Traveler's Etiquette: What Will Make You Hated in Different Countries

Traveling is not just about beautiful photos and tasting local cuisine, but also about immersing yourself in a foreign culture. When planning a vacation, our first priority is usually to find good deals on flights to Tokyo or budget flights to Rome, but in preparing documents, we often forget another important point – rules of conduct. Sometimes even the most harmless action, at first glance, can cause a storm of indignation among locals. To avoid becoming “that rude tourist,” let's delve into the etiquette nuances of popular, yet very different countries.

Japan

Japanese society is built on mutual respect and maintaining harmony. If you disrupt it, you're unlikely to receive a rude remark to your face, but disapproving glances are guaranteed. What Japanese people definitely won't like:

• Loud conversations on public transport: In Japanese trains and subways, silence is expected. Talking on the phone is considered bad manners. If you need to discuss something with a fellow traveler, do it in a low voice. Or better yet, text.

• Improper use of chopsticks: Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice – this gesture is associated with funeral rites. Also, avoid passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another.

• Eating “on the go”: In Japan, it's not customary to eat while walking down the street. If you buy street food, it's best to eat it near the stall. Exceptions include rest areas and organized picnics: you can bring your own food there without a guilty conscience.

• Tipping: It might seem strange, but attempting to leave a tip can offend the waiter. Quality service in Japan is a standard, not a reason for extra payment.

Italy

Italians are expressive, but conservative when it comes to daily life and culture. To blend in, you'll need to learn a few unwritten rules:

• Cappuccino after noon: For an Italian, coffee with milk is exclusively a morning ritual. Ordering a cappuccino after lunch, or worse, with pasta, signifies a complete misunderstanding of gastronomic culture. After a meal, only espresso is typically drunk.

• Bathing in fountains and snacking on monument steps: In Italy, architectural heritage is treated with extreme reverence. Attempting to cool off in a historic fountain or having lunch on the steps of an ancient cathedral will result not only in public condemnation but also a hefty fine.

• Inappropriate attire: Italy is a country of fashion and style. Visiting a church in short shorts or with bare shoulders is considered the height of disrespect. Even if it's +35 °C outside, cover your shoulders with at least a scarf.

• Recipe alterations: Asking for ketchup with pasta or demanding to cut spaghetti with a knife is a sure way to make the chef cry (or even kick you out). Trust the taste of professionals and don't give angry looks to waiters when they tell you that you're doing something wrong (for example, adding cheese where it doesn't belong).

Thailand

In the “land of smiles,” it's very easy to find yourself in an awkward situation if you don't know the basics of Buddhist ethics and monarchical traditions.

• Touching the head: Never try to pat a Thai person on the head, even if it's a cute child. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, where a person's spirit resides. Such a touch is a grave insult.

• Feet – a dirty part of the body: Pointing at something with your foot or turning your feet towards Buddha statues is extremely impolite. Therefore, you'll also need to pay attention to how you sit in temples.

• Disrespect for the royal family: Criticizing the monarch is not just bad manners, but a criminal offense. Be careful even with coins: if you accidentally drop a banknote, do not step on it with your foot, as the king is depicted on the money.

France

The French place great importance on politeness. Without “magic words,” you risk encountering a wall of icy disregard.

• Ignoring greetings: When entering a shop, bakery, or cafe, you are obliged to say “Bonjour.” If you immediately proceed to order, you will be considered extremely ill-mannered and may be served noticeably slowly.

• Talking about money: Asking a French person about their salary or the value of their property is taboo. The topic of finances here is considered too intimate and inappropriate for casual conversation.

• Snapping fingers: Never try to summon a waiter by snapping your fingers. In France, this is the height of arrogance. Simply wait for eye contact. In an extreme case, raise your hand slightly, but do without sound effects.

UAE

The Emirates is primarily a Muslim country, and religion leaves a significant mark on its rules and etiquette. Therefore, the following are not welcomed:

• Public displays of affection: Hugs and kisses in public can lead not only to a warning but also to a visit to the police station. You have your hotel room for showing affection.

• Photographing people without permission: Taking photos of locals, especially women, is strictly forbidden. Always ask for permission before pointing your lens, and if denied, do not try to insist or take a stealthy shot.

• Eating in public during Ramadan: If your trip falls during the holy month, remember that during daylight hours, it is forbidden to eat, drink, or even chew gum in public view. Show respect for those observing the fast.

In short, always keep in mind the saying about “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Travel consciously and politely!