Planning a trip abroad? Learn these seven rules to avoid offending the locals.
1-Don’t talk with your hands in your pockets in Germany
It’s considered bad manners. It’s also customary to keep your hands on the table while you’re eating.
2-Don’t tip in Japan
Service at restaurants and hotels will likely be exceptional in Japan, but tipping isn’t done; and it could be seen as degrading.
3-Don’t smile at strangers in Russia
They’ll see it as an intimate gesture, indicating a genuine affinity toward another person.
If you don’t know them, they might consider you insincere.
4-Don’t use your left hand in India
The left hand is thought of as unclean in Indian culture, so always use your right hand to greet someone, exchange money, or pick up merchandise.
5-Don’t wave your chopsticks around in China
It’s like drumming with your knife and fork. Best not.
6-Don’t honk in Norway
It’s only used in an emergency – so your unnecessary beeping could cause drivers to panic.
7-Don’t forget to say hello in France
“Bonjour madame, monsieur” should be the first words out of your mouth, otherwise you’re subtly showing you feel the person is beneath you.
