Have you ever wondered about whether it’s obvious that you’re a tourist? Maybe you’re tired of being chased down to buy a fake Rolex in Thailand, or you feel like you’re getting the “ tourist prices” in Rome. Maybe you simply want to avoid falling prey to scams and thefts. Whatever your reason, there are many benefits to blending in when you’re visiting a new country. Here are some tips to help you avoid standing out when you’re travelling:

• Book your accommodation in the centre of the city – Many tourists spend a lot of time catching buses and trains to popular sites; by being located centrally you can explore the city at your leisure. Many locals also come out at night; you can meet some interesting people and see another side of the city.

• Dress appropriately – This is a big one! Wear what you would normally wear at home. If you’re exploring Milan wearing hiking shoes, a bum bag and utility cargo shorts, you’re going to stick out. Make sure you dress for the weather, but other than that, your regular clothes will suffice.

• Learn the local etiquette/customs – You don’t need to be an expert in Parisian dining or know the entire history of Prague, but each country has certain etiquette rules that, if you break, will immediately flag you as a tourist. For example, did you know that you shouldn’t walk and eat in Japan, or that women don’t put their handbags on the ground in China? Read up on the country you’re visiting.

• Learn some basic phrases – You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing some phrases by heart will help a lot. Phrase books are a dead giveaway, so do your best to memorise!

What do you do to blend in when you visit a new place? Tell us in the comments!