How to Not Look Like a Tourist While Using Public Transportation Abroad

You might think you're blending in on public transit abroad, but locals and pickpockets can spot a tourist from a mile away. From talking too loudly to holding your phone the wrong way, even small habits can be a dead giveaway.

Part of traveling is using public transportation to get from point A to point B. But while it’s one of the best ways to experience a destination, it can also pose risks, such as pickpockets, when your habits give away that you’re not a local.

Happy woman rolling her luggage by the train station | Source: Pexels

One of those habits is talking too loudly. "While cultural norms for public transit vary, in most countries, they're a relatively quiet space," said Meredith Thomas, after spending more than two years traveling full-time with her husband.

Locals usually commute quietly, either on their phones or reading, so if your group is chatting loudly in a foreign language, this draws more attention to those preying on tourists. Thomas recommends studying your route beforehand and keeping your conversations to a minimum while commuting.

Man with a backpack studying a map while waiting for the train | Source: Pexels

Another giveaway is studying maps. Dawn Younts, co-founder of a tour company, shared her experience riding the Metro in Istanbul. "We were studying the route maps inside the trains and on the platforms, counting stops, repeatedly checking station names," she said. "Local passengers weren't doing any of that. They knew where they were going and just moved."

It’s also important to be aware of local etiquette and respect the norms of the place you’re touring. One example is when using the escalator. In Spain, it is customary to stand on the right side to allow others to pass on the left. "Not doing so is basically a cardinal sin," said Allison Sicking, an American expat living in Barcelona, adding that locals are quick to spot those who don’t abide by the rules.

People standing on the right side of an escalator on both sides | Source: Pexels

Another common misconception when traveling is assuming buses stop automatically at every stop. In many cities in Europe and in American cities like New York and Washington, D.C., buses don’t. A commuter needs to press a button in advance to alert the driver to stop at the next stop. "I've seen tourists realize too late that the bus isn't slowing down, miss their stop completely," Sicking said.

Another thing: tourists often keep their backpacks on in crowded trains, according to Sarah Pardi, a travel adviser based in Paris, noting this is something locals wouldn’t do. Pardi advises holding your backpack in front of you instead or keep it on the floor between your legs.

Man seated inside a train with his backpack and jacket on his lap | Source: Pexels

Phone habits are also a giveaway and can be quite risky. Sicking said she can often spot tourists in Barcelona by how casually they hold their phones or bags. "Most locals are very aware of their personal belongings," she said, adding many use phone leashes or straps for extra security, especially in places where pickpocketing is common.

To minimize the risks when commuting, travel blogger Alyse of The Invisible Tourist recommends avoiding public transit during peak hours, especially in crowded cities. This not only makes traveling easier and more comfortable for you, but you also minimize the chances of disrupting the locals’ commute to work.

Woman staring out the window while seated in an empty train | Source: Pexels

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She also suggests learning more about a city’s taxi services and their reputation, because this can also be a common trap for scamming tourists with overpricing.

To blend in with the locals when using public transportation, the key is awareness, confidence, and doing some research. This allows for a smoother, less risky, and less conspicuous trip.