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Are you having a hard time fitting into a new town? Or perhaps you are travelling and would like to convince the locals that you aren't just a tourist?

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EditSteps

  1. Convince People You Are a Local Step 1.jpg
    1
    Learn about the area you are travelling/moving to before you leave, that way you will already be familiar with it. This can help with "culture shock".
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  2. Convince People You Are a Local Step 2.jpg
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    Take care to learn about what's considered polite and impolite. Also, learn about customs, attitudes, beliefs, and social stigmas. This is essential in foreign countries. Surely, if a country has a social stigma towards showing skin, you wouldn't want to walk around wearing short-shorts and crop tops, would you? Studying local religion(s) can be beneficial too. You don't have to convert, but being knowledgeable is a positive.
  3. Convince People You Are a Local Step 3.jpg
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    When natives talk about how annoying the tourists, outsiders, or whoever "aren't local", agree. Take note of what those qualities are and do not do those things.
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    Study the fashion styles and trends of the local: clothing, hairstyles, jewelry, etc. Try to incorporate some of these into your everyday style.
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    Listen to how they talk: accent, usage of slang, context. Try to use these in your speech, but don't overdo it.
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    Learn about the hot spots: look up what/where the popular restaurants, clubs, and hangouts are. Become familiar with them.
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    Most importantly, make friends! The more friends you make and the more you hang out with them, the easier the steps above are.
  8. Convince People You Are a Local Step 8.jpg
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    Take a peek at what food the locals are ordering, order that. Peek in their shopping baskets, try some of the same.
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EditTips

  • If you are in a foreign country, it helps to know/learn the language.
  • Don't look at everything in awe, it's a total giveaway. Walk like you've lived there your whole life.
  • If this is a new permanent home, keep in mind that you will adapt to it, there is no rush.
  • Even if your wardrobe doesn't match the popular style of the local, don't scrap it and spend a ton of money on a new wardrobe. Styles always change. Besides, this will make you look like a tourist.
  • Again, don't overdo the slang or accent! This will also make you look like a tourist.
  • Be aware of weather differences. Weather.com is great for this purpose.
  • When visiting the local hangouts, be aware of yourself and your surroundings. Don't get sucked into dangerous activities or "tourist traps", its really not worth it in the end.
  • If you are travelling to Vegas...casual and skimpy are the norm...

EditWarnings

  • Keep in mind that there will always be situations in which you cannot adapt entirely (i.e., an American in Japan).
  • Don't try to become something you're not. Example: if you are in Spain, don't try to BECOME Spanish. Just try to fit in as best you can, while not losing yourself in the process.

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Speak a Language With the Native Accent

Article Info

Categories: Travel

Recent edits by: Mjchopperboy, Maluniu, Swimmermama

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 12,482 times.

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