Grayson West
Traveling to new places can be an eye-opening experience, especially when it comes to cultural norms and etiquette. What’s considered polite in one country might be totally inappropriate in another. So, let’s take a look at ten cultural etiquette oddities that might just make you rethink your manners.
Slurp Your Noodles (Japan)
In Japan, making noise while eating soba or ramen is expected. It is a way of expressing enjoyment and appreciation for the chef’s craft and also signals that the food is hot, fresh, and delicious. So when the bowl lands in front of you, don’t be shy—let your appreciation ring out.
Don’t Tip At All (Japan)
Leave your change alone. Tipping in Japan is seen as unnecessary or even rude. This is because the service culture operates on the idea that doing your job well is simply expected, not something that should require extra cash.
Decline Before Accepting (China)
If you’re offered a drink, a gift, or a second helping in China, don’t say yes too quickly. The polite move is to refuse once, sometimes even twice, before finally giving in. It’s part of a long-standing tradition that values humility over-eagerness.
Never Use Your Left Hand (India)
The left hand holds a particular cultural association in India. Traditionally used for personal hygiene, it’s seen as unclean, making it inappropriate for greeting people or handling communal items. Even if you’re left-handed, switching hands for key interactions will help you avoid uncomfortable situations.
Smiles Raise Suspicion (Russia)
Unlike in many Western cultures, where smiles are scattered around like small talk, Russians tend to smile only when there’s a genuine reason. A smile in a shop or during a casual greeting might seem insincere or even odd. Instead, people expect facial expressions to match authentic emotions.
Keep Your Feet Down (Thailand)
Using your feet to touch or point at someone or placing them near sacred objects is seen as extremely disrespectful. This belief comes from Buddhist teachings and traditional Thai values, where respect flows from the head down. So, keep your soles grounded, and your manners will stay intact.
Avoid Eye Contact (South Korea)
In South Korea, direct eye contact with elders or authority figures can come across as bold or confrontational, especially in formal settings. Younger people may look downward or slightly away when speaking to someone senior, signaling deference rather than disinterest.
Don’t Blow Your Nose (China)
Blowing your nose in public is usually frowned upon in Chinese culture. It’s viewed as unhygienic and disruptive, even if you do it quietly. Instead, the polite thing to do is excuse yourself and step away to a restroom or private spot.
Being Late Is Expected (Argentina)
For social events like dinner parties or casual meetups, arriving exactly on time might surprise your host rather than impress them. Showing up 30 to 60 minutes later is often the norm and is even considered more polite. It gives everyone breathing room to prepare and settle in without pressure.
Thumbs Up Offends (Middle East)
Be careful with your thumbs in parts of the Middle East. That friendly thumbs-up, while harmless in the West, can carry deeply offensive meanings in countries like Iran, Iraq, and parts of Afghanistan. It’s the equivalent of a crude hand gesture, not an endorsement.