20 Unwritten Rules That Need To Be Considered In These Countries, As Shared By Locals

There is no doubt that traveling to a different country can be exciting and fun. However, being unfamiliar with the social norms of the place can lead us to awkward situations. People tend to do weird things in a foreign land because most of the time, they really have no idea about the cultural differences. Wouldn’t it be nice to know about a few things before visiting the place so that you don’t get any culture shocks?

#1

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“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.”

#2

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“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.”

#3

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“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.”

#4

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“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.”

#5

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“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.”

#6

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

#7

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“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.”

#8

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

#9

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“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.”

#10

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“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!”

#11

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

#12

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“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 into any conversation Americans have in the subway about how weird “those Germans” are!”

#13

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“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.”

#14

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

#15

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“Singaporean here! You are allowed to wear Flip flops and shorts wherever you go. The fancy city area? Flipflop and Shorts are perfect. That 5 star hotel? Flip flops are welcomed. Public transport? You are weird if you do not wear them.”

#16

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“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.”

#17

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“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.”

#18

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“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.”

#19

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“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.”

#20

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