🌍 Cultural Etiquette Rules Around the World: 20 Rules You Didn’t Know You Were Breaking

Travel isn’t just about flights and photos, it’s about connection. But even the most well-meaning tourists can unintentionally offend locals by breaking cultural rules they didn’t even know existed. What’s polite in your home country might be rude, confusing, or even illegal somewhere else.

Before your next trip, brush up on these 20 cultural etiquette rules that could save you from awkward moments (or worse).

1. Don’t Tip in Japan

In Japan, tipping is considered rude. Good service is expected and built into the culture. Leaving extra money might confuse or offend your server.

2. Keep Your Feet Down in Thailand

In many Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. Don’t put your feet up on chairs or point them at people or religious icons.

3. Don’t Clink Glasses in Hungary

To this day, many Hungarians avoid clinking beer glasses due to a historical reference to a 19th-century war. It’s not a big deal if you do. but locals may politely abstain.

4. Cover Your Shoulders in Temples

When visiting religious sites in places like Bali, India, or Italy, cover your shoulders and knees, regardless of the heat. Many temples provide wraps at the entrance — but it’s best to bring a light scarf or shawl.

5. Silence Is Golden on Swiss Trains

Switzerland is famously quiet, and so are its public spaces. On trains, loud conversations or phone calls are considered very inconsiderate.

6. Right Hand Only in the Middle East

In many Muslim countries, the left hand is considered unclean and is not used for eating or handshakes. Use your right hand whenever you’re giving, receiving, or dining.

7. Don’t Touch Heads in Buddhist Cultures

In Buddhist countries like Thailand and Laos, the head is the most sacred part of the body. Even playfully touching a child’s head can be disrespectful.

8. Always Remove Shoes Indoors in Nordic and Asian Countries

In places like Japan, South Korea, Finland, and Sweden, it’s customary to remove shoes before entering a home, and sometimes even in restaurants or traditional hotels.

9. Eye Contact Norms Vary

In Western cultures, eye contact shows confidence. But in parts of Asia and Africa, too much eye contact may be seen as aggressive or confrontational, especially with elders.

10. Don’t Ask for a Doggy Bag in France

In high-end restaurants across Europe, asking to take leftovers home can be frowned upon. It’s becoming more accepted, but it still might get you some strange looks in France or Italy.

11. Personal Space Isn’t Universal

In places like Latin America, the Middle East, and Southern Europe, people may stand much closer in conversation.

12. Tipping Is Essential in the U.S.

Unlike many other countries, tipping in the United States is expected, especially in restaurants. Failing to tip can come across as disrespectful, since servers rely on tips for income.

13. Watch Your Hand Gestures

Even simple gestures like a thumbs up or “OK” sign can be offensive in countries like Brazil, Turkey, and Greece. When in doubt, just smile.

14. Wait to Eat in Ethiopia

In some traditional settings, you don’t start eating until the eldest person at the table begins. It’s a sign of respect and community hierarchy.

15. Don’t Blow Your Nose at the Table in China or Japan

Blowing your nose loudly in public, especially while eating, is considered disgusting in East Asia. Excuse yourself and step away if needed.

16. Don’t Eat on Public Transport in the UK

Eating a sandwich on a train in London? That might draw a few side-eyes. While not illegal, eating on public transport is often considered impolite.

17. Don’t Smile Too Much in Eastern Europe

In some Eastern European countries, excessive smiling at strangers can seem insincere or suspicious. Save your grins for when they’re really earned.

18. Use Two Hands in South Korea and China

When giving or receiving a gift, money, or even a drink, use both hands to show respect, especially to elders or authority figures.

19. No PDA in Some Countries

In India, the UAE, and some other conservative countries, public displays of affection like kissing or hugging can be frowned upon or even illegal.

20. Ask Before Taking Photos

In many Indigenous communities or religious settings, taking photos is considered disrespectful, or even spiritually harmful. Always ask first.

🧳 Final Thought

You don’t have to memorize the etiquette of every country on Earth, but being curious, respectful, and willing to learn goes a long way. When in doubt? Observe what locals do, ask politely, and lead with empathy. That’s the best way to make friends and memories around the world.