Cultural Etiquette Do's and Don'ts for New International Explorers
Handshake, Bow, or Cheek Kiss?
Do mirror your host: a gentle handshake in Germany, a small bow in Japan, or a cheek kiss in parts of France or Argentina. Don’t initiate kisses in conservative contexts, and never overpower greetings with force. Ask politely, learn quickly, and stay adaptable.
Using Names and Titles
Do use titles in formal cultures—Professor, Doctor, Señor, Frau—until invited to switch to first names. Don’t shorten names or assign nicknames without permission. Confirm pronunciation, practice carefully, and show you care by getting it right the first time.
Dining Abroad: Table Manners That Travel Well
Seats, Toasts, and Table Hierarchies
Do wait to be seated and watch who takes the head seat in East Asia or the Caucasus. Don’t drink before the first toast when tradition demands a collective start. Offer appreciative, measured toasts, and avoid clinking in Japan to reduce noise and spills.
Utensils, Hands, and Local Staples
Do eat with your right hand where customary, and accept bread as a utensil in parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice; it resembles funerary rites. Observe, imitate respectfully, and ask soft questions when unsure.
Paying the Bill and Tipping
Do learn the local norm; tipping is essential in the United States, included in many European service charges, and uncommon in Japan. Don’t wrestle the bill aggressively. Offer to host graciously, or rotate paying among friends to keep harmony alive.
Communication Nuances: Words, Tone, and Silence
Do expect direct feedback in the Netherlands or Israel; concise requests are valued. Don’t corner someone in Japan or Thailand; hints and context carry the answer. Practice reading between lines, and confirm gently to avoid embarrassment on both sides.
Do keep gestures minimal until you learn local meanings. Don’t flash the OK sign in parts of Brazil or Turkey, or beckon with a curled finger in the Philippines. When in doubt, use open palms and calm, neutral movements.
Gifts, Invitations, and Hosting Etiquette
Do bring regional treats or quality stationery; thoughtful, portable gifts travel well. Don’t give clocks in China or chrysanthemums in some European contexts. Present and receive with both hands where expected, and admire the gift without insisting it be opened.
Gifts, Invitations, and Hosting Etiquette
Do remove shoes if you see a pile by the door. Don’t arrive exactly on time in cultures where a small delay is polite. Offer help to clear the table, and reciprocate with an invitation or heartfelt note soon after.
Do seek consent before posting identifiable faces, especially children. Don’t geotag fragile sites that risk overcrowding. Credit creators, avoid poverty voyeurism, and tell stories that honor dignity, context, and the people who welcomed you into their world.
Do choose local guides and artisans, and pay fair prices rather than bargaining people down to unsustainable margins. Don’t touch wildlife or stray off marked trails. Carry reusables, and ask sellers how to support their work beyond a single purchase.
Do research safety norms for women, LGBTQ+ travelers, and minority communities, and support businesses that champion inclusion. Don’t assume your comfort translates universally. Listen to local voices, follow community guidance, and share resources to help others travel respectfully.
