Tourist Etiquette = Respecting the Culture

When you travel, make sure to respect the culture you are visiting. Here are a few tips.

Remember you are a guest in their country – When you visit another country, it is important to know what sorts of behaviors are expected and which are not. In some countries, the left hand is considered unclean, whereas in the USA, that is not true. In yet other countries, the thumbs up hand gesture is rude. In other countries, burping after eating and slurping your food are fine, but in the US you’d be reprimanded or laughed at depending on where you are eating and who you are eating with.

Don’t feed the animals – In general, regardless of where you are, avoid feeding the wildlife. By feeding monkeys, pigeons, or ducks, for example, you can train them to accost other humans for food. Then you end up with angry animals attacking people at the sites. It can also make them sick. For example, feeding ducks bread can lead to malnutrition. Some cities have even instituted fines for feeding wild animals (particularly pigeons).

Don’t rip off the locals – while bargaining is expected in many countries (particularly in South America and parts of Asia), remember that this is how these people make a living. While it may just be a fun exercise for you, a buck or two that likely doesn’t matter to you but could be a meal for them. So don’t keep pushing. You shouldn’t accept the first offer (especially since in some places that may even be offensive, while profitable), but don’t bargain too hard, as sellers might be desperate for any money and not make any profit.

Know restaurant etiquette – In some places there are different charges for the same food at the bar, at a table, or to go. Know how to eat local foods. Pay attention to how others are eating – with their hands, or with silverware or chopsticks? Different countries have different tipping practices as well. In certain places (notably Japan) tipping is looked at negatively.

Learn at least a little of the language – While you aren’t likely to have to the time to be even close to fluent in any language, it can be really helpful to know some common phrases that show your interest in the culture. Minimally, you should know how to say hello, good morning/afternoon/evening, and thank you. Just by learning those few words, you will likely be treated better at restaurants and stores because you bothered to learn something.