In a survey of 1000 travellers , 44% confessed to committing a cultural faux
pas on holiday.
“Getting the etiquette right for the country you are visiting can be the
difference to a warm welcome or a cold shoulder” says Koko Sarkari, COO of ICE
who carried out the survey.
Common Cultural faux pas to avoid in Europe
* Waving your hand in front of someone’s face in Germany & Austria,
is regarded as an offensive gesture
* Don’t start eating unless everyone at the table is seated and ready to
start their meal in France
* Take shoes off when entering somebody's home in Ukraine, Romania,
Slovakia, Czech Republic & Poland
* In Bulgaria, if asked if you like something, make sure you shake your
head for yes. The gesture is reversed the other way, so remember to nod
for no
* Displaying too much flesh could see you ejected from churches in Italy
and Greece, so dress modestly if you intend to visit.
* Flashing the thumbs up sign in parts of Italy and France is regarded as
an insult
* Showing your palm of your hand to a Greek is regarded as highly
offensive
* Don’t sit down at a dinner table until you’re asked to in Austria, as
you may be met with disapproving looks.
* Putting a piece of bread on one's plate in France is poor etiquette.
Leave it on the table beside the plate as bread is not considered part of a
meal
* Failing to make eye contact while clinking glasses with Germans is
considered bad luck
* In some parts of Italy and France tips are expected even when service
has been added to the bill
Cross cultural faux pas to avoid in USA
* Urinating in public is not socially acceptable anywhere, but in the USA
it could land you with a fine
* Asking where the toilet is in the USA is likely to result in a frown;
call it a restroom or bathroom to avoid appearing rude.
* Don’t steal another’s cab whilst in the Big Apple
* Try and ensure you have change or a metro card ready when stepping up
to get on a bus or approaching a turnstile for the metro in New York
* Not to tip in the USA is considered rude, and tipping is customary in
restaurants, bars, hotels and taxis.
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