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There have been a couple of threads on wearing your ring(s) on the honeymoon and people mentioned not wearing their ring in Europe in order to avoid standing out. As an American in Europe, I often play the game of spot the American and thought I would pass along a few things, other than your ring which will scream American tourist. These are based on my observations since living and travling in Europe for the past 3 years. Europe is generally safe, but like anywhere, tourist spots provide easy targets for crime.
Certain brands do not exist in Europe and will scream American tourist. Coach is a big one. Also, Gap Inc. brands, American Eagle, Aeropostale, Holister, etc. Abercrombie is an exception, it is not sold in Europe (except London) but Europeans love Abercrombie so sometimes it is a false clue, to a lesser extent this also applies to Hollister and Aeropostale.
Europeans don't wear white running shoes (or any running shoes) unless they are doing some sort of sports. Comfortable "walking" shoes scream tourist. Think about getting a pair of fashion sneakers or Chucks if you want to wear sneakers without standing out.
Americans are loud. It's one of those things you don't realize until you are in a foreign setting and travel home. As soon as you open your mouth everyone will know you are a tourist.
Lounge wear in the form of sweat pants, hoodies, velour track suits is not common outside of the home, not even for flying. Also flip flops are very seasonal (I wear mine a lot hear people wispering about them often, even in July) and just not accepted by older generations so you may be the only one in flip flops if it is not June, July or August.
The engagement ring may identify you as an American, mostly because it is a different style than those you commonly find in Europe, but, it's not impossible to get a solitaire in Europe it'S just not the same tradition. At least where I live, engagement rings are replaced by wedding bands which may or may not have small diamond detail. I just think there are many more signs of a tourist that people notice before looking at your hand and really if you're speaking English, you'll stand out much more than if you are wearing a diamond.
I hope this does not sound like I'm trying to suggest hiding your nationality, I just like to blend in when I travel as much as possible and avoid touristy things so I thought I would share a few observations I noted along the way. Safe travels!
I live in Paris, and I see a lot of American tourists speaking to waiters or salespeople in English, without making an effort to say "Bonjour" or "Excusez-moi". Gets on my nerves!
I too live in Paris... I agree with almost all of Slicey's comments, but would like to clarify that there are many Gap stores in Paris, just not Old Navy or Banana Republic. Other than that, I completely agree with the no white sneakers thing...A couple of other things that scream tourist to me are: fanny packs, socks with sandals and shorts...French people don't generally wear shorts unless they are hiking, or unless they are of the 'formal shorts' variety that was relatively in fashion about 2 years ago. Another thing I would advise is to avoid using a backpack if at all possible. As a tourist, chances are, even if you do take the above advice, you will stand out and a backpack is really just an open invitation to pickpockets on the metro. Speaking of pickpockets, avoid the gypsies at all costs, if they approach you with a ring that they've 'found' asking if it's yours, turn away and do not answer. Sorry I kind of got off subject there, but I have seen way too many tourists fall prey to them!
Miss Paris, forgot about the French Gap and technically Gap and Banana are both in the UK. I'm in Germany and Eastpak fanny packs are actually very popular with Germans (I cringe), glad to know it's not the same elsewhere!
I personally think it's quite impossible to fully look like a local especially when it's obviously your first time visiting a destination. A lot of places, Europe and otherwise welcome tourists, especially American tourists.
I'm an American in Scandinavia and have also traveled around in parts of Europe and my only suggestion is to know your surroundings! Keep your bag near you at all times and be especially aware when you're at high traffic areas, like train stations with a lot of teens and children. I agree with miaou, if you can at least say "hello" in their native language, it's usually favored.
Just give respect to the culture and don't compare everything to the States, at least not out loud! A couple of my college "friends" visited me last summer and I was pretty damned embarrassed by them because they just kept on complaining and comparing!
An open mind and a little common sense goes a long way!
Thanks for all the tips!!!
@slicey,
I really appreciated all your tips about the clothing!
Good thing I'm not a huge fan of wearing clothing with brands screaming on the shirt. :)
My French teacher (who was French) always told us that she could spot an American immediately at a restaurant by how they cut their food. Not sure how true this is, but in America, we tend to cut our food with the same hand that we eat with, then switch hands to eat. I guess the rest of the world never switches back and forth.
Hopefully that made sense. I guess a good explanation might be that I am right handed, therefore when I cut my meat, I hold my fork in my left hand and cut with my right. After I am done cutting, I switch my fork to my right hand to eat.
@ bree72, so true I got made fun of so much for the hand switching, now I use a fork and knife all the time and my family teases me when I go home.
FI jokes that you should keep the knife in your hand to protect your food!
If you can learn how to say hello, a proper greeting and response in the native language you will go much much further. A LOT of Europeans speak English but most won't let you know that if you approach them expecting that... or yell at them. I can't tell you how many Americans I've seen yell slowly at people trying to get help. They're not deaf.
I notice more jeans outside the US now, but they're still not popular in Europe. (And yes, GAP is popular).
When traveling in a new city, if using public transport, I usually try and see where I'm going before I'm on the train so I don't have to pull out a map often. This includes knowing where you need to head once your off the train/subway. Stations are targets for pickpocket's. I try not to pull out maps at all except when absolutely needed.
Keep your bag in front of you and hold onto it for dear life :-) If in Rome and all over Italy, be BEYOND cautious with your belongings. I think Roman/Italian thief's are among the best. They can pickpocket locked bags :-) And anytime you're around "tourist" attractions you'll be a target.
Don't freak out if you go to a McDonalds or something and they charge you for condiments like ketchup. Larges are like mediums. Some serve beer. And the oils for the cooking are different so it will also taste a little different. Actually, all foods taste a little different... even things like Coke because the recipe's are a little different. Dr. Pepper can only really be found in the UK/Ireland, and they don't Ice Drinks. You have to pay for water, and ask for "still" unless you want fizzy water which is the norm.
I love this thread. I studied in Europe when I was finishing up college and before we went my professor told us pretty much the same stuff. He was a little more abrupt though, like, "if you wear any clothes that have a logo or words on it, don't, you look like an American tool". Or, "don't tell people you're American, you sound arrogant. If they ask, you're from the States". I was like ok, gotcha! I also went to Europe shortly after 9/11 so my friends and I were much more cognizant of our American tendencies and we tried to subdue them. Not that there was any more danger than there was in the US but ya never know.
I don't get why I'm trying not to look American in a foreign country. I am. If it's a safety issue I think I will take the same precautions that I do here in Philly. You can get robbed just about anywhere in a big city. I've been to Italy and Ireland and the people were nice, and kind, and helpful on both of my trips. While no one liked George Bush, I didnt feel like anyone took their political views out on me because I was from a different country.
I totally agree on learning at least a few polite things in the language of the country you're traveling in (hello. how are you. where is the bathroom, have a good day, etc.). However, when I was visiting Paris last, everyone, save one sandwich vendor, insisted on speaking English to me in response! It was funny because I was trying my hardest to use nothing but French (4 years of study, I had to have learned something, right?) and everyone kept getting excited about practicing their English on me! heh. The sandwich vendor was great though. He said he only spoke French and an African dialect (the name of which escapes me right now) so we Had to converse in French.
i believe in blending in when i visit. I've never thought my brand of clothes showed me as foreign before though! What great tips!
Oh, and my FI would like me to add that you should be careful traveling in Sicily as they are renowned for targeting tourists- either with outrageous prices or by stealing your stuff.
I try to "blend" when I travel to the UK, although it's pretty obvious I'm an American (coach or j crew purse and diamond rings give me away--plus i'm, well, curvier than most europeans, lol. And blonde...most girls i meet are dark haired) and tennis shoes just aren't what you wear around every day. Even college students have 'trendy' tennis shoes. They are much trendier than us. I tend to stick to 'business clothes' for day to day wear (dress pants, blouse, scarf, peacoat) but if I'm just meandering around, i make sure i wear trendier accessories or scarves and boots or something. Basically, Americans look so "bummy" in comparison! ha! I do so to avoid random people coming up to me, asking if i'm an american (it happens) and then people don't stare as much. When you stand out SO MUCH, you draw attention to yourself. I don't want attention--I'm alone in a country all by myself on business travel. I'm a young woman. People are always nice to me, but I don't exactly want to be seen as prey, either. Especially if I'm walking around at night, to dinner, from dinner, back to the hotel, etc.
They DO eat in the 'continental' style and we eat in the 'american' style. I always feel weird eating at a table full of european coworkers....odd man out eating with only one utensil at a time, fork in the right hand. And, since americans have a stereotype of being sloppy and unsophisticated in comparison, I feel unkept!
I really enjoyed reading this thread! We have many international residents in our building (pretty sure it's part of a program or something, I see embassy plates in the parking garage) and so I've picked up on a lot of the different speech patterns, etc, just from listening. It's always interesting to see how others are different!
I also think it's funny because I wouldn't dream of wearing sneakers or tennis shoes out if I wasn't go running or to the gym. I do wear jeans a lot, but I've never worn lounge pants, etc, out in public. A lot of the things I was reading off your list, I couldn't help but think "people actually do that?" haha, I know they're popular in some parts of the country, but I rarely see them around here. Except for maybe the lounge pants with a North Face. You see that all the time!
Also, weird thing, apparently I cut my food in an un-American way? My dad lived in Paris, Germany, China and Thailand for awhile for work right before I was born and alternately until I was about four. So maybe he taught me? Weird!
I love people watching in other countries and I always wish I could be as fashionable as them! I second what everyone else has said. Biggest thing I notice is the volume-- We tend to talk much louder than some other countries. Especially in places like churches, subways and restaurants. :-)
it's super super easy to learn a hello, please and thank you... and USE them. These little things make a big difference, especially if you can't speak the language-- at least you are trying with the niceties!
I would bring cute comfy tennis shoes if you are going to wear them. Something like puma, perhaps. Or flats with support. They wear those gladiator sandals a lot in the summer-- not so much the flip flops. Winter is all about boots with leggings/skinny jeans. I never saw people wear shorts in the summer. Except Americans. Skirts, capris and slacks were the norm. Sleeveless shirts are a no-no in churches-- as are short skits and shorts.
The eating thing is funny. I am left handed, so it's not so different for me. In France, it's rude to put your hands in your lap-- rest your free forearm on the table. Honestly the biggest giveaway in a restaurant that you're american is when you talk too loud. ;-)
Interesting thread!
Funny story. When my family and I were in Italy, people thought we were Canadian because we weren't rude or fat. Seriously.
I think jeans are quite popular in Europe. All the young kids wear skinny jeans. I noticed Europeans are more fashion conscious, so no athletic sneakers, baggy jeans, sweats. Most of them are trendy haircuts as well. And yes to the loud thing! Ah! I traveled through Europe with 3 other Americans and they allllll wore athletic shoes and were so loud. I try to blend in as well, greet people in their native tongue. Do as the Romans do :)
Even though pickpockets may be a problem, I wouldn't reccommend one of those weird money bags you wear under your clothes. Its way to awkward to pull out of your pants whenever you buy something.
Instead, get a small zip top purse (not a pouch, they are too easy to dip into) and just hold on tight. Put enough to pay for your day in your wallet and place large bills in your shoe. Never set your bag on the floor while seated- pick a purse small enough to place on your lap. Don't make eye contact with wanderers and beggars- otherwise they never go away.
Learn phrases like, hello, thank you, I am American, where is the train station, I would like, and do you speak English-- this will come in handy. Many people are more than happy to speak English (and even like showing off their English) as long as you approach them politely and try to speak their language.
My faux pas I alwaaays break is the flipflop thing. I got some really cute Tevas and wear them as long as its warm. Yes, it screams foreigner, but my feet are happy and cool. On the other hand, many young people wear them- either stylish flipflops or gladiator sandals, like the kind sold at H&M.
Just my 10 cents
As an avid traveler I have to say that some of these things are not completely accurate - like the cutting of the food and the traveling with jewelry. Table manners are not indicative of where you're from at all, I've seen Europeans, Americans, and mediterraneans eat in the exact same way and it never struck me as odd.
Same thing goes for the jewelry - it's a very personal thing that has nothing to do with nationality - Some of the Spanish and Italian women I've known have traveled with diamond rings, earrings and bangles and wouldn't dream of removing them for travel.
This thread is cool. I've never traveled outside the US, so reading about all the cultural differences is very interesting. It would definately be tough for me to hide my "Americanism", but I'm not a very trusting person in the first place, so a pickpocket probably wouldn't get very far with me. I do love my flip-flops and jeans, and food, so yeah... big blinkie sign above my head.
Also, if you are in Europe during the colder months, a sleeker silhouette (ie wool coat or tailored down coat) is preferable to a puffy parka or down bubble jacket.
Thanks for the tips :) I don't generally worry about "passing" when I'm traveling abroad. I generally just focus on not being obnoxious with my american-ness!
I don't know about the jewellry thing. I'm British and have lived in Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Some people wear diamonds, some people don't, either way, I don't thinkit is a big enough deal to worry about it. The way of holding a fork and knife when eating is definitely different though, and when I moved to the US, I found the switching thing to be quite baffling and still do.
This is such an interesting thread. I always do my best to not act like a tourist in Europe, and I agree with many of the tips that have been posted. I've actually been mistaken for a native in Spain and Italy (people would ask me for directions in the native language)...I didn't bother correcting them - it was actually pretty cool :)
I know this doesn't have to do with being a tourist in Europe, but I have to put my "spot the tourist" story in. I come from a tiny town in Southwest Colorado that is a tourist hot spot because of the ski area. In high school I worked at the local theater (only one screen w/ one showing per night lol), so naturally, I had a lot of contact with tourist. The funniest thing I was asked was, "At what elevation do deer become elk?" Uh, seriously? Honestly? Can I please smack you? That's pretty much like asking at what elevation does a cat become a dog. I was baffled by this question. I chalked it up to an extremely confused tourist that never had any contact with deer and elk. lol But, oddly enough, I was asked that several more times. I finally just started telling them at the timberline is where they change...just the thought of them going back to whereever they were from and telling their tourist friends that deer change into elk at timberline made me giggle.
A lot of the comments actually apply just as well to tourists in US cities as they do to Americans in Europe. I used to work at the Capitol in DC, and could get rather snippy with tourists on the subway.
I've done most of my travel in countries where a fair skinned blonde woman will never blend in. Standing out isn't a huge deal, as long as you are good humored about it and endeavor to be polite.
However, I really do second the advice about not wearing too casual of clothing. Jeans are heavy and dry poorly, so they are terrible clothing for an independent traveler. T-shirts hold smells easily, and really, do you want to spend a couple thousand to travel around the world to have your picture taken in front of an amazing site in a t-shirt? I made that mistake with my Taj Mahal photos.
My advice for any independent traveler going on a trip longer than a week is to pack the following (for women): basic travel dress, pair of slacks, two collared shirts, light fleece, Pjs, underwear, and accessories for dressing up or down (scarves! also make good head covers for conservative religious sites). If you are going to hike or do other strenuous activity, bring long shorts and a wicking T. Do not wear it in the city. Wash clothing regularly. Packing light is the best thing in the world.
I guess it's time for my input as an American living in the Netherlands for the past 4 years and traveling around Europe:
- I honestly think my #1 tip is to avoid falling into the pit of "having to see and do it all." Yes, public transport is very good and you can do a lot of awesome day trips but I'm sorry, unless you don't eat and sleep you're never going to see Italy, Greece, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Denmark in 2-3 weeks. Europe is HUGE and there's a lot of cool stuff here to see...plan a few things, enjoy and if you want to see more plan it for another trip!
- Don't expect ice in your soft drinks or free refills. If you visit the Netherlands, expect to pay an extreme price for a shot glass of soda or beer.
- Don't be surprised at having to pay for the use of a public toilet. It's in almost every public facility here in the NL, and you have about 50/50 chance of running into it elsewhere. Most restraunts won't charge if you're purchasing something there.
- DO NOT expect to be able to use your Credit Card everywhere. The most touristy places will usually have a CC option, but the more off the beaten path you go the more likely it's cash only. Here in the NL, you can only buy train tickets and public transport cards by cash or CC at the ticket booths and these will only appear in the big train stations. You can't pay by CC at the grocery store and most places are Mastercard only. In France, you can literally go 40 miles without seeing an ATM...always ask at a restraunt if they accept CC. I've been caught a few times before and the only ATM was broken.
- Expect stores and grocery stores to close early and not be open on Sundays at all. I don't know about other countries but the NL does have Sunday openings in places declaired to be tourist areas (Amsterdam) but the government is trying to crack down on this even more.
- Realize that eating out is different in Europe than the US. In some countries, you can expect dinner to be served after 8pm and it's spendy since the locals treat it as a special ocassion. I know in France, most restraunts don't serve food until after 7pm and the noon meal is the "big" meal of the day.
- Sneakers...most people wear these funky looking "designer" sneakers that are long and have round toes. I don't conform too well and I wear running sneakers. I prefer function over fashion. ;-)
- Bags. In the Netherlands, carrying a backpack or sling bag is perfectly normal for locals. It's an easy way to carry things by bike (we also have big bags on our bikes to carry groceries in) or carry things around. Just don't put valuables in the bag if it's going to be on your back.
I'm sure there's more but I can't think of them right now. ;-)
Oh, every word said in this thread is true. I am Russian, but have been living in USA for 12+ years. Every time i fly "home", i run into these funny sotries. Let me share one of them.
I have been learning english, for almost all my life. My dad was a diplomat and he said that knowing/speaking English is going to be most important thing i learn in my life. He is right. One thing though, don't expect everyone to speak English, especially in a country where english is not a primary or secondary language like for example: Canada, India...
One day, i am flyging back from Moscow to NY. This guy sits next to me and we start talking, and i think he did not realise that i am Russian, as i don't have an accent and a lot of people think that i am from a northern state when i speak, but i lived almost all the time in OK. Back to the story, this guy starts trashing Russian hotels in small rural towns, how they did not speak english to him and so on and so forth. My feelings got hurt... That is when i brought him my example. For work, i traveled a lot, like every week it was new town, new state, and let me tell you i dont think that in a small town in SC when i was checking in into Hampton Inn someone would speak Russian..LOL I could see him feeling bad.
With all respect, all the suggestions that are given here are true! Study the culture of the country when you go there, see if there are any national hilidays during your stay there and take one of those "language" books with you, show the natives that you are interested and really trying. People will open up and help you and are going to be nice in return.
Wow, this turned out to be really interesting to compare and so nice to see so many bees in Europe. i think I would agree with everything too!
@ ldyparadox99 I had an interesting experience in the Netherlands with language and CC. We drove to the flower garden via Amsterdam (because my German FI had never been and it was only a 3 hour drive). We stayed in a small hotel in Nordvik am Zee (spelling?) and on the way home took the scenic route. Dutch and German are pretty close on paper so I was able to understand some signs and most people we spoke to either spoke English or German so we didn't have a problem until we needed gas. In Germany, you can never pay at the pump so I assumed that was the case and walked in to ask if they take Visa. i spoke German to the cashier and expected a yes or no response. He answered in Dutch and I had no idea what he said at all. I was so completely confused we left w/o gas. Luckily, we eventually found a pay at the pump station which accepted my American debit card after rejecting both or our German EC cards. I no longer think Dutch and German are interchangable!
Here's a fun reversal :P...has anyone in the US ever played spot the European tourist? Honestly, German tourists are SO easy to spot...you see them a lot at places like national parks in August! And they're often wearing the god-awful Teva-type sandals with socks, fanny packs, and khaki hiking shorts. Maybe they think they're blending in with Americans? The giveaway is usually the thick accents and remarkably low voices, though (we Americans ARE loud!), and the often very blond hair.
I found a lot of these tips funny. I would never run to the grocery store in sweats and sneakers (in fact, I don't even OWN sneakers..I have a pair of waterproof hiking shoes which I use for all my outdoor exercise needs...), let alone travel through Europe with them on. Do people REALLY do that? And the fork and knife thing? I've never been to Europe, grew up in central PA, and yet never 'switch'. I find that weird. Isn't it less convenient than just keeping your knife and fork in the same hands throughout the meal?
I don't switch my fork and knife either. If my meal does not require a knife I hold my fork in my right hand. However, when a knife is necessary I always hold my fork in my left hand during the entire meal! (But I always knew this wasn't how most people ate).
But I was born in England, even though my parents are American, so maybe that explains it ;)
@Veganglam: I live super close to Disneyland and have a season pass, so I am always there. I LOVE playing spot the foreign tourist (although most of the tourists here are from Asia, not Europe) :p
@veganglam - in the midwest - at least in MN and WI - I see girls in sweats and flip flops or Uggs every single day. I've seen them wear sweats and Uggs to church, to class, to the grocery store, everywhere. It gets worse on college campuses, and I will admit to wearing lounge pants and Pumas myself to class on days where I am in a cramped, hot, uncomfortable classroom all day long.
I think it's a regional US thing! I hear we midwesterners can be considered sloppy compared to the coasts, haha. :)
I've actually heard that thing about stupid tourists asking at what elevation a deer becomes an elk many, many times. There must be some source of it. Is it an internet meme/myth or something?
About the switching of the forks and knives...I am brazilian and I never switch...and I have been made fun of here in the US because of it! I never realized that it was a cultural thing just because I never noticed!
I lived 4 years in London, England and here are some things that I also noticed. I blended in pretty well so I thinking of my wardrobe and habits
I owned only one pair of jeans...and they were trendy. You dont really just wear regular jeans on a day to day basis...
Lounge clothing is a big no-no...sweatshirts and sweatpants and flip flops are not worn very often...they dont wear flip flops (an easy spot the american on that one) they wear cute sandals with a little more oomph to them if that makes sense
Locals in London dont drink diet coke or soft drinks at restaurants...its water or wine.
No tennis shoes unless they are trendy and funky looking...not your usual Nike, adidas...
Overall most people just dressed pretty well and took care of themselves and how they looked all the time.
@jduck - I think your right. MN girls just like to be comfortable, and keep our feet warm. I will admit i wear my UGGs out pretty much everyday of the winter and have on occasion gone to the grocery store in my sweats. Also in December i have seen girls wearing skirts and UGGs... Brrrrrr. Must be a midwest thing.
As to the deer and Elk thing, from a German perspective the word Elhe is pronounced like Elk but actually is the word for Moose. I have often heard Germans refer to Moose as Elk because of this false friend. Moose don't live in Germany either so never seeing them could add to the confusion. I'm not sure, that'S just my best guess.
Germans love socks and sandals and fanny packs! FI's dad is generally a well dressed man but on the weekends he wears socks and sandals around the house and sometimes out the door. However, Germans don't wear white socks.
My experience with jeans is different from the others, I would agree that you don't see jeans on older people so much in Europe but 20 somethings and 30 somethings wear jeans all the time except to work. In fact my British colleague was addicted to Seven jeans which are super expensive in London and she was in her late 30s. Maybe the difference is I don't often see mom jeans!
OMG are you guys for real about switching hands I am right handed and I hold my knife in the right hand and my fork in the left. why do u need to swap?
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