Cultural Guidelines
DO...
- research the culture before traveling to a different country
- study general words in different language
- study customs & etiquette of a foreign country
- be open-minded to and respectful of other traditions, customs, beliefs
- be aware that certain words and/or gestures may be considered offensive
DO NOT...
- assume that everyone speaks & understands English
- criticize a culture's way of doing something just because it is different from what you are accustomed to
- forget to bring a gift made in the USA for a first meeting with a client
- show disinterest in a country's history or culture
- assume that handshake rather than a kiss or a bow is an appropriate introduction
Cultural Customs & Etiquettes
Asia
- feet are considered lowest part of the body, therefore do not point at object/touch people with them, do not prop your feet on chairs/tables while sitting,
- refrain from touching people on on the head/ruffling their hair = highest part of the body
Japan
- perfectly ok to slurp noodles
- never stick chopsticks into a bowl of rice upright
- do not fill your own drink but rather fill the glass of the person next to you and wait for the person to reciprocate
- tipping is not common --> give a gift, rather than a tip (money must be in an envelope)
- inappropriate to sneeze loudly in a restaurant
Russia
- wrist should be placed on the edge of the table while eating,
- fork should held in the left hand and the knife on the right
- vodka is for toasting, not casual sipping and can never be mixed/diluted
- women cannot take shots
- place empty bottles on the floor, not the table
- 10% tip is customary at a restaurant
- store prices are set but market prices are negotiable
United Kingdom
- do not stick up index finger and middle finger with the palm of your hand facing you = giving someone the finger
Greece
- do not wave at anyone with an open palm or show the number five = sign of rejection or flipping someone off
Armenia
- polite to pour last drops of alcohol into your own glass so you are responsible for buying the next one
Sweden
- vulgar to clink glasses unless you say "skals" which means cheers
Portugal
- do not ask for seasoning or condiments that are not on the table = insult to the cook
France
- never discuss money over dinner
- never split the bill
Thailand
- do not be alarmed if locals pick their noses while talking to you as it is considered a natural act of good hygiene
Brazil
- expect business clients to answer phone calls during meetings, even in mid-conversation = considered rude to not answer even just to say "I'll call you back,"
- punctuality is uncommon (30 minutes early/late)
Caribbean
- address people with titles until a first name is explicitly offered
Mexico
- if someone next to you is eating, it is good manners to say "provecho" which means enjoy
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