TravelNOV 4, 2021

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know

Justinas Keturka and Rokas Laurinavičius

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When we go abroad, we like to speak louder, gesticulate more, and play the 'dumb tourist' card whenever we get in trouble. But it would probably be wiser to just do a little homework before our trip and save ourselves the embarrassment in the first place.

In an attempt to collect the most valuable travel advice, Redditor u/Skinnysaif asked other users: "What should tourists NEVER do in your country?" and luckily for them (and now us), people from all over the world replied, sharing tidbits of information that can make journeys to foreign lands a lot more pleasurable. Here are some of the answers.

#1

People Are Sharing 30 'Unwritten' Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Know

Concentration camps are not a place for you get your stupid selfies for your "influencer" profile. Those tracks you're standing on transported many to their death.

It's okay to take pictures for pictures for memories that you came here. But those people who come here to take "sexy" selfies have no place being here.

[deleted], Rafael Wagner

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541points

Cory and G Varga, the wife and husband duo behind an awesome blog called You Could Travel, for example, always research the customs of the place they're going to. "It's paramount that we do so," they told Bored Panda. "First of all, we don't want to get in trouble (imagine wearing a mini skirt in Abu Dhabi or kissing in Saudi Arabia). But we also research because we want to blend in with the locals and not stand out like sore thumbs."

The couple said it has plenty of benefits. "Locals appreciate us and give us better treatment and service. Not to mention that we set a good example for our fellow countrymen."

#2

Australia. For f**k sake. DON'T GO NEAR THE CROCODILE, DON'T TOUCH THE SNAKE, AND DON'T TRY TO EAT THE RED BACK SPIDER. These are all true things stupid tourists have done here, including some American picking a fight with a kangaroo. (The Kangaroo won)

Rumplestiltskin1254, Michael

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360points

"When we're abroad we only give ourselves the freedom to try interesting culinary delicacies which we'd otherwise avoid back home. Other than that, we do what the locals do," Cory and G Varga said. "Tourists should read about the local customs and follow them as much as possible. Ideally, they wouldn't be loud or disrespect anyone. They should always follow the local dress code, understand how to behave in public, and even how to eat in a restaurant. Pay close attention to local holidays and learn a few things in the local language. Nobody asks tourists to spend days reading novels about the countries they are about to visit but to just be decent and respect their fellow humans."

However, it's impossible to learn everything. Sometimes, you make mistakes even with the best intentions. But that's OK! "When this happens the best thing to do is to apologize. And mean it!" the traveling couple said. "If there's no language barrier, explain that you've mistaken and you are very sorry for the issues you've caused. Ask someone to teach you how to do better next time. Show interest in the locals and strive to do better next time."

Cory and G Varga highlighted that it takes just 20-30 minutes of online research to understand some local customs. "As long as we all respect the basic rules, are kind and considerate, locals will be happy to accommodate tourists and welcome them to their countries."

#3

In England, respect the queues and do not cut. We will stare at you passive aggressively with the fury of a thousand suns.

Thatweasel, Cátia Matos

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325points

#4

Here in the U.S. in south Utah there are many amazing rock sculptures. Don't. Write. On. Them. They are rare structures formed by thousands of years of erosion, not something to carve your name into.

Uneaqualty65, John Fowler

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290points

#5

In Japan, bow to people who bow to you. In general, bow to people when they give you a service. It's a sign of respect and it goes a long way. Also, take off your shoes indoors and respect the culture.

LazzzyButtons, myllissaFollow

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270points

#6

Don't touch the wildlife in Australia. If it isn't poisonous, violent or otherwise ill-mannered and dangerous, it's probably protected or endangered.

inzur, Fairy Duff

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269points

#7

Poverty tours.

By all means, get off the beaten path and see the “good” and the “bad” if you want to. However, don’t go to a struggling neighbourhood to feel better about yourself or learn to appreciate what you have. Poverty is not entertainment

tebanano, wikimedia.commons

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267points

#8

Germany here, and this mostly goes out to Americans. You should never assume you can talk privately anywhere in public Germany, just because you speak english.

I don't know if this is different in the US, but here, almost anyone can speak at least 2 languages, and very well. Pretty anyone can speak english, even more so in the cities.

I usually try to join in to any conversation americans have in the subway about how weird "those Germans" are!

MomoLittle, Shvets Anna

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266points

#9

In Germany, you should never be afraid of talking to us in German. We love it!

Any tourist who brings up the courage to ask us for directions or anything else in one of the hardest european languages just makes our day!

MomoLittle, SHVETS production

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256points

#10

In Croatia, particularly in small towns, people are expected to clean the streets in front of their homes. As a result, you'll find exceptionally clean streets, which are a real sense of communal civic pride.

Ech1n0idea, Sergei Gussev

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249points

#11

If you're visiting Portugal, don't speak to us in Spanish. You are not in Spain, and we speak Portuguese.

fabz_martins, Lisa

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245points

#12

In Finland, don't get too close to strangers. We really value personal space.

-manabreak, Alexandr Bormotin

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244points

#13

In Argentina, don't ask for coffee to go. We don't have paper cups. If you go to a cafe, you're expected to sit and drink your coffee.

kimboslice11, Angela Roma

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241points

#14

In China, NEVER go out without carrying toilet paper or tissues on you. It's never in public restrooms so you'll want to keep some on hand.

roborabbit_mama, Vie Studio

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237points

#15

In Jordan, if you compliment someone on something, it's impolite for that person to not offer that item to you. For example, if you compliment a man's watch, he will literally unlatch it from his arm and offer it to you. Of course, you're supposed to decline.

[deleted], RODNAE Productions

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229points

#16

As a New Yorker, please don’t take selfies at the 9/11 memorial. Photograph the memorial, photograph the names, or in the event that one of the names means something to you I’m okay with you snapping a selfie. But the typical smiling-tourist selfies are crass.

R0b0tMark, wikimedia.commons

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217points

#17

In London, don't look for your train ticket/Oyster card at the barrier to the tube. Locals will get mad. Find it ahead of time so you can walk right through the gates.

westish13, Jennifer Kramer

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204points

#18

In Australia, swim between the flags. If you have little experience swimming in the surf and you swim outside those flags, then there is a relatively high chance that you will drown.

[deleted], gérard

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199points

#19

In Ireland, stand your round. When you go out to the pubs with a group of friends, make sure to pay for a round of drinks when it's your turn. If you don't, you will be secretly labeled a cheapskate.

tu_ne_cede_malis, Laura LaRose

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199points

#20

In India, traffic lanes exist on the roads, but people don't drive in them.

[deleted], Alex Graves

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190points

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