Sign Up to our social questions and Answers Engine to ask questions, answer people's questions, and connect with other people.
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
When traveling to a new place, I always read about their norms prior to my travel. Educate myself on their dos and donts, what is considered rude and disrespectful. You know, as a foreigner, there are some things you cannot do in a place you’re just visiting, it’s only wise you know of those things before embarking on your travel.
In Russia, you don’t whistle at home. Russian beliefs say that whistling is a type of speech in which evil spirits and devils communicate, so you cannot whistle at home.
Do not turn on the light during the day and do not turn on the light when the curtains are open. It is believed that in this way you become the object of envy or hatred.
Do not walk between two people on the street who you might think are walking together (relatives, friends, or a couple).
Do not smoke or swear in the presence of children, pregnant women, any women, and in the presence of any adults or the elderly who are older than you.
I am from Netherland, and during a birthday party, the guests greet every single person individually and say ‘Congratulations!’ to each one. The customary reply is to say ‘Congratulations to you too’. We then sit around in a circle for the duration of the party and ask each other enlightening questions like ‘How is work’, ‘The weather is terrible today’, or ‘It is going to rain in two hours according to this app’.
It is impossible to show up unannounced at the home of a Dutch person or to have a spontaneous coffee or drink. Everything needs to be planned (weeks) ahead.
If we go out for dinner, we like to Go Dutch, and split the bill. This means that even in a group of 10+ or 20+ people, every single person will pay for him- or herself by card.
We refuse to speak Dutch to foreigners, even if they are great at it. Instead we will immediately resort to English.
We are very direct and honest. If you have something to celebrate and are giving out treats, do not be surprised if a Dutch person will outright refuse.