The world is filled with many cultures and traditions. When one is traveling to different areas of the world it only make sense that there would be a difference in the expectations when it comes to customs and behavior. There are many customs that Americans perform on a daily basis that is just something we all do because that is how we were raised, but in other places in the world it would be considered downright rude if we were to act in that way. In places like Japan, there is a huge emphasis on respecting ones elders (something that frankly should be international). In Japan, if an elderly person is seen in need of any assistance, it is an honor to go ahead and help him or her. Sadly, in the United States, it is not as common to jump to another aid unsolicited. This list of American customs that would not be appreciated overseas is eye-opening and at times incredibly surprising considering it seems so harmless. Better read this before your next vacation. The world is filled with many cultures and traditions.
When one is traveling to different areas of the world it only make sense that there would be a difference in the expectations when it comes to customs and behavior. There are many customs that Americans perform on a daily basis that is just something we all do because that is how we were raised, but in other places in the world it would be considered downright rude if we were to act in that way. In places like Japan, there is a huge emphasis on respecting ones elders (something that frankly should be international). In Japan, if an elderly person is seen in need of any assistance, it is an honor to go ahead and help him or her. Sadly, in the United States, it is not as common to jump to another aid unsolicited. This list of American customs that would not be appreciated overseas is eye-opening and at times incredibly surprising considering it seems so harmless. Better read this before your next vacation.
If you go out to a restaurant in the United States and you do not leave a tip, you are a social outcast. It is not only appreciated but expected of a diner to tip their server, bartender, or anyone who is serving them. However, in countries such as South Korea and Japan, tipping is considered an insult! If you feel like your server is doing well, tell them so but do not leave them any money. The reason behind this one is that they feel like extra money means they need it and are not doing well for themselves. If you go out to a restaurant in the United States and you do not leave a tip, you are a social outcast.
It is not only appreciated but expected of a diner to tip their server, bartender, or anyone who is serving them. However, in countries such as South Korea and Japan, tipping is considered an insult! If you feel like your server is doing well, tell them so but do not leave them any money. The reason behind this one is that they feel like extra money means they need it and are not doing well for themselves.
If you plan on traveling to New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, or Scotland, you should know that they prefer that the passenger ride in the front seat rather than the back. The reason for this one is due to their strong ethical belief that we are all equal and therefore should not sit in the back as if being served. While this indeed is a service, it is recommended to sit in the front passenger seat as to not offend your taxi driver. If you plan on traveling to New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, or Scotland, you should know that they prefer that the passenger ride in the front seat rather than the back.
The reason for this one is due to their strong ethical belief that we are all equal and therefore should not sit in the back as if being served. While this indeed is a service, it is recommended to sit in the front passenger seat as to not offend your taxi driver.
Where in the world would this offend people? Italy, of course. The land of coffee, wine and pasta do not take it lightly when you disrespect the art of their coffee skills. In Italy, when one gets an espresso shot, they order it at the coffee bar and just take it like a shot. If you are drinking anything larger than that, you are expected to sit down and enjoy it. Americans just do not seem to have that kind of time. Where in the world would this offend people?
Italy, of course. The land of coffee, wine and pasta do not take it lightly when you disrespect the art of their coffee skills. In Italy, when one gets an espresso shot, they order it at the coffee bar and just take it like a shot. If you are drinking anything larger than that, you are expected to sit down and enjoy it. Americans just do not seem to have that kind of time.
In the United States, it is common to use the thumbs up sign (especially since our current president's affinity for it). However, in the Middle East, Russia, and Latin America, it is not recommended to use this hand gesture as it is offensive. While here in the United States it may mean "good job!", many other countries consider it your way of telling them to shove off. Better safe than sorry in this case! In the United States, it is common to use the thumbs up sign (especially since our current president's affinity for it).
However, in the Middle East, Russia, and Latin America, it is not recommended to use this hand gesture as it is offensive. While here in the United States it may mean "good job!", many other countries consider it your way of telling them to shove off. Better safe than sorry in this case!
The world knows this sign as one for peace, it is literally called the peace sign for goodness sake. However, in countries like Ireland, England, Australia, and New Zealand, if you are putting up the peace sign with your palm facing in rather than out, you are essentially flipping someone the bird, which we are sure you do not intend to do, at least not in such an obvious way. The world knows this sign as one for peace, it is literally called the peace sign for goodness sake.
However, in countries like Ireland, England, Australia, and New Zealand, if you are putting up the peace sign with your palm facing in rather than out, you are essentially flipping someone the bird, which we are sure you do not intend to do, at least not in such an obvious way.
This one took us a little bit by surprise as it really is kind of strange. If you plan on going to Japan, do not laugh with your mouth open as they consider it very rude to do so. If you cannot help yourself and find yourself laughing with your mouth ajar, try covering your mouth with your hand so as to not offend anyone. This is not just an American thing, it is a worldwide thing so Japan is the odd man out in this case. This one took us a little bit by surprise as it really is kind of strange.
If you plan on going to Japan, do not laugh with your mouth open as they consider it very rude to do so. If you cannot help yourself and find yourself laughing with your mouth ajar, try covering your mouth with your hand so as to not offend anyone. This is not just an American thing, it is a worldwide thing so Japan is the odd man out in this case.
In the United States, it is easy to find a restaurant that will change the dish of your choice based on your preferences. However, in many other countries they will find it offensive to change a single aspect of the dish you are ordering. Countries such as France and Italy will very rarely change the dish and they do not like it when patrons as them to do so either, so better evade that one. In the United States, it is easy to find a restaurant that will change the dish of your choice based on your preferences.
However, in many other countries they will find it offensive to change a single aspect of the dish you are ordering. Countries such as France and Italy will very rarely change the dish and they do not like it when patrons as them to do so either, so better evade that one.
If you plan on visiting South America, it is wise for you to say that you are from the United States and not from America. It is fair to see how those in the Southern Hemisphere would feel a little peeved about the United States being called America and not just redefined as North America. You will not get told off by anyone but you will definitely get some looks. If you plan on visiting South America, it is wise for you to say that you are from the United States and not from America.
It is fair to see how those in the Southern Hemisphere would feel a little peeved about the United States being called America and not just redefined as North America. You will not get told off by anyone but you will definitely get some looks.
If your order is wrong, it is usually acceptable to complain and ask for it to be fixed. In the United States many of us have had to do this and no one was hurt by it. However, in the United Kingdom, it is not a wise decision to make. It is considered incredibly rude to complain about ones food to the restaurant itself. You can be upset about it to your dinner mate but do not send a dish back. If your order is wrong, it is usually acceptable to complain and ask for it to be fixed.
In the United States many of us have had to do this and no one was hurt by it. However, in the United Kingdom, it is not a wise decision to make. It is considered incredibly rude to complain about ones food to the restaurant itself. You can be upset about it to your dinner mate but do not send a dish back.
This kind of goes for everywhere but especially in Germany. In Germany, if you are running late you will be met with people telling you not to waste their time. It is very rude to not be on time and will cost you both personal and professional contacts. If you are traveling in Germany, make sure to arrive a little earlier to anything scheduled so as to not offend anyone. This kind of goes for everywhere but especially in Germany.
In Germany, if you are running late you will be met with people telling you not to waste their time. It is very rude to not be on time and will cost you both personal and professional contacts. If you are traveling in Germany, make sure to arrive a little earlier to anything scheduled so as to not offend anyone.
What can we say? You cannot win them all. In some South American countries it is a social faux pas to arrive some place at the scheduled time. Everyone there is running on a bit of a later clock so it is common to arrive slightly later than the time scheduled. Think of it as arriving an hour early to everything in the United States. No one wants to wait that long. What can we say?
You cannot win them all. In some South American countries it is a social faux pas to arrive some place at the scheduled time. Everyone there is running on a bit of a later clock so it is common to arrive slightly later than the time scheduled. Think of it as arriving an hour early to everything in the United States. No one wants to wait that long.
In most European countries, it is frowned upon to take food with you that you did not finish from your meal. Whether you use the term "doggie bag" or not, it is insulting to the restaurant if you not only did not finish your meal but that you want to take it with you. The main reason, however, is that it is considered a health hazard as spoiled food can harm. In most European countries, it is frowned upon to take food with you that you did not finish from your meal.
Whether you use the term "doggie bag" or not, it is insulting to the restaurant if you not only did not finish your meal but that you want to take it with you. The main reason, however, is that it is considered a health hazard as spoiled food can harm.
The Okay hand gesture is something we all understand but it can also have a different meaning. In the United States, this hand gesture is also used by white supremacist groups which is obviously not the connotation you would want to have. In France, this hand gesture also means you are calling someone a worthless nothing. The French are not very forgiving so take care not to make this hand gesture while in France! The Okay hand gesture is something we all understand but it can also have a different meaning.
In the United States, this hand gesture is also used by white supremacist groups which is obviously not the connotation you would want to have. In France, this hand gesture also means you are calling someone a worthless nothing. The French are not very forgiving so take care not to make this hand gesture while in France!
Another strange one for the books! If you are in Turkey, do not put your hand in your pocket while you are speaking with someone. It is said that they consider it very rude and disrespectful to do so. We are not sure where this one comes from but it is a fact that many people have confirmed, so be vigilant as to your hand placement when engaged in conversation. Another strange one for the books!
If you are in Turkey, do not put your hand in your pocket while you are speaking with someone. It is said that they consider it very rude and disrespectful to do so. We are not sure where this one comes from but it is a fact that many people have confirmed, so be vigilant as to your hand placement when engaged in conversation.
This one we heard of before. Using your left hand in countries such as India and Sri Lanka is considered an unsanitary act. The reason for this one has more to do with the fact that they use their left hand when going to the restroom and the right is always kept out of contact with anything unsanitary. If you do hold your left hand out, you would be offending someone immensely. This one we heard of before.
Using your left hand in countries such as India and Sri Lanka is considered an unsanitary act. The reason for this one has more to do with the fact that they use their left hand when going to the restroom and the right is always kept out of contact with anything unsanitary. If you do hold your left hand out, you would be offending someone immensely.
If you happen to be in China or India when receiving a gift from someone, do not open the gift in front of them but wait to open it up when you are alone or out of sight of the giver. If you were to open the gift in front of the giver it would be considered rude and portray you as very greedy, and we do not want that now do we?
If you happen to be in China or India when receiving a gift from someone, do not open the gift in front of them but wait to open it up when you are alone or out of sight of the giver. If you were to open the gift in front of the giver it would be considered rude and portray you as very greedy, and we do not want that now do we?
Personal space is a thing - learn it, live it, love it. However, many other countries have a very different idea as to what personal space is. If you were to go to Japan, for example, do not expect to get even an inch of personal space on the subway system if it is rush hour. People will literally pile into the subway car rather than wait for another one to come by. Personal space is a thing - learn it, live it, love it.
However, many other countries have a very different idea as to what personal space is. If you were to go to Japan, for example, do not expect to get even an inch of personal space on the subway system if it is rush hour. People will literally pile into the subway car rather than wait for another one to come by.
Striking up a conversation with a stranger is considered nice in most places in the United States, but in many other countries people find it rude to have someone they do not know start chatting with them. They clearly would not like it if the person behind them started talking to them at line on Starbucks, especially if it is before they got their first cup of coffee. Striking up a conversation with a stranger is considered nice in most places in the United States, but in many other countries people find it rude to have someone they do not know start chatting with them.
They clearly would not like it if the person behind them started talking to them at line on Starbucks, especially if it is before they got their first cup of coffee.
It is a strictly American thing to get free fountain drink refills. When ordering a soda at a restaurant you will get one drink, if you want more you will have to pay for your refill. This goes for bottled water as well, it is not a free refill kind of life, or a free cup of water life either. Perhaps one day other countries will adopt this method, but so far no dice. It is a strictly American thing to get free fountain drink refills.
When ordering a soda at a restaurant you will get one drink, if you want more you will have to pay for your refill. This goes for bottled water as well, it is not a free refill kind of life, or a free cup of water life either. Perhaps one day other countries will adopt this method, but so far no dice.
Clearly, being nice is a crime outside of the United States. This one is a hard one for us to swallow. Smiling is someone's way of showing that they are approachable and nice, but in other countries, smiling at strangers is not something people do and so you will be met with strange looks from onlookers who do not understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. Clearly, being nice is a crime outside of the United States.
This one is a hard one for us to swallow. Smiling is someone's way of showing that they are approachable and nice, but in other countries, smiling at strangers is not something people do and so you will be met with strange looks from onlookers who do not understand what you are doing and why you are doing it.
If you are traveling to countries like China, Thailand, Philippines, and Russia, expect to learn that it is not considered a good thing if you finish everything on your plate. We recommend to leave a small portion of the meal on your plate, otherwise your host may be under the impression that they did not provide you with enough food and that is embarrassing for them and not a good thing for you as their guest either. If you are traveling to countries like China, Thailand, Philippines, and Russia, expect to learn that it is not considered a good thing if you finish everything on your plate.
We recommend to leave a small portion of the meal on your plate, otherwise your host may be under the impression that they did not provide you with enough food and that is embarrassing for them and not a good thing for you as their guest either.
In France, one of the rudest things to do is to not greet everyone in the party you are meeting. If you fail to say hello in some form or another to one person in your group it is as if you are saying that they are not worth your time and your greeting. In the United States people do not take it so personally but the French make it a huge deal. In France, one of the rudest things to do is to not greet everyone in the party you are meeting.
If you fail to say hello in some form or another to one person in your group it is as if you are saying that they are not worth your time and your greeting. In the United States people do not take it so personally but the French make it a huge deal.
Whether you mean to or not, you must refuse a gift a couple of times before accepting it, according to Chinese and Japanese tradition. If you accept immediately it is considered rude and too eager. We already mentioned that you must not open the gift in front of the giver either, there are just too many rules about gifts when it comes to the Far East! Whether you mean to or not, you must refuse a gift a couple of times before accepting it, according to Chinese and Japanese tradition.
If you accept immediately it is considered rude and too eager. We already mentioned that you must not open the gift in front of the giver either, there are just too many rules about gifts when it comes to the Far East!
While in many places it is considered completely normal to ask someone about what they do for a living, there are spots around the world where it is not a topic for discussion. If you plan on visiting the Netherlands anytime soon, remember not to ask someone about their job as that is considered very rude, as if you are placing them in a certain class based on their job. While in many places it is considered completely normal to ask someone about what they do for a living, there are spots around the world where it is not a topic for discussion.
If you plan on visiting the Netherlands anytime soon, remember not to ask someone about their job as that is considered very rude, as if you are placing them in a certain class based on their job.
The United States is a bit lax in their social rules about blowing one's nose. Here you can do it anywhere as long as it is with a tissue and not in front of anyones face. In other countries, such as Turkey, France, Saudi Arabia, China, and Japan, there is only one place you are allowed to blow your nose - in the restroom. Blowing your nose in public is revolting to them. The United States is a bit lax in their social rules about blowing one's nose.
Here you can do it anywhere as long as it is with a tissue and not in front of anyones face. In other countries, such as Turkey, France, Saudi Arabia, China, and Japan, there is only one place you are allowed to blow your nose - in the restroom. Blowing your nose in public is revolting to them.
The soles of your feet are considered one of the dirtiest places in ones body. It is because of this fact that it is considered very disrespectful to show the soles of your feet in Hindi, Buddhist, and Muslim countries. It is, however, very hard not to show this area of your body if you go to the places of worship where shoes must be removed as a sign of respect.
The soles of your feet are considered one of the dirtiest places in ones body.
It is because of this fact that it is considered very disrespectful to show the soles of your feet in Hindi, Buddhist, and Muslim countries. It is, however, very hard not to show this area of your body if you go to the places of worship where shoes must be removed as a sign of respect.
This one should be a good one everywhere. In Caribbean and Asian culture, it is very rude to walk into someone's home and not remove your shoes. While shoes must be removed, socks must remain on. The custom of removing the shoes is not just for cleanliness purposes, but as a sign of respect for the home and the hosts. There is a specific spot where shoes are to be placed in these instances. This one should be a good one everywhere.
In Caribbean and Asian culture, it is very rude to walk into someone's home and not remove your shoes. While shoes must be removed, socks must remain on. The custom of removing the shoes is not just for cleanliness purposes, but as a sign of respect for the home and the hosts. There is a specific spot where shoes are to be placed in these instances.
Believe it or not we are not talking about women here, this goes for the guys! In South Korea, it is not common at all to see men without their shirts on, even when they are spending their day at the beach and it is warm. Women are obviously clothed as well, especially considering the men cover themselves up as much as they do. Topless sun bathing for either gender is a no-no. Believe it or not we are not talking about women here, this goes for the guys!
In South Korea, it is not common at all to see men without their shirts on, even when they are spending their day at the beach and it is warm. Women are obviously clothed as well, especially considering the men cover themselves up as much as they do. Topless sun bathing for either gender is a no-no.
Most countries in the world are very open to the concept of helping themselves when told to do so in someones home. You have a dinner party or you just go to a friends home to catch up, their home is your home so to speak. However, in Asian countries, that is not the case. If one needs something, they ask and they shall receive. They do for you and expect you to ask before doing something yourself. Most countries in the world are very open to the concept of helping themselves when told to do so in someones home.
You have a dinner party or you just go to a friends home to catch up, their home is your home so to speak. However, in Asian countries, that is not the case. If one needs something, they ask and they shall receive. They do for you and expect you to ask before doing something yourself.
Prior to visiting countries such as Lebanon, or other Arab nations, take into consideration that it is very rude to refuse any food that is offered to you. In the United States, this happens all the time and so we do not think about it. In these other nations, food offering is a sign of respect towards you, so refusing it shows you are not respecting them in return which is not what you want to do to your host. Prior to visiting countries such as Lebanon, or other Arab nations, take into consideration that it is very rude to refuse any food that is offered to you.
In the United States, this happens all the time and so we do not think about it. In these other nations, food offering is a sign of respect towards you, so refusing it shows you are not respecting them in return which is not what you want to do to your host.
Touching or hugging someone who is not your significant other is considered very taboo in countries throughout the Middle East, Thailand, Korea, and China. Int he Middle East it is a matter of respect and modesty. In the Far East, it is a matter of social behavior and what is expected of someone. In the United States, a hug is how we say hello so be sure to remember this one! Touching or hugging someone who is not your significant other is considered very taboo in countries throughout the Middle East, Thailand, Korea, and China.
Int he Middle East it is a matter of respect and modesty. In the Far East, it is a matter of social behavior and what is expected of someone. In the United States, a hug is how we say hello so be sure to remember this one!
This one is a huge one so American's listen up! In Europe, the hand gesture that to us means "rock on" means something all too different than in the United States. In countries such as Portugal, Italy, Spain, and even parts of South America, if you do the bull horns sign at a man, it means you are telling him that his wife is not being faithful to him. This one is a huge one so American's listen up!
In Europe, the hand gesture that to us means "rock on" means something all too different than in the United States. In countries such as Portugal, Italy, Spain, and even parts of South America, if you do the bull horns sign at a man, it means you are telling him that his wife is not being faithful to him.
For us here in the West, putting up our hand means to stop something or someone. It is very innocent and is not meant as anything threatening. However, in countries such as Pakistan and Greece, showing someone the palm of your hand is a very aggressive gesture on your behalf and may be starting something you were not even aware of, so be careful with your hands when in these countries. For us here in the West, putting up our hand means to stop something or someone.
It is very innocent and is not meant as anything threatening. However, in countries such as Pakistan and Greece, showing someone the palm of your hand is a very aggressive gesture on your behalf and may be starting something you were not even aware of, so be careful with your hands when in these countries.
Talk about a different interpretation! For most of the world, crossing ones fingers means you are wishing something for someone or want to prevent something from being jinxed. In Vietnam, However, if you make that sign with your fingers it is as if you are mimicking the female body and is therefore a huge faux pas. Vietnam is a conservative country and they do not take kindly to such finger usage. Talk about a different interpretation!
For most of the world, crossing ones fingers means you are wishing something for someone or want to prevent something from being jinxed. In Vietnam, However, if you make that sign with your fingers it is as if you are mimicking the female body and is therefore a huge faux pas. Vietnam is a conservative country and they do not take kindly to such finger usage.
We also find this one rude, so there is that. In many Asian nations, it is considered rude to beckon someone with your hand. It is a belittling act that could be removed by just calling someone over in a respectful manner. For those in these Asian countries, using your hand to call someone over is as if you are comparing them to a dog.
We also find this one rude, so there is that.
In many Asian nations, it is considered rude to beckon someone with your hand. It is a belittling act that could be removed by just calling someone over in a respectful manner. For those in these Asian countries, using your hand to call someone over is as if you are comparing them to a dog.
America is the land of the free, including freedom of speech and essentially ability to do whatever you want. However, in countries in Middle East, and in East Asian countries as well, showing off a lot of skin is not only disrespectful but is considered offensive to the men and women who are expected to cover their skin when in public. Women especially are expected to cover up their shoulders and chests. America is the land of the free, including freedom of speech and essentially ability to do whatever you want.
However, in countries in Middle East, and in East Asian countries as well, showing off a lot of skin is not only disrespectful but is considered offensive to the men and women who are expected to cover their skin when in public. Women especially are expected to cover up their shoulders and chests.
While we believe that money is money, there are countries out there that are offended if someone pays for something using an old ragged bill. They prefer new, clean bills to come through their business. There are even those shops that would refuse your money if the bill is too old looking or worn. An interesting way of doing business if you ask us. While we believe that money is money, there are countries out there that are offended if someone pays for something using an old ragged bill.
They prefer new, clean bills to come through their business. There are even those shops that would refuse your money if the bill is too old looking or worn. An interesting way of doing business if you ask us.
Pointing is rude no matter where you are, it is one of the first things we are taught in kindergarten. However, in China, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines or Latin America, it is considered incredibly impolite to point at someone with your index finger. The solution? Either pointing with more than one finger, or going as far as pointing with your lips (however that may be done). Pointing is rude no matter where you are, it is one of the first things we are taught in kindergarten.
However, in China, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines or Latin America, it is considered incredibly impolite to point at someone with your index finger. The solution? Either pointing with more than one finger, or going as far as pointing with your lips (however that may be done).
There is something about Asian nations that have a lot of rules to follow. Yet another one is eating in public. Most eating should happen behind closed doors, especially in Japan where they think that it is not classy at all to eat in public but to keep it to your home or office and nothing in between. Street food must not be a thing that is enjoyed immediately then. There is something about Asian nations that have a lot of rules to follow.
Yet another one is eating in public. Most eating should happen behind closed doors, especially in Japan where they think that it is not classy at all to eat in public but to keep it to your home or office and nothing in between. Street food must not be a thing that is enjoyed immediately then.