Cultural Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts Around the World

Traveling to new destinations is an enriching experience that broadens horizons, builds connections, and fosters a deeper understanding of cultures. However, navigating cultural etiquette can be a challenge, especially for first-time travelers. Knowing the dos and don’ts of different regions ensures a more meaningful and respectful travel experience.

In this article, we’ll explore cultural etiquette around the world to help you travel confidently and courteously.

What Is Cultural Etiquette?

Cultural etiquette refers to the accepted codes of conduct, customs, and traditions unique to a particular culture or region. These norms influence how people communicate, behave, and interact. Being mindful of these practices fosters mutual respect and prevents misunderstandings.

Why Cultural Etiquette Matters

Understanding cultural etiquette can:

• Enhance Relationships: Respecting customs builds trust and rapport with locals.

• Avoid Misunderstandings: Missteps in etiquette can lead to discomfort or offense.

• Show Cultural Appreciation: Demonstrating respect for traditions enriches your travel experience.

Cultural Etiquette Around the World

Let’s dive into specific practices across various regions to ensure you’re prepared wherever you go.

Asia

Japan

• Dos:

  • Bow Respectfully: Bowing is a common greeting; the depth of the bow reflects the level of respect.

  • Remove Shoes: Always take off your shoes before entering homes or certain establishments.

  • Use Both Hands: When giving or receiving items, use both hands to show respect.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Loud Public Behavior: Speaking loudly on public transport is considered rude.

  • Don’t Tip: Tipping can be perceived as offensive, as service is considered part of the job.

India

• Dos:

  • Greet with “Namaste”: Place your palms together and slightly bow.

  • Use Your Right Hand: Always use your right hand for eating or handing items, as the left hand is considered unclean.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Public Displays of Affection: They are frowned upon in many areas.

  • Don’t Wear Shoes in Religious Sites: Always remove footwear before entering temples or mosques.

China

• Dos:

  • Accept Gifts with Both Hands: It’s a sign of gratitude.

  • Respect Elders: Address them with formal titles and show deference.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Tipping: It is not customary in most places.

  • Don’t Point Fingers: Use an open hand to gesture.

Thailand

• Dos:

  • Greet with a Wai: Press your palms together and bow slightly.

  • Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Touching Heads: The head is considered sacred.

  • Don’t Point Your Feet: Feet are viewed as the lowest part of the body.

South Korea

• Dos:

  • Use Two Hands: Offer and receive items with both hands.

  • Bow Slightly: When greeting someone older or in a higher position.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Writing in Red Ink: It’s associated with death.

  • Don’t Pour Your Own Drink: Always pour for others and allow them to pour for you.

Middle East

United Arab Emirates

• Dos:

  • Dress Modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees when in public.

  • Greet with a Handshake: Use your right hand and wait for the local to initiate contact.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Holding hands is acceptable, but kissing in public is not.

  • Don’t Take Photos Without Permission: Especially of people and government buildings.

Saudi Arabia

• Dos:

  • Respect Prayer Times: Businesses close during prayers.

  • Greet with “Salam Alaikum”: It’s the standard greeting.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Wearing Tight Clothes: Modesty is highly valued.

  • Don’t Criticize Religion or Culture: It’s considered deeply offensive.

Turkey

• Dos:

  • Remove Shoes: Before entering someone’s home.

  • Use Titles: Address people formally unless invited to use their first name.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Using Your Left Hand: For eating or offering items.

  • Don’t Refuse Tea: It’s a symbol of hospitality.

Israel

• Dos:

  • Respect Religious Sites: Dress modestly and follow the rules.

  • Learn Basic Hebrew Phrases: It’s appreciated by locals.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Talking Politics: It can be a contentious topic.

  • Don’t Photograph People Without Permission: Especially in conservative areas.

Europe

France

• Dos:

  • Greet with a Kiss on Both Cheeks: A light kiss on both cheeks is common among acquaintances.

  • Say “Bonjour” and “Merci”: Politeness is highly valued, so always greet and thank people.

• Don’ts:

  • Don’t Be Loud: The French often prefer quieter, more subdued interactions.

  • Avoid Discussing Money: Conversations about money are considered private.

Italy

• Dos:

  • Greet with a Handshake: Use direct eye contact and a firm grip.

  • Respect Meal Times: Meals are social events; take time to enjoy them.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Ordering Cappuccino After 11 AM: Italians typically reserve it for breakfast.

  • Don’t Rush Conversations: Italians value long, engaging discussions.

Germany

• Dos:

  • Be Punctual: Germans highly value punctuality.

  • Use Formal Titles: Address people formally unless invited to use their first name.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Crossing the Street Illegally: Jaywalking is frowned upon.

  • Don’t Joke About History: Avoid jokes related to World War II.

Spain

• Dos:

  • Embrace the Siesta: Understand that shops may close in the afternoon.

  • Greet with Two Kisses: One on each cheek for acquaintances.

• Don’ts:

  • Don’t Expect Early Dinners: Dinner is typically served late.

  • Avoid Rushing Conversations: Spaniards enjoy leisurely chats.

United Kingdom

• Dos:

  • Queue Politely: Waiting your turn is a valued practice.

  • Say “Please” and “Thank You”: Politeness is essential.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Talking Loudly in Public: Keep conversations subdued.

  • Don’t Skip Rounds in a Pub: If drinking with locals, it’s customary to buy a round.

Americas

United States

• Dos:

  • Tip Generously: Tipping 15%-20% in restaurants is customary.

  • Respect Personal Space: Keep a reasonable distance during conversations.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Touching Without Consent: Handshakes are common; hugging is reserved for close friends.

  • Don’t Cut in Line: Waiting your turn is an unspoken rule.

Mexico

• Dos:

  • Greet with a Handshake or Hug: Mexicans are warm and welcoming.

  • Try Local Cuisine: Sampling street food is encouraged.

• Don’ts:

  • Don’t Be Impatient: Time is more flexible; punctuality is less rigid.

  • Avoid Criticizing Traditions: Respect cultural and religious customs.

Canada

• Dos:

  • Apologize Frequently: Canadians are known for their politeness.

  • Respect Multiculturalism: Appreciate the diverse cultural practices.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Talking About Politics: It’s often considered private.

  • Don’t Forget to Tip: Similar to the U.S., tipping is customary.

Brazil

• Dos:

  • Greet with a Kiss: Depending on the region, one or two cheek kisses may be customary.

  • Try Local Dishes: Feijoada and brigadeiros are must-tries.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Discussing Politics: Especially sensitive topics.

  • Don’t Be Impatient: Punctuality is more relaxed.

Argentina

• Dos:

  • Greet with a Kiss on the Cheek: Common even among new acquaintances.

  • Enjoy Long Meals: Meals are social occasions to be savored.

• Don’ts:

  • Don’t Rush Conversations: Argentinians enjoy in-depth discussions.

  • Avoid Using the "Okay" Gesture: It’s considered rude in some contexts.

Africa

South Africa

• Dos:

  • Greet with a Firm Handshake: Maintain eye contact.

  • Respect Elders: Show deference by addressing them formally.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Political Discussions: Topics like apartheid can be sensitive.

  • Don’t Ignore Taboos: Research specific taboos for local tribes or communities.

Kenya

• Dos:

  • Use Titles: Address people formally unless invited to do otherwise.

  • Respect Elders: Always show deference.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Rushing Greetings: Take time to greet people properly.

  • Don’t Ignore Dress Codes: Modest attire is expected in many areas.

Nigeria

• Dos:

  • Greet with Enthusiasm: Handshakes are common and warm.

  • Respect Traditions: Take time to understand cultural practices.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Rushing Meals: Meals are social occasions.

  • Don’t Criticize Customs: Be open-minded and respectful.

Egypt

• Dos:

  • Dress Conservatively: Women should cover their shoulders and knees.

  • Use “Salam Alaikum”: A common Arabic greeting meaning “Peace be upon you.”

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Pointing: Using fingers to point is considered rude.

  • Don’t Show Sole of Feet: This is a sign of disrespect.

Ethiopia

• Dos:

  • Use Right Hand for Eating: The left hand is considered unclean.

  • Respect Religious Practices: Be mindful of fasting periods.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Eating Before Elders: Wait for elders to begin.

  • Don’t Decline Coffee: Coffee ceremonies are a symbol of hospitality.

Oceania

Australia

• Dos:

  • Say “G’day”: Australians appreciate casual greetings.

  • Respect Indigenous Cultures: Acknowledge and respect Aboriginal traditions.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Discussing Politics: Politics and religion are often private matters.

  • Don’t Litter: Australians value their environment.

New Zealand

• Dos:

  • Learn the Haka: Appreciate Maori culture by understanding its significance.

  • Greet with a Handshake: It’s the most common form of greeting.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Sitting on Tables: Tables are for food, not seating.

  • Don’t Mispronounce Maori Words: Make an effort to pronounce them correctly.

Fiji

• Dos:

  • Participate in Kava Ceremonies: It’s a sign of respect.

  • Smile and Be Friendly: Fijians are known for their warmth.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Wearing Hats in Villages: It’s considered disrespectful.

  • Don’t Point at People: Use your entire hand to gesture.

Papua New Guinea

• Dos:

  • Respect Local Traditions: Communities have unique customs.

  • Ask for Permission Before Taking Photos: Especially in rural areas.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Impatience: Time moves more slowly in many regions.

  • Don’t Ignore Dress Codes: Modest attire is appreciated.

Samoa

• Dos:

  • Participate in Fa’a Samoa: Respect the Samoan way of life.

  • Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees in villages.

• Don’ts:

  • Avoid Standing While Eating: It’s considered impolite.

  • Don’t Disrespect Elders: Show deference and politeness.

Practical Tips for Navigating Cultural Etiquette

1. Research Before Traveling: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions.

2. Observe Locals: Pay attention to how people behave and mimic their actions.

3. Ask Questions: If unsure, politely ask locals for guidance.

4. Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing key phrases like “Thank you” and “Excuse me” goes a long way.

5. Keep an Open Mind: Embrace differences and view them as learning opportunities.

Travel Respectfully with Pleasant Point HomeStays International

Navigating cultural etiquette enhances your travel experience and fosters meaningful connections. Whether you're exploring the vibrant markets of India, enjoying a café in Paris, or trekking through New Zealand, understanding local customs ensures a respectful and enriching journey.

To start your culturally immersive adventure, visit Pleasant Point HomeStays International and explore our curated homestay experiences designed to deepen your appreciation for global traditions. Book your next adventure today!