Manners Around the World

In which country is tipping 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

In which country must you use the right hand to handle food or if you are passing something or touching someone because the left hand is considered to be unclean.

• India

• Canada

• Chile

• France

In this country, 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

In which country is adding salt to your food considered offensive (especially when dining in someone's home)?

• Indonesia

• Ireland

• Egypt

• Mexico

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

• Australia

• South Korea

• Iraq

• 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

In which country should you slurp (eat noisily) when eating noodles with chopsticks?

• Australia

• Japan

• France

• India

In which country should visitors dress modestly and both men and women should keep their shoulders and knees covered in public places such as shopping malls?

• Germany

• Indonesia

• United Arab Emirates

• Turkey

In which country (where with your hand is part of the culture) should you only eat with your right hand?

• Poland

• Spain

• India

• USA