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Talking on the phone while taking public transport - Japan -

People generally sit or stand in silence while taking public transport in Japan, as loud chatter or other noise disturbances is considered rude. It's best to take your phone calls after your ride.

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Eye contact - Philippines -

While it's beneficial to make some eye contact when meeting a person for the first time, Filipinos consider frequent or prolonged eye contact intrusive and rude.

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White chrysanthemums - Europe -

When giving someone a bouquet, make sure you don't offer them a bunch of white chrysanthemums, as in many countries across Europe, including France, Belgium, and Austria, these flowers are often reserved for funerals or given as a token of grief and bereavement.

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Smiling at a stranger - Russia -

In Russia, it's uncommon to smile at a stranger. Smiles are reserved for friends or individuals you have some kind of relationship with. Constant smiling can be interpreted as dishonest by some.

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Touching people's heads - Thailand -

In Thailand, the head is considered sacred and the most cleanest part of the body, so it's deemed offensive to touch the top of people's heads or hair.

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Waving the hand with the palm facing out - Greece -

Waving is a common gesture to greet someone or to say goodbye. But in Greece, an open palm with stretched hands is called a mountza, and it's a non-verbal way of cursing.

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Hands in pockets while talking with someone - Germany -

In Germany, talking to somebody while your hands are in your pockets is considered impolite. It's best to keep your hands relaxed by your sides during a conversation.

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Greetings - Morocco -

It is considered rude to rush a greeting in Morocco. Greetings are more formal, yet warm and welcoming. They can last up to 10 minutes, and include handshakes and asking about the health and well-being of one's family.

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Business cards - Japan -

If you find yourself visiting Japan on business, it's worth remembering that exchanging business cards is based on respect. Never flick, throw, slide, or push a business card across the table, and always keep your cards spotless, dry, and unmarked.

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Queuing, -UK -

Queuing is ingrained in the culture of the United Kingdom. If you find that you need to wait in line for something, join the back of the queue; pushing in or jumping the line is considered rude.

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Finishing food - India -

In India, you should finish everything on your plate, as it is considered a sign of respect for the food served. The same is true in Japan, where leaving food on your plate (whether at home or in a restaurant) is considered rude.

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Honking the horn in a car - Norway -

People in Norway only honk their car horns when there is an emergency. You may cause panic if you honk your horn when frustrated in a traffic jam.

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Receiving gifts - India -

In India, it's impolite to open a gift in front of the gift giver, as this can be considered greedy. Instead, set the gift aside and unwrap it later.

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Cutting lettuce with a knife - France -

Cutting salad leaves with a knife is considered improper in France. Instead, you should fold the leaves onto your fork.

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Offering food with your left hand - Malaysia -

In most Muslim countries, the left hand is considered unclean, so to pass food or eat with the left hand is considered impolite.

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Chewing gum- Switzerland -

In many parts of the world, including Luxembourg, Switzerland, and France, public gum chewing is considered impolite, as the sound can be distracting for others.

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Arriving late - Mexico -

Arriving 30 minutes to two hours late to a party in someone's home is acceptable in Mexico. Turning up at the specified hour would be considered rude, as the hosts may not be ready.

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Pouring your own drink - South Korea -

The general rule in South Korea is that you should never pour your own drink; someone else should do it for you. It's considered bad luck to pour a drink for yourself.

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Offering an odd number of flowers - Russia -

 In Russia, it is customary to gift an odd number of flowers in a bouquet, as an even number of flowers is reserved for funerals. The odd-number rule is for up to a dozen flowers, but most people will follow it even if they give a big bouquet.

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Leaving food on your plate - China -

When eating at someone's home in China, always leave some food on your plate, as finishing your food suggests the meal wasn't filling enough and your host was skimping on the portion size.

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Tipping - Japan -

Tipping is not customary in Japan; it can be considered rude and insulting in many situations. Instead, be polite and express verbal thanks.

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Pointing - Indonesia -

Pointing toward someone with a forefinger is considered rude in Indonesia. Instead, point with your thumb or palm.

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Blowing your nose in public - Japan -

Loudly blowing your nose in a public place is considered bad manners in Japan. It's preferable to sniff rather than blow your nose in front of people.

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Cheek kissing - Portugal -

In Portugal, when a man and a woman or two women meet in an informal setting, they greet each other with two kisses. The first kiss goes on the right cheek, and the second on the left.

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Eye contact when making a toast - Germany -

When raising a glass to make a toast in Germany, it's polite to make eye contact with everyone around the table when you clink glasses. If you don't, you'll be in for seven years of bad luck!

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Thumbs up - Afghanistan -

The thumbs-up gesture in Afghanistan is considered rude and has the same connotations as raising a middle finger in the US!

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Removing shoes - Turkey -

In Turkey, people remove their shoes before entering any house. It would be impolite for a guest to refuse a request to remove footwear.

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Chopstick etiquette - China -

In China, always lay your chopsticks flat on a rest or on the edge of the bowl. It's offensive for chopsticks to be used to point at people.

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Drinking coffee - Italy -

If you are visiting Italy and would like a coffee in the afternoon, it's best to opt for an espresso. Cappuccinos aren't drunk after 11 am, as it's believed drinking dairy after lunch or dinner might mess with your digestion.

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Soles of your shoes - Middle East -

Across the Middle East, displaying the sole of your shoe or touching somebody with your shoe is considered incredibly offensive, as they are dirty from touching the ground. It's best to avoid crossing your legs when sitting.

Sources: (Reader's Digest) (Business Insider) (HowStuffWorks) (EF Education First)

See also: Rules of flying you should be following

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