Don't Be an Ugly American: How Not to Behave in 12 Other Countries
When most us go overseas, all we want is to get our passports stamped, explore cool new places, eat and drink new things, meet interesting people, and take an awesome selfie or two. Offending the locals is not often on our international agendas.
And yet, you’d be surprised at how easy it is for Americans to accidentally offend overseas hosts. Behavior that’s acceptable or even routine in the U.S. may be deeply offensive in another country.
So in the interest of fostering good international relations — and to possibly prevent World War III (hey, you never know) — we looked at 12 countries that are top tourist destinations and, for each one, came up with a handful of tips that’ll keep you from looking like the stereotypical “ugly American.“
FRANCE
Speaking loudly doesn’t make it easier to understand you. And bullhorns are hard to fit in a suitcase. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Wine is serious business in France: don’t fill it your glass to the brim when dining out. Filling it up half full is more than adequate.
Don’t talk loudly in public; either on your cell or with your travel companions.
For that matter, don’t speak English loudly; you may think you’re being clear, but to the locals you’ll just appear gauche. If you’re concerned about being understood, just speak slower, not louder.
Related: Are Americans Really the Worst? 5 Other Countries Whose Tourists Make Us Look Good
SOUTH KOREA
Notice how everyone appears quiet on this Seoul subway car? (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t be loud on public transportation, whether you’re talking in person or on a cell phone.
Don’t call the sea east of Korea “The Sea of Japan” — here, it is “The East Sea.”
If eating rice with chopsticks, don’t leave them sticking out of the rice bowl. That’s how they offer rice to the dead.
WATCH: How to Follow Chopsticks Etiquette
ITALY
Italy is a great place to enjoy wine, but it’s no place to get too drunk (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t get wasted. Alcohol’s generally consumed along with a meal. Pounding drinks and getting drunk is frowned upon.
Don’t enter a church wearing an outfit that exposes too much skin. If you plan to duck into some churches during your summer Italian vacation, wear long pants and bring a sweater or jacket to cover up bare shoulders and arms.
Don’t drive hesitantly. If you’re going to get behind the wheel here, bring your A-game. Italian drivers are notably assertive, so drive decisively and with purpose — or, better yet, let someone else do the driving.
Related: City Smackdown: Florence vs. Rome
GERMANY
Watch the clock in Germany! (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t be late. This is Germany, after all.
Don’t make any Nazi salutes, shout "Heil Hitler” or call someone a Nazi, even if you’re joking or being sarcastic with, say, a surly customs official. Such displays are more than a rude social faux pas; they’re illegal and will get you arrested. More than one tourist has learned that lesson the hard way.
Don’t call people by their first names unless you know them or have been invited to do so.
Related: The Most (Accidentally) Offensive Things Americans Do While Traveling
CHINA
China may be crowded, but don’t get handsy. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t go around touching strangers — be it a back slap or “bro hug.” It makes some Chinese people uncomfortable.
Don’t get angry. Raising your voice causes people to lose face — a lose-lose proposition in China.
Take it easy on the PDA.
SPAIN
Late dinners are common in Spain. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t freak out over tardiness. In Spain, time is fluid and it’s not uncommon for locals to show up for social engagements late.
But if you’re going to a business meeting, be on time.
Don’t make dinner plans too early; dinner here usually starts after 9 p.m.
TURKEY
Flashing the “okay” sign in Turkey might give people the wrong idea. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t make the “okay” sign by making a circle with your thumb and index finger. Rather than meaning “okay,” its meaning here is much more vulgar.
As is the case in many countries with a heavy Muslim population, don’t point the soles of your foot toward anyone. That’s considered extremely insulting.
Don’t stand with your hands on your hips or in your pockets — also considered rude.
THE NETHERLANDS
Once more for the seats in the back: just because you got it legally in Amsterdam doesn’t mean U.S. customs will let it through. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t buy certain “goods” you bought legally in Amsterdam and try to take them back to America thinking it’s okay. It’s not.
Don’t plan to eat dinner late; many restaurants close their kitchens at 9 p.m.
Don’t leave the table during dinner, even if you have to go to the bathroom. Many consider it rude.
THAILAND
Look but do not touch. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t touch an image or statue of Buddha.
Don’t pat, stroke, or otherwise touch someone’s head. The head is considered a sacred part of the body.
Conversely, feet aren’t held in very high regard, so don’t point them at anyone.
SAUDI ARABIA
There are some important rules to follow when visiting Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t eat, pass food, or shake hands with your left hand.
Don’t expose a lot of skin here. It’s best to cover up shoulders, knees and your collarbone.
Don’t criticize the monarchy.
TAIWAN
They love their toasts in Taiwan. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Be aware of the toasting culture. Toasts are very common here; to make sure you don’t get obliterated, pace yourself (or ask for a non alcoholic drink)
Don’t tap with your chopsticks. It’s rude. And annoying.
AUSTRIA
Seeing an opera here? Better get dressed up. (Photo: Thinkstock)
Don’t under-dress when going to a concert or opera; this is a big deal here so dress well.
Don’t wear shorts in cities — especially when shopping.
Austrians tend to be formal so watch the kissing, hugging and touching.
WATCH: How To P*ss Off A Mexican
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