A Global Guide to Politeness in 15 Countries

If you’ve traveled, you probably already know how different cultures’ traditions and manners are from one another. What is considered acceptable in one location might be egregiously disrespectful in another, and vice versa. Granted, even if you haven’t traveled, you probably know some behaviors aren’t appropriate in other nations. For example, while belching at the table may be considered a sign of gratitude in some regions, it will likely get you pretty angry in most of North America and Europe.

It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the rules of etiquette and manners in advance, whether you want to visit any of the locations below or are simply conducting business with a foreign customer. The last thing you want to do is insult someone by acting naively or impolitely. Here’s how to be polite in these fifteen different nations:

Germany

Germans are often courteous and reserved, much like Scandinavians. Ensure you give individuals a firm handshake and always greet them by their last name, such as “Herr” or “Frau,” if you are confident pronouncing it correctly. Saying “please” and “thank you” frequently is essential, as is having proper table manners.

Remove Your Shoes Before Entering a Home in Vietnam

When entering a house in most Asian nations, visitors should be prepared to take off their shoes, according to clinical psychologist and human behavior specialist Lori Whatley, PhD. “Not doing this is regarded as a major cultural error since a home’s interior symbolizes personal space,” she says. Ensure your feet are clean, and show respect by leaving your shoes outside the door—yes, even overnight.

Request Your Bill in Italy

According to the travel business Fodor’s, dinners in Italy are usually regarded as more formal occasions than most Americans are used to, so be sure to act politely when dining out.

Another distinction is that you must let the server know when you are ready to pay rather than just waiting to be handed the bill; the waiter will not bring you the check until you ask. You should avoid making these offensive restaurant faux pas in the US immediately.

Follow the Dress Code in Saudi Arabia

Maryanne Parker, a speaker, author of Posh Overnight, an international etiquette consultant in San Diego, and founder of Manor of Manners International, says that regardless of your opinion of a country’s dress code, you should abide by it, if you are a guest there.

She says, “In Saudi Arabia, women must enter certain places, like mosques, wearing an abaya, or long dress, over their heads.” Yes, even with the scorching July weather. While certain Middle Eastern countries may not be overly conservative, be cautious when checking the dress code before you travel there.

Clear Your Plate in Greece

According to Tsai, asserting that you didn’t find the cuisine palatable by leaving food on your plate might be interpreted as disrespect to your host. Eat every bit of each meal, even if you have little servings and are concerned that you won’t like it. To the satisfaction of your host, you can request seconds if you want more.

Spit to Say Hello in Kenya

Whatley claims that the Maasai tribe in Kenya “spits at one another the same way we shake hands in America.” “In that culture, being spat on is seen as a gift and a compliment.” To say hello, Kenyans who are not Maasai, however, just wave or shake hands more casually.

Be Careful With Compliments in Fiji

According to Fodor, the practice of Kerikeri, or “shared property,” is highly valued in Fijian society. This implies that you should offer something to someone when they ask for it out of courtesy.

Conversely, they suggest that you should exercise caution when publicly praising anything that is a Fijian since they will feel compelled to offer it to you.

Clasp Your Own Hands Instead of Shaking Hands in Thailand

Shaking hands is considered impolite in Thai culture. “A ‘wai’ is a greeting that involves putting your palms together at chest level when you meet someone new. They greet people with this custom, which is respectful and evocative of reverence.”

Get in Line in England

In English etiquette, there is a specific place for lines, or “queues.” People with a strong sense of patience will become enraged with those who attempt to cut in front of them. While standing in line, whining is viewed as weak.  A good sense of humor while waiting is a sign of moral strength. Anyone should be able to wait in line patiently.

Skip Bouquets of Sunflowers in Russia

Be aware, prospective suitors: Giving a person yellow flowers in Russia represents hate and is offensive. Funeral flowers could include yellow flowers. One more flowery tip? “They never give an even number of flowers; they only give odd numbers.

Eat With Your Fingers in India

Indian cuisine is typically consumed with fingers and will be presented in a style that facilitates this practice. Spoon liquid dishes with bread and two fingers. Always use your right hand when eating, as the left is considered “unclean” and impolite.

Don’t leave your chopsticks sticking up in Japan

In a bowl of rice, never place your chopsticks vertically. “It’s considered extremely taboo because it reminds people of funerals where a bowl of rice is offered with two chopsticks standing vertically in the center as an offering to the deceased,” explains Bonnie Tsai, manners expert and founder and director of Beyond Etiquette.

Instead, if you’re still eating, arrange them close to or across the top of the dish. These ten etiquette are deemed impolite in America but considered courteous in other nations, so brush up on them before you travel.

Keep Your Knees and Shoulders Covered in Morocco

In Morocco, modesty is considered a religious virtue, indicating decency and civility. Clothes that cover the shoulders and fall to the knees are often expected of both genders. They state that wearing beachwear, sleeveless shirts, and running shorts outside the beach or while participating in sports is equivalent to wearing only your underwear.

Never Give Knives as a Gift in China

Offering gifts is a custom in China, even among strangers. However, when choosing a gift, be careful not to give anything sharp. Giving knives, scissors, or other cutting tools as gifts is always bad since it implies your relationship is about to end.

Patience is a virtue in Mexico

According to Fodor, things move far more slowly in Mexico than in the US. Fortunately, there is no social shame associated with tardiness, so go ahead and take your time. However, you should keep your frustrations over other people’s delays to yourself. Americans, Canadians, and Europeans are known for their directness and traditional punctuality, sometimes interpreted as rude and aggressive.

Since Mexicans are known for their extraordinary politeness, getting angry over delays or complaining aloud will make you appear impolite and discourage others from helping you.