Is there a way to prevent "looking like a tourist" in order to not be harassed?

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First, it's important to avoid looking too much like a tourist when visiting tourist areas. For example, locals in busy tourist spots tend to walk quickly and purposefully, while tourists often have a more random, wandering walk. To blend in, you can walk with purpose towards a clear space, glance at your phone or watch as if waiting for someone, and then take in the view at your leisure.

If blending in is a priority for your trip, there are some further tips to consider to avoid scams and have natural conversations with locals. In Benny Lewis's book "Fluent In Three Months," he emphasizes the importance of mastering the art of blending in to engage with local people more naturally. Here are some key tips:

  • Pay close attention to body language and posture, noticing how locals stand, walk, and carry themselves. Mimicking these subtle behaviors can help you blend in more seamlessly.
  • Focus on getting the local greetings and responses right, both in your words and your demeanor. Observing how locals respond to strangers and mimicking their reactions can help you avoid standing out as a tourist.
  • Pay attention to the details of how people dress, including clothing combinations, fit, and style. Adapting your attire to match local norms can help you fit in more naturally.

With practice, you can learn to tune in to these cultural nuances almost unconsciously, helping you blend in more effectively during your travels. However, it's important not to obsess over blending in at the expense of enjoying your trip. In some touristy areas, there's no need to pretend - simply relax and enjoy being a tourist.

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One handy trick I've found is to wear headphones or earphones. Even if you're not actually listening to anything, people are more likely to ignore you because they think you can't hear them. I found this to be really helpful when I was in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

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I'm French, from Paris.

harassed by guys on the street trying to pull a scam of some sort in which they would bend over, pick up some cheap "golden" ring, offer it to me as my "lucky day", and then ask if I could give them some money for it [...] the amount of times I was approached and asked for money (the ring guys were just part of it) was an incredible turn off

This happens to Frenchmen as well, they do the ring thing to everybody, they don't care if you're a tourist or not, but you are more likely to be targeted if you are with a girl. Never accept the ring just say "nah it's not mine, keep it" :). I once told the lady that I knew this scam, she called some heavy dude and it got real ugly real fast.

We don't talk to people we don't know (my American teacher told me that it was something common to make small talk with strangers in NY) so if someone talks to you it's about money 90% of the time. Act like us, use headphones and if you see someone trying to speak to you in the corner of your eyes, don't look just keep walking straight.

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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