26 Tips You Wish You Knew Before You Left

Reflecting on our many treks around the world, there are some facts we have learned the hard way. Either receiving a restaurant bill way more expensive than intended or receiving dirty looks from locals,   you learn as you go. Well, here are some secrets that may save you from experiencing any small surprises!

Restaurants

1. If you want service, be proactive! Unlike the waitstaff in America who are very attentive, waiters will not come to you unless beckoned. Many times people sit and drink/chat a while before wanting to eat. Get their attention somehow!
2. Tips are included in the price of the food. The U.S. is one of the only countries where patrons tip waitstaff. If you would like to tip for excellent service, please do!
3. In some cafes and restaurants (especially big cities such as Paris), you may pay for where you sit/stand. If you stand and eat at the bar, it is the cheapest. If you sit at a table inside the cafe, you pay a little more. But, of course, the most you will pay is to sit outside at a table, because who doesn't want to "people watch" at a cafe in Paris and Rome?!?!?!
4. The waiter will ask you if you want "Still of Gas" water? This was first asked of me in London at a cafe, and luckily the native language is English! The waitress explained tap/filtered water or carbonated water.
5. Don't expect ice in your drink. When you come back to the States, you can have as much as you like!
6. You may pay for the bread brought out to your table before your meal. Ask or just tell the waiter, "No thank you!"
7. If you have food allergies, translate the allergens ahead of time to order safely! Check out my post about traveling with food allergies here.
8. Depending on the culture, many restaurants don't open for "early lunch" or they are closed mid-afternoon before dinner. The normal mealtime hours in America may not be the same as other countries.

Money/Finances

1. We normally only take enough U.S. Dollars that will last us the first 2 or 3 days of the trip, if that. We exchange at the airport of our destination. We have found the best exchange rates at the airport.
2. Call your bank BEFORE you leave out of the country, so your card isn't frozen or canceled because of fraud. On the back of the card, there should be a customer service number. You will need to inform the teller the dates of your trip.
3. ONLY use your ATM card at established banks with ATMs. Don't put yourself in a situation to become a victim.
4. Regardless if you pull $20 or $200 worth of currency, your bank will charge you the same amount for ATM usage. So pull out a larger amount. 
5. Only pay in currency/cash. I don't recommend using your card, BUT if you must, ONLY use it in an established business, NOT at a cart in a market. A friend of mine had the card number stolen. Once again, don't make yourself a victim.
6. Don't use bags that are easily opened or have openings where little hands can get in. Make sure they zip up!
7. Be aware of your surroundings. If you look the part of a dumb, clueless tourist, you will attract the pickpockets. A future post about being street savvy is soon to come!

Markets/Souvenirs

1. Negotiate and bargain for everything! 
2. Play hard to get and walk away. If they don't call after you, don't worry, you will find the same item somewhere else. 
3. What is the country or city known for? Spices? Linens? Textiles? Technology? Silk? Woodwork?
4. If you buy anything from a store, tax is included on the price tag. What you see is what you pay.
5. Like I said before, use cash at markets, not cards.
6. More details here

Miscellaneous

1. To enter some religious attractions/centers you may need to be completely covered. So always have a sweater or jacket handy if wearing a sleeveless shirt or dress accordingly with covered arms and legs.
2. Some hotels have economic lighting…if the lights turn off on you, don't fret, they will turn on in a moment.
3. Toilets are always a fun item to tackle. Do you pull a chain? Do you pump the water with your foot? Do you pour a cup of water in the toilet to make it flush? Or do you aim for a hole in the ground (ewwww I know, but really…) Do you pay for the bathroom? Do you bring your own toilet paper? Oh the porcelain throne, how confusing it can be!
4. Flushing: if there are two buttons, the left side one with one line normally means just liquid (pee),  the right side one with two lines means, well number 2 poo!
5. Showers may be placed in strange places. Sometimes they are in the middle of the room, sometimes a stall, sometimes a random faucet next to the sink…Also, don't expect hot water. Fast showers are necessary (I'm still working on this).
6. Australian sun is unforgiving…..it's so INTENSE!!!!!! Always bring sunscreen.

Do you have any tips that you learned the hard way that I didn't mention? Please leave a comment!