Originally Posted by
milepig
We live in an area that It isn't possible to avoid looking like a tourist, what one can do is try go be a "good" tourist. This really isn't hard. ... learn the 4 polite words "Hello, good day, thank you and please" and you're good to go. ... When you enter a small shop say Hello or Good Day to the shop keeper, it's very very rude to not do so.
Good advice!
In most other countries you greet people before making any kind of request or inquiry, whether at the deli counter at the supermarket, or in the souvenir shop.
Greet in English if you did not learn the words in the language of the country you visit. Much better than not greeting at all. Same for Thank you, etc.