If I wear shorts in Europe will I stand out?

Question

My wife and I are traveling to London, Paris, and Rome and we are starting to pack. Someone once told me that if I wear shorts in Europe I might as well write "American Tourist" across my forehead and just hand my wallet to the nearest pickpocket, is this true?

Answer 1

Unless you're telling me you're going to suddenly speak English with an english accent, french french or Italian, don't expect you can ever pass as a local. Its difficult to even pretend your a local, even more difficult to not to be noticed as an american. These pickpockets pick pockets for a living, they can always tell between tourist and locals. If you're worried try using a money belt and just pay a bit more attention. Avoid putting your wallet in your back pocket. Just dress however the weather dictates.

Answer 2

You will stand out, but even if you did dress like the locals, your looks and mannerisms will still  say American.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. All three of those locations have tourists from all over the world dressed in a varitety of attire and there are lots of americans (there is always one wearing a sports shirt or American flag) dressed the way you are.

To avoid pickpockets, be mindful of your surroundings and your things. Put your wallet and passport (make sure you make copies) in an inside pocket or wear one of those neck wallets. Don't make eye contact with any street peddlers especially in Paris. They are extremely pushy and can get physical. And avoid children asking for money because they usually work in pick pocket teams.

Also, act like you belong there or are from Europe and don't flash around money or act like you are better than they are.



Have fun and be careful.

Answer 3

yes you will. dress normally as in how Europeans would

Answer 4

honestly wear whatever you want. people are going to look at you anyway if you are obviously not local...

Answer 5

people in london and england wear shorts obviously. rome maye be more conservative but ive been there before and lot of natives wore shorts. if you travel more south to italy thats where maybe ull get someone who will look at you wierd but not really. i ve only seen that when i went to portugal. i was specifically told not to put shorts on but thats only because they still have that 1920s mentality (no disrespect) , that womas cant do this or that..but other than that wearing shorts in the areas u want 2 travel 2 is just like wearing shorts in nyc...

Answer 6

I'm leaving for those places on Tuesday actually.

Yes, indeed you will. Everything about you will read "tourist," so I would do my best to try to blend in, which includes leaving the shorts at home. Besides, the weather should be chilly over the next three weeks..atleast compared to where I am from.