30 People Share Unwritten Rules In Their Countries That Tourists Should Be Aware Of

Travel can get awkward fast when you do not know the local rules, and that is exactly what makes these country-specific stories so fun to read.

In this Reddit thread, people from around the world shared the unwritten things tourists should never do in their countries, from everyday etiquette to the kind of mistakes that can instantly make locals cringe. Some of the answers are funny, some are serious, and a few are surprisingly specific.

By the end, you will probably be double-checking your own travel habits.

1. Selfies in concentration camps

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

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

Rafael Wagner

2. Do not go near dangerous animals in Australia

"Australia. For f**k's 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 Americans picking a fight with a kangaroo. (The kangaroo won)"

Rumplestiltskin1254,Michael

3. Queues in England

"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

Cultural norms significantly shape behavior and interactions, especially for travelers.

4. Rock sculptures in Utah

"Here in the U.S., in southern 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

5. Bow when in Japan

"In Japan, bow to people who bow to you. In general, bow to people when they provide you with 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

6. Again - do not touch wildlife in Australia

"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

Travelers often face the challenge of adapting to new cultural environments.

7. Talking German in Germany

"In Germany, you should never be afraid to talk 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

8. Portugal and Spanish

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

fabz_martins,Lisa

9. Poverty tours

"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 neighborhood to feel better about yourself or learn to appreciate what you have. Poverty is not entertainment."

tebanano,wikimedia.commons

Unwritten rules can often be confusing, especially for newcomers to a culture.

10. Germans are multilingual

"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 U.S., but here, almost anyone can speak at least two languages, and very well. Pretty much anyone can speak English, even more so in the cities.

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

MomoLittle,Shvets Anna

11. Keep the streets clean in Croatia

"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 source of communal civic pride."

Ech1n0idea,Sergei Gussev

12. Argentinian coffee

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

kimboslice11,Angela Roma

Awareness of cultural differences is essential for fostering positive interactions.

Mindful travelers who remain present and open to new experiences may find it easier to adapt and connect with others.

Emphasizing respect for local customs can lead to a more enriching travel experience.

And if you thought travel rules were strict already, the best friend banned from a girls trip for bringing her boyfriend without permission takes it further.

13. Personal space in Finland

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

-manabreak,Alexandr Bormotin

14. Do not compliment in Jordan

"In Jordan, if you compliment someone on something, it's impolite for that person not to 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."

RODNAE Productions

15. TP in China

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

roborabbit_mama,Vie Studio

Cultural exchange can enhance personal growth and understanding.

16. England and tickets

"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

17. Selfies at the 9/11 Memorial

"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

18. Rounds in Ireland

"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

Traveling with an open mind is essential for personal growth. Individuals who embrace new experiences tend to develop greater adaptability and resilience.

Being willing to step outside one’s comfort zone can lead to transformative experiences and deeper connections with others.

Encouraging curiosity about different cultures can foster personal development and enhance emotional intelligence.

19. Swimming in Australia

"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."

gérard

20. Traffic in India

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

Alex Graves

21. Eating in Korea

"In Korea, the eldest person at the table should start eating first. Don't pick up your chopsticks, spoon, or whatever utensil you're using until the oldest person has started eating."

waynefoolx,Markus WinklerReport

Understanding cultural contexts is crucial for successful interactions.

22. Say Hi in Paris

"In Paris, you should always say 'bonjour' when entering a shop or restaurant and 'au revoir' when leaving, even if you don't purchase anything or walk right in and out."

france_throwaway21,James Petts

23. Walk slowly

"In Vietnam, commit to crossing the road. It looks scary with the endless scooter stampedes, but if you just cross at a steady pace, they'll avoid you. Do not try to dodge or make sudden movements. Just simply walk across."

ricehatwarrior,Los viajes del Cangrejo

24. Flip flops in Singapore

"Singaporean here

You are allowed to wear flip flops and shorts wherever you go. The fancy city area? Flip flops and shorts are perfect. That five-star hotel? Flip flops are welcomed. Public transport? You are weird if you do not wear them."

SirPalat,Dương Nhân

25. Don't litter

"Washington, D.C.

Do. Not. Leave. Trash. At. The. Monuments.

Also, get out of the water. It's not a pool."

WatchTheBoom,wikimedia.commons

26. Be careful in Denmark

"In Denmark, do not stand or walk in the bike lane. You will get yelled at...and/or hit by a cyclist."

Tiralina,maksgelatin

27. Obey the rules in South Africa

"In South Africa, when you go on a 'safari' (we call it a game drive), you must never, ever get out of your vehicle or get close to any big animals because that is how there are stories of people dying from animals here. Just please stay safe and obey the rules to save lives."

the10starpotato,Hu Chen

28. Switzerland is expensive

"Switzerland is really expensive, and you should know that ahead of time. Don't make that surprised face when you have to pay $15 for a Subway sandwich."

Nimrods_Legacy,crash71100

29. Talking to strangers in Norway

"Don't talk to anyone in public. Only approach people for conversations if they are receptionists or something similar.

It's not for your security or anything, but it freaks us the hell out. No one talks to strangers in Norway unless you're hiking and above the treelines."

Michael Fousert

30. Not all Americans support Trump

"Assume that I support Trump or am a fundamentalist Christian because I am a white American male. I've been talked down to by Germans in particular and don't like it. I wish I had more than one vote or were rich enough to live in different countries as my mood and politics change, but that is not in the cards."

jimbo_throwaway77,r. nial bradshaw

What do you think of these tips? We found that the Australian tips are the easiest to remember. 'Do not touch crocodiles' is pretty hard to forget.

It takes just 20-30 minutes of online research to understand some local customs. It is not hard, and it will make your visit more pleasant.

Understanding cultural norms is crucial for tourists seeking to navigate the intricate social landscapes of the countries they visit. The article highlights a variety of unwritten rules that reflect the unique customs and expectations of different societies, emphasizing that respecting these norms can significantly enhance the travel experience. For instance, the mention of specific behaviors that are expected or frowned upon in various cultures serves as a reminder that cultural awareness can lead to more meaningful interactions and deeper connections with locals.

Moreover, the insights shared by individuals from around the globe illustrate that embracing these differences not only fosters respect but also contributes to personal growth and a broader perspective. By taking the time to learn about and adhere to these unwritten rules, travelers can cultivate greater emotional intelligence and navigate their journeys with greater sensitivity and appreciation for the diverse world around them.

Still torn about ditching a friend who refused to pay, read “AITA for leaving friends who refused to pay?”