Cultural Etiquette Around the World: Do’s and Don’ts for Travelers

Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences a person can have. Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, sipping espresso in Europe, or exploring the vibrant markets of Africa, stepping into another culture opens up your worldview. But while embracing new places and people, it’s essential to respect local customs and traditions. What might seem polite in one culture could be offensive in another.

Understanding cultural etiquette helps you build authentic connections, avoid embarrassing situations, and travel more responsibly. This guide covers the most important do’s and don’ts from various regions around the globe to ensure your travels are smooth and respectful.

Asia

Japan

Do:

• Bow as a greeting. Bowing is a sign of respect, and the depth of the bow can indicate the level of formality.
• Remove your shoes. When entering someone’s home, traditional inns (ryokan), temples, and even some restaurants, it’s customary to take off your shoes.
• Handle items politely. Use both hands when giving or receiving something, especially gifts or money in business settings.

Don’t:

• Talk loudly or make phone calls on public transport. Silence is valued in public spaces.
• Tip in restaurants. Tipping is not customary and can even be considered rude.
• Point or gesture with chopsticks. This is seen as impolite and disrespectful.

China

Do:

• Use both hands to present or receive items. This applies especially to business cards.
• Show respect for elders. Age is highly respected, and deferring to elders is expected.
• Be modest and humble. Bragging is frowned upon in many traditional circles.

Don’t:

• Stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This resembles incense offerings to the dead.
• Touch someone’s head. The head is considered sacred in many Asian cultures.
• Discuss politics, especially regarding Taiwan or Tibet. It’s best to steer clear of sensitive subjects.

India

Do:

• Greet with “Namaste.” A slight bow with hands pressed together is respectful and widely accepted.
• Use your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean; always eat, give, or receive items with your right.
• Dress modestly. Especially when visiting religious sites.

Don’t:

• Display public affection. Holding hands is okay, but kissing or hugging in public may be frowned upon.
• Enter temples with shoes on. Always remove footwear before entering places of worship.
• Point your feet at people or religious icons. Feet are considered impure in Hindu culture.

Middle East

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Do:

• Dress conservatively. Women should cover shoulders and knees; men should avoid sleeveless tops.
• Accept refreshments when offered. Hospitality is a vital part of the culture.
• Greet with a handshake. Men shake hands, but wait for women to extend their hand first if you’re a man.

Don’t:

• Use your left hand. Similar to India, the left hand is considered unclean.
• Publicly criticize the government or royal family. This can lead to legal trouble.
• Show public displays of affection. It’s considered inappropriate.

Turkey

Do:

• Remove shoes when entering a home. It’s a common practice.
• Be generous. Turks are known for hospitality, and offering to pay the bill is seen as polite.
• Use formal titles. Address people as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” unless invited to use first names.

Don’t:

• Blow your nose loudly in public. It’s considered rude, especially at the dinner table.
• Refuse tea. Offering tea is a common form of hospitality.
• Point the sole of your shoe toward anyone. It’s offensive in many Islamic cultures.

Europe

France

Do:

• Greet with “Bonjour.” Always say hello when entering shops or restaurants.
• Use formal manners. A level of politeness and formality is expected, especially in speech.
• Kiss on both cheeks. La bise is common among friends and acquaintances.

Don’t:

• Ask personal questions early on. French people value privacy.
• Snap your fingers at waitstaff. That’s considered extremely rude.
• Expect ice in drinks. It’s not as common in Europe as in the U.S.

Italy

Do:

• Dress stylishly. Italians take pride in appearance, especially in urban settings.
• Say hello and goodbye properly. Use “Buongiorno” and “Arrivederci” when appropriate.
• Use utensils for pizza and sandwiches in formal settings. Though not always necessary, it’s seen as more polite.

Don’t:

• Drink cappuccino after 11 a.m. Italians typically drink it only in the morning.
• Rush meals. Meals are a time for socializing and should be enjoyed slowly.
• Speak loudly. Contrary to stereotypes, loud speech is generally discouraged in public places.

Germany

Do:

• Be punctual. Time is taken seriously, and being late is seen as disrespectful.
• Follow rules. Whether it’s waiting for the light to change before crossing or recycling properly, Germans value order.
• Shake hands firmly. It’s the standard greeting.

Don’t:

• Make jokes about WWII or Nazi Germany. It’s deeply offensive and even illegal in some contexts.
• Chew gum loudly or put your hands in your pockets during conversations.
• Toast with water. It’s associated with bad luck.

Africa

South Africa

Do:

• Respect diversity. South Africa is known as the “Rainbow Nation” for its mix of cultures.
• Make eye contact when speaking. It’s a sign of confidence and honesty.
• Be polite and friendly. Greetings are important and often elaborate.

Don’t:

• Assume cultural homogeneity. There are 11 official languages and countless traditions.
• Hurry interactions. Take time to engage in conversation.
• Use first names too soon. Wait to be invited to do so.

Morocco

Do:

• Dress modestly. Especially important in rural areas and religious sites.
• Haggle in markets. Bargaining is expected and even enjoyed.
• Accept mint tea when offered. It’s a sign of hospitality.

Don’t:

• Enter mosques if you’re not Muslim. Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims.
• Eat with your left hand.
• Take photos without permission. Especially of people, as it can be considered intrusive.

The Americas

United States

Do:

• Tip in restaurants. 15–20% is standard.
• Be friendly and smile. Americans often engage in small talk with strangers.
• Respect personal space. Standing too close can make people uncomfortable.

Don’t:

• Ask about income, age, or weight. These are considered private topics.
• Smoke in public places without checking. Many areas have strict smoking laws.
• Cut in line. Americans value fairness in queues.

Brazil

Do:

• Greet with kisses. Two or even three cheek kisses are common among friends.
• Be expressive. Brazilians are warm and affectionate.
• Use sunscreen. The sun can be intense, especially on the beaches.

Don’t:

• Be punctual. A relaxed attitude toward time is common in social settings.
• Bring up political issues unless you’re very familiar with the context.
• Leave food on your plate. It may be interpreted as you didn’t enjoy the meal.

Mexico

Do:

• Greet everyone when entering a room. It’s respectful and expected.
• Use polite titles like “Señor” or “Señora.”
• Enjoy long meals. Dining is a social event.

Don’t:

• Refuse food or drink. It may come off as impolite.
• Expect prompt service. Patience is key in restaurants and bureaucratic offices.
• Forget to say goodbye. Leaving without a farewell is considered rude.

Australia & Oceania

Australia

Do:

• Be casual and friendly. Aussies appreciate a laid-back attitude.
• Respect personal space. A handshake is standard; hugging is reserved for close friends.
• Be punctual. Especially in professional settings.

Don’t:

• Brag. Australians value humility.
• Talk politics or religion right away.
• Litter. Australians take environmental cleanliness seriously.

New Zealand

Do:

• Greet with a handshake or a friendly “Kia ora.”
• Respect Maori culture. Learn about customs like the haka or the hongi (nose-to-nose greeting).
• Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.

Don’t:

• Make fun of the accent.
• Disrespect the land or nature. Conservation is very important.
• Assume Maori and Australian Aboriginal cultures are the same. They are very different.

General Global Tips

No matter where you go, some etiquette principles apply across the board:

Universal Do’s:

• Learn a few local words or phrases. Even basic greetings show effort and respect.
• Observe before acting. See how locals behave, then mirror appropriately.
• Respect local customs and religious practices.

Universal Don’ts:

• Assume everyone speaks English.
• Compare the local way to your own culture negatively.
• Take photos of people without asking.

Final Thoughts

Being a culturally sensitive traveler isn’t about memorizing every nuance; it’s about traveling with humility, curiosity, and respect. When in doubt, ask politely or observe what locals do. Your willingness to adapt can open doors, create meaningful encounters, and ensure that your experiences abroad are respectful and memorable.

So next time you pack your bags, include some cultural awareness along with your passport—you’ll be a better traveler for it.