Cultural Etiquette Around the World

In this country, tipping is considered an insult. Hotels, restaurants and other service industries all pay their employees a fair wage. By trying to give an employee a tip, you are basically saying that you don’t think that the employee is getting paid fairly.

• United States

• Brazil

• South Africa

• Japan

On all occasions involving contact with food, passing or taking objects, or interacting with people you must use the right hand. In this country the left hand is considered to be unclean because it is reserved for wiping after using the bathroom.

• India

• Canada

• Chile

• France

In this country and in most of the Eastern culture, burping after a meal is not considered rude. In fact, it indicates to your host or the chef that you enjoyed your meal.

• China

• Germanny

• Russia

• Portugal

If there aren’t already salt and pepper shakers on your table at a restaurant, don’t ask for them. Salting your food in this country is considered a huge insult. Asking for salt is telling the chef that he or she didn't season the dish correctly.

• Indonesia

• Ireland

• Egypt

• Mexico

In this country, no one is permitted to take a bite until the oldest person has started eating — a custom that’s viewed as a sign of great respect.

• Australia

• South Korea

• Iraque

• Cambodia

Chewing gum is illegal in this country. The government is dedicated to keeping the streets clean and litter-free.

• Japan

• United States

• Poland

• Singapore

If you are offered a cup of ‘cafezinho’ (‘black coffee’), accept it unless you have a good reason to refuse. In this country, coffee is a symbol of hospitality and is widely consumed.

• Bolivia

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Venezuela