Floppy_D
Member In Memoriam
+1. When you sit down at a table with two friends and wonder why another fellow joins you, whom you've never met, and is most likely reading a newspaper, and you look surprised, you're made.
how to not scream AMERICAN in a foreign country
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If you are going to go that, pick Finnish. Popular, they have lost of business interest esp. in the Baltic countries and almost nobody speaks their language.
David
Ivy Mike
Member
+1 Girodin
We Americans also tend to use figures of speech more than other nationalities (save for the Brits) and its always a dead giveaway.
Also, your American inflections and speech patterns will give you away.
My advice is local clothing (American brands are a bad idea, especially shoes), don't speak too loudly and don't give your opinion unless asked for it. As with workplace conversation, religion and politics stay at home.
Self defense...um don't get into a situation where you would need it. If it becomes inevitable, no weapons should be used. I know that sounds like a stupid idea but a bewildering journey through the justice system of a foreign country is a bad thing. Also, if you should get into a scrape, its best not to be around when/if the police arrive. Win the fight and leave quickly.
We Americans also tend to use figures of speech more than other nationalities (save for the Brits) and its always a dead giveaway.
Also, your American inflections and speech patterns will give you away.
My advice is local clothing (American brands are a bad idea, especially shoes), don't speak too loudly and don't give your opinion unless asked for it. As with workplace conversation, religion and politics stay at home.
Self defense...um don't get into a situation where you would need it. If it becomes inevitable, no weapons should be used. I know that sounds like a stupid idea but a bewildering journey through the justice system of a foreign country is a bad thing. Also, if you should get into a scrape, its best not to be around when/if the police arrive. Win the fight and leave quickly.
Scoutsout2645
Member
Having been to Russia several times (and not speaking more than a few words of Russian) here's my advice:
-Lose the baseball caps
-comfortable, earth-tone clothing (nothing screams "American" like bright colors)
-learn to watch your surroundings without stareing, even in the US this announces you're a tourist.
-we tend to be louder, smile/laugh loudly more and need more "personal space" than the locals
-try not to have that big "tourist" camera/s hanging around your neck
-I'll second lonelyplanet as a good resource, check it out
I apologize if you're a seasoned traveller and already know this, but remember that you will also represent our country in an area of the world that already views us poorly so: be friendly without being condescending, and understand that this is a (very) different culture with different attitudes about customer service, public conduct etc...getting uppity because "that's not how things are done back home" or being interested in "your cute little culture" is insulting to the locals, can get you in trouble, and feeds in to general attitudes about what an "American" is. Also, I know what the "warning signs" are when I'm walking through SoHo at 2AM, but I found that I couldn't pick up on the warning signs of a small village outside Moscow...stick with your local friends/guides, follow their lead, avoid talking if you get around the drunk kids by the beer kiosks late at night and try to stay relatively sober if you're going to be out on foot at night (reasonably difficult there, but... ) Bottom line, you won't be able to prevent being pegged as a "foreigner" and your shoes/haircut/clothing cut will probably peg you as American before you even open your mouth. Try not to add "obnoxious" to that, and you'll do OK.
For self-defense: if you don't know how to throw hands already, it's probably too late to learn for this trip. Keep your head about you, watch for overt problems--being followed by 1+ guys, harrassing tones from young drunks, someone "sizing you up"--stay in groups, and AVOID PROBLEMS. The umbrella or magazine idea is better than nothing, but they'll be fairly ineffective if you don't already know how to use them as a weapon. If you don't know how to fight, then situational awareness will be crucial for you--just remember that an over-alert posture can also telegraph fear/insecurity/readiness for victimhood.
Customs doesn't care what you wear, so: loose, cool , comfortable clothing--you're going to be on a plane for upwards of 8 hours. Shoes that slip on/off easially (good for security in the US and for removal in the plane). A shirt with a breast pocket big enough to carry your passport and boarding pass; you typically have to show these as several points to several people throughout your trip through the airport...having it readily accessible and not having to fumble through your bag for them makes the trip a little easier.
And FWIW, I tended to get pegged as German more than I did as American...go figure.
In my experience, most of the people will be friendly and the exposure to such a different environment (can) be great. Have a fun trip!
-Lose the baseball caps
-comfortable, earth-tone clothing (nothing screams "American" like bright colors)
-learn to watch your surroundings without stareing, even in the US this announces you're a tourist.
-we tend to be louder, smile/laugh loudly more and need more "personal space" than the locals
-try not to have that big "tourist" camera/s hanging around your neck
-I'll second lonelyplanet as a good resource, check it out
I apologize if you're a seasoned traveller and already know this, but remember that you will also represent our country in an area of the world that already views us poorly so: be friendly without being condescending, and understand that this is a (very) different culture with different attitudes about customer service, public conduct etc...getting uppity because "that's not how things are done back home" or being interested in "your cute little culture" is insulting to the locals, can get you in trouble, and feeds in to general attitudes about what an "American" is. Also, I know what the "warning signs" are when I'm walking through SoHo at 2AM, but I found that I couldn't pick up on the warning signs of a small village outside Moscow...stick with your local friends/guides, follow their lead, avoid talking if you get around the drunk kids by the beer kiosks late at night and try to stay relatively sober if you're going to be out on foot at night (reasonably difficult there, but... ) Bottom line, you won't be able to prevent being pegged as a "foreigner" and your shoes/haircut/clothing cut will probably peg you as American before you even open your mouth. Try not to add "obnoxious" to that, and you'll do OK.
For self-defense: if you don't know how to throw hands already, it's probably too late to learn for this trip. Keep your head about you, watch for overt problems--being followed by 1+ guys, harrassing tones from young drunks, someone "sizing you up"--stay in groups, and AVOID PROBLEMS. The umbrella or magazine idea is better than nothing, but they'll be fairly ineffective if you don't already know how to use them as a weapon. If you don't know how to fight, then situational awareness will be crucial for you--just remember that an over-alert posture can also telegraph fear/insecurity/readiness for victimhood.
Customs doesn't care what you wear, so: loose, cool , comfortable clothing--you're going to be on a plane for upwards of 8 hours. Shoes that slip on/off easially (good for security in the US and for removal in the plane). A shirt with a breast pocket big enough to carry your passport and boarding pass; you typically have to show these as several points to several people throughout your trip through the airport...having it readily accessible and not having to fumble through your bag for them makes the trip a little easier.
And FWIW, I tended to get pegged as German more than I did as American...go figure.
In my experience, most of the people will be friendly and the exposure to such a different environment (can) be great. Have a fun trip!
Ivy Mike
Member
another suggestion I might make is watch some TV produced in that country if you can find it.
For example, its pretty easy to find BBC shows on the internet and it will give you an idea of what is common in England. It won't tell you everything but it will give you an idea of how to blend.
For example, its pretty easy to find BBC shows on the internet and it will give you an idea of what is common in England. It won't tell you everything but it will give you an idea of how to blend.
Tribal
Member
There seem to be two main lines of advice here:
1. Do what you can to blend in (lose the ball cap, wear local styles, etc.).
2. Recognize up-front that you'll never really blend in.
Having just gotten back from Britain, I've seen that both of these are somewhat true, although I'd say that folks who mean to do you harm can pretty much pick you out as a foreigner, and probably an American, just from things you do. You use a fork in your right hand. You look left first when you cross the street. You hesitate to go through an opening between people that you think is far too small while the locals just barge on through. It's little good trying to fix these habits: if someone's trying to target you, you'll always do something to give yourself away to observant victimizers. In my experience, trying to blend in can help you to avoid being noticed to a casual observer and to other foreigners. I was constantly approached by non-British Europeans who needed directions. Non-locals probably aren't much of a danger to you, except perhaps if they're drunk and rowdy in the middle of the night or something.
However, don't lose heart! Straight camouflage isn't the only thing you have going for you. As said before, travel with a group, or at least a local. If you're of an intimidating size (I'm 6'4"), carry yourself like you have a purpose; this means taking your sidewalk route (on the proper side for the country you're in) and expecting others to move for you (you will, of course, make room for the mother with the stroller, the elderly babushka, etc.). Even a "dazzle camouflage" thing can work, where you are partly dressed as an American would be (because you can't help yourself) and partly as a local. For example, wearing your tie with the skinny end slightly below the bottom of the fat end in Italy.
Most importantly, BE WILLING TO SAY NO. Be polite, but firm. I'm personally opposed to lying to someone for the sake of convenience (no, you're not a Canadian or Finn or Brazilian; you're an American), but I also believe that people who come to you on false pretenses don't have a right to a true reply from you. The person who "only needs fifty cents to get a bus ticket home" is lying to you: it's okay to tell him that you don't carry cash.
As everyone's said, use your noggin.
1. Do what you can to blend in (lose the ball cap, wear local styles, etc.).
2. Recognize up-front that you'll never really blend in.
Having just gotten back from Britain, I've seen that both of these are somewhat true, although I'd say that folks who mean to do you harm can pretty much pick you out as a foreigner, and probably an American, just from things you do. You use a fork in your right hand. You look left first when you cross the street. You hesitate to go through an opening between people that you think is far too small while the locals just barge on through. It's little good trying to fix these habits: if someone's trying to target you, you'll always do something to give yourself away to observant victimizers. In my experience, trying to blend in can help you to avoid being noticed to a casual observer and to other foreigners. I was constantly approached by non-British Europeans who needed directions. Non-locals probably aren't much of a danger to you, except perhaps if they're drunk and rowdy in the middle of the night or something.
However, don't lose heart! Straight camouflage isn't the only thing you have going for you. As said before, travel with a group, or at least a local. If you're of an intimidating size (I'm 6'4"), carry yourself like you have a purpose; this means taking your sidewalk route (on the proper side for the country you're in) and expecting others to move for you (you will, of course, make room for the mother with the stroller, the elderly babushka, etc.). Even a "dazzle camouflage" thing can work, where you are partly dressed as an American would be (because you can't help yourself) and partly as a local. For example, wearing your tie with the skinny end slightly below the bottom of the fat end in Italy.
Most importantly, BE WILLING TO SAY NO. Be polite, but firm. I'm personally opposed to lying to someone for the sake of convenience (no, you're not a Canadian or Finn or Brazilian; you're an American), but I also believe that people who come to you on false pretenses don't have a right to a true reply from you. The person who "only needs fifty cents to get a bus ticket home" is lying to you: it's okay to tell him that you don't carry cash.
As everyone's said, use your noggin.
HoosierQ
Member
There was a time when jeans, especially old ones, were very valuable in Russia. I suspect that maybe not so much anymore but I don't think jeans are quite the uniform of everyday wear that they are in the USA. Some sort of comfortable slacks may be a better way to go. I know this would have been good advice 10 years ago...today...who knows.
I've worked in Russia and Kazakstan, easiest way to blend in is to get local clothing.
One of the things I noticed (I tend to be more observant in other countries) is that the first thing the locals did was look at you, then look directly at your shoes. Seems the shoes give it away, or at least confirm what the thought is.
One of the things I noticed (I tend to be more observant in other countries) is that the first thing the locals did was look at you, then look directly at your shoes. Seems the shoes give it away, or at least confirm what the thought is.
joab
Member
It's been about ten years since my last trip abroad
That was to Vietnam so I didn't even have to open my mouth
Things my have changed by now or just be different in that part of the world, but jeans scream American
Pocket knives were not allowed but in some areas that seem to dictate some protection I would buy a homemade looking cross between a pocket knife and box cutter
I usually carried a fanny pack like a purse kind of twisted around my wrist
In it I kept half a soft pack of cigarettes. about $5 worth of local currency and two fairly good sized rocks it made a good sap
You could either grip up on the slack of the purse for a traditional type jack or you could let out and generate more velocity and striking power in the swing
And yes to the above poster
The locals could tell where other Asians came from by their shoes, and tan
That was to Vietnam so I didn't even have to open my mouth
Things my have changed by now or just be different in that part of the world, but jeans scream American
Pocket knives were not allowed but in some areas that seem to dictate some protection I would buy a homemade looking cross between a pocket knife and box cutter
I usually carried a fanny pack like a purse kind of twisted around my wrist
In it I kept half a soft pack of cigarettes. about $5 worth of local currency and two fairly good sized rocks it made a good sap
You could either grip up on the slack of the purse for a traditional type jack or you could let out and generate more velocity and striking power in the swing
And yes to the above poster
The locals could tell where other Asians came from by their shoes, and tan
Don't forget to smoke...
Dress in local clothes
Here is something else that I found that is very interesting, you should get one and use it. It basically neutralizes the RFID chip in your passport as long as it is contained in the bag.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/BAG098-0.html
Dress in local clothes
Here is something else that I found that is very interesting, you should get one and use it. It basically neutralizes the RFID chip in your passport as long as it is contained in the bag.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/BAG098-0.html
El Tejon
Member
Leave your white socks at home.
ScottyT
Member
Imitate, imitate, imitate!
I spent a couple years in East Africa. At 6'5" and white I stuck out to a ridiculous extent. I had nailed the language so perfectly though (even down to a perfect regional accent), that people didn't really treat me as an outsider. A local friend of mine recorded my voice once and played it for other locals, they swore up and down that I was born in this or that village -- until they saw my giant white self!
I spent a couple years in East Africa. At 6'5" and white I stuck out to a ridiculous extent. I had nailed the language so perfectly though (even down to a perfect regional accent), that people didn't really treat me as an outsider. A local friend of mine recorded my voice once and played it for other locals, they swore up and down that I was born in this or that village -- until they saw my giant white self!
Creature
Member
Wear lots of black. Black shoes, black jeans, black jacket...seriously. I'm not joking.
RoadkingLarry
Member
Just wear an Obama '08 shirt then everyone will surely love you!
Hutch
Member
csmkersh, y'all have it all wrong.
Y'all is singular. The plural of y'all is "all y'all"
Y'all is singular. The plural of y'all is "all y'all"
D
Deleted member 66305
Guest
I spent the summer of 1990 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia.
It didn't matter if I wore russian clothes -- they could spot me a mile away as western.
Don't wander off the beaten path. Stay with your host, if you have one. Use a money belt. Carry important documents in a hidden pouch in your pants, unless you have a safe place to leave them where you are sleeping.
I always carried a "dummy" wallet. It had a fake credit card, and a few bucks in it. The plan was to throw it and run if I got attacked.
It didn't matter if I wore russian clothes -- they could spot me a mile away as western.
Don't wander off the beaten path. Stay with your host, if you have one. Use a money belt. Carry important documents in a hidden pouch in your pants, unless you have a safe place to leave them where you are sleeping.
I always carried a "dummy" wallet. It had a fake credit card, and a few bucks in it. The plan was to throw it and run if I got attacked.
Arrogant Bastard said:
I second a lot of these ideas.
Make contact with the US Embassy when you get to location and put their number in your phone and somewhere on your person. Make sure that you have a route scouted to get the embassy as quick and easily as possible, do the same for the Air port...
When I travel, I make sure that I have all my papers hidden on my person. Hence the earlier suggestion of the RFID neutralizing bag.
Make sure you have some local currency on you. Hide it in money belts, pockets and the throw down wallet.
IllHunter
Member
I use what I have...
that includes my knowledge of other languages to confuse the issue. Spanish is very usable and my appearance supports it. I agree with local clothes and shoes if you stay more than 30 days. If not, don't bother, they'll spot you as a poser. Keep your eyes on swivels not your head and remember to ask your host/guide questions about what is/not acceptable. If you can navigate cities like New York or Chicago, you can get by almost anywhere. Hell, half the residents of those places are foreigners anyway.
that includes my knowledge of other languages to confuse the issue. Spanish is very usable and my appearance supports it. I agree with local clothes and shoes if you stay more than 30 days. If not, don't bother, they'll spot you as a poser. Keep your eyes on swivels not your head and remember to ask your host/guide questions about what is/not acceptable. If you can navigate cities like New York or Chicago, you can get by almost anywhere. Hell, half the residents of those places are foreigners anyway.
bdickens
Member
I wouldn't worry about it too much; you're going to be pegged as an american anyway. They'll know you're "not from around here" by the way you walk, by the way you stand, by the way you sit, by the way you eat, by the way you look around. Just dress in a more or less conservative manner and be polite.
That guy sure hates the USA. http://comebackalive.com/site3.php?section_id=666&sub_section_id=United_States
Apparently, if you've survived here so far, you can survive anywhere. Especially if you've spent some part of your life surrounded by those deadly guns that cause all those crimes!
VPLthrneck
Member
Doesn't matter, you'll be spotted as a foreigner a mile away. It's subtle differences that no American will detect, but htey are there. Even if you can spoke Russian, the difference in accents will give you away. Makes it more obvious if your with an interpretter or you ask for numbers/prices to be written down.
I've been to Moscow twice, and wore my NASCAR hat and jeans both times. The children wanted to know if I was a race car driver, and adults wanted to know if I drove a big four wheel drive truck. Since I grew up on a farm, I just told anyone that asked I was a farmer. Then they would ask about farm equipment, growing grain, and raising animals. I found out that Russians love their country (no matter who's in charge) and expect others to love the "mother-land" that they are visiting from. So go and be an "ambassador" of the US and show them that we aren't the Hollywood version.
So here's my suggestions: Don't stress out over trying to blend in because that will make you stand out more. Be natural, and trust your friends you're traveling with as it's their former home country. And enjoy the food, be nice to the children, and smile at the women!
As for security, pay attention to your surroundings and don't wander down any alleyway that the locals don't use on their daily routines.
RioShooter
Member
I visited California this summer and was asked for directions at a state park.
Just remembered a couple of other things.
The hotels may have a "floor lady" who gives you the key when you come in every day. Some do some don't, chocolate makes for a nice tip.
Be careful of "Gypsy" (sp?) cabs, try to always take one that is well identified. Don't hesitate to offer a lower price for the fare if you think it's too high, it sometimes works.
The public transportation is usually pretty good.
The hotels may have a "floor lady" who gives you the key when you come in every day. Some do some don't, chocolate makes for a nice tip.
Be careful of "Gypsy" (sp?) cabs, try to always take one that is well identified. Don't hesitate to offer a lower price for the fare if you think it's too high, it sometimes works.
The public transportation is usually pretty good.
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