Global behavior tips

travel — By Bob Riel on June 14, 2007 at 12:32 pm

Thomas Swick, travel writer for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, just published a column with a humorous but factual collection of international behavior tips. A sampling:

In South America, don’t tell people you’re from America. (They are, too.)

In Italy, don’t order cappuccino after 11 a.m.

In Greece, don’t say, “I didn’t order this,” when your ouzo arrives with a small plate of peanuts or olives or cheese. (It’s complimentary.)

In England, don’t touch the queen.

In Thailand, don’t badmouth the king.

In Vatican City, don’t correct the pope.

In Scotland, don’t call the people English.

In Kazakhstan, don’t mention Borat.

In Ireland, don’t ask, “Are there any good books by local authors?”

In Singapore, don’t do a lot of things.

In Indonesia, don’t say you’re planning to explore the country by car.

And whatever you do, wherever you go, never say you don’t like soccer.