When in Rome, do as the Romans do! While abroad, it’s important that you not act embarrassingly and expose yourself as an ignorant tourist. That means no getting plastered and puking into a pool! Here are some no-nos you need to watch out for in other countries.

Japan:

  1. Take off your shoes when you enter other people’s apartments.
  2. Tipping isn’t part of the Japanese culture. If you pay extra in a restaurant, they won’t understand what you mean to do.
  3. The cities of Japan are fast-moving, as so are their inhabitants. Don’t stand in the way on escalators, or block the path otherwise. Just do it like how the others do!

Russia:

  1. Never give someone an even number of flowers. People only do this at funerals, and doing so otherwise will cause misfortune.
  2. Don’t talk about politics and don’t assume people like the system they live in.
  3. Don’t rely on your credit card – cash is safer. Many places don’t have credit card readers.

India:

  1. When in public, never kiss or hug someone of the opposite sex.
  2. Only shake the hands of someone when they initiate it.
  3. Don’t make fun of their religion and their lifestyle.

Norway:

  1. Don’t ask anybody if they go to church.
  2. Don’t expect to receive any special treatment – except for royalty, everyone is of the same status and everyone will be treated the same way.
  3. Norway is famous for its nudism. Many people even change out of their clothes on the beach itself. Don’t stare!

Mexico:

  1. Mexicans have a great sense of humor. Laugh when something funny happens to you. Laugh about their jokes and pranks. Seriously … don’t be too serious!
  2. Try to speak Spanish, try out their cuisine and try to be genuinely interested in their culture. Mexicans are very hospitable, and they love it when anybody shows interest in their culture and tries to communicate in their mother tongue.

Ireland:

  1. Don’t try to imitate the Irish accent. Just don’t do it!
  2. Don’t be stingy! If someone invites you for a drink, you’d better do the same. If you don’t have enough money, just tell them so and get yourself a beer.
  3. Don’t talk about England/Ireland and whole political muddle involving both countries.

France:

  1. It’s rare to find vegan food. It’s just not a French thing!
  2. Never talk about money. It’s bad manners in France. You can say that you are on a low budget and you can’t go out, but never tell people how much you earn and never talk about how much something costs.
  3. Don’t expect people to speak English, especially those of an older generation. If you don’t speak French, you can try Spanish or German.

Croatia:

  1. Never put your thumbs, pointer or long finger up at the same time! People might think that you’re a Serbian nationalist and you don’t want that…
  2. Don’t beat around the bush. Be straight to the point and frank – they won’t bite your head off!

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