I hear horror stories of Americans being talked down to, sneered and insulted by the locals over political and social reasons. Other times, people will go up to you and apparently say things like, "Hey, you kill children with assault rifles in your country? And you suppot that?"
Other times, people are quick to scam you. Some say it can be so bad that pretending to be Canadian is almost the go-to for Americans to prevent hostility.
I mean do any of these claims have any truth to them? I am just a psychology major trying to tour Europe while getting my education. I don't care about politics or the acions of ignorant Americans seen on TV, 95% of which is well out of my control.
I mean will I REALLY need to worry about any of this?
Noooo! Why do you all Americans think that?
Yes, we don't really like you (from politics reasons) , but we accept all of you wide handed, and we won't treat yuo wrong or harm you.
If you don't waltz in there and ACT like a stupid, uninformed but arrogant "ugly American" people will treat you with the same respect. It's very simple. You get what you put out. Read a book about the places you are about to visit. Don't be ignorant of their history or their culture. Don't act like, as an American, you are somehow superior by default. No one will care where you come from if basic rules of courtesy are kept. Americans have been visiting Europe for ages and the people in European countries are used to it.
Not if they behave themselves and don't reinforce the stereotype
No you have it all wrong - If they think you are from the UK they hate you in Europe. Its a football violence thing
No, you don't really need to worry about how you are treated, if you yourself go with a positive attitude, sense of humour and are reasonably friendly, but prepared for different etiquette. Most Europeans are be default polite and formal, they won't be all HI! How are You?! to you, because you'll be a complete stranger. But don't worry, you will be greeted appropriately, just figure out how to greet them back. Don't assume automatically that everyone speaks fluent English, some will speak it better than others, some won't speak it at all because they never learned it.
It is vital to remember your manners - even if you don't know the word in the local language, a simple 'thank you' and a smile does the trick.
As for scamming, you just have to be prepared and aware. I have experienced scamming attempts in Rome and Paris, and a pickpocket attempt in Barcelona. Compared to crimes I hear of in other parts of the world, where life is cheap (including, I'm sorry to say, the US of A), this is nothing, it's merely a few things taken, which your travel insurance will cover. But as it is inconvenient, especially if your wallet and important documents are stolen, it's wise to invest in a belt bag that you wear UNDER your clothes, and keep sundries in a bag that you hold firmly under your arm, or in front of you if you are in public transport.
If you suspect that someone is trying to beg or scam from you, and comes up with some kind of sob story, like the one in Paris with 'I have just found this gold ring, is it yours?', you just say no, it's not mine, and I'm not interested. If you are firm about it, they'll get that you're a waste of their time and they'll move onto another target.
Most Americans come away from Europe having had a marvellous time, the ones that don't have only themselves to blame.
I visit Europe at least once a year, and I have never had anything like that happen. I'm not sure what kind of scams you're talking about- prices are marked on items in the stores. If you're shopping in the markets, I guess someone could quote a higher price to you, but I've never experienced that.
People in places like Paris and Berlin do their jobs professionally, but they are not forced into false friendliness like in the U.S. Your waiter is not going to say "Hi, my name in Andre" and he's not going to fawn over you. Some Americans interpret that as rudeness, but it's just professional service.
If you dress decently (don't go into a nice restaurant in shorts, sloppy t-shirt and fanny pack) and greet people with Bonjour, Monsieur, or Madame, they'll be perfectly nice.
It's much friendlier in Italy.
I lived in Italy for over 13 years and traveled extensively throughout Europe and never had any problems being an American. People who go to Europe expecting to be disrespected may find that, but in reality they are most likely misunderstanding cultural differences. There have been people on here complaining because a clerk in a store didn't hand change directly to them, but put it on the counter. All they had to do was spend a little time observing to see that in many places, that's how it works for everyone. They should have put the payment in the tray on the counter as well. Or there have been complaints that waiters didn't introduce themselves or you had to ask for a bill at the end of the meal. It's just a different model for the restaurant industry, not a personal insult.
Go with an open mind and treat people with respect and you won't have any problems at all.
I'm an American (now also a UK citizen) who has lived in Europe for the past 11 years -- in 3 different countries and in my entire life have lived in 7 European countries. I have never encountered any problems. Sure people might not agree with American politics, but people also know that individuals are not the government. I have never pretended to be Canadian
No,it is not true,they neither treat you badly nor they can by law.They won't dare doing this till the time you provoke them or do something against them so be careful and stay safe.
may be its true
