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Wherever you’re from, it’s likely that you were raised to understand and abide by a certain set of social norms. However, it’s also likely that what is considered polite and proper in your country isn’t exactly the same anywhere else in the world.
That’s not a huge issue…until you’re travelling and find yourself making a serious social stumble in a foreign country! Whether you’re an expat or digital nomad banking internationally, digital nomad, or simply a frequent flyer, it’s worth brushing up on social etiquette where you’re heading to.
Our team at MoneyTransfers.com have pulled together some of the biggest travel faux pas experienced around the world - with help from a number of frequent travellers to round this list out.
Jonathan Merry, resident travel expert at MoneyTransfers.com, comments:
Working with people that live, work, and send money on an international level on a regular basis, our team has seen all too often the travel blunders that can be made due to not knowing the social norms of the country you’re travelling to!
This list aims to inform and entertain anyone thinking of travelling abroad in the near future, so you can avoid making any of these all-to-frequent travel faux pas…Jonathan Merry, resident travel expert at MoneyTransfers.com
Talking in Public Spaces
Talking while commuting into work may be a commonplace interaction in some parts of the world, but in Japan, it’s considered a huge faux pas.
Travel blogger Tom, from Spaghetti Traveller, told us:
“While everyone from Japan was glued to their phones much like back home, they all used them in silence, while not a single person would answer their phone or be too loud. In fact, the entire train journeys were completely silent. When I got home, it really was noticeable how contrasting it was, with people watching videos out loud, kids playing games at full volume and several people answering their phones all within close proximity. I must say I preferred the Japanese way!”
Public transport mapped: Etiquette Mapped
Let’s take a look at public transport etiquette around the world and how it differs:
UK: Talking loudly in public transport is generally considered impolite, but talking in general is accepted and expected. Passengers tend to maintain a reasonable volume and respect the quiet atmosphere.
Spain: Similar to the UK, talking loudly in public transport is discouraged. Passengers prefer a peaceful journey without disruptive conversations.
France: French public transport is known for its calm environment. Speaking loudly is considered rude and disruptive, so maintaining a hushed tone is appreciated.
Germany: Germans value a quiet and orderly public transport experience. Speaking loudly is seen as impolite, and passengers are expected to be considerate of others.
Netherlands: Speaking loudly in Dutch public transport is not well-received. Passengers prefer a quiet journey and expect fellow travellers to respect this norm.
US: In the United States, talking loudly in public transport can be perceived as impolite, and passengers often prefer a more subdued atmosphere during their commutes. Again, however, talking in general on public transport is expected and considered normal.
Canada: Canadians generally appreciate a peaceful public transport experience. Speaking loudly is discouraged, and passengers are expected to keep their conversations at a reasonable volume.
Tokyo (Japan): In Japan, speaking loudly in public transport is a faux pas. Passengers value a serene environment and expect fellow travellers to be discreet in their conversations. Anyone talking at a volume that other passengers can hear (whether to a fellow passenger or on the phone) is considered very rude.
Tipping
Another social norm that can be considered polite in one place and a huge no-no in others is tipping. Many tourists have been surprised at the level of offence they can accidentally cause by under-tipping in the US, for example, while others find their tip being refused altogether in places like Japan and China.
Tom adds, “I was also told that tipping was not a thing [in Japan], much to my relief, as I always find the process of working out the pertinent amount a little stressful.
So the entire time I ate out, I constantly felt guilty when just getting up to go and not leaving a tip behind. But the one time I went into automatic mode and accidentally left a tip, the waitress ran after me out of the restaurant to give it back to me. I told her she could keep it, but she wouldn’t let me go without taking it.”
Tipping Mapped: Etiquette Around the World
Let’s take a look at customs surrounding tipping in different parts of the world:
UK: Customary for Most Restaurants
Tipping is customary in the UK, and it's common to leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants. However, some places include a service charge, so check your bill to avoid double-tipping. For drinks and small bites, you would not be expected to leave a tip (although it is always appreciated by staff).
Spain: Appreciated but not Essential
In Spain, tipping is appreciated but not as substantial as in some other countries. Leaving small change or rounding up the bill is common in restaurants, while tipping is less common in bars and cafes.
France: Customary When Dining out
Tipping is expected in France. Service is often included in the bill, but it's customary to leave an additional 5-10% as a gesture of appreciation.
Germany: 5 - 10% Tip Expected
In Germany, it's common to round up the bill or leave a 5-10% tip in restaurants. Service charges are typically included, so check your bill.
Netherlands: Appreciated but not Obligatory
Tipping in the Netherlands is appreciated but not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is a courteous gesture.
Scandinavian Countries: Option but Polite
Tipping is not as common in Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Service charges are usually included, so tipping is optional, but it's polite to round up the bill if you're satisfied with the service.
US: Expected in Most Scenarios
Tipping is a significant part of the service industry in the United States. In restaurants, a 15-20% tip is customary. Tipping is also expected in various other service contexts, such as for bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff.
Canada: Expected in Most Scenarios
Tipping practices in Canada are similar to those in the US, with a 15-20% tip expected in restaurants. Tipping is also customary in other service industries.
Japan: Not Customary - Even Rude
Tipping is not customary in Japan, and it can even be considered rude in some situations. Exceptional service is usually acknowledged with a polite thank you, but tipping is not expected.
China: Not Expected/Appropriate
Tipping is not a common practice in China. In some cases, it may even be refused. Instead, showing appreciation through words or gestures is more appropriate.
Dressing Appropriately
Something that causes a lot of accidental offence when travelling is failing to adhere to societal norms when it comes to clothing.
Emese Maczko, founder of Eco Lodges Anywhere, said she’s been a witness to this faux pas on more than one occasion!
She says, “Wearing revealing clothes in the Middle East can be frowned upon and perceived as disrespectful to the local culture and customs. However, everyday casual clothes can also get you in trouble in Europe. When I was visiting St. Peter's Basilica with my family, we saw tourists being turned away because their clothes were not covering their shoulders and knees. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and short skirts are usually worn during summer in Italy, but they will deny you access to the Vatican.”
Clothing Etiquette Around the World
It’s well known that in some countries, you may be expected to wear certain clothing that you would not normally wear at home. Let’s take a look at a few countries that differ significantly:
India:
In India, women especially are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Western trends such as leggings, shorts, and spaghetti-strap tops are generally not seen as appropriate and may draw a lot of stares!
Saudi Arabia:
In Saudi Arabia, both men and women must dress modestly in public, covering shoulders and knees and avoiding clothing with profane images or language. It is not mandatory for female travellers to wear the traditional robe or abaya, but you may feel more comfortable (drawing less attention) with a head covering in certain spaces.
US:
Travellers to the US will not find themselves with any particular clothing restrictions. You can quite happily pack shorts, t-shirts, and or whatever you feel comfortable in and be appropriately dressed.
Brazil:
Dress codes for religious sites in Brazil are generally more relaxed. Modesty is appreciated, but there are usually no strict requirements for covering shoulders or knees.
Japan:
Japan leans towards conservative, neutral, and smart-casual attire, but this is more of a fashion choice than a must. Tourists wearing shorts and tank tops, for example, won’t be considered inappropriately dressed - but you will stand out as very much as a visitor to the country!
Going Shoeless
Shoes on, or shoes off? This could be a serious social blunder depending on where you are in the world. In many cultures around the world, taking your shoes off before entering a home or building is considered the norm. However, in other parts of the world, it may be something you simply don’t consider.
Shoes On or Shoes Off Around the World
Let’s take a look at this custom in different parts of the world.
Japan: Shoes Off
In Japan, taking off your shoes before entering a home is a deeply ingrained tradition. It's expected, and guests are provided with slippers to wear indoors.
China: Shoes Off
In Chinese culture, it's customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home. Guests are often offered slippers to wear indoors to maintain cleanliness.
Canada: Host Dependent
In Canada, the practice of taking off shoes indoors varies by region and household. It's polite to follow the host's preference.
India: Shoes Off
In many Indian households, guests are expected to remove their shoes when entering. This practice is a sign of respect and cleanliness.
Russia: Shoes On
Russians usually keep their shoes on indoors, and taking them off without an explicit invitation is not common.
Brazil: Shoes On
In Brazil, it's typical to keep shoes on when inside a home, and taking them off without a specific request is not customary.
Gift Giving
You would be forgiven for thinking that giving gifts is a widely accepted practice anywhere in the world - but yet again, there are certain social norms that could easily lead you to making a serious travel faux pas at times.
Gift-Giving Norms Around the World
Japan:
In Japan, gift-giving is a highly formal and ritualised practice. Gifts are typically wrapped meticulously, and the presentation is just as important as the gift itself. It's customary to bow when giving and receiving gifts.
Saudi Arabia:
In Saudi Arabia, offering a gift with the left hand is considered disrespectful, as the left hand is traditionally associated with impurity. Using the right hand is the proper etiquette for giving and receiving gifts.
China:
When giving a gift in China, it's common to use both hands to present it as a sign of respect. The value of the gift is often downplayed, and the recipient may initially refuse it before accepting.
India:
In India, the choice of gifts and the presentation can vary greatly by region and occasion. However, gifts are typically given and received with the right hand, and they may be presented in a colourful and decorative manner.
Russia:
Russians appreciate gift-giving on various occasions. However, it's essential to select an appropriate gift and avoid certain items like sharp objects, which are believed to bring bad luck.
Italy:
In Italy, giving and receiving gifts is a common practice, and it's polite to bring a gift when visiting someone's home. Wine, chocolates, or flowers are popular choices.
Ghana:
In Ghana, it's customary to present gifts with both hands as a sign of respect. Traditional items like kente cloth or handcrafted goods are appreciated.
Canada:
In Canada, the etiquette around gift-giving is similar to that in the United States. Gifts are often given and received with appreciation, and the choice of gift can vary depending on the occasion and personal preferences.
Eating Etiquette
With food and mealtimes being an essential part of many cultures, it’s not that surprising to learn that serious faux pas can be made surrounding eating customs.
Eating with Hands Norms:
India:
Eating with hands is a common practice in India, especially when enjoying traditional dishes like biryani, naan, or dosa. It's considered an intimate and authentic way of savouring the flavours.
Ethiopia:
In Ethiopia, it's customary to eat injera, a sourdough flatbread, and various stews using one's hands. The right hand is typically used, as the left hand is considered unclean.
Middle Eastern Countries:
In many Middle Eastern countries, it's customary to eat with the right hand, as the left hand is traditionally associated with hygiene-related tasks. Dishes like falafel and shawarma are often eaten with hands.
Japan:
In Japan, using hands to eat is generally considered inappropriate, even for finger foods like sushi. Chopsticks and other utensils are commonly used.
Italy:
In Italy, it's customary to use utensils to eat pasta, pizza, and other dishes. Eating with hands, especially in formal settings, may be seen as impolite.
France:
French dining etiquette emphasises the use of utensils, even when eating finger foods like croissants or baguettes. Eating with hands is generally reserved for informal settings.
United States:
In the United States, it's common to use utensils for most meals, and eating with hands is generally limited to specific dishes like hamburgers or hot dogs. However, finger foods are often enjoyed at casual gatherings.
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