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Locals Are Sharing Social Norms And Insider Tips For Traveling In Their Country That People Might Not Consider (30 Answers)
According to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals almost tripled in January to July 2022 (+172%) compared to the same time frame in 2021.
This means the sector returned to almost 60% of pre-pandemic levels. The steady recovery reflects strong pent-up demand for international travel as well as the easing or lifting of travel restrictions to date.
However, if you're planning to join the 474 million tourists who went abroad over the period, you must remember that you're immersing yourself in a different culture. It sounds simple, but if you don't do your homework, even seemingly little differences, inconsistencies, or whatever it is you want to call your tactless actions, can ruin the day for you or the locals.
But don't worry, Bored Panda has you covered. We scrolled through the internet and compiled what people think foreigners should know about the places they live in before visiting, and their insights can act as a stepping stone for your further education.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Sweden:
We are very informal.
Everyone is on a first name basis, and we don't use titles. If your doctor's name is Maria Johnsson, you adress her as Maria during your visit.
And just because we don't act as excited as a dog when their master is coming home, it doesn't mean you are unwelcome here. We're just a little toned down.
Also, unisex bathrooms are the standard here.
TheElderNom 3 years ago
Bring debit or credit cards, we are super anti cash here. Especially when it comes to transportation, but there are even stores and hotels that are cash free.
Unwelcome guest 3 years ago
Unisex bathrooms already exist in Sweden! How is it that their society hasn’t collapsed? There must be some sort of witchcraft or sorcery going on here!
Dan Flo 3 years ago
Also, we expect people to show up on time. If you are invited to, say, a dinner at 17:00, you arrive at 17:00 or text and say you are being late (and dont do that 16:55). The same goes the other way. Don't be in the shower still preparing when the Swedes knock on your door at exactly 17:00. Also, we use 17:00, not 5 pm. Worth to mention - Yeah, meatballs in all their glöry, but dont forget to eat Tacos on Fridays, and dont leave Sweden without having our real national food - The Mighty Kebab Pizza.
GlamPilot 3 years ago
Same in Australia. We call our Dr by their first name. I’ve never seen so many “Doctors” demanding to be called by their title and refusing to give their actual name, as I have in the United states. They say everything is buggier in America. They were mostly referring to egos, mouths and trucks. 😂
Sarah SH 3 years ago
What kind of doctor do you see who “refuses” to give their actual name? Never mind. I probably don’t want to know…
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Claire Nichols 3 years ago
Love this!! My son's school uses the teachers first name and they call them learners... not students
Sarah SH 3 years ago
I agree with the “learners” aspect of this. I just feel like a lot of times teachers struggle to get respect from students and in some places (NOT everywhere) being on a first name basis might make that even more difficult.
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Mara Is… Trying 3 years ago
unisex bathrooms sound great for me, an unsure genderqueer person :D
SxS 3 years ago
We already have unisex b'rooms on airplanes. (We guys will all be wearing pink after that) (wink) (JUST KIDDING!)
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Jessica J. 3 years ago
Unisex bathrooms exist in most homes, all over the world...people need to take the "pearl clutching" down a LOT.
KnightOwl 3 years ago
Unisex bathrooms are becoming more and more commonplace all over Europe. I'm Scottish and we have a lot of places with them, here it's usually an open area with sinks and hand driers and area with a door on either side leading to separate areas for male and female toilets, most also have a small private or semi-private baby changing area too.
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Anders Morén 2 years ago
And no shoes indoor, unless clean shoes are brought or special occasion (i.e dry summer conditions...).
Vicky, who is a writer, adventurer, and creator of the travel blog Vicky Flip Flop, told Bored Panda that it's important for tourists to research local customs so that they are polite and stay on the right side of the law.
"A few that spring to mind include women covering their heads in some countries, tipping in the US, and not bringing chewing gum into Singapore," Vicky explained. "This is especially important if you're going somewhere a little more unusual, like when I went to Papua New Guinea."
The traveler said that most should be able to prepare themselves from the comfort of their own home. "It's easy to do your homework with the wealth of information out there. You can just do a Google search before you go and there are many travel blogs that will tell you what you need to know."
"Of course, you should know any customs that are offensive not to obey, but you'll find out more about local traditions as you go. It's all part of the fun of traveling; learning about new cultures on the road."
RELATED:
#2
Police here is usually quite nice. No risk of randomly getting shot. Also, we dont greet strangers on the street or interact with them if not necessary. Joking about the holocaust or doing the hitler salute can very well get you in trouble.
Germany
Thorsten Massow 3 years ago
Just to add one small thing about the "don't greet strangers": this is only true in larger citys. If you happen to be in smaller, rural communities or hiking through nature, always greet everybody you meet with the local greeting ("Moin" in the northern parts of Germany, "Tach" in the middle parts, "Grüß Gott" in the south). Don't engage in small talk, but always greet.
Alex Stahl 3 years ago
My spouse (American) commented on this the other day. They're like "you don't say hi to anyone in the streets, but as soon as you walk in the woods everybody greets you." Never noticed until then but it's true.
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Edda Kamphues 3 years ago
German teacher here: It's an occupational hazard to get the Hitler salute at least once a term. Usually from students. Occasionally from colleagues.
Isabela Cincu 3 years ago
German teacher here- i get the nazi salute once in a while...got used to it
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Llewella 3 years ago
Please don't walk in the bike-lane, they aren't painted red, it's just the blood of wandering tourists
D. Pitbull 3 years ago
Who tf... what kind of ignorant a** thinks joking bout the holocaust or doing the hitler salute ESPECIALLY in Germany is 'funny'???
Kathi S 3 years ago
More people than you think, sadly... Been also called a Nazi a lot abroad when people figured out I'm German. No other reason.
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Btsquestrian 3 years ago
My experience from the four years that I was stationed in Germany is that Germans are warm and friendly people -they're just very good at being sensitive to other people's boundaries and expect you to respect theirs. Germany is a very dog-friendly country, so if you have a well-behaved dog, it's a great icebreaker. Doing your best to speak German and having nice manners helps a lot, too.
EvilNob 3 years ago
I live in Germany since 5 years. I am white. I never got controlled by the police. Our black colleague on the other hand... It's his fourth time... And he lives here since three years.
Kathi S 3 years ago
Something I've been observing at Munich train stops for years: the police carry out "random" luggage checks. Only they're not so random. Every time I walk past, they're checking the bags of Arabian/Turkish looking people. Never women though, just men. I've alway thought to myself that I'd be the perfect drug mule. The police never spare me a second glance (white woman). So just in case my career plans don't work out... 😂😂😂
Load More Replies... My O My 3 years ago
Carry cash when visiting germany! Public transportation, and quite a few (small) shops don't have card payment - let alone credit card payment
Kathi S 3 years ago
Ever since Corona, even most bakeries and kebap (Döner) stalls accept card payment. At least in Munich, there's been a massive shift in that regard (which I love because I rarely have cash on me). The other day I even saw a lady selling her stuff at a flea market who accepted cards. This was a first, though 😅
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Robert McKenzie 3 years ago
I felt very safe in Germany, even in Cologne, which was the largest city we visited. People were always polite and happy to help. The smaller towns especially were a delight to visit. As in France, with French, it always helped to have at least an introduction in German to show you didn't expect them to speak Englisch.
RezFidel 3 years ago
Ah yes.. my hometown. Well it´s said that colognians or Rhinelanders in general are the most open and approaching people in germany. You have to come here on carnival season...thats a whole other league of "friendlyness" then...haha
Load More Replies... Just Show Me Puppies. 3 years ago
eh, I got yelled at by the police in Berlin because it took me a while to find my train ticket.
Iampenny 3 years ago
Police generally don't check your train tickets Berlin, it was more likely a Deutsche Bahn or BVG employee. On the S & U Bahn, the inspectors are normally plain clothed.
Load More Replies...Why should we bother, you ask? Imagine a vacation abroad where everyone is giving you hostile get-out-and-never-come-back looks. Does that sound like a good time?
According to Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management at the University of South Australia, the increasing prevalence of the badly behaved tourist, either in reality or simply as a cultural meme, presents a serious issue for the tourism industry.
"In cities at tourism's bleeding edge, such as Venice, resentment has [even] boiled over into anti-tourism protests," Higgins-Desbiolles highlighted in The Conversation. "In Barcelona, the cause against foreign visitors has been embraced by left-wing nationalist activists. Their view is expressed in graffiti around Barcelona: 'Refugees welcome; tourists go home.'"
The academic thinks it's in everyone's best interest to get along. "Unless the tourism industry does something to address underlying aggravations, such sentiments are likely to spread. There's a danger tourism, instead of building bridges for cross-cultural understanding and friendship, will add to the stereotypical walls that separate people."
#3
Also lived in Japan. This is what I have to say. Bow to people who bow to you. Bow to people in general when they give you a service. It's a sign of respect and it goes a long way.
Also, take off your shoes and respect the culture.
Agfox 3 years ago
Don't hand cash/debit or credit card directly to staff when making payment for any purchase/service. Instead, you should place it in a small tray on the counter. The staff member will process the transaction & leave your change/card & receipt in the same tray
Lee Kerr 3 years ago
Same in Germany; maybe not everywhere but it’s worth looking out for the money trays
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army_blink_girl 3 years ago
I always have taken my shoes off in my house, I think its weird to wear shoes In a house
Deutschland Mädchen 3 years ago
Especially if it's been rainy outside and there's mud on them
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Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
Take off your shoes when you enter a house, that is. You don't have to take them off as soon as your plane lands.
Orlando Pitcher 3 years ago
The sign in the back. "Please make sure you are wearing your own shoes"
Solidhog 3 years ago
Learn to say hello, goodbye, thank you and please in the language of the country you are going to. Goes a long way.
TotallyNOTaFox 3 years ago
Respect and politeness is very important there, had a good time during my business trip there by keeping that mind
Claire Nichols 3 years ago
I spent 2 weeks in Japan and loved every minute of it!! I still bow to people 20 years on!
Vicky Flip Flop agrees that being a dumb tourist reflects badly not only on you, but on your country, and the tourists that will come after you as well. "If you've done something to offend the locals, the best thing to do is to admit your mistake and apologize profusely," she said. "If you can find someone to translate that will help."
"If tensions are high, you haven't done anything illegal and you can't seem to explain yourself, get out of the situation. You don't want things to escalate."
#4
ThE aNiMaLs ArE gOnNa KiLl YoU nah ignore that f*****g meme, the real danger to tourists in Australia is not swimming between flags at the beach and not wearing sunscreen.
Cowws 3 years ago
two of my friends have been [unalived] by them too soon... it's interesting how a map of the locations of their distribution forms the outline of a dropbear 28EA4B89-2...93c47.jpeg 
Agfox 3 years ago
Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the World. It's the Country's 3rd most lethal cancer with an average death rate of around 4 per day,
Jay TheSaltLord 3 years ago
Aye, cos there's a hole in the ozone layer over the country, which makes the sun's radiation significantly more dangerous.
Load More Replies... SCamp 3 years ago
Correct x100. Most visitors to Australia will have no contact with the wildlife, and no, there aren’t any kangaroos hopping down the main streets of major cities. The Sun on the other hand is a real b!tch
CalicoKitty 3 years ago
Sunburn, sun cancer, AND tourists from the Northern Hemisphere coming over in summer and getting heatstroke!
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Deborah B 3 years ago
Pay attention to what locals are doing. If there are people on the beach, and no one in the water, do not go in the water. If everyone is taking a detour because there's a kangaroo on the path, take the detour. If you pass a pile of sticks, and the local in front of you picks up a stick, pick up a stick of your own and be prepared to fend off territorial Australian magpies (not the same birds as northern hemisphere magpies).
Claire Nichols 3 years ago
THIS!!!! The 'do not swim here' signs are in so many languages and people still don't read/ignore them!! Also sunscreen!!! Really people, are we going to ignore cancer???
Metalhead Turtle 🇺🇦 3 years ago
I'm not trying to be a smart a$$, but are they in Braille?
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AussieVetAndPhysicist 3 years ago
Most of our animals here are fine and will not hurt you unless you provoke them. Just like anywhere. Respect them and they will respect you. Don't pat them (especially kangaroos). Don't swim in the ocean at shark feeding time (usually dawn/dusk). Swim between the flags. Watch for rips. And put sunscreen on.
Plus, by researching the local customs of the place you're traveling to, you will inevitably stumble upon interesting information that will enrich your time there even more.
"I'd recommend reading travel blogs and watching vlogs from people who've been there and done it," Vicky added.
"Also, one of the best ways to find local and unusual things to do is to speak to other tourists in hostels and hotels and to chat with locals in bars and restaurants. Many people are actually willing to share their discoveries with newbies – it's travel kudos!"
At the end of the day, Vicky suggests going beyond the guidebooks on your travels, "and eat, drink and hang out where the locals do to really explore a new place."
#5
Stop this so called slumdog tourism..
Going on guided tours to these slums and taking photos is akin to those human zoos in Belgium where they had African kids for amusement...
Those slum people are not some animals and you are not on a safari...
Also just because you visited a few temples, took selfies with some sadhu and donated some chocolates worth a Starbucks latte doesn't mean you " found yourself"...
I'm living in India for 28 years but still haven't found myself.
T'Mar of Vulcan 3 years ago
I feel like same way about the guided tours of Soweto. Apartheid has officially been over for 28 years. Nobody wants to hear you pontificating about the plight of people if all you did was visit Vilakazi Street in a tour bus.
Lord Mysticlaw 3 years ago
I also have no idea how township tours became a thing.
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StrangeOne 3 years ago
Someone tried starting up a "poverty tour" in a low income neighbourhood to "raise awareness about poverty". Saw it on the news. This guide would take a group of people walking around this neighbourhood pointing at random houses and nitpicking their yard and house, and coming up with assumptions on their income and lifestyle. Btw, this neighbourhood had a mix of wealth, and not necessarily poverty stricken.
Brandon Walker 3 years ago
I agree with this, except the finding yourself, just because you haven't found yourself doesn't mean that a Convo with a spiritual leader in a new country from a new point of view wasn't a life altering experience for someone else
Missi Boness 3 years ago
Thank you. I was thinking the same thing. What works for, and is moving, for one person may not work for another. I think what the missing key word is: appreciation.
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Ivan Petrov 3 years ago
Best way to find yourself - go to one of those map boards and look for the "You are here" dot. Well, done, you found yourself.
#6
Denmark: DO NOT STAND OR WALK IN THE BIKELANE! You will get yelled at and/or run over.
KnightOwl 3 years ago
Isn't this the same everywhere? Walking on a cycling lane is just stupid and dangerous and could lead to serious injuries for multiple people, surely everyone knows this? It makes sense for cyclist to yell at you, you're putting them in danger too!
Torben Møller-Nielsen 3 years ago
In Copenhagen - beware of bikes whenever crossing a street. They don't always respect the traffic signals and some are moving very fast.
Helen Downey 3 years ago
Same here in Ireland tbf. You'd be mown down easy enough, but how they aren't mown down when they go thru a red in front of cars is beyond me
Load More Replies... Sarah SH 3 years ago
Next thing they’ll be telling me not to push a stroller in the middle of the freeway.
Ann Dennis 3 years ago
I think that's OK in the US. It's only if you're pregnant that they swoop in. (and farewell, as I get kicked off BP)
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Riley Quinn 3 years ago
I'll yell "behind" and "on your right (or left)", but honestly, that's the only warning I give walkers on the bike trail/lane.
Remi Flynne 3 years ago
More than I got yesterday walking along a UK bridleway. Cyclists are supposed to give way to pedestrians on bridleways, but I get that it's easier for us to move aside. I don't mind that. What Ps me off is a) no warning when they come up fast from behind and b) no thanks when I've made the effort to get me and my dogs out of the way. Funny, but weekday cyclists (for some reason) are politer than the weekend ones! You yell as you're doing - that's perfectly good enough.
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UpQuarkDownQuark 3 years ago
If you live in Portland, Oregon you have to deal with jogger entitlement. We have a lot of runners who jog in bike lanes or in the street, earbuds in and oblivious to the world. Runner culture here is very rude and entitled.
#7
If you travel to the netherlands I advice to take a train daycard and travel across the country. Visit towns and nature you like and book a hotel somewhere you are. The Netherlands is much more than Amsterdam.
Linda van der Pal 3 years ago
Not to mention that Amsterdam is a world apart from the rest is the Netherlands...
Saturn Rings 3 years ago
Pretty much like that with all capitals & cities.
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Sentin White 3 years ago (edited)
i always advice people to stay away from tourist spots like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. See the countryside, it's much MUCH cheaper and the people are a whole lot friendlier. Avoid the bigger cities as much as you can. As for coffeeshops... Not exclusive to Amsterdam. You can find them everywhere. And the further you go away from tourist hotspots, the better the price and quality of ''coffee''. The Red Light District is a sad place. A lot of these women aren't properly paid and live in poor conditions. If you want to get laid so badly, get a sex doll. The experience will be a whole lot better.
norabest321 3 years ago
There are some great museums in Rotterdam and if you're a history buff, well, it's both wonderful and sad. Walking down the streets where some of the old buildings still show bullet holes from WW2 or looking at some of the weirdest 'modern' architecture around. There's a building meant to look like a pencil. And don't forget the B******g Gnome sculpture.
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Unknown 3 years ago
18yr old American me LOVED Amsterdam. Spent time in Arnheim as well, much preferred the latter. Nice to see real life, and real people not in what I now remember as a tourist trap.
The Scout 3 years ago
I prefer the coastal areas to the bigger cities (OK, due to the massive inland seas of Ijsselmeer and Markermeer, most of the country is coastal in a way...). While the islands like Texel, Ameland or Terschelling are very touristic, the smaller towns along the North Sea coast always seem very relaxed and picturesque to me...
MarWol 3 years ago
Please don't downvote people for voicing an opinion you don't agree with. It gets them blocked and is not a means to show whether you agree or not. Also, I get what you mean. When I was 14 and visited Amsterdam with my mother, we accidentally stumbled across the red light district and were pretty irritated by those "different" shop windows. The city is beautiful, though.
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Tambot 3 years ago
My friend lived in Leiden for a couple years while attending Uni there (from Canada), we visited her and had a blast. A carnival set up while we were there and it all was so beautiful and fun. Bikes, beer, green grass, geese and sheep as you head out of town. We loved the flat terrain for biking, and the friendly people.
norabest321 3 years ago
But pay attention! We accidentally got on the first class train car and felt really stupid that we essentially stole a nicer ride to Leiden.
Load More Replies... Riley Quinn 3 years ago
I understand the draw to large or famous cities. They have the amenities and sites all conveniently right there (at a cost, of course). But a city does not a country make. You're already there, so explore.
#8
America is MASSIVE. You cannot see the grand canyon and NYC and vegas and Seattle in one trip unless you are a) here for a long time b) have money to spend on all those flights c) really really like driving.
P Mo. 3 years ago
I hear this even within USA. I live in CA and people visit and they want to see SF and Hollywood and Redwoods and Yosemite and Mono Lake. All in 5 days, 4 nights.
TheEndIsNigh🇨🇦and🇬🇧in🇺🇲 3 years ago
I can relate. My mum lives in Flower Mound (somewhat northeast Texas) , and I live in the Texas hill country (sort of central). When relatives visit my mum, they don't realize that I can't just pop over for a visit, because even though we're in the same state, I'm still like 4 1/2 to 5 hours away.
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the Return of Bruno 3 years ago
Vegas to NY is like Madrid to Moscow. California is even several European nations long. The "really like driving" line is a joke: No way you're going to enjoy spending fifteen hours driving from Chicago to Denver (the middle third of the country) looking at nothing but fields. Even Americans underestimate how much there is to see in states like South Dakota or Kansas or Missouri... but you aren't going to see it from the highway.
Safy 3 years ago (edited)
I am in Misery and used to live in Kansas, but I am from the East Coast. I think it is so boring here. I would never in a million years suggest people who are coming to see the cool US to come to the Midwest. Like. Ever. I don't think there's a single thing worthwhile here. The food is just okay, too. BBQ is BBQ to me, and I'm not even a fan.
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Sarah SH 3 years ago
It depends on how long you want to stare at the Grand Canyon. My kids and I stood in front of Mount Rushmore for a few minutes wondering how long we were supposed to look at it before we could get back in the car.
Sentin White 3 years ago
I drive from Maastricht go Groningen (Netherlands) in maybe 3 hours. Driving 3 hours in the USA means you just left your driveway.
Mariele Scherzinger 3 years ago
Also, there are barely any train connections. Even if I decide to visit California only, I have to spend money on flights or a car rental.
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
You can get up and down the west coast of the US pretty easily by train for tourist stuff but getting around within those destinations is a different beast in California. Public transportation here is notoriously awful with the only notable exception being San Francisco. It's the only city you can visit here and not need a car. San Diego trolleys are pretty okay for getting around in South County but you'd still be better off with a car TBH. Los Angeles is getting slightly SLIGHTLY better but you're better off with a car and a Xanax prescription. LA traffic will make you either homicidal or suicidal depending on your personality type.
Load More Replies... Just Show Me Puppies. 3 years ago
Ditto Canada: You can't see the CN tower, Niagara Falls, the autumn leaves, and the rockies in the same day unless you are on a plane.
Hey! 3 years ago
Although, you could easily do the first three in a day. The Rockies are several days too far.
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T. Unnamable 3 years ago
I driven across the States several times. It's wonderful if you have the time and money. But it very far!
Noname 3 years ago (edited)
What bothers me is someone visits the USA-LA, NYC, Chicago or Miami and think they "know" Americans. No, you don't. You have no idea how diverse our country is by region-the language even changes, as does the food and general culture. Even as a born n bred Americn, I was shocked and amazed how driving as little as 500 miles in any direction brought me into an American culture different from where I grew up.
#9
If you’re on the Tube: stand on the bloody right. Unless you want a horde of tutting Londoners staring angrily at the back of your head
Jan Rosier 3 years ago
I so wish my fellow Belgian commuters would learn that rule... my trains arrive and depart at minus-four level of Antwerp central station, so it's quite a ride and people just stand on the stairways blocking them.
Headless Roach 3 years ago (edited)
That’s a rule in many countries. Someone’s left, sometimes right, just always on one side.
Katrina Gibson 3 years ago
Omg. I've seen a few of your comments and I enjoy them... however I have such a phobia of roaches it makes me feel Uneasy every time I see your pic. It's just an initial reaction and if you want to know how I got this phobia I'm glad to tell you in DM's. As a fun note... This early October at my fathers celebration of life my uncle decided to play a prank on me pretending my 11yo son (Lukas) got bit by a rattlesnake. First of all he took his truck and slammed his breaks being dramatic (at the ponderosa - five brothers opened up to us, their children) well I didn't believe him so as my son ran up being held by my cousins kids I screamed and ran up saying "get into the Sun now" I help his arm with a hug and then helped toss him in the pool. Everyone was shocked by my son was a bad actor and who runs when but by a snake?? That's a death sentence!! My uncle was playfully annoyed and tried figure out who he
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Alexis Belesdan 3 years ago (edited)
You can gather even more hatred if you put a bag up there so you don´t have to carry it and then it accidentally hits the emergency stop button and everybody has to walk. I tested that once and almost got lynched on the spot.
Rachel Ainsworth 3 years ago
Love the comment about angrily staring at the back of their head! So English.
CultOfBambi 3 years ago
I'm a 'naturalised British citizen' (not born here) so I feel nothing just telling the feckers to move out the way. First time I ask it's politely, especially if they're clearly tourists and unaware, but if they don't move I've been known to get a little more emphatic.
Load More Replies... Robert McKenzie 3 years ago (edited)
I have NEVER understood this, as Britons DRIVE on the left, and WALK on the left, so why this about-face when in comes to escalators on the Tube? In Australia, NZ, Singapore, Malaysia etc you DRIVE on the left, WALK on the left, and STAY on the left on escalators. In the US and Europe, do as the locals do, and stay on the right - in ALL cases!
Magdalena Kaskow 2 years ago
You stand on the right so people can WALK on the left.
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Riley Quinn 3 years ago
OMG! People leisurely walking up/down the stairs on both sides annoys the cr^p out of me. Stick to one side so those of us who move faster can do so.
#10
If you’re exploring the wilderness or even urban areas in Canada be warned that moose are one of the most dangerous encounters you can experience. They’re too big to outrun or outmuscle (even cougars you can, though rarely, fight off) and they’re too dumb to respond to you playing dead or running away or yelling at them. Just stay the hell away from them.
Marissa Taylor 3 years ago
bassially any anime in canada that has *oose* is dangerous
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StrangeOne 3 years ago
Interesting. the BP author must have forgotten the title of the post because some of these are more about "Do's and Don'ts" that aren't relevant to social norms. As a Canadian, let me fill in some actual social norms, that may be different in certain regions. I'll focus on Manitoba. It's normal for a cashier to strike up small talk with customers. Some people will greet you on a residential street. Not so much in busier, downtown streets. In car-centric areas pedestrians have to be vigilant while waiting to cross and while crossing. Always look at the driver as you're crossing. There's been an increase of hit & runs lately. Car theft is a huge problem. Do not leave valuables in your car and lock it. Even if it's just a short time. Just because someone talks a bit with you doesn't mean they want to be your friend and have you over. When we say "sorry" we mean "Are you ok? Are we good? It might've been my fault. Ok, I'll continue on my way."
StrangeOne 3 years ago (edited)
Take off your shoes when you come in. Actually just ask if you have to take them off. Some people don't care. Some homes have a mud room or closed off front porch they'll get you to leave your shoes in. Don't show up to someone's home unannounced. People here tend to want to clean their homes for company. When going to a dinner party, bring some wine or beer. Socials are a thing. Anyone can go if you know someone who knows the hosts. They're hosted by the bride and groom, and family. Bring money. There will be a cash bar, raffles and you may or may not have to buy your food. It's not the wedding. It's held some time before. People get sloshed at these. Lots of dancing and people you've never met will talk to you. On the bus, pick an empty 2 seater if there's any. But it's a minor annoyance to people if you don't. The buses get packed quickly enough that it won't matter. Taking up a seat with a backpack is not kosher. People do it. If someone refuses to move it, don't back down.
Load More Replies... Stephanie Did It 3 years ago
Moose are deadly in more than one way. 1. Don't worry about the antlers; the moose is going to stomp you to death. 2. If you hit it with your car, it will knock the moose's legs out from under it which brings it straight through your windshield to total both you and your car. 3. If you hit the moose's baby, do not get out to try to help (see #1). Don't mess with moose!
Ele V 3 years ago
There is a super super lightly chance that you'll ever come across a moose out of nowhere though.. and if you are exploring the wilderness and you do come across one, it means you'are super unprepared and shouldn't have gone "' exploring"' in the first place..
TurquoiseTzarina 3 years ago
Only moose I want to see is Bullwinkle. And that would be on the television. :)
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Anya Beboop 3 years ago (edited)
Funnily enough, I know people that have interacted with them. One of them broke their ribcage when one cornered him. Just charged him and shoved him into a tree.
D. Pitbull 3 years ago
Canada Geese: They are mean, and they will steal your cookies. I am not kidding. Moose - massive. Angry. Deer... The bears... are not tame... my gawd the look of horror I think I've given several tourists when they ask things like "so if I see a bear, I'm going to just go take a pic with it..." No. Do not do this. No.
#11
Iceland.
Don't be fooled, we are really quite rude, and semi unhappy. Not all of us, but since just recently we have never been known for being the "happiest nation" ever.
The women are not as easy as you think.
There is no such thing as a traditional Icelandic restaurant. Today we eat a lot hamburgers.
I don't want to be asked about my personal life. Most don't, unless they've had a drink or two.
We really do love to party, but the party doesn't start until 2:00 am. Don't go out before 12 and expect excitement. Also we drink to get drunk.
Do your research. It is expensive here. Tax is included in everything. If you spend 4000kr or more on merchandise (excluding food, postcards and stamps) you are entitled to 15% of your money back at the airport. The office is open 24/7. If you get your tax back in the city you will only receive 10%.
Take off your shoes when you come into our homes. (I think this goes for most Scandinavian countries).
Shower naked before you get into our swimming pools. No one cares, or is thinking about your body. It's a policy here, when in Rome and just do it.
I feel like I should also add that going to the swimming pools is one of the cheapest things you can do here they are heated and really are magnificent. It's totally worth it.
There is one main highway. It will take you all around Iceland. It is the number 1. The one and only. If you are in Iceland and have rented a car please beware of the weather conditions (i.e. black ice) and darkness especially in the winter.
If you do not consider 10 and 11 in the morning to be early, then supermarkets do not open early.
Summer in Iceland is great. New years in Iceland is mind blowing.
Dizavid 3 years ago (edited)
Nope. Can't do the shower naked with total f*****g strangers. Isn't about what others ARE thinking - it's about past trauma. Doesn't seem like it should be too hard a leap to make that some of us have an issue with that for reasons other than modesty or self esteem.
piruoztek 2 years ago
Right? I don't have trauma, but I hate being naked since early childhood, why they can't put there at least curtains?!
Load More Replies... NotADanish 3 years ago
Might not ever been happiest nation - but you certainly are the most down to earth, genuine, helpful and fun people to be around.
Allison Sullivan 3 years ago
One of my favorite memories of Iceland is sitting in a hot pool at the central baths in Reykjavik, lone female, midday, arguing politics with a bunch of Icelandic boomer dudes. Best time ever.
Jane Petersen 3 years ago
As a resident, I agree with most of what the OP says: Icelanders are not naturally friendly and don't expect customer service to be like in the US. Do NOT drive off-road unless you want to make national news and have a whole country hate you. Expect California Coast prices. Non-EU/EEA people go through a meatgrinder to get residency here. When you get off of a cruise ship, do not treat the town like Westworld - this is our home. I wouldn't say I like New Year's celebration, including the following month here. The fireworks never end, and the pollution is disgusting. See it once by the big church but wear goggles, or you could get burning ash in your eyes! Drive the speed limit and if you see a sheep crossing the road, expect 2-3 more behind her. They are her babies. If you hit one, the farmer will have your head ($$$$$$$$) And finally, Nature will see you dead if you are not smart all year long.
BasedWang12.7 3 years ago
This was a good entry, but why would it be assumed the women are "easy". Is this a stereotype I just don't know about?
Allison Sullivan 3 years ago
Within Europe it's a stereotype for sure. I don't think "easy" so much, as forthright. If an Icelander wants to have fun with you, they'll tell you so. I'm as straight as an arrow and Iceland was the only place women have ever hit on me.
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Robert McKenzie 3 years ago
Sounds like the ideal place for me to visit! I am not a morning person and I hate the heat.
#12
Norway. It's very expensive here.
We speak English quite well, so you'll be perfectly fine language-wise if you speak decent English.
People will think you're an insane weirdo if you sit next to them on the bus while there are free double seats elsewhere.
John Powers 3 years ago
It's weird anywhere to be that close to a stranger, when theres open and empty spots. Especially at urinals lol
Mistiekim 3 years ago
Move theaters are even worse. There’s a whole theater open, yet some random couple has to sit right next to me!
Load More Replies... Marissa Taylor 3 years ago (edited)
reading that its rude to sit next to people on the bus....my introverted heart thanks the people of norway ;=;
Radek Suski 3 years ago
Who the hell seats next to a stranger when there is enough space elsewhere. That’s creepy AF
VonBlade 3 years ago
I'll think of you as a creep or insane weirdo if you sit next to me when there are no seats available. Just stand. Why would you choose sitting next to me?
MDsmee 3 years ago (edited)
Because I paid for a seat, just like you, and you didn't pay for two.
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Simon Naessens 2 years ago
yah...... that seat is there in case it is needed if it is not you should not be there
#13
Scotland with one T. Not Scottland. Scots, not Scotts.
It's "Ed-in-Bruh" or "Ed-in-bu-ruh" not "Ed-in-borrow".
It's "Glas-go" not "Glas-cow"
We don't really care about your Scottish heritage. Tartan as it exists now is mostly an invention by the Victorians, so no, that was not your actual clan tartan.
Don't call it scotch. It's just called whisky here, without the 'e', we will assume you mean single malt scottish whisky unless you specify otherwise.
KnightOwl 3 years ago
Yes to all of these! Also don't shout 'Freedom' at us, it's unoriginal and annoying, noone will find you funny and everyone will instantly dislike you. Don't attempt to do the accent or do but just know that it's incredibly cringey and you will be mocked mercilessly. Never call us English, 90% of the time it won't end well. The one about your Scottish heritage is my biggest pet peeve, Americans are especially bad for that. Every American I've ever met has claimed to have at least one Scottish ancestor and expect us to be overjoyed and welcome them like old friends. You're not Scottish no matter how much you desperately want to be.
Annette V 3 years ago
I think the widely misunderstood thing abroad is the immense sense of pride in our mixed heritage. We're practically brainwashed to be proud of our immigrant roots, if you're not Native American. There's also a bit of tribalism that happens subconsciously. People tend to at least make attempts to get to know anyone who shares some background with them. We feel a connection to our ancestors when visiting anywhere a 7x-great-grandfather was from. That's probably why we're annoying. Only a certain type of person would attempt to make a journey across the Atlantic hundreds of years ago and we all got those genetics 😂
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Karl Baxter 3 years ago
Irish Whiskey is wonderful stuff yet seems to always be in Scotch’s shadow
Jody Whitmarsh 3 years ago
Grams corrected me once when I called myself Scotch.. she said Scotch is what you drink. Scot is what you are
Lucas 3 years ago
Were you very young? Just puzzled as it's the kind of thing us Scots know... we'd never call ourselves scotch.
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Nea 3 years ago
Visited three years ago. Made all the mistakes mentioned in this post and still had an awesome time. People didnt seem to mind my ‘Ed-in-bu-ruh‘.
Lucas 3 years ago
Aye, mostly we're not bothered by these things if the person's not being an a**e with it. Most people are fine.
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Brendan 3 years ago
It's the same in Ireland, in terms of Americans claiming their heritage. My wife used to live in a small town in the West of Ireland, and they would have random Americans knock on their door, asking if the O'Keefe's or O'Reilly's lived there.
Hypoxia Smurf 3 years ago
My California-born partner and their sibling, of Irish ancestry, visited the Auld Sod and were mistaken for locals... until they spoke. But they were asked if they knew various Micks around Chicago. Yes, overgeneralizations abound.
Load More Replies... T'Mar of Vulcan 3 years ago
Scotland is on my bucket list. I want to visit the tartan museum, just because of how awesome tartan is.
Succulent 🇺🇦 3 years ago
I just recently went there. Scotland is amazing. I highly recommend it
Load More Replies... Mariele Scherzinger 3 years ago
And Cockburn Street is not pronounced the same way it is written.
shayne horton 3 years ago
Och aye the noo! never ever expect us to answer .it does not exist. who says "oh yes just now"? oh yeah ,the English.
Kantami Blossom 3 years ago
More importantly for tourists is if you want to fit in do not wear a see you jimmy hat, under no circumstances attempt a Scottish accent, and please for the love of God stop dressing like a flamboyantly gay golpher(Scotland can be quite overcast and nothing stands out more than American wearing neon bright fake tartan trousers, I've come across dozens of these people and every one has been an American in their 40's that keep going on about how quaint everything is, they also get very rude when you point out that not everything in Scotland is old but we do have pubs that are older than their country😂)
#14
When going to Germany y'all better bring some cash, because we don't do card payments everywhere. It's a bit random, but you should always have cash on you when checking out new places.
AustrianGirl 3 years ago
It's the same in Austria, some places have card payments but only if the bill is high enough and a lot of places don't have it at all. If you're on the countryside there are a lot of very small self service shops - take what you want and put the money in the glass/can/box/register! A lot of them had to put up cameras or limit the access because people didn't get the system or just took stuff.
Sonia M 3 years ago
In Sweden it is the total opposite. You need to have a card if you want to get by. I worked at a coffee shop in a hotel area in Stockholm and so many tourists tried to pay with cash but the shop was cash free like most places in Sweden. When my cousin visited I had to help her pay. The cash I got I used in supermarkets and Systembolaget (were you buy alcohol)
Thorsten Massow 3 years ago
This has changed with the recent health crisis. Many more places now accept cards, even smaller ones like on farmer markets or pubs. You still should ask before you buy something, but more often then not, they accept cards.
The Scout 3 years ago (edited)
Cash still is the prevalent method of payment in Germany, but this is not because of being technologically backwards, but mainly for psychological reasons. Most places do not only take Credit oder Debit Card by now, but also mobile payment. In bigger cities linke Berlin or Munich, some even dabble in bitcoin. Biggest difference is that credit cards are considered a bit exotic in most places, while debit is the norm. Still most people pay cash, because of an ingrained mentality of "only cash is real money" and "I own only what I can see". Also Germans traditionally have a strong adversion to any kind of debt, so lots of people only use credit cards for bigger purchases or online shops. Some shops therefore take debit but not credit cards.
TheElderNom 3 years ago
I've gotten the feeling it's also because Germans trust big entities like the bank, state, big stores etc. less than we do in many other countries. Cash can't be traced, they can't have registers over your spending habits or locations that way.
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Mariele Scherzinger 3 years ago
I was at an arts and crafts market in a Native American reservation once, and they only accepted cash. One of the sellers said that he can't afford to rent those credit card devices, the company's fees are too high. That explained a lot.
SuAlfons 3 years ago
With Covid, banking cards are accepted at nearly all places. But not all locations that accept banking cards accept credit cards! Our banking cards work in the whole of Germany and in many countries in the European Union (the Maestro system is about to be replaced soon, as Master Card and Visa would prefer you to use a credit card)
Radek Suski 3 years ago (edited)
Absolutely utter BS. I can pay with a credit card almost everywhere
Oskar vanZandt 3 years ago
Speaks to me and my philosophy on card vs cash payments. I always carry enough cash to pay for small purchases... (live in The UK where contactless payments are "the norm" in many places).
#15
Don’t ever use your phone while you are walking on the street or even while you are stuck in the middle of the traffic because you will get robbed. Also, pay special attention to motorcycles, if there are two people on one, there is a 95% chance they will take away your phone or purse.
- Sincerely, a Peruvian that hates her country
T'Mar of Vulcan 3 years ago
Don't keep your phone out on South Africa either. Someone will just stroll up, grab it out of your hand and keep walking.
Jackie Calisto 3 years ago
True and when driving in South Africa, make sure your belonging are in the boot of the car and/or not visible, you might just get smashed and grabbed.
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Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
True this, and not just in Perus. Any two peopl eon a motorbike is a warning sign, and *never* show where you keep your phone or wallet. That includes your native country (mine is the US).
JayWantsACat 3 years ago
You should probably be mindful in any big city. I see too many tourists here with expensive cameras hanging around their necks walking around with their phones out. You're making yourself a target and you will probably get robbed. Also, NEVER leave any visible items in your car. It WILL get broken into. Be smart about things, please.
S Mi 3 years ago
Always interesting to see what's 'normal' in various places. People certainly steal here (Canada), but for the most part reasonably busy streets are safe. Outdoor festival, leave most of your stuff (admittedly take wallet and phone) unattended to get food or go dance, no problem, for example. Or forget phone on a table at a restaurant. I'm sure it happens occasionally, but I've never had anything stolen in public that that. Just don't leave stuff visible in your car (again bigger city, western part of the country)
Performingyak 3 years ago
Same in Australia. There are areas where crime is higher, but I've never had issue yet wandering around with my phone in my pocket and wallet in my hand. Possibly just not the type to be targeted, but I generally am aware of my surroundings and rarely feel unsafe or the need to be wary.
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Marie-anne Sjöstedt 3 years ago
same in sweden sadly, one of mums girlfriends, a older one sat out and was in a call, suddenly a bike zooms right infront of her and just grab the phone out of her hand!
#16
I’m Colombia if you see the exact same motorcycle more than 2 times run.
Oskar vanZandt 3 years ago
I avoid travelling to countries that are advised against visiting by the UK government... plenty of places where danger doesn't lurk everywhere.
Riley Quinn 3 years ago
I'd warn most people that if they see a vehicle go thru a couple of times to take cover. Sure, it could be a lost driver, but it could also be a drive-by about to happen.
Philenzortia 3 years ago
No, just common thieves or murderer. FARC is no longer active anymore, however, we have other groups like that replacing las FARC 😢
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Daniel Escobar 3 years ago
I'm colombian and don't agree with this. By the way you are going to find thousands of motorcycles around as this is the main vehicle here.
Robert McKenzie 3 years ago
I am not sure I completely understand this, so I will avoid Colombia. Also, you cannot outrun a motorcycle of any brand.
Missi Boness 3 years ago
I think they're meaning to get somewhere safe quickly. Go down a side street or go into a building.
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Scott Baysinger 3 years ago
Very strange choice of lead photo! I hardly think thieves in a poor country ride pristine triumph cafe racers. Maybe more like: Untitled-1...67259c.jpg 
#17
In spite of the hilarious s**t you see in the news, you'll find most Americans do not feel comfortable talking about politics with outsiders and would much rather talk about the positive things about the US and will want to learn about your country too. The same goes for Americans visiting overseas, don't embarrass them by opening with "That Trump guy, eh? Hahahaha!" (yes, this happened to me).
Nenya 3 years ago
Well, this explains a lot! If that is how you guys are met, now I understand why most Americans I’ve met the last couple of years (in various countries, outside of US) answered my “Hello” with “I didn’t vote for Trump and I’m vaccinated”..
Karl Baxter 3 years ago
About 20 years ago, I met a couple of American fellas in a London pub and the first thing they said to me was “We think Dubya’s a d**k” . It was like they wanted that cleared up before we went any further even though I wasn’t going to bring it up - I grew up in N.Ireland where religion and politics were not discussed in pubs. What was sad was that they told me there was so much anti-US sentiment at the time, they pretended they were Canadian in order to avoid hassle.
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Cassi Lyris 3 years ago
It does suck that less than a third of the country has made all of us seem dumber to the rest of the planet simply by the virtue of the power of idiots in a group. 😥 Most of us are not stupid, belligerent, a$$holes. Granted, there's more around than we all want, and they've been emboldened by hanging around echo chambers, but really, most if us are innocuous at worst.
Limey 3 years ago
Only because the rest of you don’t vote. The dumb trumpers are not the majority but they vote and the sensible people don’t. “I am not political” shouldn’t mean “I don’t vote”. America is in this current pickle because of apathy at the ballot box and thinking “being political” is somehow shameful. (Brit living in the US >20 years now)
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Sue From Michigan 3 years ago
I'm perfectly comfortable talking about what a dangerous dunce Trump and his followers are.
Alexis Belesdan 3 years ago (edited)
I (German) met a nice guy from the USA in Tasmania in 2005 and when I left I told him "I hope you´re not one of the people who reelected that bloody G.W.Bush". He smiled awkwardly and said no. Little did I know that far worse and more stupid presidents were to be elected in the future.
Sensitive Issues 3 years ago
We feel the same, who know "W" would be considered a good guy in the future???
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Meilin Kai 3 years ago
Oh my gosh. Seriously... These past few years, every Asian country I've been to, someone brings up "You like Trump, right?" What? No. No, I don't. But I'm not going to bash my president or country, either, so if that is what you are angling for... Can we change the subject? "Ok. Why do you support guns?" Guns? I don't-- Look, I'm not discussing politics with you, ok? Next topic, please. "Ok, ok. I understand. (Pause) Why do Americans hate masks?" *sighs and pinches bridge of nose*
AliJanx 3 years ago
My answer is: I support my flag, I support those who serve in the military, and the OFFICE of the President. And leave it at that.
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ItsJess 3 years ago
We don't vote for the ones who are an embarrassment. But someone keeps doing it.
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Norm Tyler 3 years ago
Other Countries in this thread - "Wow! Your president [take your pick] sure sucks! amiright? heh heh." Also Other Countries in this thread - "Hey! Don't mention anything about Hitler or Apartheid or pretty much anything we'd prefer not to remember - it's rude!" My advice to all travelers: When visiting another country, you might be the only person from your country they'll ever meet. Be a good ambassador! You'll shape their opinions of your country - for better or worse.
BenMaharaj 3 years ago
News media in America magnify the negative to keep their audience glued to their TV sets so they’ll stay for the adds. Makes us look like a dumpster fire. This is not a bad place. I’ve rarely felt unsafe. I rarely talk politics and when people do they work hard to be polite. Most people in this country don’t even vote, that’s how distant we are from the political. A lot of people voted for Trump the first time because people tend to vote along party lines in this country. They didn’t buy MAGA hats or go down the Qnon rabbit hole. Of course things morphed over the next four years. Still it rarely touched your day to day.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I'd disagree with respect. About 1/3 of our eligible voters don't vote, whic isn't "most". Also, it does affect daily life, b/c if we ignore those local political races, we all end up with whatever a minority showed up to vote for (see: school board elections, judges, etc.). That said, yeah, I've only heard gunfire in the US when hunting, or when my idiot neighbor killed a harmless snake with a frigging handgun b/c he's one of the idiots of the world.
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#18
Spain, unless you're in a very touristic focus area you won't be able to eat in a restaurant at 12:00 or have dinner at 18:00 - 20:00.
We have lunch at 14:00 - 15:00 and dinner at 21:00 - 22:00. Also, don't expect people to speak English because the absolute majority of us do not.
Kel_how 3 years ago (edited)
Plaza de Chueca has an awesome Mexican restaurant! (Or did in 2012)
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Telmo Belo 3 years ago
You could at least try to let yourself be understood when you come to Portugal. We do the same for you... Don't just speak to us like we're native spanish. We're not
Irish woman abroad 3 years ago
Having lived here for over 30 years, I can tell you all younger people will have learned English in school, but mostly taught by non-native teachers, and so they are are mostly too embarrassed to speak English because they know their accent is strong or their fluency is poor. However, if you speak slowly to them, they will more than likely help you. This is not true for all places, but it's a sad reflection on the way English is taught in schools. And how shy the otherwise exuberant Spanish can be!
MARCOS FERNANDEZ ESPIN 3 years ago
"The absolute majority" is s bit of an exaggeration. We teachers of English are trying our best to fight that preconception. Funnily enough, your comment is in a rather good English, isn't it?
#19
I live in Korea. Off the top of my head:
People are going to touch / gently push / bump into you in public places, without saying anything like "excuse me" or the Korean equivalent - this is a crowded place, get used to it.
Small talk with clerks or whatever in public places is not expected and is downright strange.
You should always be extra deferential to elders, especially if you're young (say under 30) (giving them your seat on the subway, letting them cut the line, things like that).
People will ask you your age not because they're rude, but because in Korea it's important for establishing how they should address you when they speak.
Lotsa complicated rules for eating and drinking which I don't have time to go into here but would if someone was interested.
PDAs are frowned upon, even minor things like a long kiss.
Same-gender touching/hugging/holding hands is common, without there being any sort of homosexual connotation.
Men should avoid going shirtless in public, even when exercising or running or something like that (some guys even keep their shirts on at the beach, and not because they're overweight or something).
로희 3 years ago (edited)
I disagree about PDAs. You can easily find young couples do PDAs unabashedly in places like the park, entertainment districts, and even in subways. People might judge you for doing PDAs but for the most part they won't say or do anything about it and will look the other way. Do not tip waitstaff. There are cafes and restaurants that put a tip box at the cashier but it's not mandatory to give your money. Avoid talking in public transportations. If you must talk with your travel companion, do it discreetly. The other passengers won't hesitate to admonish you if you're deemed loud.
Michael Largey 3 years ago
People who "touch / gently push / bump into you in public places" are often pickpockets, no matter what country you're in.
Lee Kerr 3 years ago
Are you weirdo who got upset because joining several hundred people shuffling along outside Oxford Circus tube meant people kept bumping you?
Load More Replies... SCP 4666 3 years ago
How about speaking english? Can you get along with english only or better learn some korean?
BobTDG 3 years ago
Rule of thumb is learn the basics of the language wherever you go .
Load More Replies... Mimi M 3 years ago
And if someone doesn't want to respond to a request for their age - is there a polite way to do so?
XenoMurph 3 years ago
If it's the custom, give your age, or don't choose to go to a place where the customs will make you uncomfortable.
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Horst 3 years ago
I heard it’s also strange to give tips as waiters/waitresses are paid pretty good but I could be wrong on that.
Agfox 3 years ago (edited)
Like Japan, tipping is not necessary in South Korea & is usually considered rude. Disclaimer: that's been my experience, YMMV
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#20
In Morocco, make a point to stay at riads — townhouses with internal courtyards — whenever you can. They vary in price and room type (think: hostel dormitory to fancy and high-end). They are invariably unique, well decorated, and staffed by friendly helpful people. Most have a courtyard and roof terrace that offer a nice place to relax only a few meters from the chaos outside. Finding Riads can be a problem if it is your first trip to the medina, as they are often tucked down winding alleys, and some barely have a sign on their front door. Check a map before you arrive, and note down the name and address in case you need to ask people for help.
Cassi Lyris 3 years ago
Wow, a tip that's actually helpful and not a long winded gripe about outsiders. Thank you. I've always wanted to visit Morocco so I'll actually keep this in mind.
Rachel Terese Öz 3 years ago
Omg SO true! My first trip to Morocco even my Moroccan boyfriend couldn't find the riad. Also, if you like to drink like me, make sure you go to the carrefour bc there's no such a thing as a wine list. You're literally treated like a five year-old when they ask what kind of "juice" you want. Give me an f-ing break. I want a glass of wine with my tagine. Better go to Tunisia. It's much more relaxed.
Gourdeous 3 years ago
Road Najma highly recommended for their lovely plunge pool, wandering tortoises and a little dog that looked like a mop
John Dilligaf 3 years ago
i would absolutely love to have a home built around an inner courtyard with a small pool/fish pond and a fountain in it
Riley Quinn 3 years ago
I've always wanted to live in an apartment complex with an internal courtyard.
#21
Here are a few things visitors to Ireland should know.
If somebody buys you a drink you're expected to return the favor. As a visitor it's easier to avoid buying rounds if at all possible as the whole thing can be very complicated.
Outside of the cities, Irish people tend to say hello to others, regardless of whether they know them or not. Say hello back.
Most bars/pubs serve food in the cities. But it can be difficulty to decipher if there is table service, or if you're expected to order and pay at the bar. Sometimes it's just easier to ask as soon as you go in rather than waiting at a table. Irish people even get confused about this. There is no consistency.
Irish pedestrians do not wait for a green light before attempting to cross the road. If there is a gap in the traffic people will cross the road.
Security staff aka bouncers in pubs and bars generally will have a quick chat with people before they let them in. Just a quick hello, how are you. This is very true of people in larger groups. Stag party's and hen party's will not be allowed in to many bars outside of Temple Bar.
Do not drink anywhere in Temple Bar. It's unbelievably overpriced and there are much better and more traditional bars one or two streets away in all directions. Any pint costing more than €5/€5.50 is expensive. Anything over €6 is a rip off. Excluding craft beers.
We tend to drink our beers in pints. Irish people do not generally drink pints of Guinness in a night club. The quality is bad, stick to bottles in night clubs.
The best pint of Guinness is not served in the Guinness factory. (Try Mulligans, Brogans, Grogans, The Palace, Long Hall)
Bar staff do not expect a tip but if there is table service it is generally expected to let the waiter/waitress keep the change after buying a round of drinks. €1-€2. Tipping is expected for restaurant service.
People tend to tip taxi drivers, just a euro or two, not a lot. This isn't essential, but if your journey is short it is nice to tip the drivers.
Irish people have many many words for toilet. Jacks, bog, john, bathroom etc...
Irish people curse a lot in everyday f***ing sentences, ya bollix. Don't be offended.
If Irish people in your company start speaking Irish (Gaeilge) they are talking about you.
Our language is not called Gaelic, it's called Irish, or Gaeilge. Gaelic football is correct however.
Ireland is not part of the UK, it is part of the British Isles, but do not draw attention to that. Do not confuse Ireland as being a member of the UK. It's a touchy subject. We love the English really, but rarely admit it.
There are few rest-stops on our motorways. It is better now than in previous years, but if you need to use the bog then go before you leave on a long journey. Most of our cities are no more than 3 hours from Dublin, which is the centre of the universe, so the journeys are never too long.
Irish drivers do not use indicators. They are for decoration only. We are generally safe drivers however.
Buses and trains never leave on time. Do not believe the timetables. Download the official apps before arriving. The real-time information is somewhat reliable.
Michael Largey 3 years ago
One of my high schools students spent summer in Dublin on a work/study arrangement. Her job was in a pub. Since she was very innocent and protected, I warned her that in an Irish pub she's hear the f-bomb about every third word. When she came back, she told me I'd been wrong about that. "It was every third syllable", she explained.
Mat O'Dowd 3 years ago
Was also perplexed by this affirmation. Some have longer memory the others...
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RoanTheMad 3 years ago
And if an old woman offers you tea, biscuits or sandwhiches YOU SAY YES.
SGH 3 years ago
Say no thanks the 1st time she offers. When she asks again then accept.
Load More Replies... Karl Baxter 3 years ago
Just a wee point about Guinness. The best pint of Guinness in Ireland is to be found in Fealty’s Bar in Bangor, N.Ireland. However, if you can find a pub selling Murphy’s or Beamish stout, go for that instead - the former tastes better than Guinness and the latter is truly the blackest, most opaque drink ever with a lovely aftertaste. 😎
XenoMurph 3 years ago
"Better" is a matter of taste. I would put a decent pint of Guinness ahead of both of them, but they are a close 2nd and 3rd. And head and shoulders above any stout poured in Britain. Though a good British ale is VERY good. (Sneck Lifter from Jennings)
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Iampenny 3 years ago
Regarding toilets (Jacks, bog, john, bathroom etc...) Be carfeful choosing the right one, often the signs don't say Ladies / Gents, but are written in Irish, (Mná / Fir). Non-Irish people often mistakenly assume Mná = Males and Fir = Females due to the first letter of each word, but it's actually the other way round.
Suby 3 years ago
That is the most useful comments I have read in a long time.
Load More Replies... D. Pitbull 3 years ago
Okay, so I'm not crazy. I had to determine (was conducting a survey) where the person had their family roots (ethnicity/ancestral heritage, etc, etc). She said "Ireland" which of course was not on the list... and the damn list didn't have a space for me to type in a place not listed... so I picked what I thought was correct.. and asked "Erm... so the British Isles then?" and she exclaimed in offense like I'd defecated on her fine china or something... "ExcUUSE ME? I THINK NOT". Sigh.
#22
If your are going to Argentina and hear someone asking for the time, just ignore them or run really fast. You're most probably going to get mugged.
Vier WB 3 years ago (edited)
Well as an Englishman, I'm obliged to tell them the time! One couldn't be so rude as to ignore them!
Riley Quinn 3 years ago
Perhaps you could shout the time to them as you run for your life.
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Maxigrod 3 years ago
Argentinean here, yes and no with this one. It's kind of true in big cities and if you are in a sketchy part of the town. I will say if you came here you have to expect random people talk to you and ask things from your country, also here when we greet someone we will kiss you one time in the cheek no matter if you are a man o woman (unless is something formal, but even then), we speak english, but not everyone so know some basic spanish will help you. And please visit more places than Buenos Aires, the nature here is crazy beautiful!
Noodle 3 years ago
Huh, weird. I’m small town American and everyone who asks for the time truly wishes to know.
Rob 3 years ago
Yeah weird... in different parts of the world people can be different.
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Hilary Mol 3 years ago
This must be city- or site-specific, because when I lived there I never had this happen to me (or heard of it happening to anybody I knew).
Djoarhet 3 years ago
Went to Argentina, almost got robbed our first day in Buenos Aires. Some odd couple trying to distract us with asking directions. Luckily we caught on just in time.
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genevieve.delangie 3 years ago (edited)
just say “it’s timeeee… for you to get a watch” and run fast!!
Bob La Capra 3 years ago (edited)
I wonder what would happen if instead of immediately checking the time you punch the (potential) mugger in the nose first. *Whack* "It's half past four."
Nadia D 3 years ago
And they turn to be a fellow innocent traveller who just lost his watch:)
Load More Replies... #23
India - if you ain't from there, make sure you negotiate the price before agreeing to a service or purchasing an item because dual pricing is a thing...
Nea 3 years ago
Just returned from visiting a local spot- Agha Khan palace. Was so happy to pay INR 25 as a local vs INR 300 the lady in front of me paid. Guess thats our way or reparations fir colonisation. On a serious note, yes it is a real thing at all touristy places.
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Brendan 3 years ago
I hate these transactions! When I visited Marrakesh, I had to haggle for every little thing. I just want to pay and leave!
Lucas 3 years ago
'Burt, this bloke won't haggle'. - Won't haggle? (Life of Brian)
Load More Replies... Tess 3 years ago
My trip to India taught me haggling skills that will last a lifetime. Australian shop owners were not as impressed with them upon my return. To be fair it becomes automatic in such a relatively short time, and kinda forgot that it's not normal here. Same as bowing to everyone after returning from Japan. It has been years since I last visited, yet I still have a habit of doing without thinking.
S Mi 3 years ago
I sometimes think this is fine. When my income is significantly higher on average than a place I visit, especially. As long as the product or service isn't being misrepresented, I can pay what is fair based on what I'd expect to pay other places, even if it's more than locals.
Madeleine 3 years ago
I don’t mind paying more than locals sometimes, but another thing I encountered in India (I spent a semester there) was drivers who will make up stories about the hotel or whatnot you ask to go being burned down, closed, etc., and wanting to take you to another place because they get kickbacks from it. It wasn’t a real problem for us, though – just be firm but polite that you only want to go to your destination.
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Celtic Pirate Queen 3 years ago (edited)
Same in Mexico. I got a really cool tooled leather belt for about $2 (US) after talking him down from $40
Suby 3 years ago
When I took Spanish classes in Mexico, we actually got a lesson on how to haggle, including typical dialogues. Then we had to go to the market and had to try it. I'm German, and I was just 22 back then, and it made me extremely uncomfortable. (How dare I tell the vendor that his merchandise is worth only a fraction of what he expects, therefore low quality? - That's how it would look in Germany.) But it worked, and we all came back proudly with our treasures.
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Warrior Mama 3 years ago
I sometimes see these recommendations to haggle, but I don't have any idea how to do it. Like, if someone tells you the cost of something, what comes next? A frown? Put your wallet away and turn around? Name a different number that you'd rather pay? And how do you know what the "right" price is?
Suby 3 years ago
You're supposed to look at it regretfully and say that it's nice, but you don't have that kind of money, and the most you could pay is xyz (much lower amount than it's worth). Then the vendor goes down a bit, you go up a bit, and so forth, until you meet in the middle. At least that's how it worked in Mexico when I went to the markets.
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Juliette Dauterive 3 years ago
And make sure you watch them wrap your item and hand it to you. I got home and found I’d been given a damaged sculpture.
John Paul Morrison 3 years ago
When we lived in Costa Rica, if the price was not listed, we did not buy it. Local price and gringo price are not the same.
Lacia Lew 3 years ago (edited)
This is also true in Indonesia. Especially in Bali: if you don't haggle the souvenirs in local marketplace half down of its initial offer, you are definitely being scammed. This also goes for local domestic tourists after all. Of course, this doesn't fly in those big souvenir stores, since they have fixed prices.
#24
If you are female going to Saudi Arabia, make sure to dress as the locals there, because I want guarantee your safety tbh.
Mariele Scherzinger 3 years ago
Being a single female traveller, there are a lot of countries I don't even consider visiting, Saudi Arabia being one of them.
KnightOwl 3 years ago
I will never visit a country that treats it's people so poorly and I have 0 interest in going to any country where women are second class citizens and expected to just accept it, if i can't walk down a street safely without a male to escort me I have no interest in visiting ever.
Thee8thsense 3 years ago
I was in Morocco back in 1995, and was harassed daily. One man offered my husband 40 camels in exchange for me. I finally purchased and wore some of the local attire of the females, and was able to blend in.
Coryn Hope 3 years ago
Personally, I think citizens of a country that values a lump of cells over the safety und health of women and thinks the unwanted offspring of a rape has more rights than the raped child itself need to stop pointing fingers, just saying.
Sue From Michigan 3 years ago
I'm not spending any of my money in countries like Saudi Arabia.
#25
In Hong Kong, everyone walks very fast and have stern face as default. Don't be texting on the road or blocking the way, because there might be a poor guy hurrying to go to work.
Always bring a jacket, cause our air-conditioning in shopping mall is very cold.
When you arrive, make sure your vaccine status right and you are negative for COVID.
For that LeaveHome Safe apps, if you dine in, please use it (I hate to say this) because the restaurant will be in BIG trouble if they don't obey to aid such treacherous surveillance, particularly those with a pro-democratic or even just pro-HK people stance.
PS: Our government sucks, and don't blame us, we don't elect them. If you see police on street, stop and search you without reason, speak English or whatever non-Cantonese, they cannot handle it, and if you speak Mandarin, to my best knowledge, they will let you go easily.
Potato Panda 3 years ago
Yep. I can confirm that this is all true. But seriously, HK takes the LeaveHomeSafe thing very seriously and won't let you in if you are not able to scan the QR codes.
sleepy bean shaped bugcat 3 years ago
As a Hongkonger I can also confirm, but will make it more specific. Traditional Chinese Restaurants won't exactly care since there is a large number of diners and not always is there sb to check the color of the vaccine QR code Most restaurants will check and are reasonable since there is an intermission period where at the time you may enter the premise despite not getting the required amount of shots. This is only applicable to those under 18 and are yet to take the next dose. High-end restaurants and Starbucks take this extremely serious, and will deny you entry if the vaccine QR code scanner wails loudly. I was almost denied entry from a Starbucks once for not getting enough shots(I'm <18) Also it is mandatory to scan the LeaveHomeSafe when you enter malls, but this action is only for your records in case you get COVID
Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
During the riots, my friends from Taiwan were terrified to be heard speaking Mandarin.
Zipporah Panhelion 3 years ago
The walking thing is not true. Hong Kongers walk slowly, stop randomly, block the street, stare at their phones and have no idea what’s happening around them, etc. They’d be flattened in London. All the locals passionately believe that everyone there walks “so fast” though.
Robert McKenzie 3 years ago
VERY different to my last visits, apart from the crowds and the haste. Loved it heaps then, but don't want to go back there now.
#26
If you are going to France, don't stay in Paris. Try to visit other places in the country.
Paris is horrible even for French people. People are kind of rude there and there are so many scammers and thieves waiting for tourists. Stay like a day or two there to visit some famous places.
You will see while traveling that France has some beautiful places outside Paris, like the "Côtes de Granite rose" in Brittany, many mountain ranges like the Alps, the Pyrenees or The Central Massif (to cite the biggest ones), the Auvergne's Volcanoes, the "Calanques" in the South and even other beautiful big cities.
France is quite a small country compared to the US for example. You can easily travel across the country in less than a day with trains or planes. Even with a car it would take you around a full day.
Yes some people will only speak French, but they are very friendly and willing to help you out. If you visit some well-known places in the "countryside", there will be people talking at least English. Don't worry!
RedPepper 3 years ago
As a Parisian, I agree that Paris is not France. There are a lot of lovely cities within one hour of train of Paris. You can easily make the trip in a day.
DJR 3 years ago
I would hate for someone to visit Washington DC and feel like they visited the US.
Load More Replies... The Queen Of Upper Butt Crack 3 years ago
I took my son to Paris, D Day Beaches, Mont St Michel, Versailles just before Covid and it was wonderful. We enjoyed it so much we went back last March, Paris and the South of France. We found the people in Paris friendly and helpful. We asked for directions many times, once a gentleman even walked us to our destination. Found the touts easily avoidable.
gerard julien 3 years ago (edited)
" France is quite a small country compared to the US " yes but also the largest country in the european Union. France is slightly smaller than Texas. From North to South it's a nine hour drive.
Robert McKenzie 3 years ago
MY experience in Paris was the exact opposite! With the exception of one venue, we were welcomed in every bar, cafe, restaurant, etc where we made the effort to speak French at least at the start. In several cases we were amazed at the vendor's generosity in providing extra wine and snacks unasked. I think that, like all other people, they respond positively if that is how you appear to them!
pebs 3 years ago
I have traveled several times to France, a beautiful country, and met very nice people. However, despite everyone's warnings, I must say that even in Paris I have always found very nice people, even if I happened to ask a pedestrian for directions. It must have been a miracle! :)
Plume 3 years ago
Haven't had any serious problems in Paris in all the decades I lived in France, but I can sympathize with the disappointment a lot of people must feel while visiting... It's very loud, dirty and unsafe in many neighborhoods. I'd advise to know where you're going and how to get there, and try taking the bus rather than always the metro (especially the 95, where you can see just about everything, from Montparnasse Station).
Mariele Scherzinger 3 years ago
Even French people say that Parisians are rude. I've had similar experiences in Berlin. Also in New York, for example. It's proabably a city thing, as practically everyone around you is a stranger, so what does it matter if you're being rude to them.
Lee Kerr 3 years ago
When I first visited Paris, in the 80s, assistants in the big stores were rude but it’s been less of an issue the last 30 years. I’ve never found Germans to be particularly rude, at least in Berlin and Hamburg. Same with the cities I’ve visited in the US; maybe it’s to do with expectations?
Load More Replies... Cassi Lyris 3 years ago
"People are kind of rude" in Paris is the understatement of the century...
#27
When coming to Slovakia, these tips might come in handy:
Bring some cash. Not all places and tourist sites you come to accept cards. Also, stay clear of Euronet cash machines, and verify the exchange offices on internet. You want good exchange rate.
Also, be ready to use a translating app on your phone when you need an assistance in a shop. Most of people here don't understand English language, and you'd be lucky to find a person who understands English language. Just last week, I went to buy some nicotine pouches, and there was a guy who wanted something from the cashier, but she didn't understand. So, I had to step in, and help them understand each other.
Some people here are rude. Some are not. You will know them when you run into them. Just don't act like a self-righteous prick, and you will be alright. Because when you argue with Slovakians, you are sure to get s**t thrown your way (not literally).
Be careful with the alcohol. Bars and restaurants are expensive, so when you come here with your mates to get drunk, just buy the liquor of your choice in a shop. It's way cheaper that way, and almost as cheap as Czech alcohol.
If you are coming here for adult entertainment, you better not. Some of the brothels are owned by mafia, so if you don't want trouble with them, just stay away. Strip clubs are also rare.
If you are homosexual, be closeted about it. Don't show it, don't talk about it. Just pretend that you are two friends of the same sex on a trip. This country is still largely homophobic (which is a shame), and even in the big cities like Kosice, Nitra, and Bratislava, you might get physically or verbally assaulted for that.
If you are indeed considering going to a bar, be careful. There are "bar streets" in each big city, but regardless of the size, if you give someone the wrong look, you will get your s**t kicked in by drunks. If you are a foreigner who doesn't understand Slovak language on some level, stay clear of pubs in villages, because local drunks are usually older people who hate foreigners (and usually are also racist on some level).
We have a sh**ton of historical sites, and beautiful nature. Give especially the caves a try, you won't regret it. However, a lot of tourists get lost in our forests, or die in the hills, because they are underequipped and unprepared. I have seen a few tourists in High Tatras with flip flops. It's dangerous to go hiking without the right shoes. I mean, I did go nearly to one of the highest peaks of High Tatras in Converse shoes, but that was because I spent a lot of time hiking through my entire life, and I had to throw them away after we came down because they got absolutely destroyed on the way down.
Lara Verne 3 years ago
This might be a little exaggerated. I know Slovakia quite well, and a lot of people ( at least people younger than 50yo) usually understand English. Problem is, they might not undestand it as well as native speaker or understand every slang word you use. Also, all Slovakians are not so racist, homophobic, and violent.
Dizavid 3 years ago (edited)
"If you are homosexual, be closeted about it. Don't show it, don't talk about it. Just pretend that you are two friends of the same sex on a trip. This country is still largely homophobic (which is a shame), and even in the big cities like Kosice, Nitra, and Bratislava, you might get physically or verbally assaulted for that." Nowhere is that worth visiting.
Alexis Belesdan 3 years ago
I travelled from Vienna to Bratislava, Low Tatra, High Tatra and then on to Poland (Auschwitz) last year. I didn´t see the high mountains at all because it was very cloudy, but i liked the country and the language a lot.
Peter Kleinedler 3 years ago
I’m Slovak living in Bratislava and I disagree about most of mentioned here. I don’t think it’s so horrible. 🌈🍻
georgios pahatouridis 2 years ago
I am greek, visited slovakia and non of there is true. At least not even remotely true for myself.
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georgios pahatouridis 2 years ago
I think the OP is overeacting. I ve been twice and non of these applied, not even remotely. Probably the OP has problems being in their country as well.
Jessica J. 3 years ago
I wish people would respect nature wherever they go, because she can kill you in an instant. Another hiker here just died after falling 100 feet...just 54 years old...got too close to the edge.
#28
South Africa - be aware of your surroundings when you are out exploring. Unfortunately, crime is common. Keep a close eye on your pockets and don’t walk around at night.
T'Mar of Vulcan 3 years ago
Don't drive around with your handbag (purse) on the seat next to you. Someone at a robot (traffic light) will smash your window and steal it.
Colleen Figg 3 years ago
Ja, with a spark plug. Don't walk around with your phone either as you said earlier..
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Limey 3 years ago
And women need to know that South Africa has the highest rate of sexual assault by a considerable margin than most other countries.
Dizavid 3 years ago
Tbh that needs to be an actual entry on this list and much, MUCH higher.
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Markus It/He/E 3 years ago
My maths teacher is from South Africa. She was once in a bank robbing (as in, she was in the bank whilst it was being robbed, not one of the culprits lol)
#29
When visiting Cape Town, make sure to carefully check the weather conditions at Table Mountain. Different conditions like wind and fog affect when it's open. It may appear like a totally fine day in the city, yet the mountain could be closed because of high winds on the cable car. If you are there for a short trip, visit Table Mountain at your first opportunity.
T'Mar of Vulcan 3 years ago
Also, take a jersey (jumper/sweater/cardigan - to us all those are just jerseys). Even if it's hot AF at the bottom of the mountain, it's hecking windy and cold at the top. The view is awesome though.
Neill Powell 3 years ago
Nevermind that, Cape Town and the surrounding municipalities can vary like day and night in their weather. Gordon's Bay is where the Cape says "The wind is made", but a mere 30Km north it can be hot and tranquil. Pack for all seasons, during all seasons.
Load More Replies... Dizavid 3 years ago
I googled it and was surprised I too had it right. (For Americans like myself, getting geography right always feels like when cold medicine first tingles. Now you know!)
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Colleen Figg 3 years ago
And don't bloody go haring up that mountain if you (a) are not an experienced hiker, (b) have not carefully considered the weather and (c) are not in a group. Speaking as a South African. So sick of tourists underestimating that mountain and overestimating their own capabilities.
Lord Mysticlaw 3 years ago
I learned this the hard way and I'm a local(ish) – drove an hour to find out it's closed because of weather 🤣
#30
In Paris :
Wear f***ing pants. I'm looking at you, Americans. If you wear shorts, you're either a kid or a skateboarder, or you're at the beach. Newsflash, there are no beaches in Paris.
People work here, they have no time for your questions. If you ask something to a random guy in the street, he won't answer. That's not you, that's also the case between them. If you press the issue, he's definitely going you the wrong directions.
If no cars are coming, just cross the street. If you wait by the side of the street for the little guy to be green and no cars are coming either way, you're just in the way. Move along.
If you stand on the escalators, keep right. If you don't, you're gonna get yelled at.
Don't go to the Champs Elysees on new years eve. You're gonna get robbed and/or find yourself in the middle of a fight between Police and drunk youths.
Johnny 3 years ago
Despite this poster's rant, I found the people of Paris to be friendly, when I tried to speak my poor french, they'd invariable speak excellent English to me. People that live there understand that they live in a tourist area, I was on a street corner studying a map with my elderly mother in law and a businessman walking by asked where we were going and said that our destination was on his way to work and to follow him there.
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RedPepper 3 years ago
Parisians actually do wear shorts in summer. I've never seen someone yelled at for standing on the left side of escalators, the worst you can get is nasty looks. If you have questions, just don't ask a person walking fast and looking straight ahead, they're most probably in a hurry. Ask a person who's strolling and looking around them. Don't go to the Champs-Elysées, period. Even Parisians avoid this hell on earth.
Jiminy 3 years ago (edited)
Agreed. I was in Paris in September, there were lots of people wearing shorts...
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Anaïs Delage 3 years ago
PARISIAN HERE : wear whatever the f***ck you want (but if you wear berets/ or you go out in full make up, dresses, heels and laches, we wil KNOW you're a tourists but we don't care that much, you do you). Parisian girls dress semi-casual all the time : at work, in clubs, in bars = same sh*t. Aso, you can ask for directions, ask young generations, we speack english and we are more open. ;) But yeah : PRETTY PLEASE keep your right on the escalators, and walk fast on the metro, like, come on please, we have things to do ! ;) And dont mind parisian waitors, there's assh*oles to everyone. Avoid at all cost restaurants with tailored waitors. If you don"t you'll pay soooo much more for less quality and poor service! For the Champs Elysees things, yeah, please don't go on any official holiday (new years eve, 14 of july etc) too much people, crowed
gerard julien 3 years ago
"wear pants" : completely false !! " people have no time for your question " : generalisation ! !
Marley Marl 3 years ago
The person who wrote that should say they don't have time for your questions and want us to wear shorts.
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Shayne Randlett 3 years ago
Sound like this one was written by someone who didn't enjoy his time in France and is still salty about it.
SCamp 3 years ago
Just spent 5 days there and experienced none of what is said here
Load More Replies... T'Mar of Vulcan 3 years ago
I loved Paris. Encountered no rude people. Also, being South African, kept a grip on my belongings at all times and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Stephanie Did It 3 years ago
I visited in the 1960s. It seemed nice then. I remember the ice cream vendors and how delicious it was. There is no bread on earth to compare with a French baguette. The countryside was still pretty and that's the image of France I prefer to keep!
Sans Serif 3 years ago
My experiences as well! Still dream of the baguettes and the smell from the boulangeries in early morning!
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#31
Cities are boring and ugly, but geography is awesome... Chile
#32
Thailand
When you meet someone you have not seen for a while , they will make a comment about your weight .. Heavier or Skinner .. they're not trying to be offensive .. it's just how they are ..
We're pretty much the least homophobic place on earth, two dude who are straight like to make gay lover jokes to each other.
You can pay the policemen to get out of minor traffic stuff.
Feet are consider very dirty .. and head is very important .. don't mix them up, ie : don't put your shoes on any shelve that's taller than your head.
You don't have to tip a lot when dine out.
If you're a tourist .. expect to pay way more than local when buying something .. a lot of business charges 3x the amount of service for tourist especially westerners. Bring a local with you to haggle!
Tenacious Squirrel 3 years ago
I love this first point, it now finally makes sense why my previous masseuse (who was Thai) once told me I was getting fat since she’d last seen me. I didn’t quite know what to say and it gave me a bit of a complex!
Meilin Kai 3 years ago
Also... don't think that you can speak Mandarin, Arabic, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Russian, or German instead of English or Thai so that the vendors don't know what you're saying. It's like they are all major polyglots. I think they speak every language...or at least can haggle in every language. It's amazing.
#33
Avoid 'harbour cruises'. Instead, take a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Watson's Bay or Manly. Great harbour experience and quite cheap. Sydney Harbout Bridge climb - very expensive but 100% worth it. Go at dawn or dusk I hope for you it stops raining by the time you get here.
#34
All Canadians really aren't polite. I don't know how we got that stereotype but people can be friendly, but they can also tell you to f**k off lmao.
TheEndIsNigh🇨🇦and🇬🇧in🇺🇲 3 years ago
This! And we don't always say "Eh" or "Sorry." You're as likely to get the finger as you are to get a "How're ya now?" or "How're you going?" Same as anywhere else lol. 😁
Lu 3 years ago
A lot of the politeness is built into the social norms, like saying “sorry”. Doesn’t mean you always mean it, but it’s just said.
Hey! 3 years ago
Like when I say "sorry" to my furniture when I bump into them. LOL.
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Dariusz M. D. 3 years ago
As a foreigner living in Canada for close to thirty years, I must say Canadians are really polite and helpful but pretty superficial. I was never told f**k off when asking for help. Perhaps I was just lucky.
#35
Smoking weed in public/on the streets is not liked . Smokers that are native in the Netherlands have a moral code! - Don't smoke in shopping/general people walking streets. - Don't smoke where kids are (playground, schoolgrounds etc) - Smoke at home or a public park. - Try not to blow out your smoke into other people faces - You may stink, so wind your self out / use spray. - You don't need to say directly how stoned you are in public. - Don't be that over confidences tourist if you never smoke, get some sugary drinks/foods. So your body will turn bit normal.
#36
Israel. If you seem like a tourist you will get scammed by literally every person you meet (not regular people, but taxi drivers or independent service workers like in the market). Which sucks because when you don't speak our language you 100% seem like a tourist so there's no way to hide.
Alex Kaufman 3 years ago
I lived in Israel for six years this happened to me before I learned Hebrew and Arabic. It was worse than most countries I've travelled too.
David H 3 years ago
I saw worse is France, Israel has a culture where you are expected to haggle, because that is central in both Jewish and Arab cultures. But most people will not scam you. The Taxi's try to cheat you, yes, but get the price from central dispatch and advance and get it texted to you, and they driver can't try to mark it up. And most people speak English there to a degree.
TheEndIsNigh🇨🇦and🇬🇧in🇺🇲 3 years ago
When we visited, there were quite a few people in Isreal that spoke French and Russian so I spoke French, but many also spoke some English. All in all, we had a good experience, ate some really good food (my favorite part of travel 🙂) and saw some really cool stuff.
Cool_Alien 3 years ago
On the one hand, of course no one likes to get scammed/ taken advantage of. And if we're talking considerable amounts, it's something to look out for. On the other hand, I've been living in Ecuador for the past 12 years, and I find it funny how foreigners will freak out over paying 50 cents more. True, it's never fun being discriminated against. Yet, considering that the extra 1/2 dollar the tourist is angry about could just as well have been lost in their seat cushions while for the vendor, it's transportation $ for 2 days...
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I have an uncle who regularly travels to that area, and even tho' he speaks Hebrew, let's just say he finds Israel his least favorite destination for his job.
#37
Poland here. Don't smile at strangers and don't try to make small talk in public spaces. If you do, we'll assume there's something wrong with you.
Karl Baxter 3 years ago
Really? I work with several Polish women and they’re among the friendliest and chattiest people I know 🙂
Cherry M 3 years ago (edited)
Totally not true. I don’t know where the person comes from or who their friends are, but I (from Warsaw) often had little chats with random people on the bus stop/in the line/in the tram/wherever. People will complain together about the bus running late, compliment your shoes/hairstyle/etc., make jokes about the surroundings all the time.
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Dariusz M. D. 3 years ago
Looking somber and slightly pissed seems to a default look in Poland... until you start talking to them. Then they turn into chatty, friendly and funny fellows.
René Sauer 3 years ago
*lol* i worked with a polish guy for a while. nice bloke overall, but every third word he said was kurva. google it ^^
#38
From Costa Rica! Most of us are really polite, friendly and approachable people, that doesn’t mean you can’t get mugged. Be careful! Also don’t smoke here, we have a lot of laws against smoking in public and we have really good air, don’t come to contaminate it! Yes some people do smoke, but not in restaurants, bus stops, sidewalks, etc. Honestly I don’t know if there is a place where smokers can go! Just don’t do it! Is disgusting! I was in Europe a couple of months ago and God I was shocked. Everyone smokes. I was sooo happy when I came back!
#39
Its in the South East Asia, meaning there are no blacks (Africans/African descent) but most people tend to have slightly darker skin tone, that's why if you're black, they might call you the n word, but they're not being offensive, most of them just don't know that the n word is considered offensive
#40
My biggest regret about my time in Hong Kong was not discovering how amazing the New Territories are until just before I moved back home. Tai Long Wan and it's neighboring stretches are maybe the most incredible beaches I've ever been to, in part because of how empty they are. The neighborhoods up there have nice local markets and restaurants with interesting transportation options and phenomenal hiking. I was always concerned with not being able to get where I wanted to go or possibly being stuck and having to camp (which isn't the worst thing in the world and is fun in it's own right) so I put off going north for far too long. Also: karaoke. If you don't speak Cantonese it will all sound amazing to you.
Sue Bradley 3 years ago
Was a long time ago but I lived in the New Territories - a wonderful experience. Best memory catching a train that came from China to Tai Po, the train was like those in an old western film, had to haul ourselves up to get on, it was then bursting with people carrying their livestock - mainly chickens - either by their feet or in crates. Then the contrast of the more modern station/life in Tai Po X
Mrs S 3 years ago
I have seen these types of transportation (!) on TV. It never ceases to amaze how adaptable humans are.
Load More Replies... #41
Brazil's northeast has the best beaches in the world. White thin sand, warm waters, the beaches are not very wide (you don't need to walk a mile to reach the sea) and it is hot al year long, easy access by car and usually cheap restaurants around. No other place in the world has beaches that congregates so many great things. Some places in the southeast have also great beaches, but the northeast has the best.
Most of the beaches all over the world have problems, maybe they have rocks and you need to use those special shoes, some are very cold and you can only really enjoy them during summer, some have a type of sand that is yellow and thick, not so good, some have a really difficult access, some are deserted.
Really... nothing beats the northeast of Brazil for beaches.
ojjunior 3 years ago
Probably a local wrote that... Except for the fact foreigners pay 20x the regular price for everything just because. Also nowhere in Brazil Northeast region is safe at all for tourists. Even Brazilians avoid going there. Oh! Same for Rio. You will get scammed anywhere, of not robbed.
Ponyo (they/them) 3 years ago
totally not true. brasil is pretty safe if you follow these rules. be nice, don’t talk to strangers, know the wildlife, understand the currency, and use common sense. basically the same for anywhere else. latin america is not as bad as the somewhat racist narcos tv dramas make it seem lol.
Load More Replies...
Kellie Whyte 3 years ago
Sorry but Australia is the best. We constantly win the award for whitest sand in the world.
Mrs S 3 years ago
I have only been to Hawaii, as far as the South Pacific goes, and it was so wonderful. I stayed with friends, who showed me the real islands and the best local dining, both casual and upscale. I made one of those books that you compose online and it never fails to make me smile!
#42
I think for the US, people should definitely know a couple things:
Tipping in restaurants isn’t just polite, it is expected/basically required and if you don’t tip, you will most likely be treated very poorly if you go back. It’s not just extra money, but it is a very f’ed up system where waitstaff are paid drastically under the minimums and it is expected that they make their money through tips. This is also way most waiters in the US are aggressively friendly and come to check on you ever five minutes and will rush you out at the end of the meal: they need you to like them so you’ll give them a big tip and they need to turn tables quickly to get more customers. Generally you’re expected to pay 10-20% of the bill as a tip. This exact expected percentage could be a bit different now, I don’t live in the US anymore. Also, water is free in American restaurants.
Americans are generally very outwardly friendly. This is more true for some parts of the country than it is for others, but, they will smile at you on the street, say hello, or even start a brief conversation with you. If you do not return these, you will generally be seen as rude and they will get offended. Also, when an American asks “how are you”, you should generally assume it’s just a greeting. The proper response is “Fine, thanks. How are you?” Obviously if they are your friends or family, you can actually go in to detail talking to them, but if you start telling the cashier at Walmart about your recent divorce and grandma’s death weighing down on your spirits after they ask that, you will get met with a very distrusting look.
Things are sometimes very far apart in the US. Even short distances, though, are usually not walkable because there is no infrastructure for walking somewhere. And in most places, there is no safe, reliable public transit system. And walking around after dark, depending on where you are, is incredibly dangerous.
America is incredibly conservative and prudish. They will not take kindly to you if you are openly using bad language in public or are wearing clothing that is too revealing. You have to remember, the US was founded by religious fanatics. Also, they have a lot of laws regarding alcohol. For starters: no one under 21 can drink. I know in some countries it is seen as the parents decision, whether they let their kid take a taste. Not in the US. They are very strict about this and if you get caught drinking under 21, you will go to jail. If you get caught giving alcohol to someone under 21, you will go to jail. Also, if you are drunk in public or are caught drinking alcohol in public, you will go to jail.
J 3 years ago
A lot of this is not true where I’m from. Like they said, the USA is HUGE. There are drastically different cultures and habits/behaviors depending on which part you visit. I read a lot about how people claim the states are but they’re often stereotypes that are specific to certain areas, but then people don’t specify which places are like that. Don’t be chased away from the entire country, places that aren’t like this DO exist!
Frank Hassler 3 years ago
So many thing wrong here. Tipping is 15% MINIMUM for poor service, tipping is their wages. I usually tip 20%, more if service is very good. Yes big country, long way between things but all large cities and many medium cities have good public transit, at least the city centers do, suburbs are hit or miss. Very few places are dangerous at all after dark. There are bad neighborhoods in cities that you might need to avoid, ask the locals. Nobody cares if you are wearing revealing clothing except maybe some Bible-thumpers down south. But even then most people have a live and let live attitude. Drinking in pubic is totally legal, and since I live in a collage town I can assure you simply being drunk in public will not get you thrown in jail.
Meilin Kai 3 years ago
I'm from the northeast (USA). I travelled down to "the South" for work and it was major culture shock. My mom called me and asked how it was. I told her everyone was "suspiciously friendly." It made me feel like they wanted something from me, but actually, for the most part, it was people sincerely trying to be "polite" through friendliness. In my hometown, "being polite" means minding your own business and respecting other people's privacy by ignoring them unless they ask you a direct question. Different. So if you travel, like Amy Singleton said, research before you go. It will help a lot with understanding the people and why they do what they do.
Shroooomy 3 years ago
Similar thing moving from the DC area to Utah XD. I can be naturally suspicious of that sort of friendliness and it took me a little bit to get used to.
Load More Replies... TheEndIsNigh🇨🇦and🇬🇧in🇺🇲 3 years ago
As a person who moved to the US, I would say only some of this is true. Yes, the tipping thing. Truly aggravating, as I feel it is the greatest scam to make the customers, & not the employer, responsible for their servers getting decent wages. Some "Americans" are outwardly friendly, and some aren't. Huge misconception that Americans just talk to everyone on the street. Not sure where the OP lives but even in a supposedly conservative "red state" like Texas, most people really aren't that conservative or prude. The cursing/skin showing things is a total farse. Yes, there are liquor laws, but they are not always super strict. When I was still under 21, I got busted at a party. The cops made us pour out our drinks and go to our dorm.
cb !!! 3 years ago
As someone who's traveled all around the US, I can safely say that most of this is true, but of course culture changes depending. A state that I had a downright lovely time visiting was Vermont! Very friendly people, beautiful scenery, and in the winter you feel like you're in a Christmas movie!
Jane Petersen 3 years ago
Drinking in public is expected in some places, such as New Orleans and Las Vegas. As some posted, it is a HUGE country, and we are made up of many Indigenous tribes and immigrant populations. We all have our ways. Places like the "Bible Belt" and most of the Southern US are very rigid and right-wing. Big Country.
Shroooomy 3 years ago
It really depends on where you are in the USA. Each part has very different historical stuff due to how our country grew. West has pioneer and settler stuff. East coast has revolutionary and civil war stuff. In some places (generally rural places) you'll find gun culture where guns are very normal (if cops can't show up to ur house fast at all and everybody else owns a gun you're gonna have one too).
#43
We are known to have cheap food (not the main reason). While that may be true in the main part of the country. About the rest of it nah man get ready to pay 200$ for a entire one for of spaghetti. (Greece)
Nea 3 years ago (edited)
We went to Greece for honeymoon and found as if the country wanted to recover their economy through us. Eating ws extremely expensive. And I had been to Norway, Finland before so i know what expensive tourism means.
Ele V 3 years ago
Has nothing to do with the economic crisis they went through. Athens has always been that way
Load More Replies... What do you think ?
LilliVB 3 years ago
In Italy avoid the touristic area of cities to eat. The restaurants are mostly touristic traps where the food is overpriced and overall not really good. Move a few hundreds meters away and you can find places where the food is more affordable and absolutely more tasteful. Also do not expect to find the same food from north to south (except maybe pizza). Our traditional cuisine varies a lot depending on regions, you won't find carbonara in Milan, or tortellini in brodo in Sicily. If you don't know what to eat, ask the waiter/waitress. They will help you gladly. Eating time in restaurants is mostly from 12.30 for lunch and from 7.30 for dinner. You can't find places with the kitchen open before. Do not expect everyone speaking English. In touristic areas is more common, but overall not so much. Try to speak few sentences in Italian, and we are going to try to help you as much as we can.
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
Can confirm that if you want actual Italian cuisine you need to venture out of the touristy places. Can also confirm that the majority of Italians are very welcoming even if you're like me and completely butcher the language. The only thing that I'll add is that as a tourist you should plan to stay much longer than you originally think. If you're considering two weeks, make it a month. It may not be a huge country but there is so much to see and do that you'll regret it if you don't give yourself ample time to explore.
Load More Replies... Solidhog 3 years ago
If you come to the South East of UK they are not feral people or have learning difficulties. They are just Chavs! Don't feed them after midnight, put your fingers near their mouths or use words with more than 5 letters. And just because they wear sports clothing 24/7 does not mean they know what exercise is.
Dizavid 3 years ago
Uppity colonist here. I wasn't aware there was such a stereotype for people from SE UK, but now I'll never get it outta my head should I visit. Go sit and think about what you've done!
Load More Replies... Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
Taiwan: people are very friendly but quite shy. Most people are not afraid of the PRC invading (we've been hearing it's coming soon for decades) but petrified by the thought that someone might speak English at them. They will try bravely, and try to find you someone who can help you. Learn basic Mandarin, it'll go along way. Don't thrust your money at people when you pay for something. Visit the cities, visit the mountains, visit Taroko Gorge, visit the seashore, but for crying out loud, be careful when you cross a street. You'll love the Taipei subway. Wear your mask. Eat, eat, eat, try the cinnamon rolls and have fun. The weather is terrible. Have fun, you'll enjoy your stay.
Literal Pigeon 3 years ago
I have family in Taiwan and have been there several times- you're right about the weather! :)
Load More Replies...
blu 3 years ago
in Kenya If you ever visit and by chance you notice that you don't resemble us of need sunscreen prepare for the long stares and also if you need to enjoy Kenya in the most amazing experience of your life don't act like a tourist observing us but rather be down to earth and the local residents will know if you are genuine and will show you amazing sites and scenes which are not in your tour guide pamphlet and i promise its totally worth it to view Kenya when showed by natives than seeing Kenya scenes which are tailor made for tourists..... thank me later
Markus It/He/E 3 years ago
English. Don't cut queues. That's a big no. Some people have been waiting hours in those queues, respect it. In the countryside there is very little diversity, people may stare. You should be safe from that in the towns though, it's mainly villages. Tap water is free, but remember to ask specifically for "tap water" or you might end up with bottled, which costs. Talking on public transport is kinda weird but not too noticeable. Whetherspoons "Spoons" are cheap but you get better quality food from non chain pubs (cooked from scratch). Most places will take cash or card but cards are useful for supermarkets so you can use self-checkouts (a lot faster than queueing for the tills). When in London, or similarly large cities, many of the English people may also be tourists, we don't tend to travel much, so don't rely on us for directions. There'll probably be more that'll come to me but that's some of the basics
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago (edited)
I find the "don't wear shorts" rules kinda funny given that I've been to a few of those places, and the people will wear miniskirts without undies on and hey! you know if they got a bikini wax recently. Which, where I currently live, is considered a huge do-not-do. (letting people see your genitalia, not getting a bikini wax, L OL) That said, I don't wear shorts too often outside the US. Which sucks, b/c they're more comfy to me. Alas.
DeoManus Argentem 3 years ago
This thread clearly not sponsored by the international travel industry, lol! I like to think of myself as relatively well-travelled (almost at 60 countries) and never felt unsafe. Always carry at least a week's worth of expenses in local currency (if you're there for longer - less if you're not), always try to speak as much of the local language as you can - you will get more help/sympathy than if you just expect people to speak English/French, don't be a d**k, don't discuss politics/religion with strangers, if you're the only person in an area - leave that area, don't look wealthy especially in poor countries, when in doubt just do what everybody else is doing! It's all muchly universal.
Alex Mosby 3 years ago
Customs can vary wildly in different areas of the same country. If you are an American be weary of anyone who assumes red solo cups are cultural "thing". That person probably also unquestionably believes some dangerous American stereotypes that can make your trip really akward at best or put you in serious danger.
LilliVB 3 years ago
In Italy avoid the touristic area of cities to eat. The restaurants are mostly touristic traps where the food is overpriced and overall not really good. Move a few hundreds meters away and you can find places where the food is more affordable and absolutely more tasteful. Also do not expect to find the same food from north to south (except maybe pizza). Our traditional cuisine varies a lot depending on regions, you won't find carbonara in Milan, or tortellini in brodo in Sicily. If you don't know what to eat, ask the waiter/waitress. They will help you gladly. Eating time in restaurants is mostly from 12.30 for lunch and from 7.30 for dinner. You can't find places with the kitchen open before. Do not expect everyone speaking English. In touristic areas is more common, but overall not so much. Try to speak few sentences in Italian, and we are going to try to help you as much as we can.
Aisling Raye 3 years ago
Can confirm that if you want actual Italian cuisine you need to venture out of the touristy places. Can also confirm that the majority of Italians are very welcoming even if you're like me and completely butcher the language. The only thing that I'll add is that as a tourist you should plan to stay much longer than you originally think. If you're considering two weeks, make it a month. It may not be a huge country but there is so much to see and do that you'll regret it if you don't give yourself ample time to explore.
Load More Replies... Solidhog 3 years ago
If you come to the South East of UK they are not feral people or have learning difficulties. They are just Chavs! Don't feed them after midnight, put your fingers near their mouths or use words with more than 5 letters. And just because they wear sports clothing 24/7 does not mean they know what exercise is.
Dizavid 3 years ago
Uppity colonist here. I wasn't aware there was such a stereotype for people from SE UK, but now I'll never get it outta my head should I visit. Go sit and think about what you've done!
Load More Replies... Yugan Talovich 3 years ago
Taiwan: people are very friendly but quite shy. Most people are not afraid of the PRC invading (we've been hearing it's coming soon for decades) but petrified by the thought that someone might speak English at them. They will try bravely, and try to find you someone who can help you. Learn basic Mandarin, it'll go along way. Don't thrust your money at people when you pay for something. Visit the cities, visit the mountains, visit Taroko Gorge, visit the seashore, but for crying out loud, be careful when you cross a street. You'll love the Taipei subway. Wear your mask. Eat, eat, eat, try the cinnamon rolls and have fun. The weather is terrible. Have fun, you'll enjoy your stay.
Literal Pigeon 3 years ago
I have family in Taiwan and have been there several times- you're right about the weather! :)
Load More Replies... blu 3 years ago
in Kenya If you ever visit and by chance you notice that you don't resemble us of need sunscreen prepare for the long stares and also if you need to enjoy Kenya in the most amazing experience of your life don't act like a tourist observing us but rather be down to earth and the local residents will know if you are genuine and will show you amazing sites and scenes which are not in your tour guide pamphlet and i promise its totally worth it to view Kenya when showed by natives than seeing Kenya scenes which are tailor made for tourists..... thank me later
Markus It/He/E 3 years ago
English. Don't cut queues. That's a big no. Some people have been waiting hours in those queues, respect it. In the countryside there is very little diversity, people may stare. You should be safe from that in the towns though, it's mainly villages. Tap water is free, but remember to ask specifically for "tap water" or you might end up with bottled, which costs. Talking on public transport is kinda weird but not too noticeable. Whetherspoons "Spoons" are cheap but you get better quality food from non chain pubs (cooked from scratch). Most places will take cash or card but cards are useful for supermarkets so you can use self-checkouts (a lot faster than queueing for the tills). When in London, or similarly large cities, many of the English people may also be tourists, we don't tend to travel much, so don't rely on us for directions. There'll probably be more that'll come to me but that's some of the basics
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago (edited)
I find the "don't wear shorts" rules kinda funny given that I've been to a few of those places, and the people will wear miniskirts without undies on and hey! you know if they got a bikini wax recently. Which, where I currently live, is considered a huge do-not-do. (letting people see your genitalia, not getting a bikini wax, L OL) That said, I don't wear shorts too often outside the US. Which sucks, b/c they're more comfy to me. Alas.
DeoManus Argentem 3 years ago
This thread clearly not sponsored by the international travel industry, lol! I like to think of myself as relatively well-travelled (almost at 60 countries) and never felt unsafe. Always carry at least a week's worth of expenses in local currency (if you're there for longer - less if you're not), always try to speak as much of the local language as you can - you will get more help/sympathy than if you just expect people to speak English/French, don't be a d**k, don't discuss politics/religion with strangers, if you're the only person in an area - leave that area, don't look wealthy especially in poor countries, when in doubt just do what everybody else is doing! It's all muchly universal.
Alex Mosby 3 years ago
Customs can vary wildly in different areas of the same country. If you are an American be weary of anyone who assumes red solo cups are cultural "thing". That person probably also unquestionably believes some dangerous American stereotypes that can make your trip really akward at best or put you in serious danger.
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