- laughing out loud – in Japan, people believe that laughing with your mouth wide open is impolite. When locals start laughing, they hold a hand over their mouths;
- giving a thumbs up – in many countries, such as West Africa, South America, Greece, or several Middle Eastern countries, giving someone a thumbs up is no good. That’s because this gesture is considered equal to holding up your middle finger. If you want to show someone that you agree with them, keep it simple and smile or nod.
- adding condiments to the foods you are being served – this one is a little bit weird because you can’t expect all people to have the same taste buds. At several restaurants in Spain, Japan, Italy, or France, asking for extra condiments and spices to add to your plate is not well-received. They expect you to like what you are being served, and not make alterations to the food. Unless the condiments are already on your table, such as salt and pepper, you shouldn’t be asking for any extra spices, like tomato sauce or chili;
17 thoughts on “22 Ways You Are Being Rude Without Realizing It”
Sounds like Japan needs to get a real life,
I asked for a coke with lunch in Amsterdam. I was told by my host that coke is normally given to children and adults do not drink coke with a meal. It was a surprise to me.
This article is misleading. These are things you can do in other countries that are rude there. They are not rude here. I think the article needs a different title.
I was in Lagos Nigeria and tipped the driver of the security van. Later I was told one I over tipped and two it was rude to do so. I felt terrible.
There are enough interesting places to go, things to see, and people to meet right here in my country, that there is no conceivable reason to travel outside the United States of America.
What you may wish to do is publish this article overseas, so that when people come here it doesn’t feel to us that the interlopers are defecating on our wives’ dining room table.
How about that?
WOW WOW
If I traveled a lot…GOOD STUFF TO KNOW.
Thanks
There are so many, and such intrusive ads superimposed on the story here as to make opening any of your posts obnoxious.
I was interested in the piece, but gave up on the unreadable presentation.
This is so BS. Blowing your nose? Would they prefer that we let snot drip down our lip and lick it off? How repulsive would THAT be? I just made myself gag, eww
GOOD ADVICE HERE –BUT i DO MANY OF THESE THINGS ALREADY !
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
A better title for this article would be 22 ways you are being rude when traveling abroad – not everyone travels.
While living in St. Thomas Virgin Islands, I very quickly became aware that when you entered any establishment, you were expected to say; “Good morning”, “Good afternoon” or just “Good day”. It didn’t matter if it was a Doctor’s waiting room, or even just to approach Anyone to ask a question or cashing out at a store. In doing this, you will get respect back, (98% of the time). If you DON’T, you will not be treated as an equal but just a simple minded spoiled tourist from the continent. Just those two little words and a smile goes a long way in the beautiful Virgin Islands.
I can’t believe that I’ve survived without any of this information. This is excellent stuff. Thanks for all the research that went into this article.
Italians may not like to get a cappuccino after lunch, but if you do it is not considered rude, maybe just slightly strange, cause it’s a heavy drink usually consumed for breakfast or late afternoon snack.
When you are driving and you let another car go first,, The other driver should wave and say THANK YOU.. If you (the driver) let someone cross the street in front of you, That person should say thank you..
I always used to buy a book about travel in a specific country that I would go to. I always would get great tips that would help me a lot in my travels. Like which stand cheated on a certain market, or where I could get a cheap clean hotel, or where they had customer government services sitting there on the corner just to help you with everything. Reading those books before I left I always would help other foreigners in need. I often became a “leader” of “tourist groups”. I usually traveled with my mom.
These are fantastic. Think I’ll make a short list, even though I’m sure I won’t get to most countries LOL. These are things people from 90day fiance should be aware of.
Very interesting and educational, I really like this item. I have traveled to many different Countries and never thought of many of these rules, I am busy getting the language so I can commutate.