Yes, there is that general perception of us. I find that a little quick generosity (such as buying the first few rounds at the pub for all your mates), combined with a little self deprecating humor and paying genuine interest in what the locals say gets you in good stead and quickly overcomes the stereotype.

For the most part, I find that if you show genuine interest in others, even if in a somewhat hostile environment, you will eventually be judged by most on how you act, and the stereotype falls away quickly. It may be a challenge initially to overcome, but usually there's always someone willing to give you a chance, and once others see how you interact, they tend to change their opinions fairly easily. You've just got to bear in mind you are a guest and it mostly falls on you to reach out to the local population and for you to take the initiative to try and get along.

When I was in the Navy, I was appalled at how many of the sailors would carry on during port call. Not everyone was so bad, but enough were that it really cast aspersions on the rest of us to the point where we are perceived exactly as the stereotype described. I suspect it's gotten better over time, but things like that don't get forgotten quickly.