Thanks for signing up!
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go.
The worst cultural blunders you can make in 17 countries around the world
"Don't reject the mate."
Mariana del Rosal explains that in Argentina, drinking mate — a close cousin of tea — is "a ritual and a demonstration of confidence and friendship."
Side note: It comes with a metal straw called a bombilla, but never stir your mate with it.
"Do not litter, spit, or smoke in prohibited zones."
Katie Birtles says that Australians take public cleanliness very seriously. While some countries may think nothing of dropping a candy wrapper or spewing something awful onto the sidewalk, Aussies take pride in keeping things nice and tidy.
"If you do need to spit, do it discreetly," she says.
"Don't enter or exit a room before people of older generations."
As April Li explains, the polite thing to do when there are multiple generations entering or leaving the same space is for the eldest members to go first. China believes very strongly in deference to elders, so the gesture is a sign of respect.
"Don't engage the conversation without greeting."
Shi Tao warns visitors against launching directly into what they want to say without a friendly Bonjour or Excusez-moi.
"This is actually one of the rudest thing you can ever do to a French," he says. "Your interlocutor won't talk with the same enthusiasm as if you had greeted them."
"Don't do the Nazi salute."
Judith Meyer elaborates on what's probably the most common behavior that tourists mistake for a prank.
"It's a crime and every year there are tourists arrested for it," Meyer says. Even if you're trying to be funny, no one will see it that way.
"Refer to Hong Kong people as Hong Kongers [and not Chinese]."
Despite its proximity to China, people in Hong Kong generally prefer to self-identify as separate from the mainland, Kyle Hayashi explains.
Best to observe a similar distinction and let people correct you that way instead of the other way around.
"Do not use your left hand."
In Indonesia, "toilet activities" are done with the left hand and public ones like shaking hands with the right, Regina Luce explains.
"Left-handed people are somewhat rare in this part of the world, but if you happen to be one of them and are absolutely uncomfortable using your right hand, giving a little 'excuse me' when you're accidentally/using your left hand should suffice."
"Only refer to someone by their first name if they introduce themselves as such."
Rose Thuo says much of Kenya is very deferential. People like to be called by a title, such as Mr., Ms., or Dr., along with their last name.
"If you want to call someone whose name you don't know, refer to them as madam or sir," Thuo says.
"Do not pound your fist into your hand."
In Malaysia, the forceful gesture can be seen as an obscenity, explains Neha Kariyaniya.
In some Western countries, it can signal an attitude of "Let's get this done." But in Malaysia the gesture is on par with the middle finger in the US.
"Don't shake hands when meeting people."
Rather than hug or shake hands, Diwas Adhikari says people normally press their palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as namaste.
Kissing in public is also generally frowned upon.
"Do not beat around the bush in order to convey anything."
The Dutch are very direct, says Karthik Venkatesh. Rarely will they mitigate their speech to make it softer or less charged.
"No hard feelings but that's how it works here," he says, "and that's a whole lot better than being superficial."
"Haka is a war-cry performed before a war or, nowadays, a rugby match. Do not make fun of it!"
Mayur Makheri explains how cherished the haka is to New Zealand culture. Participants in a haka chant slap their chests, grunt, and stick out their tongues. It may seem strange to an outsider, but to New Zealanders it's beloved.
"Don't give an even number of flowers as a gift."
Katherine Makhalova points out that Russian custom dictates bouquets come with an odd number of flowers if the recipient has a pulse. Only the dead receive flowers in even bunches.
"Don't sit at a table if you see a packet of tissue paper there."
In Singapore, explains Denise Eng, people traditionally reserve a table by leaving a packet of tissues behind. Think of it like a purse or umbrella in other countries.
"It is not because someone has thoughtfully provided tissue for you," she says.
"Do not put your feet on the table or use them to point or pick up something, especially bank notes or coins."
In Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. The feet are the least. Pachara Yoosawat says people look down upon using or displaying the feet in a public setting.
"During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public spaces during daylight is considered a public offense and is punishable by law."
According to Muslim faith, followers must abstain from eating or drinking during the daylight for a full month during the holy month of Ramadan.
Even if you don't personally observe the religion, Bahaa' Awartany says visitors must act according to the religious law when visiting UAE during that time.
"You absolutely should not leave a restaurant or bar without leaving a tip."
Tourists to the US may be surprised to find that servers and bartenders often aren't paid living wages from their employer. They rely on tips from customers to earn their keep, Dan Holliday says.
"Tip 15-20%," he says. "Err on the high side when you get great service."
Advertisement