Fascinating destinations from all over the world
Sounds funny, but an Italian blogger was pretty annoyed about this in 2013! He warned his readers that Americans tend to eat anywhere, even at business meetings, which he found quite frustrating.
'Mental Floss' published a list of tips for Japanese travelers stating that in Japan, it is common for women to cover their mouths when they laugh, and it's ungraceful to laugh out loud with your mouth open. In the US, on the other hand, people prefer a hearty and unapologetic belly laugh. Ha!
Same language, but the way you say it is so... wonderful? Maybe. 'Expatclaptrap' website shared that Americans are unable to tell whether a particular British accent is posh or not because all British accents sound charming to them.
According to the Chinese government's website, "Overall, the western United States is safer than the eastern portion." That rules out NYC, Florida, Washington, D.C., or anything in that region.
In the French 'Big Blog de Mathilde,' the blogger writes about how hard it was for her to understand the system of faucets and showerheads when she moved to Boston. Some of her followers think it is weird if a kitchen sink has a flexible head but the shower does not.
Good manners on the telephone were not forgotten. According to 'Mental Floss,' Russians in the US are advised not to hang up suddenly, as "Phone etiquette in America usually involves the gradual end of the conversation, confirmation agreements and standard closing remarks."
The People's Republic of China also advises that when visiting America one must "Take good care of flowers and trees, etc." Confused? Respect for a nation's flora and fauna is a big deal in China.
The expat website 'Fench District' points out that French people typically kiss both before and after social encounters, while Americans prefer a firm handshake, which is also a sign of confidence.
The same website also assists Russian visitors in understanding an American picnic: "Everything is the same as ours, only with far less booze," and they love when you bring a sporty thing.
As a tip for those in the less cosmopolitan parts of the US, the Aussie website says that cheese is part of almost every meal, but usually they all have an "identical, nothing-y taste."
The same list of tips mentions that gifts are not welcome, especially in business, as they can be seen as a bribe, and that is illegal. If you want to bring a gift, it should be something "purely Russian."
And also, smile! The US etiquette of constant smiling warrants a warning for Russians to "be prepared to give a smile not only to friends and acquaintances, but also to all passers-by, in shops, to the staff at the hotel, police on the streets, etc."
The website even found TV ads for medication (which feature quick readings of lengthy side effects) important enough to mention in its travel tips.
They also advise Russians to skip the small talk on the phone and get straight to the point, as Americans prefer a more direct approach.
Switzerland is considered one of the cleanest countries in the world. However, the Federal Foreign Office warns its citizens that "bathing topless or without a shirt is forbidden (even for children), as is urinating in the street or taking partially naked pictures of children (even at home)."
Last but not least, 'Mental Floss' gives the tip not to take this way of speaking literally, because it is only a polite gesture, not a guarantee.
American smiling and friendliness is also a topic on the German Euxus blog. Blogger Otto Buchenegger warns that while it's important to be friendly to strangers, if someone is friendly to you, it doesn't necessarily indicate genuine friendship.
American service tends to be leisurely, often coming with friendly chit-chat, which is apparently "extremely slow compared to Japan."
A French traveler finds it surprising how Americans eat in different places like work, in the car, on the subway, in the elevator, etc. He wrote on 'Mental Floss' that he was amazed at how Americans are not ashamed to ask for "doggy bags" to take their leftovers home.
Still according to the same list, in Japan, there is a great fear of failure and humiliation that can keep people from trying things, but in America, people have an optimism and a curiosity to try, even if they aren't sure they'll succeed.
Just to be safe and respectful, the Chinese government advises travelers to the US to "be courteous to other vehicles while driving; unless it is absolutely necessary, avoid using the horn or any other behavior that can anger other drivers."
The Chinese government also thinks it's a good idea to advise its citizens that, "In the United States when many people are lining up for services at some distance away from the window, wait your turn in line. Failing to observe this convention could lead to unnecessary disputes."
Moving down under, the 'Traveller' website warns against relying on price tags alone when it comes to calculating the final cost in a store. Taxes are added at the checkout, when it's harder to put things back...
Also, the American concept of the dinner plate is very different from the many individual dishes served at a typical Japanese dinner.
According to the same blog, when you see a child or pet, "it is mandatory to have a smile or a little 'how cute' tilt to your head ... Even if they are ugly."
Also, apparently, some Japanese people are very impressed by the way people wait their turn and keep to the speed limit. Well...
And also the many roadside billboards with grinning, creepy faces of lawyers, each advertising a specific service.
The Russian lifestyle blog 'wild-mistress' explains that, in America, it is socially acceptable to put one's foot up on a nearby table or chair while talking, and they even cross their legs so that one foot rests on the other knee. Shocking!
Mathilde warns that if someone stumbles on the road, you are expected to stop what you are doing and help immediately.
Here's a peculiar tip on the 'Mental Floss' website for visitors coming from China. "If you feel bad using their first names, you can just smile at each other." They say that most Americans have no interest in age and social formality and value professional titles over hereditary family titles.
The same travel blog warns Brits that tea is not a popular choice for Americans either when they're out or at home. Get used to good ol' caffeine. The culture is much more coffee-oriented and many prefer a chocolate chip cookie to a biscuit.
The same site says that Americans generally show special respect for women in public. Chinese visitors are advised to let women sit down first, get out of their way, and open the doors for them.
The website 'USA Explained' points out to Germans that any negative response is gently cushioned, so just go along with the friendly vibe. They offer travelers many alternative ways to say no, such as, "I wonder if that's really the best solution?"
On the same website, a Japanese traveler was surprised by the lack of variety in the vending machines, saying that some of them only sell carbonated drinks!
Words like rubber, geezer, hooker, and fanny have very different meanings in America. Brits are advised to say eraser, tough, meat pie, and butt instead! Yes, it's the same language, but sometimes with completely different meanings... and they can be embarrassing.
Sources: (Mental Floss)
See also: You didn't know these customs were offensive in some countries
According to Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs documentation, "Topless bathing, bathing without clothes or changing clothes on the beach, even by small children, is generally frowned upon or even punishable."
Italy - and other countries - are confused about drinking regulations in America. The website 'USA4U' warns that Italians should expect ID checks everywhere you can drink, and that you can't do it on the street. They commented, "You can safely buy a gun and carry it around, but regarding alcohol, no chance."
This warning is stated on the 'British tourist’s guide to not making an [expletive] of yourself in America.' You have to tip between 10 and 15%. If you don't tip enough "you are not making a grand statement based on superior European principles, you will instead come across as an embarrassing cheapskate."
Some globetrotters have taken the initiative to offer some advice on what to watch out for, what to avoid, and how to behave in America. While these general tips and tricks may not apply depending on the place you're visiting, there is still some wisdom you can take from all these cultural differences.
In this gallery, you'll find some of the most absurd, amusing, and insightful tips that foreigners give their fellow countrymen and women when planning a trip to America. Click and find out what they had to say!
Funny travel tips from foreigners who have visited the US
Find out what shocked visitors about their American vacations
TRAVEL Curiosity
The US government issues regular advisories for its citizens traveling abroad to ensure a smooth trip, but other countries are also concerned about the well-being of their citizens visiting the United States. Although American media is consumed around the globe, the cultural differences from those of other countries may surprise you.
Some globetrotters have taken the initiative to offer some advice on what to watch out for, what to avoid, and how to behave in America. While these general tips and tricks may not apply depending on the place you're visiting, there is still some wisdom you can take from all these cultural differences.
In this gallery, you'll find some of the most absurd, amusing, and insightful tips that foreigners give their fellow countrymen and women when planning a trip to America. Click and find out what they had to say!