How to Avoid Looking Like a US Tourist

Compare your outward appearance and behaviors to those of people who live in the country you visit. The more you blend in, the less chance there is for you to look like a tourist. Some simple ways to spot a US citizen in a crowd overseas include the following.

1. Some clothing choices signal one as being a US citizen.
   • Wearing baseball or trucker caps
   • Wearing US brand name clothing with the names (ie. Nike, Gap, Abercrombie, Patriotic, Texas A&M, etc.) easily readable
   • Wearing white socks with shoes instead of dark socks
   • Dressing informally instead of more formally, (ie. wearing sneakers, t-shirts, jeans, or shorts instead of slacks or skirts with shirts or blouses)
   • Wearing inappropriate outfits in public spaces such as churches, theaters, and restaurants. Such outfits include, but are not limited to, shorts and halter or tube tops. Remember also that jeans are not universally accepted as appropriate in all social situations. It is best to consider taking more pairs of trousers or slacks in lieu of jeans.
   • Wearing colored clothing that is not typical to the culture you are visiting. For example, in some countries solid or dark colors are more prominent than bright colors or prints.
   • Wearing shirts tucked in or left hanging out, depending on the country you are visiting. Sometimes this differs for men and women in the same country.
   • Women using head scarves in some religious establishments. It would be wise to research this in advance and be prepared to take something with you if you plan to visit religious places.
   • In some countries, NOT wearing something could signal that you are a tourist. For example, in some countries, hats or scarves are worn by the majority, or, in winter, most people might wear neck scarves. Be alert to simple, inexpensive ways that you could blend in.

2. A number of food related habits signal that someone might be from the US.
   • Avoid walking down the street while eating food.
   • Requesting, at a restaurant, typical US condiments like catsup, salt, pepper, etc. It is best to use the typical condiments in your host country, but if you cannot eat without some condiment, take small packets with you to use rather than insisting that the restaurant supply you with it.
   • Don't insist on drinking “Coke” with every meal.
   • Try to manage without requesting ice in your drinks.
   • Remember that often “bottled water” will be carbonated. Before the waiter brings it and opens it, be sure to request water that is “natural” instead of “with gas”, if that is what you prefer.
   • Avoid visiting US chain restaurants for every meal.
   • Use local table manners instead of US ones. For example, in Europe, a fork and knife are used differently than in the US. In some Southeast Asian nations chopsticks might be more appropriate.
   • Don't insist on ordering meals in a typical US fashion. For example, in some countries, a salad is the last item served, not the first. In others, people don't eat what we in the US think of as a “salad”.

3. Be conscious of your behavior in public places. Here are some examples that could signal you are a US citizen:
   • Avoid making eye contact, smiling, greeting, and engaging in conversation with strangers.
   • Refrain from carrying US newspapers or books in plain view.
   • Be careful about folding and unfolding city maps in public spaces. Move out of the way to consult maps. It is best to plan your routes in advance of leaving your hotel and have the maps pre-folded so they may be easily accessed and read.
   • Refrain from loud talking, large arm and hand movements, and boisterous behavior. Adults in most cultures are more reserved and use lower voices in public places (i.e., train stations, shopping centers, public streets, etc.).
   • If you must use a dictionary to translate a sign or menu, be discrete. For example, copy down the words of the sign and move aside to a less public place to work out the translation.
   • Avoid showing other people what you have purchased by pulling items out of shopping bags in public places such as streets, busses, etc.
   • Don't discuss the local people, their customs, clothing, or habits in public. While many US citizens are not bilingual, many people in other countries speak English and will understand what you are saying.
   • Be conscious of the amount of space you occupy; most cultures are used to using less than US citizens. For example, try not to occupy more space than locals at a restaurant counter, in a waiting area in the train station, in the bus, etc.
   • Avoid chewing gum in public places.
   • Place purses or bags securely in your lap instead of on the table at a restaurant or hanging it on the back of a chair.

Note: We appreciate the assistance of faculty, staff, and students who made suggestions that were incorporated into this handout. If you have other ideas that would be helpful to share with those traveling outside the US, please share them with the Study Abroad Programs staff at 845-0544.