Hand gestures
The middle finger pretty much means the same thing in every country, but you may be surprised at how other common hand gestures get translated. A thumbs up is pretty rude in some African countries while the A-OK sign has a completely different and offensive meaning in Brazil. Even something as simple as using your left hand (the toilet hand) is highly offensive in some parts of the world.
Eating
Eating is one of those things you really need to research in advance since there are so many different customs around the world. Slurping your noodles in Asia is a sign that you’re enjoying your meal, but do the same thing in North America and you’ll probably get weird looks. Adding condiments to certain meals should never be done in some countries while refusing an offer of food in others is a sign of disrespect. How you place your utensils or who eats first can also play a big factor in certain cultures so you really need to know the local customs.
Tipping
As weird as it sounds, tipping certain professions can be considered rude. Bartenders in the U.K. and people who work in restaurants in Japan do not take tips at all. In other countries, tipping just 5-10% is normal while in others a 25% service charge may automatically be added to your bill. As you can see, it’s pretty important to research what’s common so you don’t come off rude, cheap, or too generous.
Public displays of affection
Depending on what country you’re visiting, something as simple as holding hands may be considered rude. Muslim countries follow Islamic traditions where public displays are considered taboo so even a quick kiss on the lips may offend some. Obviously, you don’t want to get caught having sex in public, but also note that some countries have a strong stance against same-sex couples.
Photography
Travellers love to take photos since it’s a way to remember our journeys, but did you know that photography is forbidden in many places? It’s common for photos to be banned in many museums, but taking pictures of government buildings or airports is a serious no no in many countries including the United States. Also, think about where and how you’re taking your photos. A selfie is probably not a good idea at the Holocaust Memorial or at a concentration camp.
Attire
What you wear and where you wear it can be disrespectful. In Muslim countries, showing a lot of skin is frowned upon so be sure to cover up when required. Some religious sites are more conservative than others so you’ll need to find out what their dress code is while something as innocent as wearing shoes indoors is considered rude in many cultures. When it comes down to it, use common sense. Showing up at a family restaurant or walking down the street with short shorts will always get looks for the wrong reasons.
Littering
Just about every city, state, and country has some kind of littering law, but they all enforce those laws differently. In England and Hong Kong, litter became such a problem that fines were increased. Over in Singapore, littering is strongly enforced and comes with a $1,000 fine if you’re caught. It goes without saying that regardless of which country you’re visiting, you should always pick up after yourself.
Alcohol consumption
The legal drinking age in Canada is 18, but unlike some countries in Europe, you can’t just start walking down the street with a beer in hand. It’s pretty safe to assume that being intoxicated in public is frowned upon in every country, but those same countries may not mind you drinking in the park. Keep in mind that some Muslim countries or areas have a strict zero alcohol policy which could result in jail time if you’re caught with any.
Noise
No matter what country you’re in, it’s always rude to be loud in places where keeping noise to a minimum is preferred. In other words, don’t have a loud conversation with your travel companions while at a church or art gallery, and don’t even think about making a ton of noise in your hotel or hostel when others may be sleeping. You won’t be breaking the law here, but you’ll just end up annoying everyone around you.
Apologize
It’s impossible to know all the proper travel etiquette in the country you’re visiting, so don’t be afraid to acknowledge your mistakes. Facial expressions are often a clear giveaway if you’ve offended someone, so say sorry or attempt to fix the situation even if there’s a language barrier.
You can prepare as much as you can, but you’re bound to make a travel etiquette mistake eventually. Don’t obsess over it and make the best of the situations you’re in. Safe travels and don’t forget to use our travel search engine now to find the cheapest airfare to every destination in the world.
