Don’t pack leftovers in Japan—here are 11 travel taboos locals warn you about

▲ Kyoto Festival (Photo / Dashizhi / Illustration)

By Rita

Learning local customs and taboos directly from residents is completely different from what you read in travel books, because they live there and know best about the common mistakes travelers make or the pitfalls they fall into. The travel website Thrillist recently shared a list of “taboos travelers should avoid,” and we’ve picked out a few interesting ones—these tips are very down-to-earth, so travelers, take note and use them as reference Up！

1. Norway
- If you go hiking in the Svalbard archipelago inside the Arctic Circle, carry a gun with you—polar bears may attack people.

2. Italy
- Try not to drive in Naples or Rome if possible.
- Don’t eat at bars or restaurants in tourist spots.
- Don’t give money to anyone who asks for it on the street—most of them are scammers.
- Don’t accept invitations to play games with strangers on the street—they’re mostly scams.
- Don’t act too oblivious.

- Be sure to try the local food (stay away from touristy areas)
- Don’t miss the beaches
- Visit museums
- Explore the city

3. South Africa
- Instead of leaving personal belongings in your car where they’re visible from outside, it’s better to keep them in the trunk.
- Many follow the old saying “choose less-traveled paths,” but do you think this is still Middle-earth? You’ll get robbed.

4. New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for its sheep, but in reality, these sheep all have owners.

5. Costa Rica
- Don’t drive here—it’s a nightmare.
- Don’t tip here. While Japanese waiters feel insulted by tips, people here will just be confused.

6. Canada
- Don’t get out of your car to look at bears, don’t feed bears, and don’t stop on the highway to watch bears.
- The above also applies to moose.
Things you should not do in Quebec.
- Don’t joke about sovereignty.
- Don’t make fun of the local language or culture.
- Don’t ride a snowmobile (ski-doo) on frozen lakes.
- Don’t extend your hiking time without informing friends or family of your route.
- Using “all-season” tires in winter can be deadly.
- Nature can kill a person.

7. United Kingdom
- Don’t hassle the castle guards; they’re human, can’t all stand perfectly still, and have jobs to do.

8. Mexico
- Before taking a taxi, check the driver’s ID and mileage. Or use your GPS to see if the driver is taking unnecessary detours.
- Before taking the subway, keep your wallet safe.
- If you plan to visit the Pyramid of the Sun, you can look up tours online, but make sure the ticket price includes admission.
If you buy it at your hotel front desk, it will likely cost twice as much.
- If you want to join a local party, ask the front desk to help find one suitable for tourists—avoid the others to stay safe from robbery.
- If you want to attend a local party, you can ask the front desk to find one that’s suitable for tourists. Avoid the unsuitable ones and be careful of getting robbed.
- Be cautious of unsafe parties; ask the front desk to help you find tourist-friendly ones.

9. Australia
- Don’t swim in rivers in the north—there are crocodiles.

10. Japan
- Shouting, screaming, or speaking loudly in public is considered barbaric behavior.
- There’s no such thing as a panty vending machine.
- Don’t defy the police; generally, they help tourists with directions and assist elderly people crossing the street, unlike Western police.
- Please queue up. New and popular items often draw long lines in Japan, and there’s a culture of patiently chatting while waiting.
- Forget GPS. Addresses are complicated here, so asking the police is faster.
- Don’t ask for takeout boxes if you can’t finish your meal—this service isn’t offered.
11. Jamaica
- If you need a taxi, take a licensed one.

11. Jamaica
-If you need to take a taxi, please use a licensed one.

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