- Here are some ways in which just trying to be polite can backfire horribly.
It took a couple of years, what with the pandemic and all, but we can travel again! Which means the foreigners get to start complaining about obnoxious American tourists.
Yay.
Maybe you’re wondering why American travelers have such a bad rap in some places of the world. You’ve always tried to be nice and polite, yet people still look at you like they just insulted their mother.
The thing is, a lot of things we consider normal are completely alien to foreigners. They might consider them weird in the best case, and downright disrespectful in the worst.
So, if you’re planning a big trip outside of the country this summer, here are 8 things you probably shouldn’t do. Unless it’s expected, in which case don’t NOT do it.
Carrying a Big Purse or Bag
Why wouldn’t you bring a bag or a purse if you’re going somewhere? It’s so handy to have everything you need with you — especially while traveling!
The issue is that people outside of America rarely carry bags — they just have their most important valuables in their pockets or at most a tiny purse. A big bag marks you immediately as a tourist.
And you know who love spotting hapless tourists? Pickpockets and scam artists.
Having a backpack isn’t rude in itself. But it can be a safety risk, so try to see whether the locals carry them. If not, it’s best to leave yours at the hotel.
Tipping
Everybody probably knows this, but in case you don’t — people outside of America don’t tip. Ever.
That said, tipping is becoming more common around the world. Maybe it’s because we don’t bother to check if we should tip in the country we’re traveling to.
But there are still places, especially in East Asia, where you absolutely shouldn’t tip. It’s not only not expected, but it’s also deeply insulting. You don’t want to imply that your waiter could use some extra income, do you?
Asking for a Restaurant Meal to Be Altered
Okay, so you shouldn’t leave a tip at a restaurant. Noted. But you shouldn’t ask the restaurant to change anything about your meal, either.
But that’s so weird! If the meal looks good but has one thing you don’t like, why couldn’t you ask for it?
In some places (Europe in particular) restaurants take great pride in the meals they offer. If you ask for it to be changed or add a load of condiments, you’re implying the restaurant sucks at making their food palatable.
Assuming Stores Stay Open Late
Stateside, we can always rely on most stores, especially grocery stores, to be open if we feel like doing some late-night shopping. But if you do that elsewhere, you’ll be in for a rude surprise.
To begin with, American nine-to-five office hours aren’t universal. In some European countries, the common office hours are 8-to-4.
Additionally, in most countries, even grocery stores close their doors at 9 p.m. And if you want to buy some wine or beer for your hotel room, check the hours particularly carefully — some countries stop selling alcohol way before the stores themselves close.
Not Taking Your Shoes Off
Americans wearing their shoes inside is probably the #1 thing foreigners find strange. It’s normal to us, but it’s just not acceptable in most parts of the world.
In most of Europe, you’re expected to take your shoes off when you go into someone’s home. Wearing shoes inside is only acceptable in offices and public spaces.
And it’s even stricter if you visit Japan. You shouldn’t just take your shoes off — your host will present you with a pair of slippers you must wear inside. Unless, of course, you want to intentionally insult them.
Asking for ‘Just Water, Please’
Maybe you’ve had enough wine on your trip to France and want to save some money. So you ask for just water, and the waiter replies, “What kind?”
Cue the awkward blinking.
Even if the waiter doesn’t question you, you’ll probably get bottled water instead of a glass or a mug. Oh, and you have to pay for it.
In some places, there’s a good reason for that, though. Tap water simply isn’t fit for drinking everywhere, so no respectable restaurant would offer it to you.
Hugging
There’s nothing quite like a warm hug to make you feel welcome and appreciated. Unless you’re not American.
Although the average American hug is completely platonic, it’s a gross violation of personal space in many parts of the world. That’s especially true if you aren’t basically the best of friends with the person you hug.
To avoid coming across as a weird creep, it’s best to avoid hugging. Of course, if your foreign friend goes in for a hug first, by all means, reciprocate!
Talking to People
Right, so hugs are too much. Oh, but that’s not where it ends. In certain countries, you shouldn’t even talk to people you don’t know.
This can feel really weird if you’re not expecting it. You’re just saying hello, but the person you talked to suddenly seems to be wondering if you’re right in the head.
In the Nordics, for example, they say the only people who talk to strangers are drunks and foreigners. By trying to strike up a conversation, you’ll immediately mark yourself as one or the other.
It’s not that the foreigners are trying to be rude, though — they’re just more reserved. If you’re in doubt, leave the locals to their business and concentrate on enjoying your trip.
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