14 Things Americans Don't Know Are Rude Abroad

Traveling is a great time and way to meet people from all over the world; in Central America I've met people from Israel and England, in Asia I've met people from Germany and India, in Portugal I've met people from Australia and the Netherlands. However, there are common faux pas that Americans make while traveling that no other nationalities will make.

1. Where are you from?

This question is a great opportunity for Americans to go wrong. In South America, it's considered rude to say that you're from America rather than the USA because South America is America as well. However, more commonly Americans will say which state they're from rather than which country. International people don't know where Utah or Wyoming is and are just trying to get an idea of which country you're from. It's important to remember that those not from America (and some who are) generally see America like this:

2. "I'm 1/8th __________"

Americans love to say that they're Italian, Welsh, Dutch, etc. but many have never visited that country, don't know any remaining relatives there (likely distant, if they even exist) and don't speak the language. When traveling you are likely to meet Italians from Italy, and so on so don't confuse or mislead people. You're American or from the USA if traveling in South America.

3. Tell other nations we're better than them.

Americans will stand with people from all other countries and repeat that we are better than other countries. It's instilled in many Americans that the world is a pyramid with America on top and all other countries are striving to get there. In reality, most countries have freedom the same way in which Americans do and people have quite comfortable lives in their home countries. Everyone feels pride for their country but there's no reason to express it by belittling other nations.

4. Wear the tourist uniform

This is really self explanatory but can be taken a step further. Different countries are different. Some countries dress like Americans do, some have a special set of customs like women covering their hair. Knees and shoulders being covered. It's important to respect these dress codes wherever you are.

5. Think rules don't apply to them

As stated above, with different countries come different cultures. Follow the dress codes, the local customs and the expectations and you'll have no problems while traveling. Don't expect being an American to get you out of trouble abroad.

6. Sit in the back of the cab

While sitting in the back of the cab is customary in America in many other countries it's considered rude to sit in the back of the cab and it is customary to ride shotgun.

7. Asking to alter the menu at a restaurant

America is internationally renowned for our service (which will be covered again later in this list) but in our restaurants it is normal to alter what you're ordering at a restaurant. You can change the salad dressing, omit parts of the meal and even have substitutions. Restaurants in the rest of the world do not work the same way so find something you like and order it, don't ask to alter it because it is considered rude. What you see on the menu is what you'll be served.

8. Being confused by international currency.

Other countries will have dollars, two dollars and anything smaller than five dollars in coins, embrace it. While you're traveling this is your form of cash so normalize it, familiarize yourself with it because for however long you're there for you're dependent on it.

9. Talking about how cheap everything is

Because of the exchange rates in many parts of the world such as Asia or Central and South America things may be significantly cheaper than they are at home, don't patronize the locals because likely everything is relative. Don't treat your money like monopoly money, even though it's likely more colorful than ours.

10. Asking for Ice in everything

As previously mentioned our service industry is vastly different than ours. And in a way that makes more sense, ice is only served if it is blisteringly hot and is considered just to water down the drink otherwise (which it does.) And, in some countries having ice in your drink is a health hazard because it is made from local tap water.

11. Expecting refills

Another service industry misconception there are no free refills abroad.

12. Assume people speak english

Experiencing different cultures is the beauty of traveling and in order to embrace another culture you should embrace another language. Don't demand that people speak English and don't get frustrated when they don't.

13. Assume people don't speak english

The reverse is true as well, don't assume that everyone around you can't speak english. It is a widely universal language and is taught in many countries around the world. Don't talk negatively about people or places around you because you never know who can understand you.

14. Speaking loudly

Americans have a stigma of being loud, even if it is just a stigma try to fight it. Be courteous to those around you and be considerate of where you are and the volume that you are using.

15. Talking about what you miss at home

Everyone has a family member, ex, friends, pets, a job or something that they've left at home. Don't bring everyone down by talking about what you miss at home and spend your trip abroad focused on what's at home. Just stay at home then. Whatever you left will still be there when you get back and they'll want to hear about all the fun things you did, not all the times you talked about them.

16. Trying to find America Abroad

This is a sure fire way to ruin your own trip. You measure wherever you are with an American Yardstick. Don't mark other countries by their similarities or the comparison with America however celebrate the differences. That's what traveling is all about.

*Disclaimer: Not only Americans do any of these things and regardless of where you're from be a courteous travel and try to stay away from these travel faux pas.