While traveling safety is nothing to joke about, some of these ‘rules’ have the locals laughing and shaking their heads in dismay. These numerous misconceptions are set into place by outdated guidebooks and well-meaning yet misinformed travelers, and they could hinder an authentic experience of the culture.
Knowing which rules are valid and which are overblown enables tourists to achieve the balance of caution and cultural immersion with ease.
Never Eat Street Food
Street food vendors usually have better standards than restaurants catering to tourists because their livelihood is based upon repeat customers rather than passing visitors. The best indicator of food safety is not the appearance of the place but how well patronized it is by locals.
A street food stall that has a high volume of food turnover will likely have fresh food, whereas a restaurant that does not have many customers and has a spotless-looking exterior may not.
Only Drink Bottled Water
Though tap water safety can vary greatly depending on the part of the world, many developed cities have perfectly safe drinking water that either meets or, in some cases, exceeds international standards. Countries like Japan, Iceland, and Switzerland offer some of the world’s cleanest tap water, with bottled water being an overall unnecessary expense.
The real key is researching your specific destination rather than following blanket rules.
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Don’t Take Public Transportation
Public transportation in most foreign cities is cleaner, more efficient, and even safer compared to the taxis or ride-shares available to tourists in those same areas. Cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul offer world-class transit systems that are utilized much more by locals than by other modes of transportation.
Using public transportation provides you invaluable insight into the daily life and culture of the locals.
Keep Your Passport With You At All Times
Many residents advise keeping your passport safe in your lodgings’ safe and not carrying it on your person. For day-to-day matters, a photocopy or an electronic version of the passport is usually sufficient and not worth carrying the original.
In fact, for those who are sightseeing, the risk of losing your passport outweighs any benefits.
Avoid Local Markets
Local markets often offer the freshest produce and most authentic cultural experiences in any destination. While tourist-oriented markets might inflate prices, neighborhood markets where locals shop provide fair prices and genuine interactions.
Smart shopping at local markets often means better quality and lower prices than supermarkets.
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Only Stay in Tourist Areas
Residential neighborhoods often offer safer, quieter, and more authentic experiences than tourist-heavy zones. Areas where locals live typically have better-priced restaurants, fewer scams, and more genuine cultural interactions.
Tourist districts, ironically, often attract more pickpockets and scammers than local neighborhoods.
Don’t Walk Anywhere
Walking remains one of the safest and most rewarding ways to explore many global cities, especially during daylight hours. Most locals walk extensively in their daily lives, and joining them offers unique perspectives on local life.
Using common sense about timing and location matters more than avoiding walking altogether.
Never Use Local ATMs
Bank ATMs in most countries are as secure as those in Western nations, often with additional security features. The key isn’t avoiding local ATMs but rather using ones attached to reputable banks during business hours.
Local ATMs typically offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices or hotel services.
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Avoid Street Vendors
Street vendors often serve as unofficial city ambassadors, providing directions, recommendations, and cultural insights along with their wares. Many vendors take pride in their reputation and treat tourists fairly to encourage word-of-mouth recommendations.
The key is engaging with established vendors who have regular locations rather than avoiding them entirely.
Don’t Dress Like a Local
Attempting to blend in through respectful dress draws less attention than obvious tourist attire. Many locals appreciate visitors who make an effort to respect local dress codes and customs.
The goal isn’t perfect imitation but rather showing cultural awareness and respect.
Never Travel After Dark
Many cities come alive at night with vibrant, safe cultural activities that locals regularly enjoy. Evening markets, night walks, and sunset activities often provide unique perspectives on local culture.
Following local patterns – going where families go, staying in well-lit areas – matters more than avoiding nighttime entirely.
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Only Eat at Hotels
Hotel restaurants often serve Westernized versions of local cuisine at inflated prices, missing the point of culinary tourism. Local restaurants, especially those filled with residents, typically offer better food at fairer prices.
The best food recommendations usually come from asking locals about their favorite spots.
Avoid Local Festivals
Local festivals provide some of the richest cultural experiences and are typically well- organized with crowd safety in mind. These events often have increased security presence and showcase the best aspects of local culture.
Festivals give travelers unique opportunities to experience traditions firsthand and interact with welcoming locals.
Don’t Use Local Phones
Local SIM cards often provide better coverage and significantly lower rates than international plans or roaming. Many countries have excellent mobile networks and simple processes for tourists to obtain temporary numbers.
Having a local phone number can enhance safety by ensuring reliable communication access.
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Never Trust Locals’ Advice
Locals often provide the most current and practical safety advice based on experience rather than outdated stereotypes. Most residents take pride in their city and genuinely want visitors to have positive experiences.
The key is balancing local insights with common sense while remembering that most people worldwide are fundamentally helpful.
Enjoy Authentic Experiences Safely
While basic travel safety remains important, many common ‘rules’ reflect outdated fears rather than current realities. The most enriching travel experiences often come from respectfully engaging with local culture rather than avoiding it.
By using common sense, observing local patterns, and staying aware of their surroundings, travelers can safely enjoy authentic experiences that make their journeys truly memorable.
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