All the Ways You Secretly Be Rude Abroad

As you travel the world, you probably strive to respect every culture you come across. But you would be surprised how easy it is to be rude without knowing it.

Chatter

In the United States, when meeting with someone, they often ask how they earn their living. But this kind of small talk will not please in France , the Netherlands, as well as in many other countries in Europe and around the world. Many see this as a way to measure or classify them. When in doubt, it is usually best to avoid personal questions about work, religion, family and politics unless asked.

However, a little conversation is needed. Smallest small talk: Say hello. In many countries around the world it is very rude not to say hello when you enter a restaurant or meet someone new. Basically, it says that you think you are above them. In the USA it is also rather rude not to say hello, but here they usually do not take offense.

Blowing nose

People wouldn’t think twice about blowing their nose in public here, but it is considered extremely rude in places like China and Japan . And in France, blowing your nose in public is not only rude, but also a sign of bad upbringing. Save your nose when you’re alone in the bathroom, and don’t bring a handkerchief with you for this purpose . Use disposable tissues instead, as the idea of ​​handkerchiefs is off-putting in many cultures.

Laugh with your mouth open

When something is funny, you want to laugh loudly and proudly. But this behavior can be rude in Japan and some other parts of Asia . There, laughing with an open mouth, baring your teeth, is considered impolite and “horse”. This is especially true for women. Hence the image of giggling Japanese girls covering their mouths.

Tips

If you thought tip was controversial here, wait until you travel to Europe, Japan, or South Korea. Not only is a tip not expected, it can be considered an insult . What you consider to be a good gesture and incentive is perceived as a demeaning charity. Tipping varies everywhere, so always check which custom you have before heading out to a new location.

Make ordinary gestures

A gesture here rarely means what it means elsewhere. All of these physical activities should be avoided while traveling:

• Thumb up: Depending on where you are, lift your thumb – this is another version of how the finger or say, “Pick up your”. Avoid this, especially if you are in Russia, Greece, West Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East .
• Peace Sign (backwards) : This is not a peace sign everywhere. In the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, this is another option for showing the middle finger . Only if you do it with the back of your hand facing them.
• Finger crossing : A sign of hope for good luck here, but a vulgar symbol in Vietnam (presumably it resembles a vagina).
• Good sign : The classic thumb-to-index circle with “perfect” says something different in Brazil, Germany, France, Venezuela and Turkey . In those places it means “asshole.”
• Keeping your hands in your pockets : This is considered arrogant and disrespectful in many countries, including Turkey and South Korea ( just ask Bill Gates ).
• Crossing the legs / showing the feet : In the Middle East, as well as in Hindu and Buddhist countries, crossing the legs to show the soles of the feet is a massive symbol of disrespect . Your feet – especially your buttocks – are considered the dirtiest part of your body and should not be shown to anyone. The same goes for gestures or directions with your feet. Do not do this.
• Touching People : Personal space is different in every culture , so it is best to keep your hands to yourself unless otherwise requested.

While some of these gestures are taboo only in some parts of the world, you’re probably better off avoiding them everywhere. Better to be safe and respectful than sorry.

Dress like a slob

In some countries in Asia and Europe, going out in public in sweatpants, sports shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps and other comfortable sports equipment is considered casual and rude . Wear pants or a skirt, wear a shirt that doesn’t have some stupid slogan, and wear closed toe shoes when not at a resort or somewhere else.

Eating

Meal times are the times of most cultural breakdowns. Here are some things to avoid:

• Don’t give up food or drink : You might think you’re being polite when telling your host not to bring anything, but it’s very rude to refuse anything that is offered to you in most places around the world. Just take this.
• Do not ask for seasoning to change dishes : unless you have a serious allergy, eat the dish exactly as it was suggested to you. It is impolite to ask for something that is not yet offered. Basically, you are saying that something is wrong with the food they gave you and you want to fix it. Rude.
• Don’t wash your plate : In many countries, especially Asia, eating all of your food suggests that you are still hungry and want more. It might be fine in a restaurant where more food can always be brought to you, but if you are in a house where supplies are limited, you are basically saying that they didn’t give you enough.
• Don’t take the first bite : If you are not asked to start eating, wait for someone else to take the first bite. Depending on where you are, this could be the oldest at the table or the most senior.
• Don’t use your left hand : If you are in India, Morocco, Africa, or the Middle East, always eat with your right hand. The right hand is for eating, the left hand for other duties, such as wiping …
• Do not eat where you are not supposed to : if you are not in a cafeteria or restaurant, eating there is considered rude. I learned this from my own bitter experience in Japan, when people looked at me and my friend as we ate a quick breakfast outside of 7-11.

Make sure you familiarize yourself with specific customs before going anywhere, but these rules will help you get by in most places.

Acceptance of gifts

Gifts are great, but they can be a trap if you are not familiar with local customs. First, do not accept the gift the first time (other than food). Many cultures expect you to refuse a gift several times before reluctantly accepting it. Also, never open a gift right in front of the giver unless he asks you to. It makes you look greedy and impatient.

Wrong place in the cockpit

You wouldn’t dream of riding your gun in a taxi if it wasn’t full, would you? Well, in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, it’s rude not to – even if the taxi is empty. Taxi drivers think it’s snobbish to go straight in the back, and they’d rather you ride in front with them and chat.

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