by Jackie Strause
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What do foreigners get warned about when traveling to the U.S.?
Avoid
walking alone in less vibrant areas (parts of the Bronx in particular)
and parks (including Central Park). - French government
Don’t make flippant remarks about bombs or terrorism, especially when passing through U.S. airports. - British government
These
are just a few of the warnings issued by governments abroad for anyone
planning to travel to America. You can see what the world has to say
about us via government websites (with a little help from Google
translate) — and it’s pretty eye opening.
The
foreign views about our government (“During Obama’s time in power,
America’s global power position eroded”), our laws (“The American
authorities are extremely vigilant”), and our culture (“Breastfeeding of
babies in public is indeed now the exception in [al]most every state of
‘indecent exposure’”), provide invaluable insight on how we, a reigning
superpower, are viewed (or stereotyped) around the world today.
From
insulting to spot-on and some even “seriously, WTF?” — here are a few
of the most memorable bullet points from other countries’ ministries of
foreign affairs about traveling to the U.S.
France
This is what France thinks of America.
“It
is recommended to adopt a reserved attitude toward persons of the
opposite sex,” when in the U.S., at least according to the French
government, which implores its citizens to basically, behave. Americans
as a people are very respectful of the law, says France, which is why
possessing narcotics, going topless in public, or inappropriately joking
with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are all actions
that come with consequences. “In many States, the possession of firearms
is permitted and common. Visitors must therefore, in any circumstance,
keep their calm…” say the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
Germany
If you want to run around sans clothing, find yourself a nude beach.
A
credit card is “indispensable,” repeated harassment known as “stalking”
is punishable by law, and if you want to parade around in your birthday
suit, you’d better find a nude beach, Germany tells its people about
the U.S. Also, regarding: parking tickets (“Please pay!”), high medical
bills (“Often it is cheaper to fly back to Germany and to deal with [it]
here”), and cases of child negligence or solicitation (“The borders
between harmless family photos and punishable ‘sexually suggestive’
photos are blurred in the eyes of investigators,”) the country says
about our legal system.
Sweden
America: home of freedom of the press. And Disney.
The
United States is both “loved and hated,” according to Sweden. “Probably
no other country arouses such strong emotions as the U.S. Admired the
world over as a champion of democracy and human rights, but detested by
at least as many for its self-imposed role as world policeman,” the
Swedish government explains. Despite what is called our country’s
“meddling” in others’ affairs and the “limitations of human rights”
after 9/11, Sweden cannot deny our ownership over finance and
entertainment worldwide. “Praise for freedom of the press and for being
where the Disney group hails from,” the Swedish government says.
United Kingdom
The
English frequently hop across the pond, which is why the U.K. sternly
warns its citizens about the threat of terrorism in America and why it’s
important that travelers are always on their toes: “Attacks could be
indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.” Most
importantly, “Don’t make flippant remarks about bombs or terrorism,
especially when passing through U.S. airports.”
Russia
Many
U.S. cities suffer from high crime, traffic congestion — and a lack of
values and culture, says Russia. “Despite the intensive propaganda of
‘universal values,’ the universal American culture does not exist,”
explains the Russian government. The warning then goes on to clear up
one common “cliché,” — the “American dream,” which according to Russia
is a front to hide inequalities in socioeconomic status; while
confirming another — “The people of the United States are more
materialistic and individualistic than others.” Russia even warns its
citizens to weigh the risks before traveling to American turf, since
U.S. authorities “hunt” for Russians all over the world.
Australia
America: Aussie-tested; Hugh Jackman approved.
Like
Australia, says the Aussie government, the U.S. enjoys “strong
people-to-people links,” thanks to the high flow of tourists, students,
and long-term and professional workers both to and from America and
Australia. As a by-product of this successful reciprocal relationship,
America — the
entertainment superpower — is “enriched” by
Australian actors, dancers, musicians, authors, and artists. “A growing
number of Australians in the entertainment industry are taking on
starring and supporting roles on American movie and television screens
with many winning awards.”
China
It’s important to use proper escalator etiquette.
China
also suggests its citizens visiting us avoiding any “bomb” or terrorism
speak, but mainly stresses they should be polite. Important etiquette
rules for the U.S. according to the Chinese government include: being
nice to children and the elderly; standing to the right side of the
escalator because the left side is for people in a hurry; drinking
moderately and quietly; holding the door for others; not cutting ahead
in lines; not smoking while walking; not spitting or littering, and
taking good care of flowers and trees.
Austria
Poison
ivy, tap water (“not very tasty, [but] safe to drink”), and the speed
limit are what Austrians need to look out for in the U.S. according to
their government. Driving over the limit will be “severely” punished,
but if you’re on foot, watch for pickpockets at night (since crimes are
“piling up”). There’s also a new code of conduct: No “topless bathing or
swimming of small children in public bathhouses.”
Canada
Watch out for dangerous hitchhikers and avoid transporting illegal citizens over the border.
America’s
neighbor in the north also stresses to its citizens the prevalence of
night-time U.S. crime — “Violent crimes, particularly assault, are often
connected to alcohol and drug consumption. Remain alert and discreet
while in entertainment areas.” It also addresses the dangers of picking
up hitchhikers and transporting illegal citizens over borders. “As the
driver, you could be held responsible for the misdeeds of your
passengers, even if committed without your knowledge or involvement.”
