Cultural Etiquette Guide: What You Need to Know Before Visiting 20 Popular Countries

Travelling to any of the world’s most popular destinations is exciting — but to really respect the place, its people and customs, it helps to arrive informed. Being unaware of local etiquette can lead to awkward or even offensive moments. This guide gives you essential cultural etiquette insights for 20 popular countries, helping you navigate everything from greetings and dress codes to dining behaviour and tipping norms.
Images are included under each heading for blog visual use.

1. Japan

• Do: Bow when greeting. Remove your shoes when entering homes or traditional settings. (Magellan)
• Don’t: Give tips in restaurants — tipping can be seen as meaning service wasn’t up to standard. (UKTrtlTravel)
  Pro tip: Learn a few Japanese phrases like “arigato gozaimasu” (“thank you very much”) — locals appreciate the effort.

2. Thailand

• Do: Use the “wai” (palms together, slight bow) greeting. Remove shoes at temples and some homes. (Hello Vacay)
• Don’t: Point your feet at people or sacred objects; don’t touch someone’s head. (Hello Vacay)
  Pro tip: Carry a light scarf or shawl to cover shoulders when visiting temples.

3. India

• Do: Use your right hand for eating, giving or receiving items. Remove shoes when entering homes or temples. (RoughMaps)
• Don’t: Use your left hand for eating or offering items in many contexts — it can be seen as impolite. (RoughMaps)
  Pro tip: Familiarise yourself with local phrases like “namaste” — it’s a respectful greeting.

4. China

• Do: Use both hands when giving or receiving gifts or business cards. Ask about family’s well-being in small talk. (Hello Vacay)
• Don’t: Tap your chopsticks on the table or leave them upright in rice (this resembles funeral rites). (Hello Vacay)
  Pro tip: Keep business card etiquette in mind if traveling on work or networking: present with both hands.

5. United Arab Emirates

• Do: Greet with “Salam alaykum”. Dress modestly especially in religious or public areas. (Hello Vacay)
• Don’t: Eat, drink or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours if you’re in a Muslim-observing area. (Hello Vacay)
  Pro tip: Respect local customs about photography and public behaviour — some places have strict rules.

6. France

• Do: Greet with a handshake or cheek kisses (depending on setting). Ensure your hands are visible at the table. (Magellan)
• Don’t: Jump to using informal “tu” when people expect “vous” — this can seem overly familiar. (Magellan)
  Pro tip: Dress neatly — French culture gives weight to appearance and social setting.

7. Italy

• Do: Embrace relaxed greetings like handshake or cheek kisses. Be expressive in conversation. (Hello Vacay)
• Don’t: Order a cappuccino after lunch — it’s seen as a breakfast drink. (RoughMaps)
  Pro tip: Try to learn simple Italian phrases — locals appreciate even basic effort.

8. Australia

• Do: Greet with a friendly “G’day” or handshake. Seek permission before entering indigenous sacred sites. (Hello Vacay)
• Don’t: Be overly formal or reserved — a casual friendly manner is the norm. (Hello Vacay)
  Pro tip: Respect local nature and indigenous culture: many tours emphasise both.

9. Morocco

• Do: Greet with “Salam alaykum”. Dress modestly, especially in rural or religious areas. (Hello Vacay)
• Don’t: Use your left hand when eating or handing over items. (Magellan)
  Pro tip: Be aware of market bargaining etiquette — it’s part of local culture.

10. Canada

• Do: Be polite, say “please” and “thank you”. Respect personal space and multicultural sensitivity. (Hello Vacay)
• Don’t: Dive into personal topics like income or politics initially — these can be sensitive. (Hello Vacay)
  Pro tip: Join in-friendly small talk — Canadians enjoy polite and light conversation.

11. Germany

• Do: Be punctual. Wait your turn in queues.
• Don’t: Be late or jump ahead.
  Pro tip: A small “Guten Tag” goes a long way.

12. Brazil

• Do: Greet with a warm hug or cheek kiss (depending on region).
• Don’t: Point your feet at others.
  Pro tip: Smile often — Brazilians value friendly warmth.

13. South Korea

• Do: Bow when greeting. Support right forearm with left hand during handshake. (Wikipedia)
• Don’t: Stare directly at elders in a way that could be perceived as challenging. (Wikipedia)
  Pro tip: Use two hands when giving or receiving items in formal settings.

14. Russia

• Do: Bring a small gift when invited to someone’s home.
• Don’t: Arrive empty-handed. (RoughMaps)
  Pro tip: Address older people with formal titles until invited otherwise.

15. Saudi Arabia

• Do: Dress very modestly (women may need to cover hair or wear abaya).
• Don’t: Use your left hand for eating or passing items in many settings. (Travel Dhaama)
  Pro tip: Be mindful of prayer times and local religious observances — avoid public eating during Ramadan daylight hours.

16. Spain

• Do: Greet with cheek kisses or handshake, depending on region.
• Don’t: Expect service to be as fast as UK — lunch may start late. (Getours)
  Pro tip: Learn a few Spanish phrases – locals appreciate the effort.

17. Netherlands

• Do: Communicate directly and honestly — that’s valued.
• Don’t: Be vague or beat around the bush — may be misinterpreted.
  Pro tip: Respect cycling lanes and road culture when exploring Dutch cities.

18. Egypt

• Do: Greet warmly, maintain eye contact.
• Don’t: Show public displays of affection. (Hello Vacay)
  Pro tip: Accept offered hospitality graciously — it’s a valued part of local culture.

19. Greece

• Do: Be friendly, greetings vary but often affectionate.
• Don’t: Wear revealing clothes in churches or religious sites.
  Pro tip: Learn “kalimera” (good morning) and “efcharisto” (thank you) in Greek.

20. Kenya

• Do: Greet respectfully, often with handshake and warm conversation.
• Don’t: Assume western norms apply everywhere; rural areas may expect more modest dress/behaviour.
  Pro tip: Show interest in local culture and customs — Kenyan people value engagement and respect.

General Etiquette Tips Before You Travel

• Do your homework: Read about the greetings, dress codes, tipping practices and gestures before your trip. (Me-QR Blog)
• Observe and adapt: Watch how locals behave and follow their lead. (Medium)
• Respect personal space & non-verbal cues: What’s polite in one culture may be rude in another. (Ithaka Travel)
• Mind your gestures: Some gestures are harmless in your home country but impolite in others — e.g., pointing with one finger, showing soles of feet. (Krumuly)
• Dress for the destination: Even if you’re relaxed at home, a place of worship or a conservative area might have stricter dress expectations. (Travel Dhaama)

Conclusion

Travelling across cultures is incredibly rewarding — and it becomes even more so when you step into a destination with respect and awareness. Knowing the cultural etiquette for even a handful of countries can make a big difference in how you’re received and how much you enjoy your interactions. Use this guide for the 20 popular destinations above as your pre-travel cheat sheet.
Interact with locals, show respect for customs, dress appropriately, learn a few key phrases and you’ll build bridges rather than barriers.

Safe travels — and may every trip bring great experiences and smooth interactions!