Something normal at home may be unusual or strange in another country, and vice versa. What's different and how to avoid problems.
Questions tagged [local-customs]
255 questions
203
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Tactics to avoid getting harassed by corrupt police?
In Uzbekistan I was stopped, searched and questioned six times in one day.
At the border with Tajikistan, one official tried hiding my paperwork to elicit something from me.
In Kyrgyzstan, I was physically harassed and detained by the police, and…
Mark Mayo
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OK, we are all adults here, so what is a bidet for and how do I use it?
Confession time: I am from one of these barbaric countries where the use of the bidet is not widespread. So I have no idea...
Question 1: What is the bidet good for?
Question 2: How do I use it?
Image Source: wikipedia
Apparently the bidet is a…
mts
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When and why do people clap/applaud after a plane lands?
On a recent flight to Romania, the whole flight erupted with applause once we'd landed. This wasn't a "difficult" flight - no turbulence, delays, or hijackings. Just a bog standard flight.
On the return flight to London, no one applauded.
However,…
Terence Eden
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Is it rude to ask if the food contains pork or alcohol?
Some years ago, I was invited to a friend's place. The home-cooked food contained alcohol, and I don't eat or drink anything that contains alcohol (religious reasons). I was shy enough to eat it to avoid embarrassments.
Anyway, I am not planning to…
Nean Der Thal
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103
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Is it offensive to use 'Saigon' instead of 'Ho Chi Minh City'?
I've heard some people talking about Saigon instead of Ho Chi Minh City. Besides the fact that those people usually were French (I'm French myself as well) I was wondering if that could be considered offensive by the Vietnamese people. As Saigon is…
7hibault
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How to use sinks with separate hot/cold taps?
I just traveled to Ireland. I was amazed to find that water sinks (at home, restaurants and public) have separate taps for hot and cold water.
If you use only the cold water, your hands freeze. If you use only hot water, your hands burn.
How do…
Yousf
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With the passing of Thai King Bhumibol, are there any customs/etiquette as a traveler I should be aware of?
Even with the news that the King of Thailand passed away, I had already scheduled a trip a year ago to visit Thailand in a week or so. I understand that most of the country is in mourning -- should I be aware of any customs/etiquette as a traveler…
yuritsuki
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6 answers
Why do public toilets in the US have large gaps (no privacy)?
Most public toilets in the US are very low in privacy, the bottom gap in the door is so big (around 15-20% of the door), the side gaps are too big as well. This will make the toilet experience so unpleasant with no privacy at all. You can literally…
Nean Der Thal
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66
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5 answers
How much to tip in the United States?
Tipping customs in the United States can be surprising for people who travel there for the first time. It happened to me when I used a shuttle van service out of LAX a few years ago.
To sum up the bias: I am French; a country where service charges…
DavGin
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6 answers
Japanese etiquette: Most common (and offensive) mistakes?
I am aware that Japan has many unwritten rules of etiquette. What are some of the most common (and offensive) breaches of etiquette made by visitors?
On the flip side, what behaviors show respect and understanding of the Japanese culture?
Felix
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62
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Why are Chinese mountains scaled by steps? (instead of winding paths)
Question: Why are Chinese mountains mostly scaled by steps/stairs instead of winded paths?
Is there something traditional / practical / religious / spiritual about it that I fail to see?
When hiking up some of the sacred mountains in China, I…
mts
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62
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5 answers
I have a tattoo. Can I visit a public swimming pool in Japan?
A friend of mine is currently traveling in Japan. She has a small tattoo on her neck. Now she wanted to visit a public swimming pool but was denied entry.
It was difficult to understand the reason but it seems that tattoos "look too dangerous".
Can…
RoflcoptrException
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Male using change tables in female restrooms in Japan
Next month I'll be traveling to Japan with my wife and two children. Our youngest (1yo) is still in diapers. I read a few guides about traveling in Japan, and saw mention that change tables are sometimes placed only inside female restrooms.
This is…
freekvd
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Is it rude to speak Swedish in Norway?
I speak Swedish quite well, but my active Norwegian is very basic, although I can understand most of it if I concentrate. I'm aware Norwegians can usually/always understand Swedish. I'm told Norwegians and Swedes may have conversations in which…
gerrit
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What is way to eat rice with hands in front of westerners such that it doesn't appear to be yucky?
In India, we eat rice using our fingers. Generally in the West, a fork or spoon is used. I have tried eating rice with spoon but I don't feel satisfied with it.
We eat dry rice but we mix curry and vegetables with it and then eat it with our…
Aquarius_Girl
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