Understanding cultural etiquette is key to building positive relationships and avoiding misunderstandings while traveling. Each country has its own traditions, customs, and behaviors, so it’s important to learn about the local culture before visiting. Here’s a guide to some of the most important do’s and don’ts around the world to help you navigate different cultural norms:
1. Japan
- Do:
- Respect personal space and bow as a form of greeting.
- Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, temples, or certain indoor spaces.
- Use both hands when giving or receiving gifts or business cards.
- Speak softly and avoid loud conversations in public places.
- Don’t:
- Tip. Tipping is not customary and can be seen as rude.
- Point at people or things. Use your whole hand or gesture politely.
- Touch the head of an adult, as the head is considered sacred in Japanese culture.
2. India
- Do:
- Use the right hand for giving, receiving, and eating, as the left hand is considered impure.
- Dress modestly in religious and rural areas. Women should cover their shoulders and knees.
- Greet with a namaste (palms together in front of the chest) when meeting someone.
- Don’t:
- Point your feet at people or religious symbols. Sit cross-legged or with your feet flat on the ground.
- Touch someone’s head or shoulders, especially without permission.
- Express strong emotions publicly, as displays of anger or frustration may be seen as inappropriate.
3. Middle East (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia)
- Do:
- Dress modestly, especially in conservative countries. Women should cover their arms, shoulders, and legs, and men should avoid wearing shorts in public.
- Show respect for Islamic traditions, including during Ramadan when you should refrain from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
- Greet with a handshake, but wait for the other person to extend their hand, especially if you are greeting a woman.
- Don’t:
- Publicly display affection (holding hands, kissing) as it is considered inappropriate.
- Point at people or places. It can be seen as rude or accusatory.
- Talk about politics or religion unless you know the person well and are certain it is a safe topic.
4. China
- Do:
- Respect elders and use formal titles when addressing someone, especially in business or family settings.
- Bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home as a gesture of respect, though avoid giving clocks, umbrellas, or sharp objects as gifts.
- Queue politely when waiting in line, as orderly lines are common in public spaces.
- Don’t:
- Tip in restaurants or taxis, as tipping is not a standard practice and may even be considered disrespectful in some situations.
- Give overly personal compliments. It can make people uncomfortable.
- Talk about sensitive topics like politics or the Tiananmen Square incident.
5. France
- Do:
- Say “Bonjour” (Good day) when entering shops, restaurants, or public spaces. It’s considered polite and respectful.
- Use formal greetings (Monsieur/Madame) unless invited to use first names.
- Compliment the food in a sincere and gracious manner.
- Don’t:
- Rush through meals. Dining in France is an experience, so take your time and enjoy it.
- Talk loudly in public places, especially in more refined areas like museums or cafes.
- Ignore dining etiquette. For example, don’t place your hands on the table, and keep your elbows off the table while eating.
6. Thailand
- Do:
- Respect the royal family and display images of the King or Royal Family with reverence.
- Join in the wai (a traditional Thai greeting with palms pressed together) as a sign of respect.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites.
- Don’t:
- Touch someone’s head. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thai culture.
- Point your feet at people or religious statues. It’s considered disrespectful.
- Raise your voice or lose your temper in public. Calmness and patience are valued.
7. South Korea
- Do:
- Use both hands when giving or receiving gifts or money, especially when interacting with elders.
- Bow slightly when greeting or thanking someone.
- Remove shoes when entering a home or certain indoor spaces.
- Don’t:
- Point with your finger. It’s better to gesture with your hand or use your whole arm.
- Address someone by their first name unless you’re very close. Use honorifics or titles.
- Start eating before the eldest person does at a meal.
8. Brazil
- Do:
- Greet people with a hug or kiss on the cheek, especially in informal settings.
- Make eye contact and use hand gestures when speaking—Brazilians are often expressive.
- Be polite and warm in conversations. Brazilian culture values friendliness and openness.
- Don’t:
- Stand with your hands in your pockets or cross your arms. It’s seen as closed-off or disrespectful.
- Talk about money in public. It’s considered impolite to discuss finances openly.
- Call someone “gringo” unless you are sure it’s received with humor. It can be seen as disrespectful or condescending.
9. Italy
- Do:
- Greet with a handshake or kiss on both cheeks among friends.
- Dress stylishly, especially in cities like Milan and Rome. Italians take fashion seriously.
- Be punctual for appointments or reservations, but expect some flexibility in social settings.
- Don’t:
- Point at people or stare for long periods—it’s seen as rude.
- Forget your table manners. Keep your hands visible on the table during meals, and avoid slurping your pasta.
- Interrupt people while they’re speaking. Italians value lively conversations, but they appreciate the chance to finish their thoughts.
10. Mexico
- Do:
- Greet with a handshake or a hug/kiss on the cheek among friends and family.
- Respect personal space—although Mexicans are generally warm and open, it’s still important to avoid being overly familiar with strangers.
- Accept food and drink when offered, as rejecting it can be considered impolite.
- Don’t:
- Point with your finger at people or things. It can be seen as disrespectful.
- Be late for social gatherings or meals. Punctuality is important, especially in formal settings.
- Engage in political discussions unless you know the person well. It can be a sensitive topic.