Dealing with foreign customs when travelling?

[samh004]

Apologies, don't have any customs tips I can remember, other than when NZ customs pulls you over because they think you're smuggling drugs, leading them on can be very funny if you've got nothing better to do. "Would you like to see my other passport?" :mrgreen:

I did earlier but I think I got away with it ! ( apols to J Cleese )

Supposedly that's what football is for

2 world wars and 1 world cup!

I recall my dad mentioning that to some Germans over dinner in Thailand once, I'm not sure if they simply didn't understand or were playing dumb.

The biggest problem I have had with foreign customs is remembering to order a middy and not a pot when visiting NSW

I asked for a pint in LRE recently and was given a glare and asked if I meant a schooner! I figure it's always easiest to ask for the biggest and see what you get. Maybe next time I'll ask for a stein, or a yard!



 

[Jos888]

In China at least, this applies to anything considered a gift or something of value. For example, at border control at PVG, my passport was handed back to me by the officer with both hands. Shop clerks will also give back change (unless it's only coins, obviously!) with both hands, although this is less common depending on the type of establishment. High class department store = both hands, street vendor selling roast duck necks = one hand.

If someone offers you something with two hands, it is considered proper to take it with two hands also. With business cards, you should avoid just stuffing it into your wallet straight away. Instead, read it and thank the giver, offer your own if you have one. If you are seated at a table, leave it on the table in front of you until you and/or the other person are leaving, at which point one can store the card for later.
[/QUOTE]

Same in Singapore

 

[medhead]

Supposedly that's what football is for

2 world wars and 1 world cup!

I recall my dad mentioning that to some Germans over dinner in Thailand once, I'm not sure if they simply didn't understand or were playing dumb.

However, if you listen to John Cleese in one of his recent interviews the Germans love that episode of fawlty towers. He reckons they mob him whenever he's in Germany yelling out "don't mention the war" and all that.

Having said thatI had an interesting experience trying to ask a german train staffer about the Eagle's nest. Man he played it straight, even after we mentioned the H word. - "I know nothing!"

At least they make some great beer.

I asked for a pint in LRE recently and was given a glare and asked if I meant a schooner! I figure it's always easiest to ask for the biggest and see what you get. Maybe next time I'll ask for a stein, or a yard!



Sounds like they thought you were from South Australia where a Pint is an Imperial Pint, a Schooner is called a Pint and a Middy/pot is called a schooner. But a butcher's is a still only a mouth full.

 

[TonyHancock]

In France I have found shouting very loudly in English, quoting large chunks of Shakespeare's Henry V and being incredibly condescending gets me nowhere....but it is deeply satisfying.

 

[Katie]

Unless you're in Russia, when if you smile at strangers you're likely to be looked upon as untrustworthy or just odd.

Aftr visiting Moscow, I asked my colleagues if I'd fitted in or looked like a tourist. (I can pass for a general Northwrn European, in a tall and blonde kind of way)

They told me I definitely looked like a tourist. I smiled too much to be a local.

 

[amaroo]

In France I have found shouting very loudly in English, quoting large chunks of Shakespeare's Henry V and being incredibly condescending gets me nowhere....but it is deeply satisfying.

Enjoy..... Henry V- Speech - YouTube

 

[TonyHancock]

Enjoy..... Henry V- Speech - YouTube

Branagh's Henry V is an extraordinary film, with an extraordinary cast, much underrated and in my opinion equal to if not better than Olivier's glorious 1944 effort.. Saw it 5 times in the space of two weeks when it was released. My favourite scene is when Henry visits his troops in disguise the night before battle racked with self doubt. (I never quite got over the scene when Richard Briers (Bardolph) was hanged. (I was brought up watching The Good Life!!!!)

 

[lano]

I generally smile a lot (thankfully I've never been to Russia ), try to learn at least a few phrases in whatever the local language is, and remember that I'm in their country so however they want to act is fine!

"Du hast mein unterseeboot gestolen" is probably the most useless/fun phrase I know, but it's a great conversation starter!

If you're polite and put in some effort, people normally make allowances for gaijin.

 

[samh004]

Sounds like they thought you were from South Australia where a Pint is an Imperial Pint, a Schooner is called a Pint and a Middy/pot is called a schooner. But a butcher's is a still only a mouth full.

With my accent I’m not sure where they thought I was from, just not around there. The schooner was schooner size though would have preferred a bigger glass. Most of them in the RSL were drinking out of Pots though…

 

[medhead]

With my accent I’m not sure where they thought I was from, just not around there. The schooner was schooner size though would have preferred a bigger glass. Most of them in the RSL were drinking out of Pots though…

That's what I meant (not clearly explained). Ask for a pint in south oz and you get a schooner. Basically what happened to you.


Sent from the Throne

 

[alieninperth]

When in Germany you should never point at things above you with you right arm fully extended.

 

[klavdy]

At resorts,Germans like to get poolside really early and put their towels on the sun lounges.
They then go away and come back later, expecting their towels to still be there.