that food. Be offended, I don’t give a s**t. I ain’t about to make myself sick so that your feelings don’t get hurt.

MR
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not cool. We all have taste preferences as well as eating capacities.

Shaunn Munn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It may be their customs, but everyone should respect food allergies and food prohibitions. No good host should ever shame a guest over what they eat these days, no matter where they're from. Adhering to some customs may lead a guest to become ill or break a religious prohibition. It helps to know this as a warning to food sensitive or religious people. It has nothing to do with hating food. It's about respect.

Gary Geracci
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh My Yes. My Arab friends almost had me exploding! The food was great though!

Joe Russo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Greek mother-in-law tried to feed me her entire fridge the first time we spent the weekend with my wife's parents. I think I gained 2kg in two days. So yes, I did learn to eat much slower, move food around the plate, ask for more of the thing that's not the most calories on the table...amazing food, though. :)

Marianthi Psyllou
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats not certainty apply to Greece. Nobody will be mad because you didn't eat as much as they expected. All Mediterranean countries have similarities and sure we (the Greeks) have some cultural similarities with middle East countries but are culture and mentality is European. So nobody will be angry with you if you don't eat the hole bracket of food

Maartje
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hehehe.. true. Of course, there was that morning in a small GERMAN village where they would not stop pouring me Schnapps.. they would pour it on my hand when I covered the glass! How do you get out of that one?

Dave M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll say that they should respect you and not try and force feed you if you are full. All this you must do this or that because it is their custom is BS. They should respect that it is not your custom.

jjdubs W
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG people who have had bariatric surgery will be soooo screwed....

David
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Food is a weird one. On the one end - there is what is described above. On the other end there are some countries (I forget... Korea? Japan?) where I was told NOT to eat all the food on my plate because that was signaling to the host they did not give me enough food and should bring more. I never applied this in restaurants but I was told if visiting a home to not do that. == And if you happen to be in a poor country and they are serving family style and pass the dish to you first - take a modest amount. It is possible they barely haven enough food and if you load up your plate the kids get less. Take a modest portion - if there is lots it will come around again.

nm
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Greek and disagree. Nowadays nobody forces anybody to eat in excess.

Cristi nah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

-Are you hungry, do you want more? - No, really, th*put more food o the dish*anks...

Hagebumi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I learned in Italy they use a Kind of sign language. There ist a sign for :" I am full, No more food please". Don't dare to say a Word about IT But hold your tummy and RUB IT a little Bit with one Hand and with the other Hand you Turn to the matriarch Like you want to say "Stop, don't Go further".

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#25

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Thailand, Don't touch people on their heads, it is the highest point of the body so therefore it's the most respectful part.
Also never point your feet at a Buddha statue, it's considered very rude.

Also, if you step on money, you'll be thrown in jail, it has the king's face on it and disrespecting him in anyway (like stepping on his image or saying you hate him) will get you a 1 way ticket to a not very nice prison.

KakatteKoi , Eddie Blatt Report

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Zedrapazia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who the hell goes to Thailand and then boops the Thai on their heads?

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#26

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Romania: do not give someone an even number of flowers. That's reserved for funerals.

moderatelyremarkable , https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-multi-colored-tulips-250716/ Report

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quentariel
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's pretty common belief in Europe, I think. Although here in Finland it's said to just bring bad luck.

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#27

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered America is a very diverse country, with a diverse culture and people's political mindset. I would really warn people not from America from just launching into politics and our problems as a country as a open discussion, especially if you don't know the person. Sure some Americans might love to talk about it, but for many including me it's just not polite conversation to talk about Trump, Clinton, Guns, and what the Beeb said about the latest school shooing when you first meet someone. Many (not all!) of us know our country has flaws, and we really do know that we aren't perfect, but it's quite rude to point this out without provocation and with lots of pontification of your home country. Sure there are exceptions to this, and yes some love to talk politics, but I think a silent majority in America really doesn't care about it, and having an outsider bring it up can come off as rude and negative towards them. Trust me, I have been outside my own country for many years, and I don't think you can get a big picture of what America is by reading sensationalist news items about our culture or what you might think is a lack thereof. Sometimes it's laughably absurd, but sometimes it's just plain offensive.

A special note that maybe in your country you love talking politics, and think it's important to have this conversation, but for many (not all!) Americans you'll come off as boastful and rude. Also we don't have the sense of sarcasm and irony you might have in your own country.

palbuddy1234 , Jonathan Meyer Report

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DB
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That doesn't prevent Americans from doing it. A week doesn't go by that I don't encounter some idiot inappropriately launching into a political tirade, usually in a store and directed at employees who can't tell the offender to shut the hell up.

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#28

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered When I lived in the Middle East showing the bottom of your feet (like when your legs are crossed) was offensive, saw expats do it all the time though

Permexpat , Ayşenur Sağlam Report

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Roman Spruce
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everything there is offensive. Examples being, a woman, a child, a foreigner, etc.

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#29

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Well, in Turkey my suggestion is that tourists should avoid hand gestures. Especially the one about stealing somebody's nose (like kids), the very same gesture means something like "f**k off" and people will not understand or try to listen your explanation. Also, asking if we are Arabs or riding camels etc. will offend a lot of people and not the best way to comunicate if you require some sort help or advice from them.

anon , Pogrebnoj-Alexandroff Report

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Multa Nocte
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet ironically my friends from Brasil wore this symbol on their necklaces as a religious symbol.

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#30

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Dutch here: Taking the last cookie/snack from the plate.

So imagine this. You are at a typical [dutch birthday party] and you are sitting on your spot where you will SPENT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE (or evening) and the host has brought a bowl or plate full of delicious snacks. Go ahead and eat away, because that's the only way we enjoy the party. But beware... if there's only one snack left, god forbid anyone takes it. Because that would be impolite for the potential other person that would like to have it. There's a word for it, but it escapes me **-edit-** Apparently it's actually pretty common in most places.... who knew

NyteMyre , Cats Coming Report

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#31

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Don't know about country, but if you come to Washington DC and don't walk when standing on the left side of the escalators in the metro, woa be unto you.

Personage1 , Maarten van den Heuvel Report

#32

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered In Brazil, if you are going to eat, it is considered very unpolite if you don't offer some of your food to the person you are talking to. If you go to a restaurant, everybody in the table asks if people want a bite before starting eating. Even if you just have one chewing gum and it's the first time you met that person - you must offer it, unless you want to come off rude. To be fair, everyone understands that this is a social stigma, so most people just say "no, thanks" because the other person may not want to really split their food. But sometimes, when it is a very close friend's family, they may take you as unpolite if you *do not* accept the food. It is complicated because sometimes you don't know if you should accept or decline. It is VERY common to eat a whole meal while you're not hungry just to please your hosts. Sometimes you just offer food to the person standing next to you, even though you've never met and probably never will.

To be fair, curse words and calling names is pretty common and no one will be insulted by this. You can call your teacher a 'clever m**********r' and he will laugh it off.

popularproblems , Ron Lach Report

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Zedrapazia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My fiance is from Venezuela - they don't seem to have any custom like that from what he told me, but seems to have had a little effect on his home country too ... As it doesn't stop him from trying to eat everything I am holding in my hands if he manages to get close enough to it. However, he doesn't mind if I do that either - overall, a nice custom.

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#33

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered In the United States, it's considered very rude not to tip your waiter/waitress if you eat at a restaurant with wait service. 15%-20% is the standard amount. Although you can tip less for poor service or more if the service was exceptionally good.

SnowHesher , Lukas Report

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Hans Georg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is rude to not pay your employees. But what do I know, living in a capitalistic country with laws to protect worker. It works, If you are not to much indoctrinated that everything else to slavery is socialism.

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#34

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Costa Rica: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT slam on people's car doors. Specially taxis. Try to be gentle when getting in and out.

I wouldn't call it EXTREMELY offensive but people will definitely give you the stink eye for that. Some rude taxi drivers could even give you a bad time.

david_creek , Tim Samuel Report

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kaycee14
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No door slamming in New York City taxis either, and only exit through the doors next to the sidewalk.

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#35

In Serbia, it's offensive to socialize with people you don't know in bars, cafes and such. On the other hand, if you are a foreigner, it wouldn't be as bad as if it would be if you are a local, but you are still considered annoying. We are very conservative when it comes to our personal space and day and night time company.

Kevin_O_Loacvick Report

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marko skerlavaj
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that becomes the opposite rule when everybody gets drunk through the evening

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#36

Someone Asked “What’s Offensive In Your Country That Tourists Might Not Know”, 30 People Delivered Iceland: not much is considered extremely offensive, but blowing your nose will get you some side-eye. Be like the locals and just hork it back down to where it came from.

count_olaf_lucafont , https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-blowing-nose-7195040/ Report

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arthbach
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The same is true in Japan. It is considered rude to blow your nose. In the UK, the opposite is true, 'horking it back down' would be considered rude.

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