By hemiol - 09/08/2016 23:05 - Norway

Today, I was, once again, yelled at by multiple tourists because I don't speak their language, even though they could neither speak English or Norwegian. They also yelled at me for not accepting Euros. Norway is not a part of the European Union. FML
I agree, your life sucks 16 660
You deserved it 1 438

hemiol tells us more.

hemiol 30

Because I do understand some of the languages of the tourists who usually come through. I usually get by with a couple of words here and there, some Norwegian and English, but some tourists just don't bother to even try. Usually it's fine, and everybody's happy, but every day I meet at least one asshat who turns to yelling in stead of being a bit patient.

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Top comments

lovebooks07 15

What I do wonder, is how do you know what they yelled at you for if you don't speak their language?

175 22

Comments

hemiol 30

Nope, but I understand some Italian, Spanish, German and similar languages. And most tourists do speak some English.

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everythingelena 28

Sorry that happened OP, you would think people would do their research before they travel to another country. Because you do not find Euro in Norway, you find Norwegian Krone. Hopefully things get better, good luck (:

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hemiol 30

Exactly! Thanks, but after 13 years in the business, it'll probably not change much.

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everythingelena 28

Haha I hear ya. Norway is a second home to me, so thank goodness I always bring Norwegian Krone with me. Just like you wouldn't use Norwegian Krone in Denmark or Sweden, cause the currency is different. I don't know, I just personally cannot imagine going on a trip not knowing the currency ahead of time. Lykke til OP!

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hemiol 30

Tusen takk, og velkommen skal du være!

3 0
Jhk9000 23

Most places in Denmark you can actually pay with Swedish or Norwegian kr. (tough not with coins).

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hemiol 30

Some places in Norway as well, I have worked at museums that accepted all foreign currency as long as it wasn't coins. The point is that it shouldn't be expected. I have no problem with tourists asking if they can use Euro, it's the yelling and anger I can't stand.

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catanita 18

Romania is in EU but not yet changed the currency, so in 99 % of the cases the payment must be made in lei or card. I hate those tourists that think that coming into you country are doing you a favor and they do not read and get infos prior to the travel.

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hemiol 30

Right? And in this time and age, when the info is just a Google search away. I had this one woman last year who got mad for not being able to use her Euros, and when I told her she could use a credit/debit card, she told me she had left it on the (cruise) ship. Some places in Norway accept Euros, but I almost told her off with a sarcastic "good luck".

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DrumrollPlease 9

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are also in the EU (though we may be leaving in the next few years) and we've never used the Euro!

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hemiol 30

I know, but I would understand if tourists of other EU countries would've thought you do. We're even cut out of the Europen map on the Euro coins!

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Selene1090 26

I work at a donut shop and I have a lot of people where English isn't their first language, and they will try talking to me in their native language then either mock me or get angry that I don't understand. I live in America. I'm fine with immigrants and everything, but don't expect me to know your language when I'm in my home country.

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hemiol 30

My point exactly. English isn't my first language either, but I wouldn't go to America and demand the Americans to speak Norwegian to me. With that said, a lot of English speaking tourists thank us for speaking English :)

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Selene1090 26

While it is nice, its not something that should be demanded or expected. I wouldn't go into someone elses home and demand they have the same kind of milk as me.

8 1
_Desiderata_ 9

OP, have you ever considered a career change? You can open a small currency exchange business near the museum. From what I understand, it can be a very profitable business! When you make your first million, you can thank me with a free trip to Norway ;)

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hemiol 30

Haha, yeah - but there's actually several not far from the museum I work at :)

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mareike 16

I hope the people weren't from Germany. If so, I apologise for my fellow country people.

3 1
hemiol 30

Unfortunately a lot of tourists who tend to expect me to speak their language are German, but the younger generations are both more polite and better in English/more understanding of the language barrier, and we almost always come to some kind of understanding :)

4 0
Unbansawsage 16

Where they Chinese tourists by chance. I've had my fair share of bad experiences mostly with Chinese tourists.

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hemiol 30

They've given me some grievances, but usually not the things in this FML. The Chinese are mainly loud. Very loud. And will nod their head and say "yes, yes" even though they didn't understand a word. They also, when in groups, tend not to consider other guests and the fact that they want to have a nice experience as well.

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cetharel 11

don't worry mate, we swedes love you <3

4 0