Never Do These 20 Things When Visiting a Foreign Country

Travel to foreign countries can be thrilling — whether you want to indulge in the food and culture or explore the great outdoors, embedded deeply in a forest somewhere. You navigate a fine line between relishing these unique experiences and minding the people, their culture, and their lifestyles. 

When you abide by a country’s standard dress code, for example, you help yourself blend in. Ultimately, that’s what you want as a tourist. Not only does this give you a realistic experience of life in another environment, but it also keeps you out of trouble. There are less-than-well-meaning people in every country, so don’t make yourself a target. 

There is plenty to do when traveling out of the country. Exploring the possibilities and making those plans is the fun part. But in all your excitement, you might forget some basic no-nos. When you know what to do and what not to do, you’re in the best state of mind to enjoy a fantastic vacation. (If you’re seeking some inspiration for your next overseas trip, here are 50 natural wonders everyone should see.)

To put together this list of activities you should never do when visiting a foreign country, 24/7 Tempo reviewed a couple of sources. They include the U.S. Department of State’s international travel suggestions as well as suggestions offered by seasoned travelers on sites like Reader’s Digest and Business Insider.

Don’t ignore the standard dress guidelines

When you visit a new country, there are cultural norms you must observe. Each country has its own spoken and unspoken rules about garb. In some cases, wearing a full suit and tie is the norm, even in casual environments. In others, jeans and T-shirts are customary. Some countries have strict rules for women like in Iran and Afghanistan, which require they wear a hijab (headscarf). Be sure to abide by each respective country’s cultural norms as a sign of respect. 

Don’t engage in public displays of affection

In some countries, hugs and kisses are a normal part of everyday activities, in public and in private. However, in other countries (particularly those in the Middle East and Asia), the cultural norms are starkly different. In fact, a seemingly harmless act of PDA could land you in prison.

Don’t stare at or film locals without permission

You’re not in a museum when you’re in a foreign country. The existence of others is not occurring solely for your viewing pleasure or your social media feed. Be respectful of locals and natives. Your vacation days are just another day of the week for them. Relish the environment, inquire, enjoy, and participate in the culture — but do so respectfully.

Don’t forget to notify your banks

Banks and credit card companies are set up to automatically flag suspected fraudulent activity. If you live in one country and suddenly, there are charges showing up in another country, your bank or credit card company is likely to deny it on the spot until you clear up the confusion. This can leave you stranded without funds in a foreign country. Prevent the mishaps. Notify them ahead of time.

Don’t accidentally insult anyone

It’s much more likely for you to accidentally insult someone when you do zero research on the country you intend to visit. For example, in the U.S., when you give a thumbs up, you’re expressing your approval for something. However, if you’re in Iran and you give a thumbs up, the meaning is different. It means “sit on it,” which is similar to the middle-finger gesture. Even the use of one hand over another could be problematic. In Indonesia, for instance, it’s considered disrespectful to use your left hand (it’s perceived as the “unclean” hand). 

Don’t carry visible valuables

This doesn’t just mean jewelry and electronics. Your passport and cash are valuable, too. Decide where you will be placing your valuables when you go out for a night on the town. If you’re staying in a hotel, you can make use of the safe provided inside the room. Some people prefer to hide their valuables in special compartments inside their luggage. A designated spot for valuables doesn’t just protect them. It also ensures you don’t misplace anything important. 

Don’t expect special treatment

You’re a visitor to a new place. As such, you must tread with reverence. You may be used to a certain lifestyle or type of treatment, but that’s based on your experience back home. You’re bound to encounter a range of personalities of people who have grown up in a different part of the world than you. Don’t expect special treatment from them. Instead, immerse yourself in the experience of being in a new environment and open yourself up to learn something new each day. (Here’s your guide to the worst tourist traps on Earth.)

Don’t fail to mind travel restrictions

The pandemic brought forth new travel restrictions, forcing some travelers to take up residence in the countries they were visiting. Masks on planes and restrictions to food and beverage services affected all travelers as much as delays and cancellations. Don’t assume that everything is going to flow as planned. Check and double-check travel restrictions, including what you can and can’t take, before making your way to the airport.

Don’t compromise your safety

While it’s encouraged to be adventurous when you’re out exploring a new country, you must also keep your adventurous spirit in check. Walking alone once the sun has gone down may seem like an OK idea but it’s a dangerous choice that could compromise your safety. Err on the side of caution with all your actions and decisions, even if you start to feel comfortable and like you know the locals. Don’t let your guard down.

Don’t become intoxicated

Sure, you’re on vacation and you want to let loose. But remember that you’re in a foreign country and drunkenness may prove disgraceful where you are. Not only that but with lowered inhibitions, you’re more likely to miss important information (like someone following you). Stay in your right mind when you’re exploring a new environment for your safety. Once you’re back at your hotel or Airbnb, you can let your hair down. 

Don’t be too friendly

People who run scams are incredibly street-smart. They can charm you and befriend you before you even know what’s happening. While it’s a good idea to be polite in new environments, don’t think that you’re making new best friends. You can’t know anyone’s intentions (even when you’ve known them for years), so it’s best to keep locals (and other tourists) at arm’s length. Be kind but not too friendly (as in don’t divulge any personal information). 

Don’t decline insurance

If you’re going to be out of the country, you must account for insurance, including for your rental car and health. For your rental, you want to be covered in case of any accidents or total losses. As far as health insurance, first inquire with your carrier. If you have health insurance in the U.S., you’re not typically covered overseas and would need to pay for any services upfront and out of pocket. Consider purchasing a short-term travel insurance policy so you are not completely unprotected during international travel.

Don’t discuss money matters

This is generally a good piece of advice unless you’re discussing the topic with people whom you do business with or people you trust wholeheartedly. However, when traveling to other countries, the topic of money may be considered rude or “dirty.” Take the French culture, for example. Money talk is considered taboo and should be avoided at all costs. 

Don’t rely solely on English

It’s great if you’ve had time to pick up a new language and have at least some of the basics down. But that doesn’t always happen. The great thing is you can download an app on your phone and do a bit of practicing to get acquainted with the different languages and dialects in the places you’re visiting. Even learning how to say “please” and “thank you” can take you far in a new environment. It makes it more fun when you’re engaging with the locals, too.

Don’t fail to understand local laws

In Singapore, for example, there are a lot of actions you can be fined for that in the states wouldn’t have anyone batting an eye. For example, having a pet in public, smoking in public, or even feeding the birds can be costly. That’s not to mention the countries that don’t slap fines and instead put someone in handcuffs for a first offense. You’re not doing a prison tour, after all. Do some of this important research upfront and ensure you behave accordingly to avoid any trouble while you’re away from home.

Don’t combine all your keys

It sounds convenient to keep your rental vehicle and hotel keys together but a simple action like this could land you in a pickle. A thief looking for an opportunity hits you with a double whammy when you pair keys together. A single lost hotel key can be troublesome if you don’t realize it’s missing and the thief beats you to the hotel. Discreetly kept wallets or helpful hotel employees could hold onto your hotel key for safekeeping.

Don’t disrespect religion

This is another suggestion that should be observed in all environments. People keep their personal beliefs close to their chest because of how much they value them. It’s all part of being respectful, whether you are invited to a mosque or you’re simply passing through the courtyard of a church. Keep any opinions to yourself to prevent even inadvertently disrespecting someone’s religious beliefs. 

Don’t keep a closed mind

Travel is all about opening up your horizons, gaining new perspectives, and appreciating enriching life experiences. All those little moments of planning an itinerary, watching the sun set and rise from a different part of the world, and enjoying cuisine you don’t get to savor every day are what create the memories you cherish. Have your plans but don’t be too rigid. Keep your mind open, expect to be flexible, and you’ll have a set of memorable experiences you get to take with you on the plane ride back home. 

Don’t speak unfiltered

Just like you don’t speak the same way at a dive bar versus a business meeting, be mindful of your words when you’re traveling. Even if you think the locals don’t speak your language, it’s not a green light to speak unfiltered. Tread carefully in new environments and mind your p’s and q’s (including your facial expressions). 

Don’t tip if it’s not customary

In Japan, tipping is simply not a part of the culture. The same goes for China and Korea. In the U.S., however, tipping is customary for non-sit-down services like drive-thrus and takeout. Figure out the norm in the area(s) you’ll be visiting and follow the old proverb, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” (Also See 17 Countries Where Tipping Is NOT A Standard Practice)