Buzz
As you travel the globe, you likely try to respect each culture you come across. However, you'd be surprised at how easily you can offend others without even realizing it.
Casual Conversations
In the United States, asking someone what they do for a living is a typical conversation starter. However, this kind of small talk isn't well received in countries like France, the Netherlands, and many other places across Europe and beyond. These societies may view it as an attempt to categorize or limit people. If you're unsure, it's safer to steer clear of personal questions about someone's job, religion, family, or political views unless they bring it up.
Yet, some small talk is important. The simplest form: saying 'hello.' In many cultures worldwide, failing to greet others when entering a space or meeting someone is seen as very impolite. It suggests you're too good to acknowledge them. In the U.S., it’s still considered rude not to greet someone, though people tend not to be as offended by it.
Blowing Your Nose
In many places, blowing your nose in public is an everyday occurrence, but in countries like China and Japan, it's viewed as highly inappropriate. In France, it's not only considered impolite but also a sign of poor manners. It’s best to save this act for private moments in the bathroom, and avoid carrying a handkerchief for this purpose, as in some cultures, handkerchiefs are seen as unappealing. Instead, use disposable tissues.
Laughing With Your Mouth Open
When something amuses you, it's natural to laugh loudly and openly. However, in Japan and other parts of Asia, laughing with your mouth wide open, revealing your teeth, is considered impolite and even 'horse-like.' This behavior is particularly frowned upon for women, which is why you might often see Japanese girls giggling while covering their mouths.
Tipping
If you think tipping is a point of contention here, just wait until you visit Europe, Japan, or South Korea. In these places, not only is tipping unnecessary, it could actually be seen as an insult. What you may think of as a thoughtful reward may come across as condescending charity. Tipping customs vary greatly around the world, so it’s always important to familiarize yourself with local practices before traveling.
Making Common Gestures
The meaning of a gesture here may be totally different elsewhere. Here are some physical gestures you should avoid when traveling:
Thumbs up: In some countries, a thumbs-up gesture could be interpreted as a rude sign, even something like giving the middle finger. It's wise to avoid using it, particularly in places like Russia, Greece, Western Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Peace sign (backwards): In the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, showing the peace sign with your palm facing inward is essentially the same as flipping someone off.
Crossing your fingers: While it’s a symbol of good luck in many cultures, in Vietnam, it is considered vulgar (due to its resemblance to female anatomy).
A-okay sign: The well-known circle formed by the thumb and index finger, often meant to convey 'perfect,' can have a very different and offensive meaning in places like Brazil, Germany, France, Venezuela, and Turkey, where it’s interpreted as “asshole.”
Keeping hands in pockets: In many cultures, including Turkey and South Korea, keeping your hands in your pockets is viewed as rude and arrogant (just ask Bill Gates).
Crossing your legs/showing the soles of your feet: In many parts of the Middle East, and in Hindu and Buddhist cultures, crossing your legs and showing the soles of your feet is a huge sign of disrespect. Feet, especially the soles, are seen as the dirtiest part of the body and shouldn’t be exposed to others. Avoid pointing or gesturing with your feet as well.
Touching people: Personal space differs greatly across cultures, so it’s best to refrain from touching others unless invited to do so.
While some of these gestures might only be inappropriate in specific regions, it’s generally safer to avoid them altogether. It's better to be cautious and respectful than to risk offending someone.
Dressing Sloppily
In many parts of Asia and Europe, wearing sweatpants, athletic shorts, tank tops, baseball caps, or other comfortable 'athleisure' attire in public is considered untidy and disrespectful. It's best to wear proper pants or a skirt, choose a shirt without any childish slogans, and opt for closed-toe shoes unless you're at a resort or similar casual setting.
Eating Meals
Meal times are often when cultural misunderstandings occur. Here are some important things to avoid:
Don’t reject food or drink: Refusing food or drink might seem polite, but in most places around the world, it’s actually considered very rude. Always accept what is offered.
Don’t ask for condiments to change dishes: Unless you have a severe allergy, it’s better to eat a dish as it’s served. Asking for additional condiments implies that there’s something wrong with the dish, which is inconsiderate.
Don’t finish your plate: In many Asian cultures, finishing all of your food can imply that you're still hungry and want more. While this might be okay in a restaurant, it can be insulting in someone’s home if food is limited, as it suggests they didn’t provide enough.
Don’t take the first bite: Unless you’re specifically invited to start, wait for someone else to take the first bite. In some places, this could be the oldest person at the table or the one with the highest rank or seniority.
Don’t use your left hand: In countries like India, Morocco, parts of Africa, and the Middle East, always use your right hand for eating. The left hand is used for other purposes, such as, well, hygiene-related tasks.
Don’t eat in inappropriate places: It’s considered rude to eat outside of designated eating areas like dining rooms or restaurants. I personally learned this in Japan when my friend and I ate breakfast in front of a 7-11 and were stared at by locals.
It’s always a good idea to check for specific cultural customs before visiting a new place, but these guidelines should help you navigate most situations.
Accepting Gifts
Gifts are wonderful, but they can become tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the local customs. For instance, don’t accept a gift the first time it's offered to you, unless it’s food. In many cultures, you’re expected to refuse a gift a few times before eventually accepting it. Also, never open a gift immediately in front of the person who gave it to you, unless they specifically ask you to. Doing so can come across as rude and impatient.
Taking the Wrong Seat In a Cab
You’d never consider sitting in the front seat of a taxi unless the back was full, right? Well, in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, it’s actually considered rude not to sit up front—even if the cab is completely empty. Drivers view heading straight to the back seat as impolite, preferring that you sit in the front and chat with them instead.
