# How would an American go about "passing" as a Canadian when traveling abroad? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 8, 2004, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697 "2004-12-08T05:08:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/1 "2004-12-08T05:08:48Z")
Per the article [Worried About Traveling Abroad? Pretend To Be Canadian](http://www.thedenverchannel.com/travelgetaways/3976904/detail.html) What behavioral traits, dress, or social manners are necessary to pass as a Canadian when traveling abroad? ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/2 "2004-12-08T05:23:56Z")
All I can say is, if you’re going to pretend to be Canadian, _don’t_ act like a moron and piss people off and give us a bad name! Not that I think you _would_… but it’s something that worries me. I keep imagining a scenario where dumb American frat boys go abroad covered in maple leaf logos and make asses of themselves, insult people everywhere, and then people start thinking that Canadians are jackasses. But if it’s just to keep from being harrassed about George W. and getting all those “why are you Americans all so dumb” type comments that foreigners seem to love, then I’d be happy to ship you a Tim Horton’s travel mug and a flag to stitch onto your backpack. ---
**Author:** ![Seven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/3 "2004-12-08T05:30:39Z")
> [@astro](#): > > What behavioral traits, dress, or social manners are necessary to pass as a Canadian when traveling abroad? 1. Dress the same as you do now. 2. Don’t act like you know everything. 3. Sneak in an “eh” every now and then. ---
**Author:** ![SmackFu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/53a042/32.png) [@SmackFu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmackFu)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/4 "2004-12-08T05:33:45Z")
For real authenticity, you have to wear the Canada Olympic gear from Roots. The flaw in this grand plan is that Canadians also travel, go figure, and they love to talk to other Canadians. What does the stealth American do then? ---
**Author:** ![Mehitabel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/5 "2004-12-08T05:37:02Z")
Yeah, but when it turns out you don’t know Tom from Nova Scotia after all, people will see right through you. I have too much respect for Canadians and too much pride in my own country to try something like this. And I don’t think I could do the accent anyway (yes, they have them, a flat Midwestern slightly-Scottish thing). Of course, YCaccentMV. Wish I had money to travel abroad and see for myself. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/6 "2004-12-08T05:50:23Z")
As am American traveller, I urge people not to do this (although I did resort to it once when a group of heavily armed, masked Marxist guerillas stopped by at the inn I was staying at to say “hello”). Just about everywhere I’ve been and to nearly everyone I’ve met (including Muslim women in full-on burquas) America still has a catchet as the land of oppertunity. They may not like our politics, and they will say so, but the word “America” still lights up eyes around the world. Many people have a brother/uncle/daughter/friend in America and they are eager to practice their English and talk about this place they’ve heard so much about. And more importantly, America needs ambassadors. We need people who are able to convey to the world that not everyone is in lockstep with Bush. We need people with big smiles who adopt local standards of modesty and politeness to show that we arn’t all the people they see on television. Everywhere you go in the world, you really are representing your nation, and it’s amazing how easy it is to challenge stereotypes and get people to understand America a bit better. Don’t be a wimp and disavow your country because it might be a bit unpleasent. Stand tall for your country and do what you can to improve it and it’s relations with the world. ---
**Author:** ![Mehitabel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/7 "2004-12-08T06:03:47Z")
Well said, **even sven** , and another problem would be that real Canadians would see right through you after you couldn’t name your favorite donut at Tim Horton’s, and you’d be subjected to the ultimate Canadian rebuttal: The Uncomfortable Silence. \ ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/8 "2004-12-08T06:31:41Z")
> [@even sven](#): > > And more importantly, America needs ambassadors. We need people who are able to convey to the world that not everyone is in lockstep with Bush. We need people with big smiles who adopt local standards of modesty and politeness to show that we arn’t all the people they see on television. Wearing [one of these](http://www.dieselsweeties.com/shirts/index2.shtml#jerks) might help. (No, I’m not affiliated with them, just thought it was neat when I saw it last week) ---
**Author:** ![Abbie\_Carmichael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/49beb7/32.png) [@Abbie\_Carmichael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abbie_Carmichael)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/9 "2004-12-08T06:50:18Z")
Having a split head would help … ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/10 "2004-12-08T07:05:46Z")
Just wear a Canadian flag lapel pin. Hell, you’re all the same to us anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Sublight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@Sublight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sublight)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/11 "2004-12-08T07:15:42Z")
Well, whichever nationality you choose, you’ll get along better if you don’t use the ever-popular “if it weren’t for us, you’d all be talkin’ German! (or Russian, Chinese, Swahili, whatever)” ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/12 "2004-12-08T11:14:42Z")
You’re an American who wants to pass as Canandian? Don’t mumble. Seriously - Americans mumble-mumble-mumble. Canadians have diction. Talk like Peter Jennings (his voice is still Canadian even if the rest of him came over to the Dark Side when he got his US citizenship) ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/13 "2004-12-08T11:20:48Z")
> [@even sven](#): > > And more importantly, America needs ambassadors. We need people who are able to convey to the world that not everyone is in lockstep with Bush. Absolutely. We _are_ aware that half the country didn’t want Bush elected either time around. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/14 "2004-12-08T12:05:31Z")
I agree with the “don’t do it” sentiment. Unless you’re in a really dodgy part of the world, most people you meet will accept you for how you behave, not where you’re from. Let’s face, it, Britain doesn’t have an incredibly good reputation abroad either, but I have only claimed to be Irish to get out of trouble once or twice. I met (alas too few) Americans the last time I was on my world travels, but those that I did were fantastic company. None of the shouty “you call this SERVICE/A BURGER/ICE?!? I oughta sue your ass!!” attitude that one finds from a tiny minority of tourists I’ve met. Be an ambassador, be yourself, be quietly proud but outwardly humble, and dispel the unfair stereotypes that some people might have about Americans abroad. (And ditch the backwards baseball cap.) ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/15 "2004-12-08T12:09:58Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > Let’s face, it, Britain doesn’t have an incredibly good reputation abroad either, but I have only claimed to be Irish to get out of trouble once or twice. I love the way I’m treated suddenly changes when people see my Irish passport. Especially in Italy, where hotelliers’ eyes light up at the prospect of _not_ another bunch of obnoxious drunk Brits. The fools… Oh, and one tip - when in Europe, _don’t_ harp on about how things cost more than back home. _We know_ 😃 , and we’re mostly OK with it. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/16 "2004-12-08T12:29:48Z")
When I traveled in Europe, people assumed I was Canadian. No Southern accent, must not be American. And I’m from Minnesota - which is a boarder state that has a lot in common with - well, Southern Canada…I remember pulling out an American passport to prove to someone that I was American (their response - but you are so quiet and nice, you really should be Canadian). From this I gather that Americas all have Southern accents, are loud and rude. Canadians are more soft spoken with Midwest accents and are polite… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Shade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2bfe46/32.png) [@Shade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shade)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/17 "2004-12-08T12:49:02Z")
You could compromise, and carry a maple leaf backpack, but if anyone asks say to be american and you just like the design. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/18 "2004-12-08T13:10:02Z")
How do I get a Canadian passport (to show to the terrorists if they hijack the plane)? Really, this “American tourist” stereotype is getting pretty old! I can thnk of much worse stereotypes: -the “Ugly German”-in the Netherlands, people cringe when they see these people comng! If you are runnng a restaurant buffet, you will be cleaned out! -the “Ugly Japanese” tourist: really, they aren’t too bad-you see them following their leader, like ducks. When they stop somewhere. all the cameras come out and they all shoot the same picture. -the “Ugly Frenchman” tourist: smokes incessantly, even when signs say “No Smoking” -finally, the “Ugly Canadian” tourists: waiters hate them ($2.00 tip on a $100.00 restaurant bill). 😃 ---
**Author:** ![MrFantsyPants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@MrFantsyPants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFantsyPants)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/19 "2004-12-08T13:13:20Z")
> [@Abbie Carmichael](#): > > Having a split head would help … I’m hoping that’s a South Park reference. ---
**Author:** ![MrFantsyPants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@MrFantsyPants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFantsyPants)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2004, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697/20 "2004-12-08T13:20:55Z")
I think that the “American Tourist” stereotype, just like any others, is there because they do show up occasionally, and they are the ones people remember, even though they are only a few percent of the whole. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-an-american-go-about-passing-as-a-canadian-when-traveling-abroad/278697.md?page=2)