Etiquette Tips for Americans Traveling to Foreign Places

The world is melting pot of cultures, beliefs, opinions, and customs. The things we do, our jargon, general etiquette, and attitude are all wonderful benefits of living in a land of freedom. However, what might be deemed appropriate here, may not be in another country.

When traveling to foreign places and indulging the experiences, remember you are a guest. You (hopefully) wouldn’t walk into a stranger’s house and put your feet up on their dining table, so take into consideration to the fact that you are in someone’s home while traveling abroad. Do a little research into the area you are traveling to and you might save yourself a lot of trouble.

Dress The Part – In some places, it is considered vulgar and inappropriate to wear garments that show too much skin. That tank top and shorts might be ideal for a hot day in the states, but some places, like Rome, find the attire offensive. Some locations, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, will not permit you entry if your shoulders are exposed and your skirt or shorts are too short (generally, at least to the knees). Take a shawl to cover your bare arms and pack a long sundress to ensure you are comfortable and attired properly. Also, lose the fanny pack. It brands you as a tourist and a frumpy one at that. The goal is to blend in and show that you are respectful of the culture around you. Plus, it will keep thieves from targeting you.

Order and Eat Well – Food is the gateway to culture. What you order and how you eat it – matters. Make sure you put a little research into customs before you step on the plane. Some general rules apply, such as never use ketchup unless the locals are using it. It’s rude to dip or drench anything in extra sauces unless they are provided with your served meal. Also avoid American fast food like burgers and fries, even if they are on the menu.

• In Italy, don’t order a cappuccino before noon unless you want to peg yourself instantly as a tourist.
• In Japan, never stick your chopsticks into your rice when you aren’t using them. Between bites or when taking a sip of a drink, they should placed together right in front of you, parallel to the edge of the table. Also, never refill your own glass. It may seem odd, but refill the glass of the person next to you and wait for them to reciprocate. To fill your own glass suggests gluttony and alcoholism.
• In Russia, your wrists should rest on the edge of the table while you eat. Your fork should in your left hand, and the knife in your right hand. Empty bottles should never be placed on the table. If you have drink the last of a bottle of vodka, it should be placed on the floor. Also, never mix vodka or dilute it. Men are to drink shots in one gulp, while women may do it in two sips.
• In the Middle East, India and parts of Africa, it is rude to eat with your left hand. The left hand is considered to be responsible for doing the dirty work of bodily functions in these areas. If you are left handed, just make sure you take your right hand stays on your lap instead.
• In France, never ask to split the bill. It’s considered cheap, unsophisticated and rude.
• In Australia, you buy rounds of drinks for your entire group, each member taking their turn.

Speak Clearly, Not Loud – Americans are typically labeled as loud and arrogant. Make sure you use your indoor voice even when you are upset. Speaking loudly is only needed when there is an emergency. Rest assured, yelling, “Do you speaking English?!” will not help your cause…at all…ever.

Learn the Language – When you are in foreign land, at the very least, learn several phrases. It’s not only courteous, it is smart. Knowing how to ask someone if they speak English in their native tongue shows respect for their country and will get you a warmer reception. If you do find and English-speaker, show them gratitude by avoiding slang terms and double negatives. For example, “Dude, I don’t got no map.” It will confuse them and make you sound ignorant.

Body Language – You may not think of it, but the way you wave, greet someone or communicate with hand gestures could be a problem.

• Waving while holding up your hand, palm open and facing away from yourself may be considered polite in America, but it is highly offensive in Greece. Holding your palm outward as if to single the desire to wait or convey the number 5 is the equivalent of flipping someone off and signaling that you “reject” them.
• In the United Kingdom, extending your index and middle finger together is the way they flip the bird. So be careful when you are signaling you’d like two coffees.
• Keep your feet on the ground in Asia. It’s incredibly rude and dirty to place your feet on furniture or touch someone with your foot. Also, don’t touch another person’s head.