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- samanathon, on 02/17/2009, -10/+122No.10 - Moscow, Russia
Moscow is the historic heart of Russia, brimming with art and architecture. With towering spires and designer shops galore, it has come a long way since the days of the Iron Curtain. Nevertheless, the red city can seem sterile and cold to the Westerner because of its the lack of tourist-friendly conveniences. While luxury goods exist at every turn, finding something as simple as batteries can be a challenge.
The same kind of ambivalence can be found on the streets, where well-heeled businessmen and their young brides step out for an evening at the opera at the Bolshoi Theatre, while a beggar huddles in a corner with an outstretched palm. While the Russians aren’t the xenophobes they’re made out to be, they certainly don’t have a welcoming air; like Russian dolls, the people in this city have many layers. Often corrupt, the police here will stop groups of minorities for the simple reason they are minorities. Don’t expect political correctness to be on the agenda here. While this isn’t Disney World by any stretch of the imagination, Moscow is one of the most beautiful, cultured and historic culture-shock cities on earth.
Tourist trap: If a beautiful designer-clad blonde approached you in a bar on Western soil you’d be overjoyed. In Moscow, however, she’s probably a prostitute or a high-class escort looking for a rich Western businessman, a green card and an escape route. You’ve been warned.
No.9 - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Otherwise known as the Kingdom, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, may as well be on another planet -- like so many of our top 10 culture-shock cities. As Saudi Arabia’s capital city, it’s a sprawling metropolis in the searing desert heat, with cutting-edge skyscrapers placed alongside traditional Arabic architecture. As a conservative Muslim city -- more so than Jeddah or Dhahran -- the biggest culture shock you’ll come across here is the lack of individual freedom, particularly for women, who always wear the abaya to cover themselves.
When you walk around the city’s malls and residential areas, you’ll come across the religious police, or muttawa, who patrol the streets to make sure the rules of conduct are followed in regards to behavior, clothing and the like. At night, party animals can forget hitting the clubs Dubai-style; drinking alcohol here is strictly prohibited and the security situation makes it almost impossible to really cut loose and relax. Actually, there aren’t any bars or discos in the entire city. A reflection of times gone by for most Westerners, Riyadh must be seen to be believed.
Tourist trap: While you may think hiring a car and exploring the city on four wheels is the best idea you’ve ever had, think again. Driving in Saudi Arabia is extremely dangerous, with many locals using the roads to vent their frustrations.
No.8 - Delhi, India
Random, chaotic and aggressive, Delhi is the living and breathing soul of India. From the noisy city streets of Old Delhi, where undisciplined traffic weaves in and out of seemingly invisible lanes, to the wide boulevards and manicured gardens of imperial New Delhi, the country’s capital is a melting pot of overwhelming sights and sounds, landing it at No. 8 on our culture-shock cities list. Roads are often left half-finished with big manholes and ditches to watch out for, while no two neighborhoods look the same.
We don’t recommend checking into the nearest Hilton, but travelers certainly shouldn’t come here on a shoestring budget. Comfort doesn’t come cheap in a place like Delhi and a lean life here is a lot leaner than elsewhere in the world. Where possible, travel by foot, train or taxi; most buses aren’t air-conditioned and the sweltering 104-degree climate can make traveling in them almost unbearable.
Food is an experience unto itself here too; the curry is different to the Westernized kind you’ll find back home, brimming with spices that’ll blow your head off. Women who visit can also expect to be harassed, either with lewd remarks or by inappropriate touching; to avoid this, it is recommended they dress conservatively. Alien, but altogether fascinating, Delhi’s unruly nature will steal your heart.
Tourist trap: There’s a severe lack of money in Delhi, which is why quite a few people you’ll meet will want to take yours. It isn’t only pickpockets you have to watch out for; taxi drivers will often take you the longest route possible and people handling your money will invariably try to short-change you. Whatever you do, don’t tell anyone it’s your first time in Delhi.
No.7 - Beijing, China
With seemingly every product made in China, it’s hardly surprising that the capital of Beijing is one of the most populated cities on earth. A blur of people, cars, bicycles, neon lights, shantytowns, and skyscrapers, it can be shockingly disorientating for the Western traveler. Those who aren’t used to Eastern city life may also be shocked by the sheer amount of pollution in the air, with many of the city’s pedestrians wearing surgical face masks as they go about their daily business.
The driving is crazy too, and reckless driving is commonplace. Crossing the large streets can prove a terrifying ordeal for the Westerner, so make sure you use zebra crossings and make your way to the other side with a large crowd; drivers here won’t stop for you and often anticipate a green light before it happens. With so many moving sights and deafening sounds, Beijing can be difficult to digest, hence its placement on our culture-shock cities list.
Tourist trap: Be careful of fake money. There are a high number of counterfeit bills floating around the city (usually 50s and 100s) and Chinese people will always check their change carefully, so you must too.
No.6 - Cairo, Egypt
Sprawled beside the River Nile, Cairo, Egypt’s capital, is a place buzzing with 15 million inhabitants. It’s a contradictory city with the sound of prayer competing with loud Euro-trash music and loud students mocking the political police armed with machine guns. Here, you’ll be able to take in the world-famous pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx, nearby Saqqara, and the Egyptian Museum, as well as a host of other national treasures.
Despite its sun-kissed, touristy facade, you’ll have to watch yourself here; any controversial anti-Islamic remarks will have you thrown in the nearest clink before you can beg for forgiveness. Women also have to respect that Cairo is a religious city and dress accordingly, and both genders need to remove their shoes before entering a mosque. The most shocking difference in Cairo, however, is that men and women aren’t permitted to touch each other in the public sphere. For loved-up honeymooners, this can be quite the passion-killer.
Tourist trap: While we’d think nothing of drinking tap water or eating unpeeled fruit and vegetables in the West, here it can be fatal. You should choose your restaurants carefully too; unlike in the West, even the ones hotels recommend can have you locked in the toilet all evening.
No.5 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
As a romantic city characterized by gorgeous architecture, and crisscrossing canals and trams, what could possibly be shocking about the culture in Amsterdam? Despite its fairytale Heidi-esque image, those who aren’t at a bachelor party may be shocked to discover that anything goes in Amsterdam. The underground is brought up to street-level with coffeeshops (all one word) openly selling marijuana and tourists openly smoking it.
It’s not only drugs that’ll rock you either -- sex here is unashamed, in-your-face and right around the corner in Amsterdam’s very own red-light district. While prostitution is limited to a couple of streets, there are peep- and sex-show bars galore to feast your sinful eyes on. And if that’s not shocking enough, the oldest church in Amsterdam, the Oude Kerk, is surrounded by window-prostitution where hookers dance provocatively in the window displays. These facts alone earned Amsterdam a place on our top 10 list of culture-shock cities.
Tourist trap: Be careful when you’re approached on the street by those selling hard drugs. A firm refusal is usually enough, but if it’s dark and quiet they will try to rob you.
No.4 - Havana, Cuba
Still a socialist state, Havana is known for its open-top classic cars, its potent mojitos and its racy salsa bars. To Westerners, it sounds like the recipe for the perfect getaway, but be prepared to deal with some cultural differences in this 1950s-inspired time warp. As a totalitarian police state, the first shock you’ll come across is that the police are everywhere, which can be intimidating for the first-time visitor. Fear not, Havana is a relatively safe place to explore, probably because of the intense police presence.
Other than that, American tourists may be surprised that there aren’t loads of U.S. visitors; while Cuba reopened to tourism in the 1990s, the U.S. government still maintains a near total ban. Nevertheless, if you can fly from somewhere else, such as Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas, the opportunity to experience a taste of Latin America is just 90 miles from the pristine shores of Miami.
Tourist trap: Beware of hustlers who’ll show you a place to eat or will take you on the tour of a city for an extremely unreasonable price. When you can, ask your hotel for restaurant and tour recommendations.
No.3 - Cape Town, South Africa
Crowned by Tabletop Mountain, Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and is a hub of contemporary hotels, trendy restaurants, funky bars, and white-sand beaches. Little by little, Cape Town is becoming the Miami of the African continent. Despite its sleek facade, however, Westerners must remember that Cape Town is part of Africa, one of the most violent locales on Earth.
When you leave Cape Town and explore the townships, you should always be accompanied by a resident; wandering alone will only raise suspicion amongst the locals and cause unnecessary uneasiness. Whenever possible, opt for official township tours. When strolling through the town, also be sure to leave your valuables, such as large amounts of cash, jewellery, passports, and paperwork, at the hotel. Indeed, the biggest culture shock here is a subtle sense of discomfort; the city’s people never know when a bout of violence will come.
Tourist trap: In the West, those who fight back are considered heroes; in Cape Town, those who fight back could end up dead. Give thieves what they want and thank your lucky stars you’re still around to tell the tale.
No.2 - Bangkok, Thailand
A huge, sweltering city in Thailand, Bangkok shouldn’t just be your stopover on the way to Phuket. If you can stomach the intense heat and the sheer amount of people, it’s worth staying for a couple of days to check out the sights, such as the Grand Palace and the Floating Market.
Underneath all the culture, however, is a thriving sex industry and a network of scamming that is shocking to the average Westerner. While the age of consent for sex here is 15, the age is raised to 18 in the case of prostitutes. Many Westerners have gotten into trouble over this, particularly because in most Western countries the age of consent is 16.
Indeed, Bangkok is a minefield when it comes to what you can do and what you can’t and the punishments are harsh for lawbreakers, particularly Western ones. What’s more, while the policy on drugs in the Western world is increasingly lapse, those found with illegal substances on their person better find themselves a good lawyer or face a lifetime in a cockroach-infested Thai slammer. High-class nightclub-goers should also be prepared for the occasional police raid and drug test.
Tourist trap: When an English-speaking Thai approaches you with the offer of cheap beer and a “ping-pong” show, don’t go with them. While the beer may be dirt cheap, the “ping-pong” show will almost certainly cost you everything in your wallet.
No.1 - Marrakech, Morocco
Divided into the historical city and the new city, Morocco is age-old, mysterious and full of sensory experiences. The actual sights provide your first culture shock, as they appear before you like something out of One Thousand and One Arabian Nights. Go to the central square, Djemaa el Fna, to see snake charmers, fortune-tellers, fire-eaters, acrobats, and dancers performing on the dusty terracotta floor. Just off this arena are a network of alleys crammed with market stalls selling every herb and spice you could ever think of; in fact, the hundreds of different smells can be overwhelming for the uninitiated.
What’s more, in the West we pay what’s on the price tag, but in Marrakech it’s the norm to haggle. The vendors can be quite pushy and in-your-face too, which is an intimidating experience for those who are used to doing their shopping at Macy’s.
While you certainly wouldn’t go out alone at night or allow little ones to wonder free in Marrakech, isn’t that the same of most cities? Incredible and inspiring, Marrakech is worth the unexpected assault to your senses.
Tourist trap: If you find yourself lost in the West, someone will tell you where to go. In Marrakech, they won’t only tell you where to go, they’ll take you there. But beware: They’ll expect to be paid big bucks for the favor. - pepijn744, on 02/17/2009, -3/+42People who say that never went to Amsterdam. I live in the Netherlands and visit Amsterdam pretty often and - unless you search for it - you don't see potheads and prositutes everywhere. Just *****.
- degenerasian, on 02/16/2009, -5/+41How can any city from Japan not be on this list!?
- ravan46, on 02/17/2009, -0/+35Universal advice for traveling anywhere. If someone walks up to you and solicits something, your probably don't need or want what they have.
- Donotsurf, on 02/17/2009, -1/+27Most aweful top 10 list I've seen so far. For those of you who does not travel much, all these cities are major tourist destinations, they are not representative per se of the real culture shock each country has to offer. Try going into the countryside of each country and you'll experience the real culture shock.
- frontaxle, on 02/17/2009, -1/+25Try Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
- groberts1980, on 02/17/2009, -1/+22Because: A) I didn't feel like clicking through 10 screens, with all new ads to view with each one.
and
B) Because I'm at work and can't click to Askmen.com through the corporate firewall. - frizzipazzi, on 02/17/2009, -1/+19top 10 culture-shock cities -
if you've never gone out of the USA in your life - igyigyigy, on 02/17/2009, -2/+20Better than 10 screens barely filled with text.
- TevinC, on 02/17/2009, -0/+18I'm not saying the rationale isn't flawed, but Cape Town is truly dangerous. My half brother was killed after living there for only a few years and rarely felt safe before that. I know that not everyone experiences this but I think the danger is significantly greater there at least in certain areas.
- AmyVernon, on 02/16/2009, -1/+15I've wanted to go to most of these cities and have only been to one. Now I just wanna go more.
- kent1146, on 02/17/2009, -3/+17We didn't ask you. Please go away.
- meruru, on 02/17/2009, -1/+15I went to Japan over the summer and it's fairly foreigner (well English speaking foreigner) friendly. The airports, subways, train stations, and hotels all had English signs/someone who spoke English and we never really got lost.
- golemeter, on 02/17/2009, -4/+17Wait, so their rationale for telling you to be careful in Cape Town is because
"Cape Town is part of Africa, one of the most violent locales on Earth."?
What the hell, seriously. - Torx, on 02/17/2009, -0/+13Gary, Indiana?
- morogolus, on 02/17/2009, -0/+13"Tourist trap: When an English-speaking Thai approaches you with the offer of cheap beer and a “ping-pong” show, don’t go with them. While the beer may be dirt cheap, the “ping-pong” show will almost certainly cost you everything in your wallet."
Man I made this mistake while I was in Bangkok and we barely made it out alive, lol - JFitzpatrick, on 02/17/2009, -0/+13Oh man. I love the internet. I learn something new EVERY day, without fail!
From Wikipedia:
Ping pong shows are a staple of the Thai sex tourism industry, and can be found in the various red-light districts of Thailand, namely Bangkok (Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza, Patpong), Pattaya, and Phuket (Patong Beach).
The show consists of women using their pelvic muscles to either hold, eject, or blow objects from their vaginal cavity. Such objects include: long string, whistles, pens, cigarettes, candles, darts, chopsticks and, of course, ping pong balls. A male member of the audience may be brought onto the dance platform to hold a balloon while a dart is shot at it, or the girl may do a shoot around the table at balloons tied to each customer's chair. Another activity is the shooting of goldfish into a bowl, or stuffing a rather large frog inside to see how long she can keep it in.
The shows generally take place in a strip club with scantily clad girls dancing during the breaks between shows. Tourists are brought in by employees working the streets asking passersby if they want to see a show and frequently having pictures of said shows in a booklet. Once in, rather than a cover charge, the drinks are 3-4 times the usual amount and a purchase is required. It has also been reported that there may be an arbitrary "exit fee" if not enough was spent. This is in line with the tactics of the usual Ping Pong show, where customers are borderline coerced for "tips" at least once every minute.
... ?
A ping-pong ball seems reasonable. It's light weight, it's a sphere, and it's entirely possible that if you contracted a set of ringed muscles hard enough and in the right order you could "shoot" it... but a pub dart? I'm speechless. I'd willingly empty my wallet to see a Thai hooker put out the eye of an unsuspecting patron with her vagina cannon of doom. My god. - adam07, on 02/17/2009, -0/+12I was in Amsterdam for Queen's Day last summer. Most people who haven't been there just know it for the pot and prostitutes. Amsterdam is actually MUCH, MUCH more than that. If you go there, go to the Van Gough museum and Rijksmuseum, visit the market district, and take a stroll through the Vondelpark.
- jefree, on 02/17/2009, -0/+11And that applies locally as well.
- djmphoto, on 02/17/2009, -3/+14Thanks
- einmuslim, on 02/17/2009, -3/+13SAUDI ARABIA
"...drinking alcohol here is strictly prohibited and the security situation makes it almost impossible to really cut loose and relax."
" Driving in Saudi Arabia is extremely dangerous, with many locals using the roads to vent their frustrations."
CHINA
"The driving is crazy too, and reckless driving is commonplace. "
INDIA
"From the noisy city streets of Old Delhi, where undisciplined traffic weaves in and out of seemingly invisible lanes,"
Oh, so when Saudis drives badly, they're oppressed; when everybody else does it,it's just the norm? - Gediminas, on 02/17/2009, -3/+13yeah, it's really not that cool to see lots and lots of weed/beer/shrooms driven douchebags from US and Britain drooling over those girls in the window. There is a lot to see/experience there and it is not all about weed and red light district.
- jaysont34, on 02/17/2009, -2/+10Am I the only one that thinks this list sucks?
- opticwind, on 02/17/2009, -0/+8Mukluc: I know what you mean, but try living here for awhile. I've been in rural Aichi ("near" Nagoya) for the better part of a year and the culture shock just...grows. It's not the big differences, it's always the small ones. I once had a friend break down in TEARS because she couldn't get ketchup with her fries in McDonald's (she had already been going through MAJOR homesickness but this was the straw to break the camel's back).
- notoneofus, on 02/17/2009, -0/+7Really depends on where you go. Even in Tokyo and Osaka, if you get off the main train lines and to smaller stations, a lot of that English-friendly signage disappears. In smaller towns, don't expect much English for your convenience.
English for entertainment purposes is an entirely different matter. - FriBear, on 02/17/2009, -2/+9This article sucks. Amsterdam is not a culture shock inducing city. It's a pretty damn western spot. The article seems to be written by an afraid-white back-packer who's daddy lets them use the credit card to travel after college. "Whatever you do, don’t tell anyone it’s your first time in Delhi." .... hey I'm all about not being stupid while traveling but this article make many vast sweeping generalizations about other cultures. Maybe while traveling this person should have been more concerned with actually meeting people from those country's. Instead aimlessly wondering through markets looking for ***** to buy so they can tell their friends back home about it, like most western tourist do. For many reasons other than this one, I deem the article lame. Maybe this would fly on the travel channel, maybe this would be a good guide for the boy in the bubble. Otherwise the information is just plane prejudice, the little good advice is just common sense- "Tourist trap: Be careful when you’re approached on the street by those selling hard drugs. A firm refusal is usually enough, but if it’s dark and quiet they will try to rob you."
no *****. - dlowder, on 02/17/2009, -0/+7A lot of people who live in New York or L.A. or other big American cities would get culture shock just by going into the rural areas of the U.S.!
- VeggieOil, on 02/17/2009, -0/+7Most Americans are culture shocked when they visit New York or LA
- CoD4, on 02/17/2009, -3/+10Or you could come to nyc and see it all
- nightsweat, on 02/17/2009, -1/+8Amsterdam is fantastic. It's nothing like what you're describing. It feels like an efficient well-run little city with one little section segregated off for pleasure.
The hardest thing for me to get used to was driving on the same street as the streetcars. Very intimidatingif you're not used to it. That, and not accidentally driving into a canal when you try to park... - TevinC, on 02/17/2009, -0/+7@jehan - He was 100% black, for the record.
- hfactor, on 02/17/2009, -0/+6Lol. Without knowing where you live, I can tell you that Amsterdam is nicer.
- kello2005, on 02/17/2009, -1/+7Agreed. I've been all over Holland (including Amsterdam) and never once noticed prostitution or drug culture. Besides the awkwardness of my great aunt pointing out that we were in the red light district...I was totally unaware. And the weed cafe I went to was so low key I needed my cousins to point it out.
I can't speak for the rest of the cities on this list...but they are way off with Amsterdam...zero culture shock. - aserer511, on 02/17/2009, -0/+6"What’s more, in the West we pay what’s on the price tag, but in Marrakech it’s the norm to haggle."
This is true in most places out of the US - mintsauce, on 02/17/2009, -0/+6Opticwind is absolutely right. Japan can give you a massive culture shock, but it doesn't present one on the surface - you have to stay for a while. I do wonder if that fits in with the definition of culture "shock", as it's a slow burner, but it definitely happens over time.
I lived there for 18 months and I discovered new and unusual things almost daily - but they were things I wouldn't have found out if I was just there as a tourist or for a short time on business. - Statopspin, on 02/17/2009, -0/+6Thats why you go to Mos Burger and not Mcdos.
- Rev0lver, on 02/17/2009, -0/+6You know, that could have been said without you reeking of douchebag.
- Statopspin, on 02/17/2009, -0/+5Good List, though the culture shock really comes in the less traveled areas.
- GavinZac, on 02/17/2009, -1/+6Yeah. Apparently Africa is a 'locale' now.
- hfactor, on 02/17/2009, -1/+6I would say there's greater culture shock to be had in the Bible Belt.
- CoD4, on 02/17/2009, -0/+4We welcome you to Papua new guinea, You must be at least 240 lb / 100 Kg to get in
Thanks - MikawaMike, on 02/17/2009, -0/+4Marrakech is amazing and I'd recommend a visit to anyone, but is it really the #1 culture shock city in the world? Within Morocco I'd certainly rank Fes and Rabat higher (Fes especially even more deserving of a visit). Outside of Morocco, there are far more 'shocking' cities than any of them.
- starfishsystems, on 02/17/2009, -1/+5Funny, the only foreign country where I've travelled in which the locals routinely warn me of dangerous neighborhoods is... the United States.
I don't know whether this is because of real danger or siege mentality or a combination of the two, but it's remarkable not only in comparison to other English-speaking countries but to the world in general.
(I've travelled to over 200 cities around the world, which is by no means the ultimate cosmopolitan experience, but it's more than a childhood visit to Grandma in Dublin.) - inactive, on 02/17/2009, -0/+4Or Regina - the city that smells like it sounds.
- inactive, on 02/17/2009, -0/+4I thought bangkok was awesome, but the taxi drivers were complete *****, holding us literally hostage in the taxi until we paid them whatever they wanted.
- alstubliefty, on 02/17/2009, -0/+4Agreed. Seriously...who DOESN'T know what Amsterdam is known for? And what you to expect when visiting? Unless you are living in an oblivious, crazy sheltered world, Amsterdam should not be on this list.
- bloomanchoo, on 02/17/2009, -0/+4most of the cities on this list are all tourist destinations, and easy to get around without knowing the language... I think Tokyo would have fit in this list.
Try Taipei, Taiwan or Shenzhen, China... for some real culture shock.
s. - crysiss, on 02/17/2009, -0/+4I'd very much like to hear more about your experience..
/no idea what a *ping pong* show is. - Rivfader, on 02/17/2009, -0/+4Thats just an example of the fact that there are good and bad people in this world. While you and I might help a foreigner find his way or answer questions or even take them to dinner, there are other people out there that would take advantage of their situation. It doesn't matter the country. It just depends on who you run into.
- ferny12, on 02/17/2009, -0/+4I have to agree with meruru. I lived in Japan for four years. Yes it was different, but the vast majority of the people were very polite and outgoing.
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