In Europe, wearing white socks is a fashion faux pas. The color of the socks must match the color of the pants, according to Europeans. A leaked memo from the Dutch Ministry of Finance claims that wearing white socks is “transgressing the boundaries of decent dress behaviour”.
If the locals see you in the ubiquitous athletic socks, they might crack a smile. But since sneakers (also a hallmark) are the most common footwear for Americans (again, practical and comfortable), naturally matching athletic socks are a wardrobe essential.
You demand that your drinks be very cold
The first trait that gives away an American is: ice, yes, ice. You can see the outrage on the face of an American tourist when he is handed a glass of Coca Cola without ice.
Accustomed to taking their bubbly drinks with refreshing ice, Americans panic a bit when they realize that in the nation they are visiting they expect their soft drinks to be served at room temperature; that's when the infallible signal to detect these tourists appears: the average American will ask for ice.
you wear baseball caps
If you're an American, you might not realize that Major League Baseball isn't globally recognized, after all, they go to the World Series every season. The fact is that baseball is a very American sport and the baseball cap is a unique badge.
It is practical, comfortable and even has style in your country of origin. Therefore, if you wear a baseball cap when you travel abroad, it may not look as fashionable and it is a giveaway sign of where you are from.
you wear white socks
In Europe, wearing white socks is a fashion faux pas. The color of the socks must match the color of the pants, according to Europeans. A leaked memo from the Dutch Ministry of Finance claims that wearing white socks is "transgressing the boundaries of decent dress behaviour".
If the locals see you in the ubiquitous athletic socks, they might crack a smile. But since sneakers (also a hallmark) are the most common footwear for Americans (again, practical and comfortable), naturally matching athletic socks are a wardrobe essential.
Your teeth are white and perfectly aligned
If you travel abroad and have managed to go unnoticed, the moment you show your big smile you will spoil your anonymity. In the United States, orthodontics is an inescapable part of life.
Wearing orthodontics is like a ritual of passage for adolescents, it is not like that in the rest of the world. Showing our white teeth is one of the fastest ways to expose our citizenship...
You clap to show your enthusiasm
Thunderous applause is the preferred way to express appreciation in America. From baseball stadiums to rock concerts, clapping, yelling, whistling, and making as much noise as possible is the norm. But the thing does not end there.
Thunderous applause is the preferred way to express appreciation in America. From baseball stadiums to rock concerts, clapping, yelling, whistling, and making as much noise as possible is the norm. But the thing does not end there.
You use slang like "bro" (brother)
If you walk up to someone and say, "'Sup, bro!", rest assured, they will know without a doubt that you are American. Of course, the proper response is "'Sup!", but the average non-US speaker will find this highly awkward.
All languages have their slang, but ours is widely recognizable around the world thanks to our movies and TV shows. So say "bro", "brah" or "dude" at your own risk.
You wear a fanny pack
Americans don't carry fanny packs anymore, it's stuck in the '80s. Carrying one today is a fashion faux pas, but when people travel, they don't care as much about their style.
Americans pull them out of the back of the closet because, let's face it, they're so practical. And, above all, because they fear pickpockets.
You have no idea about FIFA
In the United States, sports are very important as long as it is American football, baseball, basketball, hockey or any other sport that is not soccer. Frankly, Americans resent that the term “football” means anything other than the protective sport that requires helmets and bulletproof vests, never mind that it was invented after the game the rest of the world calls football.
So it's not so much that Americans are unaware of global sports fashion, but that they are willfully ignorant. It's an easy way to spot an American.
You eat while you go anywhere
In America, people are always eating on the run. In their cars, going from point A to point B or on the way to the subway station. We don't always have time to sit down to eat.
Likewise, when they are on vacation, Americans want to take the opportunity to see as much as possible. This makes it easy to spot one, they are the tourists who are always walking around and eating.
You need a metric conversion calculator to find out what the speed limit is
To the chagrin of the country's scientists and academics, the United States never made the switch to the metric system, the other countries of the world use that highly organized system of measurement.
That's why when Americans travel abroad, one of the easiest ways to spot them is to look at the confused look on their faces when asked how many kilos their luggage weighs.
Are you obsessed with McDonald's?
Many Americans can't pass up the opportunity to eat in a familiar place when they travel, this can seem counterproductive. One would expect world travelers to want to sample local customs and foods, but this is not the case, especially for parents traveling with children.
Inside McDonald's you see happy families having happy meals . While it's true that half of McDonald's diners around the world are locals, the happy smiles immediately confirm the suspicion: perfectly aligned teeth.
you have a drink or two
Americans on vacation tend to celebrate by getting drunk. However, getting drunk is not as common in countries where there is no minimum drinking age.
Europeans wonder if the age restriction in the United States causes Americans to revolt by consuming excessive alcohol when traveling abroad.
Nudity impresses you
Unless you are traveling to areas where the Muslim religion prevails, people will be much more relaxed about public nudity or passionate love scenes.
The prudish nature of the average American obsesses over these things, and as a result, we have a spate of outrageous behavior and performance in our culture. The musicians are the best example of those who rebel against American prudishness.
You are too close with strangers
One way to recognize an American is their fondness for small talk, they are willing to strike up a conversation with anyone.
They speak very loudly, marking each syllable, as if the volume helps the non-English speaker better understand what they are saying. As long as that person nods and smiles, the American will continue to talk non-stop.
You will share too much information with others
In some countries, informal conversations with new people are taboo. In France, using the familiar greeting inappropriately is a major misstep. Many people around the world find our tendency to share too much information uncomfortable and a little annoying. However, some people appreciate it and enjoy the chance to chat with a real American. Something that, obviously, the American had assumed from the beginning. we think we are very special
It's not just that they talk to strangers, Americans are weirdly super open with them. Perhaps it is the security of knowing that we are not going to see that person again that makes us open up as if he were a waiter and we had four drinks. But if you reveal your dirty laundry to a total stranger about how your marriage is stagnating, you're going to be branded a Yankee right off the bat.
You are a man who wears shorts
In Southern California, you might get dirty looks if you wear dress pants to the beach, but American men get the same kind of looks for wearing shorts anywhere in the world.
In some countries, shorts are only worn by boys, so you risk looking immature and silly. It's probably worth the risk, but, after all, it's an easy way to spot an American.
You leave generous tips
Tipping is an American tradition, we tip our waitress, valet, concierge and anyone we come in contact with while on vacation. It is a polite way of thanking people who we assume do not receive a fully compensatory salary for their important service, we are having a great time and we want to thank these people for their work.
Well, American friend, guess what: Tipping abroad is unnecessary at best, and in places like Asia, downright insulting. However, in many other places, people are happy to accept your tip.
You talk a lot
If you've planned your outfits so you won't be given away, controlled your tips, avoided small talk, and consumed your drink without ice, there's one thing you can't hide: your American accent.
It doesn't matter which US territory you're from, your accent is very recognizable, so don't even bother trying to hide it.
You try to hide your accent
So you've tried to hide your accent, don't worry, you're not the only one, many of your compatriots try to hide their accent with a national one. However, saying "Good morning, friend" with that fake accent in Australia or trying to sound like the Queen of England in the UK isn't going to fool anyone.
In general, people you meet abroad will appreciate it more if you try to communicate in their mother tongue.
You only speak English
Americans have a reputation for being monolingual. In Europe, where national borders overlap, many people are forced to be multilingual.
Americans don't learn a second language because they don't have to. But for the locals it can be a hassle when you ask for help and then you can't speak any of the languages they offer.
you're pretty loud
Americans are a confident and happy bunch, they like to be heard, they speak loudly and burst out in raucous laughter; It's a very distinctive feature. It is also one of the things that bothers Europeans the most.
They say it's impossible to dine next to a table of American tourists, and as a stereotype, it turns out to be quite accurate. It must be admitted that it can be annoying, even for the compatriots themselves.
You don't know the customs
As we are used to living in our little world with almost an entire continent to ourselves, we don't think about the customs of the outside. When Americans are abroad, they have a tendency to disregard the customs of others, accidentally or on purpose. In South Korea, it is very easy to offend the locals.
Keeping your hand in your pocket is considered rude. In the Czech Republic, whistling is problematic; clapping and cheering is fine, but whistling is his way of booing. In Asia, eating all the food on your plate is rude, just like chatting on the subway.
You freak out when you meet another American abroad
Americans are already loud and annoying, but when they cross paths with a fellow countryman while traveling, the excitement is a toss of the head. They will ask each other where they are from, if one has never visited the other's home state, they will be encouraged to do so because they remember that a relative they know lives there. It's as if the trauma of being in a foreign culture, even for a week or a few days, is so overwhelming that anyone who speaks American English becomes a friend.
When Americans meet other Americans abroad, it may seem to a local that they have met relatives, but no, they are complete strangers. They'll get loud, talking about their respective states and letting everyone around them know where they're from.
You ask for coffee to arrive
A surefire way to offend a European barista is to take your cup of coffee with you instead of enjoying it in their coffee shop, it's a surefire way to get labeled an "unfriendly American." Espresso coffee is such an important ritual in France and Italy that you may not be allowed to order it to go. The last thing you want to do is order a filter coffee. How about you go to Starbucks? It's a trap, it's another surefire way to get labeled as an American.
Americans are always on the go and in a hurry. In many places, especially in Europe, coffee culture is taken seriously, and it is something to be taken in stride. If you want to grab your drink and run, you are most likely giving away your nationality.
You carry a lot of alcohol in gel
Americans are generally viewed as germaphobes, compulsively smearing themselves and their children with antibacterial hand cleaners. Although, today, this is probably being imposed worldwide.
We're not saying Americans are cleaner, but they do seem more concerned about germs. When it comes time to eat with their hands in public, they whip out their travel-size flasks of hydroalcoholic gel faster than participants in a duel.
You wear North Face jackets
For whatever reason, North Face clothing is only popular in America. They are of such high quality that wearing one could save a person from freezing to death in the Arctic. As an American tourist you will stand out a lot, people abroad don't go out in fancy sportswear, they prefer wool coats and the latest outfits.
It may not be surprising that Americans carry American brands abroad, but what makes The North Face uniquely American is the part of the clothing market it controls. South Korea is jumping on the bandwagon as the popularity of the brand has skyrocketed in the country in recent years.
You wear printed t-shirts
Printed T-shirts are so common in the United States that your favorite T-shirt cannot be missing in your suitcase when you go on a trip to another part of the world, but taking it is another way to give yourself away. In general, graphic T-shirts have hateful slogans in bold, they are meant to be funny, Americans think they are cleverly displaying their individualistic character. The point is that humor does not translate, instead of risking offending someone, leave these shirts at home.
If there's one thing that tells locals in another country that you're American, it's when your shirt says things like "Choose Love" or "Seattle" or "USC." Printed T-shirts are less common in, for example, Europe. We think it's time to get rid of them, and not just abroad, but at home too: they're just a step above bumper stickers.
You radiate optimism
What is it about Americans that makes them so positive and hopeful? This attitude is due to his unwavering belief in the American dream, which dates back to the time when a group of colonists defeated the British crown in the War of Independence. In a world where not everything is so good, other cultures are unable to understand how we can almost always see the glass as half full.
This is not meant to be a criticism of any culture, but Americans have an endless supply of optimism and a sense that anything is possible, furthermore, they believe that big changes can happen quickly. Not all cultures are like this, for example the French, we don't want to call them pessimists, but there is a clear sense of malaise throughout the culture.
you are patriotic
Americans are not only optimistic, but they are also very patriotic and are not afraid to show their national pride. This is obviously one of the most easily identifiable ways Americans are, no one else is going to wear an American flag t-shirt or red, white and blue accessories. But whatever you do, don't break into a chant of "USA! USA! USA!" That could end badly.
As Americans, we love our country and that's the way it should be, right? But it also seems that we are spreading too much about how good our country is. We are able to turn a conversation about a dog we saw in a public park into praising America for being so amazing.
You leave the hotel room a mess
We all agree that staying in a hotel is a break from housework. However, throwing trash everywhere and leaving everything much messier than you found it is completely unnecessary. It never hurts to clean up what gets dirty.
Hotels have housekeeping staff for a reason, but that's no excuse for leaving your room looking like a hurricane. However, it is still a common bad habit of American tourists. If you're going to trash the room, have the decency to tip the cleaners well, as it sure makes it a little less annoying for them to clean up all the mess you've left for them.
you take up too much space
Traveling from the vast American frontier, you're used to having a lot of space, so there's no reason to reduce the amount of space you take up. In Europe, they are squashed into a small continent; almost all of Europe could fit in the US Here we have fifty states, there they have about 50 countries, everything is smaller, even their washing machines. So, if you don't want to be called rude, just do as we say and "share the road."
We don't know what it is about public spaces that causes Americans to lose all sense of spatial awareness, but whatever the reason, we are likely to be stuck in the middle of busy sidewalks and other areas where people are in a hurry. That said, we're also pretty good at yelling at people who get in our way. This is not a big problem at home, but not everyone is willing to yell at a stranger.
you take to the kitchen sink
La maleta es bastante espaciosa, ¿por qué no utilizar todo el espacio? Los estadounidenses viajan a lo grande, a la hora de hacer la maleta, lo llevan todo, por si acaso. Algunos llevan varias bolsas, mientras que otros arrastran una maleta del doble de su tamaño. Es una de las formas más obvias de detectar a un yanqui en el extranjero. Si nos permitís un consejo, es mucho más sencillo y mejor para tu espalda hacer la maleta con sensatez.
Si ves a alguien en el aeropuerto que parece haber hecho la maleta para irse un mes en caravana, probablemente sea un estadounidense. Viajamos con múltiples maletas facturadas y mochilas que hacen que nos duela la espalda, no se nos da muy bien el concepto de llevar una maleta ligera.
No tienes tacto
Uno de los rasgos que nos delatan como estadounidenses es nuestro comportamiento grosero cuando hacemos turismo. En algunos países, se considera de mala educación llevar un atuendo demasiado informal a un monumento religioso, eso a los estadounidenses les da igual, para ellos, es una parada turística más. Otro comportamiento grosero es bromear irrespetuosamente sobre un sitio culturalmente importante.
Resulta que a la gente no le gusta que se burlen de sus costumbres culturales más arraigadas. Pero los estadounidenses nunca hemos dejado que la decencia humana se interponga en el camino de un buen chiste. Si vas a hacer chistes, al menos asegúrate de que tengan gracia.
Pasas más tiempo mirando el teléfono que con tu compañero de viaje
No te preocupes por tu compañero de viaje, probablemente también esté mirando su teléfono. ¿Por qué los estadounidenses pasamos tanto tiempo con los teléfonos? ¿Será porque nuestros planes de telefonía móvil ofrecen datos ilimitados? Los teléfonos móviles son importantes para la gente de todo el mundo, pero por alguna razón, los estadounidenses están un poco más enganchados a ellos.
Nos gastamos cientos, si no miles, de dólares para viajar a países extranjeros, ¿y qué hacemos cuando llegamos allí? Pasar nuestro preciado tiempo de viaje pegados al teléfono mientras estamos rodeados de un arte y una cultura desconocidos.
No puedes dejar de hacerte selfies
Has traído tu palo de selfie, estiras constantemente el brazo para hacerte una foto rápida para subirla a las redes sociales. Las selfies están de moda, al principio, sería una forma fácil de detectar a un estadounidense en el extranjero (se toman, de media, 500 selfies al año), pero los europeos no se quedan atrás. En España están igual de obsesionados, tomándose unos 700 selfies al año. En el Reino Unido, sin embargo, se toman menos de 500.
Tanto los estadounidenses como los ciudadanos de otros países utilizan las fotos para celebrar ocasiones especiales y no hay nada malo en ello. Pero si sacas el palo de selfie sin parar, es más probable que aparentes ser estadounidense.
Eres rico y lo sabes
Sean ricos o no, los estadounidenses hacen gala de ello, llevan bolsos de Louis Vuitton, llevan camisas con etiquetas de diseño cosidas en la parte delantera y se ponen joyas brillantes. Hay muchas maneras de mostrar el estilo de vida de los ricos y famosos. No todos los estadounidenses son tan ostentosos, pero es una tendencia de moda definitiva: el brillo de Las Vegas y el glamour de Hollywood.
Hacer alarde de lujo es el principal pasatiempo de Estados Unidos y no lo dejamos ni siquiera cuando nos vamos de vacaciones. En el mejor de los casos, esto es un insulto para la gente que te rodea; en el peor, te estás convirtiendo en un imán para los carteristas.
Te gusta negociar
En casa, la gente no regatea una ganga, excepto quizás en la venta de coches usados. Pero cuando los estadounidenses van al extranjero, sienten que pueden regatear en cualquier lugar. Con los precios en el extranjero y las divisas desconocidas, los valores y los precios causan confusión. ¿Por qué no ofrecer un billete verde ganado con esfuerzo? Sea cual sea el motivo, se puede reconocer enseguida a un turista estadounidense. Está en su elemento, regateando ruidosamente por algún souvenir y deleitándose con el arte de la negociación.
En algunos lugares y culturas, el regateo es una forma de vida. Pero, como estadounidenses, no nos fijamos en los "pequeños" detalles, como dónde es apropiado y dónde no. No te sorprendas si ves a los estadounidenses discutiendo por todo, desde el precio de la comida hasta el de algún souvenir novedoso.
Pones música con los altavoces
Todos sabemos que los estadounidenses pueden ser ruidosos y molestos, poner música a todo volumen con los teléfonos ayuda a crear esa concepción. Dejamos de lado los auriculares y ponemos la música para todos, suponemos que nuestro impecable gusto musical es algo que cualquier persona que esté a nuestro alrededor apreciaría, pero, en realidad, no es así.
Aunque tengas un excelente gusto musical, nadie quiere escuchar la música que sale de tu iPhone. Por desgracia, no todos los estadounidenses han recibido el memorándum sobre esto. Te prometemos que a nadie le interesa lo que estés escuchando.
Eres un basurero
Nadie debería tirar la basura, ya sea en su país o en el extranjero. ¿Los estadounidenses tiran más basura que la mayoría? No sabemos si esto es así, pero una cosa es segura: son los que más basura generan. Respeta la Tierra.
No tenemos ningún reparo en ensuciar nuestro propio país, así que ¿qué te hace pensar que la cosa va a cambiar cuando estemos en el extranjero?
Levantas tus hierros
Un turista con un cuerpo bien trabajado, nueve de cada diez veces, será estadounidense. El culturismo se puso de moda en los años 80, y los estadounidenses se aficionaron a él. Arnold Schwarzenegger popularizó el pasatiempo en Venice Beach, cerca de Los Ángeles.
Aunque un gran porcentaje de los estadounidenses no son culturistas, si ves a alguien con un físico espectacular, probablemente sea estadounidense.
Llevas la ropa de entrenar en el día a día
No todos los estadounidenses hacen ejercicio, pero seguro que llevan ropa deportiva. Pantalones para hacer ejercicio de Adidas, pantalones cortos de Nike, ya lo has visto muchas veces, no hace falta que te demos más detalles.
Dado que estas prendas son cómodas y fáciles de meter en la maleta, la mayoría de los estadounidenses se decantan por el estilo deportivo en el extranjero. Solo tienes que saber que no está tan de moda como en tu país, los lugareños pueden encontrarlo extraño.
Esperas que todo el mundo hable inglés
Una de las principales razones por las que los turistas estadounidenses se ven afectados por estereotipo americano es porque dan por sentado que todo el mundo habla inglés. No solo asumen que todo el mundo habla su idioma, sino que esperan que así sea. Algunos turistas llegan a enfadarse e insultar la inteligencia del que no habla inglés.
En los Estados Unidos, esta gente es igual de intolerante. Algunos, no todos, dirán cosas como: "Habla inglés o vete a tu país".
Utilizas las señales incorrectas
Conocer las costumbres de los lugares que visitamos es importante. A los estadounidenses no les suele importar, pero no conocerlas puede causar algunos problemas. En algunas partes del mundo, el signo del pulgar hacia arriba no tiene una connotación positiva. En Rusia, Irán, Irak, Grecia y África Occidental, nuestro amistoso gesto con la mano puede significar algo así como "¡que te den!".
La señal de aprobación, que parece inofensiva, significa "sin valor" en Francia. Chocar los cinco es ofensivo en Grecia, al igual que saludar con la mano en Estados Unidos.
¿Esperas que todo sea igual en todas partes?
Los turistas estadounidenses esperan que se sirva comida de su país en todos los lugares que visitan. Esperan que el agua y el kétchup sean gratis. No esperan que un plato principal sea un aperitivo. Cuando piden tocino, esperan largas tiras de Farmer John, pero cuando llega el pedido, el plato puede no cumplir con las expectativas.
Tenemos que estar preparados para conocer las diferencias culturales e incluso apreciarlas. ¿No es ese el objetivo de viajar?
¿Te confunden la fecha y la hora?
Si no quieres destacar, prepárate para saber leer y decir la fecha y la hora. Sus sistemas son más organizados, así que dales una oportunidad. En primer lugar, utilizan el reloj de 24 horas, por lo que, si solicitas el servicio de habitaciones a las 3, espera que te llamen a las 3 de la mañana. Para que no haya confusión, di que quieres que te lo sirvan a las 15 horas.
En cuanto a la fecha, los estadounidenses la escriben al revés. ¿Por qué no utilizar el orden correcto? Primero el día, luego el mes y después el año. Eso marca la diferencia. Si escribes 5/2/2020, significará 5 de febrero de 2020.
Lo comparas todo con lo de tu país natal
An annoying habit of Americans abroad is to associate every new thing they see or do with something from their country, usually indicating that it is better. Tourists who visit the Eiffel Tower comment that the one in Las Vegas is somehow more fabulous.
You may complain that the burger you ordered is not as good as it is in your country. At Stonehenge, don't be surprised if an American dismisses the monument as unimpressive, says it's inferior compared to Mount Rushmore, or you might hear, "They call that a canyon; we've got the Grand Canyon."
You wear sports badges
In the United States, professional sports products are very popular. But if you're wearing your favorite MLB (Major League Baseball) cap or your home state NFL (National Football League) jersey, your outfit is going to scream, "I'm an American." People from abroad don't care about sports teams from the United States.
For them, soccer doesn't require catching and running with a ball. So if you want to impress people, don't bother packing your team jersey.
you talk about politics
Muchos estadounidenses odian la política o no se preocupan por ella, pero si eres alguien a quien le gusta charlar sobre el tema más candente, ¡cuidado! En todo el mundo, la gente puede sentirse ofendida con algunos temas. No todos los países son nuestros aliados y no todos los aliados son leales a nuestros líderes.
Si quieres hablar de política, mejor pregúntale a alguien sobre su política nacional. Puede resultar interesante.
No sabes comportarte en el metro
La mayoría de los estadounidenses no tienen que lidiar con el transporte público, pero aun así deberían conocer las reglas básicas del transporte público. Espera siempre a que la gente que quiera salir termine de hacerlo antes de entrar en el vagón.
Si estás en Londres, se considera de muy mala educación apoyarse en el poste central porque lo estás acaparando para ti. Además, se espera que te muevas hacia el centro del vagón durante el trayecto para dejar espacio a los demás para entrar.
Lo llamas "oso koala"
Solo hay una cosa más molesta para los australianos que los turistas que intentan imitar su acento... y es llamar oso al koala.
Es un koala. Los australianos odian que los estadounidenses llamen a su famoso marsupial "oso koala". Recuerda, cuando estés en Australia, es un koala, sin más.
Pides ketchup
Fuera de Estados Unidos, una hamburguesa con patatas no viene con ketchup. Por si esto no fuera suficiente choque cultural para los turistas de Estados Unidos, algunos restaurantes del extranjero cobran un suplemento por este condimento.
Además, es posible que no sepas cómo pedirlo. En el Reino Unido se llama "salsa de tomate", lo que puede resultar confuso.
Vas a la India a comer, rezar y amar
Los estadounidenses van a la India para encontrarse a sí mismos y a los lugareños no les gusta. Desde que el libro "Come, reza, ama" llegó a la lista de bestsellers del New York Times, los estadounidenses acuden en masa a los ashrams indios (lugares donde se enseña yoga y meditación según la tradición hinduista) para participar en un viaje de autodescubrimiento.
La cuestión es la siguiente: los estadounidenses ya están bastante ensimismados. Esta tendencia de turismo espiritual parece un capricho y puede ser percibida como algo ofensivo, especialmente en una nación con un índice de pobreza tan elevado.
Necesitas demasiado espacio para sacar fotos
Tanto si se trata de un selfie en un lugar inapropiado como de una foto de la Torre Eiffel desde el Campo de Marte, los estadounidenses suelen ponerse en sitios donde estorban. Pararse en medio de la Avenue Anatole para hacer una foto puede ser peligroso.
Los turistas fotógrafos estadounidenses, con una cámara siempre pegada a la cara, también son conocidos por su mala educación, se dedican a fotografiar a la población local como si fuera una atracción turística.
Te autodenominas "americano"
Si visitas América Central o Suramérica, será mejor que no digas que eres “americano”, es preferible que digas que eres de Estados Unidos o “norteamericano”. La gente que vive en el resto del continente también es americana.
Y aunque no lo creas, se sienten un poco ofendidos por el hecho de que sus vecinos del norte se hayan apropiado el nombre del continente para referirse a sí mismos.
Pides cambios en el menú
No todo el personal de los restaurantes del extranjero se va a irritar cuando pidas una hamburguesa sin lechuga ni cebolla. Sin embargo, en Francia, los turistas parecen indecorosos cuando piden cambios.
Enfada al chef que ha pasado incontables horas perfeccionando el plato y fastidia al camarero que debe tratar con el chef. La cocina es una parte esencial de la cultura francesa, no pidas un plato especial.
Hablas demasiado alto en los restaurantes
Los comensales locales se estremecen cuando escuchan a los angloparlantes sentados cerca. No sólo es molesto, sino que, en muchos países, como Francia, el inglés se aprende en la escuela.
Así que, si te burlas de las costumbres francesas o del chef, es posible que estén entendiendo todo lo que estés diciendo.
Destacas en el metro
Es fácil detectar a un estadounidense en el metro, o en cualquier medio de transporte público: como siempre, estorban y ocupan demasiado espacio. Los viajeros locales temen que un grupo de estadounidenses se acerque a ellos.
Los turistas ralentizan las cosas al no saber cómo pagar o qué tren tomar, esto frustra a los lugareños que solo intentan ir del punto A al punto B.
Molestas a la Guardia Real de Londres
En Inglaterra, los turistas estadounidenses, más que ningunos otro, se sienten atraídos por la Guardia Real. Tienen fama de molestar a los soldados de los sombreros peludos con mofas irritantes, tratando de hacerlos parpadear.
Es costumbre que los yanquis se dejen en ridículo con este tipo de comportamientos en Gran Bretaña.
Haces la señal de aprobación en Alemania
No hagas la señal de aprobación con la mano en Alemania. Se considera vulgar y pueden sentirse como nos sentimos nosotros cuando un pandillero de Los Ángeles lanza una señal.
Recuerda que lo que puede parecer un gesto inocente para ti, puede ofender a mucha gente.
Haces mucha bulla en público
La Oktoberfest es una de las mayores tradiciones de Alemania. Esta celebración otoñal es conocida por sus cervezas de temporada, las mejores del planeta. Sin embargo, esto no significa que se tolere la embriaguez en público.
En las discotecas de Alemania, por ejemplo, se expulsa a la gente que se ha excedido un poco con el líquido mágico. Los estadounidenses son llamativos: les encanta la cerveza y lo dejarán bien claro.
Llevas chanclas
If you don't wear socks with your sandals or sneakers, wear flip-flops. These shoes are like an American creation and we wear them everywhere, especially during the summer.
Technically, flip flops came to the United States from Japan after the end of World War II. As a tourist abroad, you would be wise to consider more practical and suitable footwear.
You exceed the speed limit
In Germany, traffic regulations are revered, just because you can go as fast as you want on the Autobahn (German highway), does not mean that speed limits are not respected.
The Germans are rigorous with road safety. For example, jaywalkers are held in low esteem and those who dare to cross illegally are heavily fined.
You ask for tap water
Ordering tap water in a German restaurant will make you stand out. Bottled water, with or without gas, is preferable. Although German tap water is of high quality, it is decent to ask for mineral or sparkling water.
In countries like Russia, water is not always safe and can have a metallic taste, so bottled water is better there too.
You think you are crucial to their economy
Americans act as if they are doing the host country a favor by visiting, and they are partly right. A total of 30 million Americans visited the EU during 2019.
Tourism is clearly important, but locals get tired of loud and annoying tourists who always get in the way and act like they deserve some reward just for being there.
Visitas España esperando ver una corrida de toros
Deja de lado todo lo que creías saber sobre España y no preguntes dónde está la corrida de toros. Está prohibida en Barcelona y las Islas Canarias, en las últimas décadas, la popularidad de las corridas de toros ha disminuido entre los españoles debido al bienestar de los animales.
Para el toro, la corrida no es precisamente un paseo por el parque y para el matador, es extremadamente peligrosa. Solo en España se puede encontrar un cirujano especializado en tratar las heridas por asta.
Intentas hablar holandés en los Países Bajos
En Francia y Alemania, así como en muchos otros países, se aprecia que los turistas intenten hablar la lengua del país, se considera de buena educación. Pero en los Países Bajos no es así.
A los holandeses les molesta sobremanera que los estadounidenses maltraten su lengua materna intentando decir una única frase.
Caminas por el carril bici
En los Países Bajos, hay caminos especializados de color rosa que se parecen mucho a las aceras de los suburbios estadounidenses. Cuidado, son carriles para bicicletas y a los holandeses no les gusta que los estadounidenses los utilicen como paso de peatones.
Están muy orgullosos de su infraestructura para bicicletas y de la eficacia que les permite. Pero las vías rosas no son seguras para los peatones.
Estorbas en las escaleras mecánicas
Los estadounidenses estorban en Holanda siempre que hay una escalera mecánica. Al igual que las normas del carril bici, existe un protocolo establecido para utilizar las escaleras mecánicas en el país holandés: para resumir, hay dos carriles.
El carril de la derecha es el lento y el de la izquierda el rápido. Las personas que tienen prisa utilizan el lado izquierdo de la escalera y las que desean permanecer paradas se quedan a la derecha.
No das un apretón de manos
Otra cosa que los estadounidenses desconocen de Holanda es la costumbre del apretón de manos. Esto es una parte importante de la tradición cultural holandesa y rechazar un apretón de manos se considera un gesto muy grosero.
Así que prepara tu desinfectante de manos y saluda a un holandés como es debido.
Tienes tatuajes
Los estadounidenses son conocidos por sus tatuajes. Se sienten muy orgullosos de su arte corporal a base de tinta. Los japoneses, en cambio, asocian este tipo de arte con los delincuentes, así es como marcaban a los delincuentes en el pasado.
Los tatuajes son un tabú en Japón, se prohibieron en 1936. Uno de los lugares de Japón donde se rechaza a las personas con tatuajes es el onsen, los tradicionales baños termales geotérmicos japoneses.
Intentas llamar la atención del camarero
Los estadounidenses pueden ser muy exigentes en los restaurantes. Cuando el intento de establecer contacto visual con el camarero fracasa, se esfuerzan más para conseguir su atención. Sin embargo, agitar los brazos y llamar al camarero puede estar mal visto.
Especialmente en Japón, donde existe un procedimiento para llamar la atención del camarero. La mayoría de los restaurantes japoneses proporcionan una pequeña caja trasera con un botón, utilízala.
Te dejas los zapatos puestos
We generally know that leaving your shoes on when entering a Japanese home is frowned upon. But an American tourist can also be seen breaking Japanese customs in public places in this country.
There are certain restaurants in this Asian country where shoes are not allowed. The etiquette is also applied in some locker rooms. Do not be the tourist who enters wearing shoes, respect their customs.
You ask for peanut butter
As strange as it may sound, peanut butter is a uniquely American food. In many countries, it just doesn't even exist, don't bother looking for it or pack some in your suitcase. Although in China for example the peanut butter market is going crazy.
In general, Americans love peanut butter, others don't. Maybe a little Nutella will fill that gap we left for them.
You don't have to be so specific when you say where you're from
When a tourist from the United States is asked where they come from, they won't say, "I'm from the United States." Most of the time it will be more specific and say, "I'm from Seattle, Washington."
The United States is a huge territory, maybe that's why we specify so much.
You know the tune to "Sweet Caroline"
One of the surest ways to recognize an American in an audience anywhere is for them to recognize the song "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond.
After the lyric, "Sweet Caroline," and in anticipation of the percussive element of the famous American tune, he or she will usually feel the urge to follow it up with, "Ba, ba, ba!" And, of course, "So good!".
You're in France and you don't say "Bonjour"
This is a French mania. Americans visiting France approach locals and ask for directions, without saying hello. Not saying "hello" or "bonjour" before asking for information is considered rude.
Especially in a place like France, where formalities are an important part of their culture and language.
You expect stores to open late
In Europe you won't find a 7-Eleven, don't even bother looking. On Sundays it is even worse, everything is usually closed. Contrary to the American philosophy of always being open, most European stores are closed on holidays.
Even grocery stores and you may not be aware of the dates on which they do not open. During the week, the shops stay open until 7 or 8 pm.
You leave padlocks on the Seine River bridge
Don't leave a padlock on the Seine bridge. Over the years it became a custom for tourists to leave padlocks in France. But the famous Pont des Arts withdrew them all and banned this sentimental practice in 2015.
You may wonder why, and it is because it is dangerous. Part of a bridge buckled under the weight of the padlocks, the Paris authorities did not want to risk the bridge collapsing.
you are perfectly groomed
While it's true that beards have become increasingly popular in the United States in the last two years, American men often shave carefully. Sometimes designs are even shaved into the scalp.
You see, men's waxing is taken very seriously in America and this means that all your facial hair will be perfectly cut, shaved and sculpted.