by Diana Tierney

Created on: April 11, 2007   Last Updated: April 20, 2007

It has not been until recent years that Americans have begun to travel abroad. It's understandable that we have been so late to join in the foreign travel game, our country is so expansive that it has been easier and at times more cost efficient to remain here. However, as we begin to venture into these other countries there are a few things that we need to learn.

For starters the American dollar is not accepted everywhere. It may be a good idea to get some of the native currency, which is available at exchange centers at the airport when you arrive. This way when you go to a place such as the Sydney Opera House, you don't have to argue with the store clerk as to why they won't take your money. The reality is they don't have to take your money if they don't want to, to reiterate, you are in a foreign country.

Another point to take into consideration is that though we may be proud to be Americans (which we have a lot of right to be so proud), this does not entitle us to such things as discounts, tax exemption outside of duty free shops, rooms with a view and the general adoration from the natives of the country you are visiting. In fact, they won't even care whether you are an African American, Jewish American, Italian American or even an Irish American. In a foreign country you are just an American and in most cases that will not give you special treatment.

The saying goes "When in Rome do as the Romans." What this basically means is that if you are in a foreign location do what your counterparts are doing. Culture is not the same across the board. For example in some places it is common courtesy to leave a little food on your plate. This basically says that you are not selfish and can give a little food to the poor. It is a good idea to learn a few of the customs before bowling into this new country and being in general uncouth.

Many times when someone asks if you are a real live American they will then ask what region you are from. This then leads them to what stereotype they will then associate you with. For example, if you are from Texas they will then expect you to be one of two things (and sometimes both) incredibly rich because you own an oil well, thanks in part to the TV show Dallas, no one cares anymore who killed JR but they do remember the wealth. The other Texas stereotype is that the people are just as big as the saying "Everything is bigger in Texas." They expect that Texans are over weight and eat a lot of food, the epitome of the American glutton. Likewise if you say you are from California you get asked if all the women walk around in bikinis and if you work in Hollywood like everyone else. Some of these stereotypes are based on what people have seen in on television, others are due largely impart to how we have behaved while traveling abroad.

Foreign travel can be a greatly rewarding experience. However, no matter where we go as Americans we may encounter the stereotypes associated with the tourists from our country who have gone there before. Common sense while traveling certainly goes a long way.

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