10 Annoying Things American Tourists Shouldn't Do
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I live in one of the oldest and most architecturally fascinating cities in Europe, which results in loads of tourists. Now, to be sure, every country has their fair share of idiots who travel abroad. But, for some reason, the Americans seem particularly ignorant and obnoxious.
This wouldn’t be so bad, if they were capable of blending into the crowd – but they tend to lack these skills more often than not. Due to my job, I encounter loads of them every weekend, and I’ve noticed a distinct similarity across the board. It doesn’t matter if they’re from the south, the west or the northeast – they always seem to act the fool in some respect.
It’s gotten so bad that the US government has actually started issuing etiquette pamphlets for Americans traveling abroad, to try to clue them in on their behavior and how it ticks most of the world off. Unfortunately, most Americans seem to have missed the memo. So please, on behalf of Europe, let me ask the Americans to stop doing the following:
Stop talking about how “cheap” everything is.
For starters, things aren’t as cheap as you think they are, and most of you don’t really have a clue about currency conversion. I hear people debating costs all the time. Bring a calculator, cos most of you cannot do the math in your heads. Secondly, if it is cheap, it may not be cheap to the people who live there and have to listen to you talk like you're King Midas. It’s rude, so keep your remarks to yourself until your back in your hotel room.
Stop talking so damned loud.
This is one of the most obnoxious things American tourists do. If you’re in a bar where it’s loud and you have be loud to hear yourself, great, go for it. But if you’re in a nice restaurant, or club, or shop, etc. – shut up! Believe me, your conversations are not that interesting to the locals. And I mean that sincerely; it’s ridiculous how petty the lot of you sound, said pettiness being yet another reason Europeans look down on us. Hard not to, really, when the biggest crisis in someone’s life is running out of hairspray, and, ohmigod, like, will I be able to find Aquanet in this 3rd world country?
Read something about the country you’re visiting before you get on the plane.
Did you know that most Americans think the Czech Republic is still Czechoslovakia? John McCain is one of them. And, did you know that most who realize it isn’t, think only the name has changed? And that those who realize it's now two separate countries, still don’t realize the Czechs and Slovaks are two different peoples who speak two different languages? I’ve overheard seemingly educated people calling home on their cell phones to let mom know they’re having a swell time in Czechoslovakia. Doh!
Do not assume people speak English.
Guess what? In the whole of Europe, the only place you’re guaranteed to hear English, is in the UK. Do not waltz into Germany or France and expect the locals to speak English with you, and don’t give them a dirty look if they can’t. Most of the Europeans I know speak 3 languages, whether English is one of them or not. How many do you speak? Also, I see loads of Americans encounter non-English speakers.. and then start to speak more loudly. Or, they start speaking like they’re addressing someone who is mentally challenged. Slick, people. Really, really slick.
Don’t assume people don’t speak English.
Even if they say they can’t speak English, most people do speak enough to understand whether or not you’re speaking rudely about them. Just because the waitress doesn’t know the name of that fancy drink you’re asking for, doesn’t mean she won’t spit in your food while you snub her to your friends. Get some manners, or order room service.
Don’t ask people what communism/socialism was like, and don’t pretend to understand it.
I’ve lived in a former soviet bloc country for 5 years. One which still has loads of red tape and an active communist party. Through having been accepted into a few local families, I've learned many things about life during communism/socialism – but I would never presume to understand what it was like. Which means some fool who just stepped off a plane shouldn’t bring it up, either.
Don’t mention the Nazis when traveling through Germany.
Most Europeans still trash the Germans for the Nazis and they still toss words like Gestapo around – but not in Germany, they don't. Don’t be an idiot. If I need to explain this one in detail, you’re one of the Americans who ought to stay home.
Don’t get into pointless political arguments.
Whether you agree or disagree with American politics, don’t get into it with the locals. Even if you agree with them, you're bound to make a fool of yourself, as most of them know more about your country's leaders and policies than you do. If you insist on debating anyway, please do it quietly so as not to embarrass the rest of us who have enough sense to just nod our agreement in silence.
Don’t "educate" people.
Don’t try to explain life and other complexities to the locals; they’re often quite educated and they tend to take school pretty seriously, even at a young age. Odds are, they’re better read and better educated than most of you, so don’t talk to them like you’re addressing the deaf, dumb and blind kid, ok? Cos most of you just come off as condescending, whether you mean to, or not.
Don’t talk about how much better something is in America.
I hear this one constantly. It’s obnoxious. It’s rude, and it’s very, very American. That, and it's something you're unqualified to comment on unless you've actually lived in both. Yes, some things are better in the USA, and, believe it or not, some things are better in Europe. If you prefer the US, go home; Europe will be ok without you.
Obviously, this doesn’t apply to ALL Americans. It does, however, apply to most. And, of course, it’s not just Americans – the Brits do it too, but they're usually more subtle about it. At any rate, this kind of behavior does not reflect well on Americans, and is particularly annoying for those who actually live overseas, cos we get stuck having to assure the locals that not all Americans are so incredibly inept.
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Comments
Being a Canadian I am out of the range of your disaproval...but in any case...you are very lucky to live in Europe. I envy you!
Good advice. One more, if anybody asks, tell them you didn't vote for George Bush. Alternatively, tell them you're Canadian.
Before I opened your hub, I was going to say, be silent if they are bringing tourist dollars to your Country.
Now opened and read, I understand what you say and mean.
My advice get up on the soapbox with a megaphone
Great Hub
Good advice. I've often heard that we Americans have a bad rep when traveling abroad (though I've also heard that the British rep is even worse). I've only been to Europe twice and made efforts to try to speak the native language and be polite and respectful. Not only is this due to the fact that I was raised to show good manners (something most of us Southerners take seriously... when we're not shooting at people!), I also feel very strongly that, when abroad, I'm representing my country. I'd MUCH rather try to demonstrate to people that we Americans are a decent, friendly, respectful people, and not the Ugly Americans that most people seem to think that we are.
However, I DO draw the line at pretending I'm Canadian as Ralph Deeds suggests (and not because I've got anything against Canadians). I've heard other people say that they do this while overseas to avoid unpleasantness with the occasional, militantly anti-American European. Not me. Not ever.
Jimmy - Exactly! Very common reaction!
Woody - Oh.. don't worry, Canadians do it too, just not on the same grand scale. ;-)
Ralph - I don't know anyone who admits to voting Bush, anyway. ;)
DocJim - I've never met anyone who is really anti-American. it tends to be more of a reflex when Americans do something annoying. ie, you hear something like "oh, you stupid Americans!" but the same people say this kind of thing about all countries. I dont think you need to speak the native language but please and thank you are always good to know.
The best and curt truth i have ever read anywhere on Americans.We as Indians are so vast and varied ,in languages and culture and upbringing .We are the most foul mouthed by Americans while we find some of them uncouth and mannerless arrogant and presumtous.this is a Good note to US tourists who make nuisance in many places.Rupees as currency has 1-50 disadvantage so even a waitor can dictate terms toa doctor herein India.We all need some help when abroad.The first thing as you say is RESPECT for people there and not have a bias for all after a single bad experience.Human failings are same everywhere and humane good manners universal too- it for you to find like minded people there.Wel come to India too.
Hilarious hub but sensible advice!
Now that's a difficult trick only you can do so well, Isabella!
GREAT Hub Isabella!! And soooooooooooo appropriate!! What happened to us Americans to make us so smug, arrogant, rude and insensitive??!! I have traveled a bit with friends and am shocked when they become different people in another country!! I will pass your Hub on to all I know are traveling over the next few months!! I love the way you call a spade a spade!! Blessings, Earth Angel!!
DrHemansant - Thank you! Some of us have manners, I promise. ;)
Kenny - Thank you! :)
EarthAngel - Thank you! And you're right, everyone acts differently when they are away from home, and I have no idea why.
I wish people would stop talking so LOUD and so MUCH over here in the USA!!!! Of course, I am a tiny bit French. Otherwise, we Mohawks prefer to throw a hatchet than to babble or be babbled AT. :)
This one made me laugh. Having lived overseas for a few years when I was younger, I did see Americans doing this. I tried my best, even being a kid, to fit in as much as I could.
Blackcrow i hope this doesnt apply to you lol Really good point there they can be so annoying I would of added dont ask every person with a strong british accent if they know a member of the royal family.
I really hope that some of the Americans reading this follow your advice !!!
Great hub! And so true, all of it. Whenever I travel, I avoid other Americans like the plague just so I won't be associated with them.
The bit about talking loudly cracked me up.
Honestly, I think most Americans are just loud
naturally and have no idea that they are because
we are used to talking to each other so we don't
notice. I know my voice carries.
Patty - I agree! :)
Shayze - That's the idea! ;)
Thanalos - Wow, do people really do that??
Princessa - Me, too! ;)
Getitdone - Thanks you! :)
Excellent hub. I just want to say that this extends beyond Europe, as well. I visited Japan with my friend who grew up there (and was as well-behaved as was humanly possible, if I may say so), and we constantly witnessed other Americans just being idiots.
When I lived in Germany last summer, I traveled quite a bit. Incidentally, the Czech Republic was the only place that I did not feel immediately judged for being American, though it was ironically the only place that I did not speak even one word of the language (though my Polish was extremely rusty, as well). I felt like, as soon as people heard my accent (which I try so hard to erase when speaking another language), they wrote me off as someone-who-is-about-to-do-something-obnoxious, when I rarely ever did, I promise!
Anyway, I love this hub. If more people would follow these rules, less people would hate us as much!!
I loved (and laughed with) this! Being Danish and living in the US has been an interesting cultural experience for me... I have had relatives visit here, and continue to go back to Denmark on a regular basis.
I have a number 11 to add: "Don't assume local stores, cabs and trades people will be DELIGHTED to have you pay them in US dollars." Especially true if you live in the Euro zone-- odds are they don't WANT your stinkin' greenbacks, and it's just arrogant and ignorant to assume otherwise. What you "may have heard" POSSIBLY applies to certain parts of FSU and FIC nations, but even that's becoming less widespread.
Helena - Glad to know some Americans can act normally! Good for you!! ;)
Denmark - Hmm.. I don't know of any Americans who think that.. I've always seen them ask first. What I *do* see all the time, are EU nationals taking the piss because Czechs don't always accept Euros.. ;)
Hmmm some interesting banter. Having lived in a third world country growing up I was exposed to many things that many will never be. I did get to mingle with many cultures in one of the world poorest countries.
I have to chuckle at the European curtness. Nothing funnier than seeing an Ex-Pat, no matter what their original country, trying to show the ropes.
I have seen the same characteristics displayed by Europeans abroad as well. Not just in the US but even in the country I called home for several years. It is just not Americans that display poor etiquette.
I remember watching a Swede knock down a child selling flowers in a market into open sewers in Haiti and thinking it was the funniest thing. Until he was placed in a Haitian Jail!!!
I am not a Haitian National I am American and it is funny to watch Haitians that have immigrated to the US speak rudely in Creole to people in a pleasant tone of voice get called out by a blonde hair blue eyed southerner in their native language.
I think the Haitians learned that from the French, being rude in a pleasant tone of voice. The French can be the rudest bunch you ever see in the US, but accepted as a fact of life by many.
I worked for Sea Island Company during the G-8, because I am fluent in several languages, tending bar. The vulgar comments made to some of the waitresses by French diplomats and aides in French helped them get an early plane ride home or exclusion from some venues.
They just didn't think a Southerner could understand what they were saying. :P
I cant decide if your comment is a slight to me, or not. Perhaps you could explain yourself better. I am not European, so I dont know what the curtness you refer to is. And if the following comment about showing the ropes is directed toward me, you need to re-read.
Thanks for writing this. I haven't been outside of the US (though I desperately want to move out of here), so I can't really say that I know how idiotic tourists are in other countries. However, I can say that American tourists are idiots in their own country as well. :P I live near the ocean, so everyone just ASSUMES that everyone who lives here is suddenly some laid-back, bikini wearing party girls who have never heard of those big words that I just love to use. :P Yeah, sorry. It's just... the point is, idiots are idiots no matter where they are, and no matter where they're visiting. :P This is a good hub.
It was not meant to be a slight and if you felt it was I do apologize, but your tone may amuse Europeans it did not amuse me.
My point is it is just not Americans that have trouble traveling abroad. Europeans suffer from this ailment as well.
Brandy I too live Coastal and see it all the time as well from vacationers to snowbirds.
Brandi - Yes, I know what you mean. Its like having mid-western tourists come to Brooklyn and ask where the mafia neighborhoods are.. so they can get picks of mobsters.. ;)
Parushing - My tone did not amuse you? Are you kidding me? That is the most condescending comment I have ever seen. Don't bother commenting further.
Isabella: Ahaha, and then they're surprised when they get... quite literally, mobbed. :P That was a joke, I've never been to Brooklyn, but yeah, exactly.
Parushing: Basically, there is not one nationality that's more populated by jackasses than any other. While America might be great in some aspects, it seriously lacks in others. This is the same with all countries. There's the good and the bad, and there's the idiots and the actually worthwhile people. I think the point that Isabella was trying to make is that, as a whole, Americans tend to be the more obnoxious, loud, rowdy types of tourists. There is not one specific nationality of tourists that is perfect, but as a whole, Americans are pretty reviled as tourists. Unfortunately, it's the obnoxious, annoyingly arrogant people who have the money to be tourists, and so a lot of polite, respectful tourists don't get exposure to the world if they're not brillianly rich. On top of that, people tend to notice negative a lot more than positive, so if there's an annoying tourist at point A, and a polite, quiet tourist just taking everything in at point B, the first tourist is going to be more noticed because they're just so annoying.
I know you are speaking as an American so your comments are directed to your countrymen but they can easily be applied to the English, who time and time again are rated the worst tourists in the world, far worse than the Americans.
I lived in Amsterdam for years and the English had the worst reputation: smoking on trains, barking at the locals, flocking to the red light district, and only eating fish & chips and English breakfasts while watching "footie". All of the heroin-addled junkies begging for money at the train stations always seemed to be English, too. And while it can be amusing to see Yanks confused that their dollar is not widely accepted outside of exchange bureaus, it's worse to see the English get downright angry when their pound, a far less widely-accepted currency, not accepted in pubs, restaurants and chip shops.
Americans are considered a bit naive and silly, but the English are actively disliked by continental Europeans. Often hated.
And please keep in mind that the Irish are sure to speak English, too. (smile) We tend to get ignored in the face of our larger neighbour but I assure you we're fluent as well, if we have a different accent.
Yes, I too have seen some pretty shocking things done by American tourists overseas. Especially it seems in Europe. I have also been on the receiving end of Amercian ignorance and hostility in my work regarding money exchange. For all tourists travelling overseas: Even if your greenbacks are accepted as a form of payment you will not receive your change in US. This is because it is illegal to give out another country's currency. This comment may sound strange to many of you but in my one job I literally had at least one American every night I worked screaming at me because I could not (by law) give them American dollars as change.
It is true that every nation has ignorant tourists but for some reason it is the American encouters that tend to stick in the mind. I don't know why that is. Maybe someone else has an opinion on that.
And I absolutely agree with learning something about the country you're travelling to. I always believed the point of travel was to learn about other cultures. Isn't that why you leave the comfort of home to hit the road?
And JulieP: I loved my time in Ireland! I didn't want to leave. In all my travels Irish people have always been spoken about in very positive terms. Something to be proud of!
Some fair points on here. JulieP, as I read your comments I knew you had to be Irish or a scot, can't resist a bit of English bashing!
Too be fair when it comes to us English abroad I do depair. loud and drunk in Spain(I've seen the Irish just as bad!) and lousy tippers in the US. As with the comments on Americans, its unfair to lable a whole country based on certain people.
I work a lot in Europe and make sure I have a good understanding of local culture and a few words to get by.
Not one of my friends or family would dream of behaving in the manner that you see a lot of English doing. You have to bear in mind that class comes into this and that the behaviour of some abroad is very much a working class thing
"But, for some reason, the Americans seem particularly ignorant and obnoxious."
I couldn't agree more, both home and abroad, and certainly every time I travel to another country I can't help but feel stupid and ignorant, especially if I don't speak the language. I'm always looking for ways to blend in and be less noticeable as a tourist wherever I go, nationally too, but in other countries it can be so difficult!
Great hub, I'll certainly take this advice to heart while in Russia next March, and wherever else my travels might take me in the future.
Is not only the americans who suffer this ailment. I live 'down under' and have encountered many English people with the same afflictions.
AHH!! My friend showed this to me since im going to Costa Rica soon. I have been brushing up on my Spanish so as not to have to point theatrically to things. But now i know even more! I will be sure to whisper and and not complain about the brown water and be canadian and never metion nazis!!! lol you never know where you'll meet a german. Thanks for the advice!
I loved this article. I lived abroad for 16 years in various countries and quite often the American stereotype is correct. I always felt the need to apologize for my fellow citizens and explain that not everyone is loud and obnoxious!
On the flip side, I do have to agree with some of you who say Americans are not alone in their intercultural transgressions. For instance, when I was vacationing in Croatia, the ones making the biggest fusses were the French. They were openly mocking waiters in French, asking stupid questions and expecting locals to understand them in their foreign language. I have several French coworkers here in the States, and they do nothing but complain when we go out to restaurants together... except here they mock the customers who eat too much! Of course, not all French people are rude. Just examining the other side of the coin.
I agree with the statements and it is so embarrassing being an American abroad living in Spain and going to London and hearing the most annoying, vague arrogant people on earth all over the place including the French!
I know what you mean about tourists. I'm from the U.S. and you hit the mark on most americans. I'm a gifted student, a 13 year old girl, and I'm one of the smartest people in my school. I'm in 7th grade and a lot of my classmates are morons. They refer to apostrophes as FLOATING COMMAS!!
At first, when reading this, I felt insulted. I thought you were talking about all americans. You came on so strong about americans' idiocy that I was relieved when I saw you were talking generally.
Americans are obnoxious in America, too. When travelling to a different city in the SAME state, I've heard my parents tell multiple people they don't know how much better the prices were in our city!
I think Dutch people need to become less anal about everything. Are some americans loud? yep. Are we all the gun toting,squirrel eating native american killers I have been called while living here? Hardly..dutch need to educate themsevles aswell. There are so many positive things about living here and just as many about being in the U.S. If push came to shove I'd want to be on the other side where people actually stand up for things instead of always having their head in the sand. Dutch people can't tell the difference between a person living in New York and Alabama so don't pretend they are better educated than anyone else.
That was so true!
Another thing I'd like to say is that many American tourists (not all of them though) seem to thing the world was made for them to enjoy themselves in... I live in India, and I keep hearing American tourists saying irritating things like "why don't they have more facilities for Americans?", I mean, its not as if we design our cities for American tourists. If we are happy with what we have, I see no sense in building everything up for the relatively few American tourists that visit the country. This holds true for most of Asia. Also, when they go abroad (to a 3rd world country) some of them act as if they've parted with civilization for a few days or something, and this is quite offensive to the people in these countries, who are usually quite proud.
When I went to Europe, in some places like Venice, there seem to be more American tourists than locals, and many Americans (mostly younger people) look at the ancient architecture and art as if it is was something constructed solely for tourism and to be slapped on some brochure in a tourism office. And then there's people asking you if you speak American... I mean, what's American? Last time I checked, the language was called English, and that's what most people acknowledge it as.
I completely agree with what you've said about the way Americans speak to non-English speakers. In India, where people generally know 3 or more languages, the country with the second largest number of English speakers in the world, many Americans tend to speak to Indians in English as if they were mentally challenged. I've seen people being spoken to like this, even though they probably know better English than the average American, as schools in most South Asian and African countries all teach English... and Africans anf Indians are some of the most fluent English speakers.
I can safely say that when I am in "eurpope" I see totally obnoxious Italians everytime I travel to London and Stockholm. All 10 people are walking and speaking at the same time while simultaneously giving a play-by-play of their walk through the city on 10 phones. More obnoxious than anything I have ever seen. I have never commented on this until just now. I see obnoxious LOUD German 20 somethings on holiday in the states. Singing songs as if "everyone is interested". I Have never commented on the Germans either.
I also see very annoying spoiled Americain kids and also genuine people with feelings that you shouldn't shunt just because of your nationalism or insecurity.
The americans you see abroad are often on holiday for visiting a new place for the first time as well and are learning and experiencing most of the things they see for the first time. I am sure you use the word NOOB anytime someone is new to something that you have done just prior. It is popular and contagious to hate. That being said, I am a well mannered and polite american who enjoys and embraces all cultures and speaks three languages. Why don't you try to coach the next obnoxious american that you see.
"Europe" rather. I was typing way behind my thougths...
Additions to the list are the champion of obnoxious tourists -- the British that I see in Amsterdam. Or the complete jerk consultant that I met in Las Vegas that was a horrid shaven headed little man from the UK who was the dullest and most rude person that I could ever meet in a pub. He should stay in his room next time. Good GOD can you say annoying and loud? Or the Scottish I saw coming off the Eurostar and alighting in Paris for World Cup 1998 completely smashed out of their mind with bearing Scottish flags. I find that the most comical because they try to come off so aloof and snobbish when at home. So just try to find the cool people and be glad you found them instead of dealing with idiots..
I've seen this in action occasionally, but Europeans are hardly exempt from displaying this swaggering and obnoxious sense of entitlement. I was practically embarassed to call myself an American while in Israel, as the actions you describe were in full force, but after time spent in Syria Jordan and Egypt I found that tourist arrogance is hardly limited to Americans. Some of the rudest, drunkest, and most presumptuous people I encountered in the Middle-East were from Western Europe, but I'm not certain I understand why it is this way. Is this just a trait of whites? Those of European descent? Being from a fairly prosperous country? And of course, not a lot of Americans are traveling in the Middle-East these days, those that do tend to be a bit more educated (In my experience at least). Whatever the case, funny post, although a bit angry. As frustrating as these sort of people can be, you've got to give them credit for at least traveling overseas. That's a greater effort than most Americans make.
Very true, and funny, now you need to write a guide for non-Americans visiting America :)
Heres a few starters: Warning, cab drivers will expect you to know the route to your destination, even though they have driven in the area for 10 years and you have been there 10 minutes.
Carry lots of $1 bills, American's expect to be tipped for every lousy little thing, including opening a door.
Don't expect courtesy. Anywhere.
dodonnell,
seriously? I'm curious as to where you live to have such a cynical attitude concerning America. For one, I've never had a cab driver expect me to know my route, and tipping expectations? Hardly. I mean, sure, if you're spending a lot of time at the ritz carlton in Manhattan, but aside from the upper class haunts, tipping is hardly the expectation that it is in other countries. In the middle east it's not only a courtesy, it's a way of life, and you'll be expected to give someone "baksheesh" if they point out a pretty rock. (No exaggeration) And no courtesy? Anywhere? Either you've lived in a dense urban area in america your whole life, or you visited here and had an extremely negative experience. Personally I've lived in the midwest, the west coast, and spent extended time in the south, and can say with certainty that Americans, generally speaking, are very hospitable and courteous people. Of course, there are some real jerks out there, but no courtesy anywhere? Let's not make it out to be worse than it is. Your tips are about as accurate as the common American belief that the middle-east is largely inhabitated by terrorists.
Hey jreuter,
I live in Australia, have spent time in Japan.
I was poking fun, but half seriously. I spent 5 weeks in US a couple years back. Spent time in NY, LA, Vegas. Perhaps the tip milking is reserved for tourists? The cab drivers I refer to were NY cabbies, the cab rides were a life threatening experience themselves lol.
I had an awesome time in the States, the country is awesome, just not a fan of the typical loud and rude culture. Not saying everyone is like that, thats just the feeling as a visitor you are left with.
yeah, the tipping thing is odd, I guess having an accent makes a difference, but it still surprises me. I have yet to experience a NYC cab ride, but man, there's no way they can drive like egyptians, I was amazed there wasn't an accident every 30 seconds. If you ever visit again, check out some smaller cities like Portand, OR, milwaukee, wisconsin, or missoula. Montana, to name a few. They're interesting without being completely hectic.
I've travelled on business and vacations (from the U.S.) to many countries and nearly always been treated with courtesy. However, the two countries where I was made to feel most welcome were Brasil and the UK. The Brazilians are hands down, in my experience, the friendliest to travelers from other countries. Mexico is not far behind.
heheh this is so true.. but i have met maybe one or two polite americans.. I have travelled the world many times and do tend to hide when i see Americans.. Only because for the most part they are loud mouthed , and when i am in certain countries they can be so rude with alot of service because not everyone can speak english.. or as the Americans i have encountered say.. " do you speak American???" ive had americans try to high five me because they did not try to speak some of the local languages so when they see i speak english they shout oh man you speak american high five! errrrrrr shudder.. so like i said i avoid most where ever i travel.. I pretend not to speak english at all and try to just speak a little of the local languages to the best of my Abilites
Like i said.. not all american tourists are like this.. i have errr met two at least in all my years of consistent travel
Oh one more thing.. the reaction amerians give when they find out someone does not speak english.. But i bet half pretend not to so they do not have to talk to such big mouthed ignorant individuals..
I didn't read all the comments but Boy it that a GREAT Hub. Isabella, I had no idea you weren't in America. You have made fun observations about tourists in general too. I worked in Times Square at Jekyll & Hyde and the things you describe are also annoying to fellow Americans in NY.
I can't see leaving anywhere without a copy of LET'S GO. It really helps with the cultural things you recanted. French people get a such a bad rep FOR NO GOOD reason other than they expect you respect THEIR customs while visiting. So if the guy won't serve you because you didn't say Bonjour as you entered, big deal. Go back out, go back in and say "Bonjour" and I'll bet you get a different reaction.
People here just carry to big a chip. It's unsettling.
Thanks again.
Just found this hub, but just in time for summer 2008 tourists. I was in Paris 9 days, March 2007, room in hotel next to a "nice" couple from Calif., so we had much in common. But, they hadn't even bothered to learn the ONE sentence in French..."do you speak English?" and wondered why everyone was so rude! I'd learned that sentence and several more and was having a wonderful time. Can you imagine how badly USAers treat foreign guests who can't even say "do you speak French? German? Italian? Japanese?" in English? I know....we're horribly rude to them! Why are USA-ers like this? Sad.
Loved the Hub and comments Whitney!.
As a fellow Brit, we seem to always talk about the weather!
By the way, it's a loveley day today!:D
Oh!-))))
Great hub! great comments. Good moon for all day =)))
This was excellent, Makes me think about how I act, although I don't think I'm as bad as the above...But thank you for an eye opening hub on how rude Americans can be, and hopefully there will be some changes made! Looks like we are a pretty spoiled lot!
Travelling anywhere in the world is a mine field and local customs and language all add up to a frustrating experience. First time travellers inevitable have the most trouble for all or many of the reasons mentioned in the hub and the comments. Perceptions too simply come into play and lets face anyone in a group (soccer fans in Europe being simply the worst), college groups or middle aged people together from the same country all tend to behave somewhat differently from the norm. Great Hub and having the brass to point this out in a no holds barred fashion.
It's funny, when Americans come to India, they assume none of us know English, when, hello, we were colonized by the British for two years. Every Indian, at least in the urban parts of the country know at least a LITTLE English, and people like me who thrive on American television know even more.
And, yes, it IS obnoxious to tell us how much better you think your country is. Why'd you come here if we're so much worse than you lot? Do I come into your house and tell you my kitchen is prettier? RUDE.
I have noticed those behaviours as well, living in South Africa. It seems to be a very 'tourist' thing, though. the couple of American exchange students that I have met were not like this at all, but rather more interested in experiencing the country and culture.
HI,ME AND JUNIOR ARE AMERICANS,AND WE LIVE OUTBACK BY THE SHED.AND WE THINK YALL HAVE US ALL WRONG,"DUH" "UH" US RUDE AMERICAN'S DON'T DO THAT."UH" "DUH" ARE LAST NAME IS OBERBRECKLING AND WE GERMAN AND WE KNOW ALL ABOUT COMMUNISM.
Good one snow have fun with this one.
Jreuter: I delete any comments (on any article) which I find particularly useless or illogical. Your questions have shown that you didn't even bother to read first. That, and they only served to reiterate everything I complain about in this article. I did you a favor by deleting it.
Sadly, this is true. We do those things. When I first arrived in Germany, I was guilty of a few of them. I assumed they didn't speak English (most of them did.
It's great advice. Had I known some of the things I know now, it would have been a bit easier getting around the city. After a few years, though, no problem whatsoever. I quickly learned that Germans are not only the most kind people I have ever met, most of them LOVE America or Americans. Just as we are facinated by their culture, they are just as facinated with ours. It was a definite learning experience.
GREAT POST!!!
Very interesting read. I am a fan of Rick Steves' website, and lots of this behaviour is discussed on the "Graffiti Wall." I have been to Europe several times, and haven't witnessed much 'ugly' behavior, except in England, by Englishmen. That being said, I love the article and look forward to reading more. In France a lady said to me, "You know I ALMOST didn't think that you were a tourist," and to this day I don't know why she said it. Just an observation, or insult? I've no idea. To the person who suggested to say you're a Canadian, NO WAY! Only if I WAS from there! That would be insulting to Europeans anyway, showing you're an American isn't just in what you wear or how loudly you speak or how overweight you might be, it also has to do with a mental attitude, the way that you look at people and the world, even how often you smile. Or so I've been told.
I was in England in 1999 and was asked if I was Canadian. When I said 'no' the person acted surprised and stated that some tourists had acted insulted when she asked if they were American. America sure isn't perfect, but as a Chinese immigrant in my public speaking class said, "A country doesn't have to be perfect to be great." Happy Travels to all!
Carry on Ms. Snow!
Good advice. True in many respects, although there are many of us who try our hardest not to do these things (I know I HATE it when natives assume I am just another obnoxious tourist and treat me as such).
Out of curiosity, where are you from, or what country are you speaking on the behalf of, so to speak.
Great hub. As a former ex-pat who lived in Europe this made me laugh and groan. Oh those ugly Americans!! lol Course I made my share of gaffes at first as well. A good thing I have a kind German husband that helped me through my culture shock.
It is interesting reading this because when I was in Ireland visiting the locals seemed to adore all things American and Americans. A lot of the stuff played on the local radio is American music, and people instantly pick up interest when they find out that your American. I think this may be because of the links that the US and Ireland have always shared, and because they are both anglophone countries.
I grew up in England and now live in a major city in the U.S. where British tourists visit and I can tell you boy do I scamp away when I hear a british accent. Everything you say about American's I can generalize about British tourists visiting as well. Loud, obnoxious, and rude - but the worse sin is usually arrogance.
Of course like you I'm generalizing. Most American's visiting Europe are respectful as are most Europeans visiting the states. You only hear and remember the loud ones.
The two best compliments I ever got as an American were in France and England. In France, I suppose my pronunciation was perfect, because several people assumed I was French until they either heard my companions talking to me in English, or if they began a conversation with me that my language skills weren't up to.
In England, most people assumed I was from London. In fact, an older gentleman once told me that I have an "high English" accent. :-) At the time, I worked in a call center, and several people asked me if I was English. Best compliment ever!
jimmythejock says:
2 years ago
I love this hub Isabella especialy this one,Don’t assume people don’t speak English. when people from the uk are travelling abroad if they encounter a person who can't speak english they speak slower and pronounce evverrry wooorddd iiiiinnnnnn annnnnnn exageratedddddd fashionnnnnnn, as though that will help the poor recipient understand what they are saying lol.........jimmy