8 unwritten rules from different countries that locals follow but tourists don’t know (9 photos)

Where you can’t show “Cool!”, giving a thumbs up, and other things that can offend people in different parts of the world.





Traveling always evokes a lot of emotions in us, sometimes not very pleasant ones: for example, you can make a cultural mistake without even realizing it. Tourists sometimes encounter this and then wonder why the locals look at them strangely. For example, in the United States it is customary to wear street shoes indoors, but in other parts of the world this seems absurd and sometimes even offensive. We invite you to learn about the unspoken rules of different countries that not all travelers know about.

Thailand: keep your money right

In Thailand you need to be able to pay correctly for any product. In particular, bills must be presented so that the king on the banknote is face up. Some merchants, especially in less popular resort areas, may be offended by such disrespect. In India, by the way, this rule also applies.



England: behave civilly in queues

Queues are a common phenomenon of our time. In England, people also often stand in queues. However, any Englishman will become furious if someone behind him is so close that he puts pressure on him.





South Africa: no hitchhikers

In South Africa, you should never pick up people on the highway for safety reasons.



Northern Ireland: some topics are taboo

You can't discuss religion with the Irish, as well as football teams, especially in pubs. Otherwise, a fight is inevitable.



Southern Italy: talk to people

In the south of Italy, absolutely everyone loves to talk: they will talk to you in the bank, on the bus, in queues - conversations need to be maintained, these are the rules of decency. And one more rule: there is no need to be afraid of physical contact. Italians in the south will touch you, hug you and kiss you.



Norway: Don't talk to people

Scandinavians are the complete opposite of Italians. Here, talking to a stranger is bad manners. There are also rules in public transport: if possible, it is better not to sit next to anyone.



San Francisco: Don't Stare

No matter how strange the people on the streets of San Francisco may seem to you, there is no need to stare at them. Clothing that looks awkward, stupid dancing, an old man with a gag in his mouth, or some star walking down the street - a tourist can be recognized by his gaze and bewilderment. However, one thing is expected of city visitors here - to act as if you don’t care at all.



Middle East: no thumbs up

While traveling, many express their emotions through gestures, but in the Middle East and West Africa, some gestures will be unacceptable. In particular, thumbs up: in many countries this gesture can mean “cool!”, “super!” or “thank you!”, but not everywhere. In Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries, this sign is comparable to the middle finger.