Category "local-customs"

In which city in Europe would a first-time cross-dresser face the lowest risk of harassment?

What would be the safest, most friendly city to go out as cross-dresser? Specifically, in Europe? It is not easy to come out, and I have been considering it fo

Photography and Running in the Christiania Neighbourhood of Copenhagen

Christiania is a autonomous enclave situated in a former military base in Copenhagen. At its entrance there is a sign which is presumably intended for tourists

How do you use a traditional hot-air hand dryer so your hands are actually dry afterwards? [closed]

In many locations around the world, you can see dryers like this1: These dryers are being phased out in favor of air-jet dryers that involv

OK, we are all adults here, so what is a bidet for and how do I use it?

Confession time: I am from one of these barbaric countries where the use of the bidet is not widespread. So I have no idea... Question 1: What is the bidet goo

Finding Undisclosed Restaurants on the Adriatic Coast

Along the Adriatic coast there are some bizarre looking fishing piers called 'Trabocchi'. Some of these are apparently several hundred years old. San Vito Chie

Does Siesta time in Panama affect business travelers?

I haven't been to Panama for quite some time and now there's a chance I may need to spend a few days there to service a software client. I remember that a larg

As we are all adults here, how do I politely indicate that I need the toilet?

I am from an area where people just say they need the loo to pee or poo. In formal situations, when meeting just strangers, we are a bit less open and call it '

Where in Sweden can I celebrate midsommar with the locals?

I live in Copenhagen and I would like to attend a midsommar celebration in Sweden on the 24th. Do you have any suggestion on where to go? Ideally, it should be

Why are there so many well-kept ancient VW pick-ups on La Palma? [closed]

I've been recently on the beautiful island of La Palma, and in the rural areas, I noticed a considerable number of similarly-styled cars (same

What was the meaning of this Indian gesture/greeting?

While on a business trip to India last week I saw two different gestures of greeting. Most people greeted me with the traditional Namaste greeting, with the han

Why has this dress been met with surprise at the Oktoberfest in Munich?

We are Brazilians and we have been in Oktoberfest, so my wife made a dress here in Brazil trying to do something close to the Dirndl dress, but during the entir

What to wear in Russia

What are appropriate clothing for a tourist in Russia? Specifically I mean Moscow and St Petersburg in summer. Of course locals might wear something different

What's the proper etiquette for visiting the German Biergartens?

I passed through Munich last year and stopped at one of the biergartens. Well I tried. It was absolutely packed, it took forever to find a seat. At least one I

Why do Japanese ATMs dispense money stacked differently to those in the west? [closed]

I recently went to Japan (specifically Osaka and a few other places around Kansai) for the first time in my life, and had an amazing time. One

What should I expect when traveling in China during their Mid-August holiday?

I am trying to organize a short trip in China, probably a few days in Beijing. I found cheap tickets but the dates include the Chinese Mid-August national ho

How do I safely navigate a two-lane roundabout in the UK?

In a two-lane roundabout, drivers may be expected to use the outer lane for a ¼ circle and the inner lane in all other circumstances. Using the inner la

Why are Chinese mountains scaled by steps? (instead of winding paths)

Question: Why are Chinese mountains mostly scaled by steps/stairs instead of winded paths? Is there something traditional / practical / religious / spiritual ab

Is it ok for men to offer to shake hands with women in Mongolia?

"Culture Smart: Mongolia" (page 86) says that shaking hands has "become usual between men, and with some women". However, no other guides to Mongolian etiquett

Is there a cultural belief in Brazil or Spain that frowns upon brushing one's teeth / spitting in the kitchen sink?

I was recently told by my Brazilian roommate not to brush my teeth in the sink (I wasn't, I just spit in it) because of cultural reasons. Is there a cultural no

Is it considered rude if I present a list of pre-translated sentences?

I am about to visit Spain, mainly Malaga, Barcelona and Madrid. The problem is I do not speak Spanish at all. I am thinking to prepare a few pre-translated se