Sometimes when you travel, you want to blend in with the general population. Maybe you don’t wanna chat with other tourists, get harassed by street vendors or be a target for pickpockets. Though be warned, if you look like a local in a tourist trap, people might ask you for direction, that happens to me almost every time I travel.
I’m not gonna go about clothing in here, or skin colours, most big cities are very colourful these days anyways. Looking like a local is more about how you act.
So here are my tips for looking like a local:
Look like you know where you are and where you are going, even if you don’t. Walk briskly and even if you have to look at a map, do it discreetly on your phone. Look like you have things to do and places to be.
Wear headphones and stare at your phone, don’t look up unless it’s completely necessary.
Don’t turn your head like an owl. You don’t want to look like you are interested in your surroundings.
What ever you do, don’t smile for heavens sake!
Look like your life has no meaning and you are bored out of your mind. Dead look behind your eyes is a very good way to look like a local.
Extra tip: don’t carry a big ass camera.