For those of you who have traveled abroad, what was your experience?

46 comments

1. It’s mostly been fine. Occasionally, I’ll encounter someone who’s xenophobic or overly biased, but it’s not the norm.

   In Germany, I was told flatly no that they would not rent their apartment to me because I’m American. In my German language classes, the teacher stopped in the middle of a lesson to ask me why I’m so religious despite never having talked to her about anything that wasn’t related to class work. I’m not at all religious, but she assumed I was very much so.

2. Went to the UK, the history was cool (tower of London) but i couldn’t wait to get home honestly, landing back in the states i played “America Fuck Yeah” and promptly got myself a proper steak during my layover at this amazing spot called Peter Lugers in NYC….(food in the UK is not like the US, we are spoiled)

3. I’ve traveled to at least 30 countries and have never been harassed for being American. Most people won’t know where you are from and even less will care.

4. I’ve been to Ireland, UK, Germany, Italy, and Egypt. Never got harassed for being American. Light ribbing, sure, depending on the situation.

5. > because I know we don’t exactly have the best reputation around the world, and I’ve heard these horror stories about Americans getting harassed.

   Don’t be obnoxious and you’ll be fine. I’ve travelled to Europe a lot for both business and pleasure and I’ve NEVER been harassed.

   At worst, I’ve overheard disparaging comments about Americans typically triggered by some American tourist’s behavior. In most cases I agreed with the comments. In others I was just to tired to explain Texans to them.

6. I’ve traveled 19 countries and don’t regret a single trip. I recommend planning a trip that makes you feel comfortable/confident but leave room for some spontaneous times as well. As far as being harassed the only hard time I received was light hearted about the gun violence and our politics. If you are nice and respectful almost every one you meet will be the same.

7. I have traveled to over 35 countries. Adding a few more this year. I have never had a negative experience because I’m American.

   Some Americans get into trouble because they’re loud. Or they expect everything to be like America. Or because they’re rude. Those aren’t uniquely American traits. Assholes exist everywhere.

   My advice?

   Be polite. Say please and thank you.

   Be respectful and curious. You are traveling to another country, so expect that you will need to learn and abide by their rules.

   Ask for advice on the local culture.

   Be a good sport. Try things. Be willing to laugh at yourself.

   You will find people around the world tend to be not so different. We all just want to get along with our day. We like it when someone appreciates our culture and gives an effort. And most of us don’t have enough time to hate someone because of where they come from.

   I went to Mexico. They’re supposed to hate us gringos, right? I had locals take me to a street market for lunch. No idea what I ate, but I tried it and loved it. And the locals immediately started treating me like a friend and still ask when I am returning.

8. Tourists doing tourist things are unlikely to get involved in some prolonged debate on politics or religion. You’ll be around other tourists.

   No country that makes money on tourism is going to alienate visitors.

   But if you get belligerently drunk or violate some other norms, they may call you out on that shit. Just like you would here.

9. > I know we don’t exactly have the best reputation around the world, and I’ve heard these horror stories about Americans getting harassed

   England twice, France, Spain, Japan twice, Brazil, Turks & Caicos, Ireland, Scotland… I have never been “harassed.” It’s always been a good time.

10. I’ve traveled plenty and have never had a majorly bad experience. Will someone occasionally say something or make a comment? Sure. But assholery is an international phenomenon. The best thing you can do is be a good ambassador: don’t be obnoxious, and you’ll be fine.

    And the fact that you’re concerned enough to ask suggests you’re self-aware enough not to fall into the Ugly American stereotype.

11. I’ve only had it happen once, I was in London during the last administration and a young Black dude on the subway started going off on me and my wife about Trump, he was really pissed off and agitated, seemed like it could turn violent.

    I told him we didn’t vote for that orange fuck but it didn’t really calm him down too much. Still basically “you Americans suck” and all that.

    But that’s like one incident out of many trips to Europe.

    edit; omg I forgot this one it was kind of funny, I was at my wife’s sister’s wedding in the UK and some of the guests (she didn’t know them well) showed up and they had what I guess is a working class accent? Scouse maybe?

    One guy started going on about how great Trump is and I casually said “nah we can’t stand him, we’re solid Blue liberal Democrats” and he got REALLY pissed and offended, super belligerent over it (I didn’t engage just shrugged and walked away, he followed for a bit and his wife pulled him away).

    I was like “lol I’ve managed to avoid an violent altercation with a Trump supporter all these years and now it’s going to happen in the UK at a wedding by some pissed of scouse WTF this is the weirdest timeline”

12. I’ve traveled abroad, I’ve lived abroad. Like any place, you will meet good people and not so good people. The world isn’t the internet, though, so don’t take that as an accurate depiction. I’ve never been harassed for being American.

    Do I occasionally meet someone who thinks because I’m American, I’m the stand-in for all government decisions and American culture? Yes, but that’s not the majority. Most people will show you the same respect you show them and the ones that don’t, I don’t associate with.

13. I’ve been to Scotland, England, Czech Republic, France, and Spain. I’ve only been harassed once. Even then, I was being yelled at just for being foreign, not specifically for being American.

14. Been to 25 different countries all over the world for personal and business travel, some multiple times.

    People give back the treatment they are given.

    If you’re polite, quiet, humble, and make an effort to blend in by mirroring what other people are doing, including attempting to speak basic phrases in their language, people will be fine with you.

    For example, one time I was in Italy and I noticed the owner of a cafe I had walked into seemed to be giving me the stink eye.

    I was able to do a quick dictionary search and ask in Italian, “Pardon me, are you closing soon?” he said, “Yes,” and I said, “Oh, I’m sorry. I did not know. I will leave.”

    His whole demeanor changed to be friendly and he said something like, “No, no, please sit. You still have 20 minutes.”

    So, small things like that can make a world of difference.

15. Perú was the only place I felt like I stood out and felt eyes on me. I did not like it there.

16. I’ve been to 40+ countries. Traveling is very rewarding and gives you a different perspective on the world. You’ll be fine, hope you have fun!

17. I love chatting with people. I’ve talked to people all over the world about the US, politics, and current events.

    Everyone was gracious.

    I’m always going on about how nice everyone is, and my husband is just like- if you are nice, other people are nice.

    I’m not sure what country you are headed to, and that can make a difference, but I think you’ll be fine.

    You should just ask a question about a specific location because you will get great tips about the culture and how to be respectful to your hosts.

    Like my advice in France would be different than Jamaica or Iceland.

18. I’m going abroad on Monday. I’ve been abroad before and it was fun. Not sure I’ll do it again after this trip but it has certainly given me a greater appreciation for things.

19. Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Peru, Chile, Bahamas, Canada. Never got shit for being American anywhere other than Canada, but I won’t begrudge a Canadian enjoying his national sport.

20. Went to Greece a few months ago, zero harassment from anyone.

21. I did my first big international trip just a few months ago, to Hong Kong. It was awesome, everyone was nice, I never felt disrespected because of my nationality.

22. As long as you’re respectful – and that includes how you dress – you shouldn’t have a problem. We ran into a rude waiter in Venice but as we watched we realized he was rude to everybody who wasn’t a regular, so **a** rude person may just be a rude person regardless.

23. The “ugly American” stereotype has all but died, because now that so many other countries can afford international travel, we’re barely noticed in the sea of tourists. And some of those other places now have much worse reputations than we ever did.

    Just don’t be an arschoch, nobody will notice you, and you’ll he fine.

24. We haven’t found any hostility towards Americans. I would suggest starting with countries that speak your native language.

    I thought I knew decent Spanish until a recent trip proved me wrong.

25. I’ve been to Canada and I’ve been to Panama. Both were very welcoming.

26. I’ve been to Canada, Italy, Japan, and the UK. Italy is a give or take. The rest are very hospitable.

27. I’ve traveled to over 50 countries for vacation, work, visiting family or friends, or just a quick getaway. My experience has been neutral to positive the vast majority of time. The “ugly American tourist” stereotype has become long since outdated, and in many places some other nationalities are stereotyped to be worse. I will say, however, that not being white has caused me to have some different experiences at times: on one hand, I have sometimes been treated less favorably than white tourists in the same tour group, for example, while on the other hand, I have also often been targeted less by people trying to sell you stuff than white tourists (who are often perceived to be loaded with money).

    However, what I can also say is that, regardless of race or nationality, you are much more likely to be treated nicely in a country if you are being polite, culturally aware, and not rude.

28. I traveled to Australia/NZ in May 2016 at the height of the 2016 Election and to Romania in 2018 for about a few weeks during a project abroad thing(there was also a Brit and a couple Australians there as well). Was never harassed for being American. They did ask me questions about politics but it seemed to me to not be lecturing but a general curiosity about cultural differences.

29. The only time I was ever hassled for being American outside of drunken bar encounters was immediately after the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

    Outside of that almost every negative interaction I’ve had traveling had a drunk local or a crazy crowd of tourists or both. If you’re part of a hostels bar crawl in downtown Prague be prepared for some comments from some locals. It’s nothing too crazy they are just sick of drunk tourists who don’t follow their social norms.

30. the rural parts of southern England are super nice. Africa is worth travelling to. roadtripping across America is worth it too

31. Never been harassed anywhere! Just don’t be a loud asshole, and you’ll be golden.

32. Lived in Malaysia and have traveled around Asia. Enjoy the food and seek out an experience that’s cultural. National and Religious holidays and their celebrations are fascinating as an outsider. Putting a sheet of 24k gold on an enormous Sleeping Buddha as a Christian was pretty cool. In my eyes it was a way to honor the people and not the god. Enjoy the sites and take time to people watch if you’re not exactly sure what the custom is. People are people all over the world and in my experience, they will treat you according to how you treat them. They will see you (depending on where you go)… as a foreigner though and will sometimes try to take advantage of you. Be careful, but feel free to talk to people and ask questions with an air of humbleness and interest. Walk further back into the market to see what treasures it holds. That’s where the locals shop. If its hand made and a cultural product, don’t try to barter for a lower price. You’d be shocked at how much work people put in to make a scarf that they sell for $2.00

33. You’ll be fine, just don’t go to Afghanistan. Most people around the world don’t have any real problem with Americans.

34. Been to Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Czech Rep, and South Africa. Gonna hit up Colombia in a month

    Had great experiences everywhere I’ve been. Thankfully I have never experienced any rabid anti-Americanness in real life (like you’ll find in many corners of Reddit).

    I did make sure not to display the traits our tourists might have a reputation for, i.e. I wasn’t all loud and boisterous (easy for me cause that’s not my personality to begin with). I didn’t advertise the fact that I’m American (though people can be quick to figure it out when they start talking to you)

    Made sure to be polite with my please and thank yous. bonus if you say it in the local language and learn a few other phrases. Even using a handful of phrases in their language will score you big points with locals in many places.

    Some people might be very curious about you, especially if you go outside the biggest cities / tourist traps. Talk to them, return that curiosity, and it can be easy to make friends

    In SA I did get pestered for money semi-frequently cause when they figure out you’re American they tend to assume you’re rich. But if that’s the worst thing I’ve experienced abroad that’s pretty damn good

35. Europeans and Asians are more interested in American politics than most of the Americans I’ve known.

36. I’ve mostly just been to Europe, I’ve only had one instance of someone being rude to me because I’m American and that was in Canada. Most people are just the same as we are here and just trying to get through their day.

    As long as you even put the most minimal effort into being respectful, you’ll be fine. Don’t go around being obnoxious. Stand on the right side of the escalators. Learn a few phrases in the language of the country you’re in (hello, please, and thank you is enough, maybe how to order something too).

    It can be a little scary leaving the country the first time, but don’t worry about being American. Just worry about showing respect to other people, just as you would (I assume) here at home, and you’ll most likely have no issues.

37. Everyone’s nice!

38. The only time I was harassed abroad was by some dumb teenagers who were fucking with everyone who walked by. I genuinely think those horror stories are just from thin skinned dweebs who can’t take a little cross-cultural joking.

39. Don’t worry about it. Don’t embarrass yourself or your country and don’t do anything to draw attention to yourself and you’ll be fine. I’ve been to over 50 countries and lived abroad for almost 6 years and nobody has ever harassed me for being American. Go to a country that gets lots of foreign tourists and stick to frequently visited areas.

40. Unless you go around with some American superiority, either people won’t really care or they will find it mildly interesting and ask where you are from

41. If you visit Finland, don’t let them trick you into tasting salt licorice!

42. I recently just got back from the UK. It was fine. I basically just kept to myself and it’s easy to get lost in a sea of anonymity in a city as big as London. Most people are just trying to live their lives (just like here!), so just be respectful and self-aware.

43. Biggest thing is “ When in Rome “.

    When we were stationed in Japan, there was a Class we had to take that basically gave a crash course in Japanese culture.

    In other words.. you aren’t in America so don’t act like it. Figure out the local cultural norms, at least try to learn a few important phrases and observe how the locals do things.

44. I’ve been all over Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without ever having an issue.

45. I have been to 12 different countries and no one has ever given me a hard time for being American.

    I got a little snootiness in Spain because my Spanish isn’t great and my accent sounds Mexican but that was isolated and not a big deal.

    But in Tanzania and Venezuela it was cool to meet a random American.

    In the UK there was some trash talking but it was 100% in good fun. Just a bit of banter.

    In Mexico I got a lot of warm welcomes just because I can speak Spanish (poorly) but people appreciated it.

46. I haven’t traveled abroad as much as others — UK, Spain, Bahamas, Jamaica, Brazil. (Canada too, but that doesn’t count 😂) Never been harassed for being an American.

    But on several occasions, locals have asked me basically to speak on behalf of all Americans. Like, “/u/rtalbert235, you’re an American — why did you people elect Trump as president?” (This was actually demanded of me at dinner one night when I was in Spain, in 2017.) I think this is fairly common, to look at someone who is from a different country or ethnicity than you and assume that all such people think alike. In my case, I politely explained that America is a very big and complex country with many different cultures and political ideologies in it, and different groups had different reasons for voting for/again Trump in 2016 and did my best to describe how different people were thinking. I think many folks outside the US just don’t fully grasp how big, in every sense, the US really is.

    I’ve found that most people genuinely want to learn more about America from Americans (look at this subreddit for example) despite what preconceptions they may have, and they have no interest in harassing anyone. But I also echo someone else’s comment, learn a few words and phrases in the host country’s language — even just making the effort is really appreciated.