Recent world events have significantly increased the negative perception of Americans. I’ve heard horror stories of people being rude and mistreating Americans who are traveling or living abroad. However in my own business and personal travel I haven’t noticed a significant change and have found people for the most part to be as friendly as ever. Have I just been incredibly lucky? What has been you experience?
2006-11-27 11:04:48 · 13 answers · asked by tiqcy99 2 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Other - Destinations
My experience has been that if you approach people politely, they will return the same to you as an individual. It's different if you are part of a "tour group on a bus" ...if you come into a market or restaurant etc as part of a bus, the experience isn't necessarily as positive on an individual basis...but on the other hand, if you work with a reputable tour operator who truly knows the region, they will only book you into restaurants and facilities where you are welcomed. On an individual basis, during this past year, I have been treated graciously by Iranians, Syrians, Israelis, Germans, English, Costa Ricans, Irish, Fijians, Nepalese and Chinese...all since this January. The other person who said that most people you meet distinguish between American policies and individual Americans is correct, as long as you are one of the Americans who is polite and interested in a new country and customs. However, very important, I TRULY do not engage in political discussions as much as possible!
2006-11-27 11:29:19 · answer #1 · answered by lotsaanswers 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends how you are as a traveler - if you're an obnoxious "ugly American" you're going to be treated poorly, but if your open-minded and respect the local culture, you'll be treated fine.
I just spent 2 months backpacking through the Middle East and with very little exception, I was treated well. It's true that many foreigners hate the current administration, however, most foreigners are able to separate the American individual vs. the American government. For example, in Egypt I was told several times how they LOVED Americans, but hated Bush. When I was in Jordan, I was told that they were glad Americans were starting to travel overseas again rather than thinking all Middle Easterners are terrorists.
2006-11-27 16:02:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have only been overseas 3 times (all post 9-11). I can't remember any negativity at all. In fact, most of the people I was in contact with were friendlier than most of the Americans I meet. I will be traveling again on Dec. 6th. Hopefully my experience will be the same.
2006-11-27 12:23:36 · answer #3 · answered by johnsredgloves 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no reason why you should be disrespected for just being American.
I am a Vietnamese-American and when I go to Vietnam, I am always treated with respect, even though my family fought against the Communist government who took over Vietnam. No one has ever said to me there: "I hate you stupid Americans, go home".
Just keep in mind when traveling or living abroad, just be respectful and nice to others and they should be the same way back.
2006-11-27 12:21:54 · answer #4 · answered by boboluv06@sbcglobal.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here in Mexico it depends. I live in the north of mexico. i´ve never heard that they mistreat americans, even tho they say "pinchis gringos". in mexico city they are way more anti-american, specially since the whole wall thing. but with mexicans as with most people, if you approach them in a good way, they treat you good (buy them a few drinks you got a friend forever and who´ll help you when in trouble) treat them like **** you get the living crap beat out of you in no time.
2006-11-27 11:17:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im with you on this. Everytime I travel to Europe people treat me just fine. Everyone is very friendly as usual. They know there is a difference between Americans and the Bush administration. Anyone whose treated poorly has probably done something to deserve it.
2006-11-27 11:06:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
As a European, I can tell you yes, there is a lot of anti-American sentiment around but no, you would be very unlucky to be treated badly.
2006-11-27 11:09:19 · answer #7 · answered by Katya-Zelen 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Plain and simple...They Insult us behind our back in their own language (or try to) so we won't know what they are saying..they probably would even go as far as spitting in our food.
2006-11-27 11:07:46 · answer #8 · answered by De Nirezza 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
me too i have no bad experience to speak of they want my money thats all
2006-11-27 11:13:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
they are treated like dogs
2006-11-27 11:06:37 · answer #10 · answered by Gurl Power 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋