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15 Ways to Look Like a Jerk in Other Countries

From thumbs-up in Iran to no whistling in Haiti, learn to show respect in different cultures.

15 Ways to Look Like a Jerk in Other Countries

December 24, 2022

Ah, the perils of traveling abroad! It can be a daunting experience, trying to learn the customs and etiquette of a foreign country. You can be thrown for a loop by the language barrier, but there are also cultural differences that can be hard to spot. From taxi etiquette to chopstick faux pas, this list will help you navigate the cultural nuances of different countries, so you can be sure to make a good impression - otherwise you can just stay there, idiot.

So, if you’re ready to take the plunge and explore the world, here is a list of 15 cultural tips to keep in mind. From the subtle to the obvious, these tips will help you avoid embarrassing slip-ups and cultural misunderstandings. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this list will help you make the most of your experience and ensure that you leave a positive impression. So, read on and bon voyage!

15

Show your appreciation - slurp your noodles.

CRACKED SOUP-DRINKING ETIQUETTE: JAPAN STYLE. In Japan, slurping your noodles and soup is a sign of appreciation for the chef, and it is common to drink directly from the soup bowl instead of using a spoon. — Huff Post

14

Haiti

CRACKED IN HAITI, WHISTLING IS A SIGN OF DISRESPECT. In Haiti, whistling is considered rude for kids and younger people, as it is seen as a sign of arrogance and cockiness. — Sweet Coconuts / Pexels

13

Avoid ego.

CRACKED COMPLIMENTS: ACCEPTED IN US, DENIED ELSEWHERE. In the US, it is generally seen as polite to accept compliments, but in other cultures it is considered rude. Instead, compliments should be denied to avoid appearing egotistical. — The Travel / Pexels

12

Say goodbye to small talk.

CRACKED IN EUROPE, 'HOW ARE YOU?' IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. In Europe, How are you? is a genuine question and should be treated as such, so be prepared for a more in-depth response than you may be used to in the US. Europeans appreciate a more personal approach to conversation. — The Travel / Pexels

11

Avoid chopstick faux pas: no pointing, waving, or funeral rites.

CRACKED DON'T EMBARRASS YOURSELF: FOLLOW CHOPSTICK ETIQUETTE IN JAPAN. In Japan, it is important to follow chopstick etiquette, such as not pointing them at another person or waving them in the air. Additionally, it is important to avoid practices such as sticking them into a bowl of rice or passing food between chopsticks, as these resemble funeral rites. — The Travel

10

Slippers for the door, slippers for the loo – Japanese hospitality has you covered.

CRACKED SLIP OFF YOUR SHOES AND ON WITH THE SLIPPERS. When visiting a Japanese home, it is important to leave your shoes in the genkan and put on the slippers provided. When using the restroom, you will be given special toilet slippers to wear. — Independent / Nippon

9

In Russia and China: leave some food behind.

CRACKED IN RUSSIA AND CHINA: DON'T FINISH YOUR PLATE. In Russia and China, it is polite to leave a little food on your plate at the end of a meal as a sign of appreciation for the host's generosity. — Yummly / Eating Well

8

Swimsuit, please! Turkish hammams demand modesty.

CRACKED SCANDINAVIAN SAUNAS - NO PLACE FOR CLOTHING. In some Scandinavian countries and Turkey, it is considered offensive to wear clothing into a sauna, hammam, or other place of physical purification. Instead, it is polite to sit on a folded towel or wear a swimsuit if you are too modest to appear naked. — Travel and Leisure / Discover the World

7

No walking and eating in Japan... except ice-cream.

CRACKED IN JAPAN, SAVOR THE FLAVOR OF POLITENESS - DON'T EAT WHILE WALKING. In Japan, it is generally considered impolite to eat while walking or in public places, with the exception of eating ice-cream cones on the street. Meller — Business Insider

6

The perfect way to show your displeasure: flip ‘em the sole.

CRACKED DON'T GET MAD, GET EVEN - SHOW 'EM THE SOLE. Showing the sole of your shoe has long been an insult in Arab culture. — Telegraph / Pexels

5

Left-handers: Master ambidexterity or explain!

CRACKED RIGHT-HAND-FOR-EATING: A CULTURAL MUST-KNOW! In many cultures, it is considered offensive to eat with your left hand and it is important to observe the right-hand-is-for-eating and the left-hand-is-for-other-duties rule. If you are left-handed, it is important to be ambidextrous or explain yourself before eating. — Travel and Leisure / KQED

4

Greeting in Korea? Don’t forget to keep your hands out of your pockets.

CRACKED GREET KOREAN FRIENDS WITH A HANDSHAKE - BUT NO POCKETS. Shaking hands is a common form of greeting in Korea, however it is considered disrespectful to put one's hand in their pocket while doing so. — NPR

3

Be neighborly – separate your garbage.

CRACKED GERMAN ETIQUETTE: RECYCLE OR RISK SOCIAL RUIN. Germans are very aware of the environment and separate their garbage for recycling, and not doing so could damage your relationship with your neighbors. ndautomat Caw IS Bitte P laschennDosen mit diesem First MRA Keine Glas-Flaschen evert n - 4.00 — Young Germany / Info Migrants

2

Thumbs up in Iran? Not so fast.

CRACKED VACATIONING IN IRAN? DON'T GIVE A THUMBS-UP. In Iran and neighboring countries, the thumbs-up gesture is considered offensive, similar to the middle finger in America. However, most Iranians are understanding and forgiving if a visiting American makes an innocent mistake. — Reader's Digest / Pexels

1

Riding in taxis? Sit up front for equality.

CRACKED TAXI RIDES: DON'T SIT IN THE BACK, OR YOU'LL PAY THE PRICE. In certain countries, it is considered impolite to sit in the back seat of a taxi, as the driver may view it as a sign of non-egalitarianism. In some cases, the driver may even take the longer route if a passenger sits in the back. HYBRID — Taxi Fare Finder / Fortune

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