Traveling to a new country can be an eye-opening experience, especially regarding manners and etiquette. What’s considered rude in one place might actually be a sign of respect in another. In the following gallery, I list 12 behaviors that seem impolite at first glance but are welcomed in other cultures.
Burping after a meal
In some Middle Eastern countries, burping after a meal is seen as a compliment to the cook. It shows that you enjoyed the food and ate your fill. This custom might seem strange to Westerners, but it’s a genuine way to express satisfaction. In these cultures, a hearty burp is much appreciated by hosts who want to ensure their guests are well-fed and happy.
Slurping your noodles
In Japan, slurping noodles is not only accepted but encouraged. The loud noise signifies enjoying your food and appreciating its flavor. Slurping also helps cool down hot noodles as you eat them. Japanese people often find it odd when foreigners quietly eat ramen or soba noodles, which might suggest they’re not fully enjoying the meal.
Spitting in public
While generally frowned upon in many countries, spitting in public is common and accepted in some parts of China. It’s seen as a natural way to clear your throat and eliminate phlegm. However, attitudes are changing in big cities, and younger generations tend to avoid this habit. Still, visitors to rural areas might be surprised to see people spitting on the street without drawing any negative attention.
Arriving late to a party
In some Latin American countries, showing up on time to a social gathering can be seen as rude. Arriving fashionably late, often by 30 minutes to an hour, is expected and gives the host more time to prepare. This relaxed attitude towards time is part of the laid-back culture in these regions. If you arrive right on time, you might catch your host still getting ready!
Leaving food on your plate
In many Asian countries, especially China, leaving some food on your plate is a polite gesture. It shows that your host provided more than enough food and that you’re satisfied. Finishing everything might suggest you’re still hungry and your host didn’t provide enough. This custom can be tricky for those raised to clean their plates, but it’s a meaningful way to show appreciation in these cultures.
Refusing offers multiple times
In some Middle Eastern and Asian cultures, it’s polite to refuse offers of food or gifts several times before accepting. This back-and-forth is a kind of ritual that shows you’re not greedy or presumptuous. The host is expected to insist, and the guest should politely decline a few times before accepting. It’s a dance of politeness that can be confusing for outsiders but is an integral part of social interactions in these regions.
Using your left hand
In many Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian countries, the left hand is considered unclean and shouldn’t be used for eating or greeting people. This custom stems from traditional toilet practices. Using your right hand for these activities signifies respect and cleanliness. Visitors should be mindful of this and try to use their right hand when interacting with locals, especially during meals or when shaking hands.
Asking personal questions
In some cultures, especially in the Middle East and parts of Asia, asking personal questions about someone’s family, job, or even salary is a way to show interest and build relationships. These topics, which might seem too private in Western countries, are often seen as normal conversation starters. It’s a way of getting to know someone better and showing that you care about their life. Just be prepared to answer similar questions in return!
Making noise while eating
In some East Asian countries, making slurping or chomping noises while eating is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged. It’s seen as a sign that you’re enjoying your food and can even be a compliment to the chef. This is especially true for foods like noodles or soup. While it might seem impolite to those from quieter dining cultures, it’s a natural part of the meal in places like Japan, China, and Korea.
Not tipping
In many countries, especially in Europe and Asia, tipping is not expected or might even be seen as rude. In Japan, for example, providing excellent service is considered part of the job, and a tip might be seen as insulting. In some European countries, a service charge is often included in the bill, making additional tipping unnecessary. Research tipping customs before traveling to avoid awkward situations or unintentionally offending your servers.
Touching cheeks when greeting
In many Latin American and European countries, kissing on the cheek or air-kissing near the cheek is a common greeting, even among people who’ve just met. The number of kisses can vary by country or region. This custom might feel too intimate for people from cultures where physical contact with strangers is limited. However, in these places, not participating in this greeting ritual might be seen as cold or unfriendly.
Finishing your drink quickly
In some countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, finishing your drink quickly at a social gathering is a sign that you’re enjoying yourself and ready for more. Your host might interpret this as a cue to refill your glass. In contrast, in other cultures, sipping slowly is the norm. If you’re not used to this custom, you might be offered refills more often than expected, so pace yourself accordingly!
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