Cultural etiquette isn’t just about manners; it’s about showing respect, building connections, and enjoying smoother travels. From greeting someone on the street to eating dinner or dressing appropriately, a little awareness of key customs goes a long way. This Remitly guide helps you navigate cultural etiquette around the world. You’ll find practical tips for greetings, dining, clothing, gestures, and general dos and don’ts, helping you travel with the confidence that you’re not going to be unintentionally disrespectful.
Why cultural etiquette matters
Travel gives you the chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, but to do that successfully you’ll need to adapt to local traditions. Understanding cultural etiquette helps you:
- Build respectful connections
Observing local norms shows you value the host culture and helps form meaningful interactions and friendships. - Avoid unintentional offense
What may be acceptable at home can be offensive elsewhere. Knowing the cultural norms prevents awkward situations. - Enhance your experience
Engaging respectfully with locals can enrich your trip and deepen your understanding of the destination.
On a trip to South Korea, I made a point to bow slightly when greeting new people. I noticed that this small gesture made interactions smoother, and locals responded warmly. It showed me that even simple attention to etiquette can turn ordinary encounters into meaningful connections.
Bow, handshake, or kiss? How the world says hello
Greetings are often the very first impression you make in a new country and can set the tone for every interaction that follows. Small gestures carry significant cultural meaning, and learning a few basics can help you avoid awkward moments.
Bow like a local
In many parts of Asia, bowing is a traditional form of respect. In Japan, the ojigi is used to express hello, but also goodbye and thank you. A slight head nod works in casual encounters, while a deeper bow is used for formal or business contexts. In everyday life, you might bow when entering a shop, greeting a neighbor, or visiting a temple.
In Thailand, the wai involves pressing palms together at chest level, elbows in, and head slightly bowed. Among friends, a brief nod is usually fine; for elders or respected figures, raise your hands closer to the forehead. Children and people of lower status usually initiate the wai, while returning it is courteous, but not required.
Master the handshake
In the US, a firm handshake with eye contact and a smile is standard in both professional and casual settings. Hugging is generally reserved for close friends or family.
In parts of Africa, like Botswana, greetings may involve a three-part handshake that reflects community and warmth. Globally, handshakes remain common in business contexts, but take your cue from locals.
Cheek kisses in Europe
Across most of Europe, greetings include light cheek kisses: la bise in France, dos besos in Spain, and il bacetto in Italy. The number of kisses and which cheek to start with varies by region. For example, in the Netherlands, three kisses are typical, while in parts of France or Spain, it’s two.
These kisses are symbolic—cheeks touch lightly while making a gentle kissing sound. In professional settings, a handshake is usually preferred.
Tip: When you arrive in a new country, take a moment to watch how locals greet each other. If you’re unsure, a polite nod or a friendly smile is universally safe. Even small efforts to mimic local greetings can make a meaningful impression.
Table talk: dining customs around the world
Sharing a meal is one of the most meaningful ways to connect, but it’s also a chance for unintentional slip-ups because dining customs vary widely. Don’t worry, though; learn a few basics and you’ll enjoy your meal and show respect for your hosts.
Tipping customs
Expectations around tipping differ dramatically. In the US, servers rely heavily on tips because they are often paid below the federal minimum wage. Leaving between 15-20% of the total bill at sit-down restaurants is standard, while tipping $1 USD per drink at bars is expected.
In Japan it’s the complete opposite. In fact, tipping can even be considered offensive. Excellent service is considered part of the experience, and gratitude is shown through polite behavior.
Table manners
Every culture has its own approach to table etiquette. In Russia, wait for the host or another guest to lead a toast before drinking, and make eye contact during the toast to show respect. In Egypt, guests refill each other’s glasses rather than their own, a gesture that reflects hospitality and community.
In China, a satisfied burp is often taken as a sign of appreciation for the cook, the equivalent of slurping noodles in Japan. A westerner reading this might find it awkward to say the least, burping at the table. But cultural understanding goes both ways, and in our modern world a Chinese host is very likely to understand how you feel and not expect you to do so!
Chopstick etiquette is important, too; never leave chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual and can be a bad omen. Instead, rest them on their holder, or across the edge of your plate.
Eating with your hands
In many countries, eating with your hands is both traditional and expected. In India and across most of the Middle East and Africa, the right hand is used only, as the left is culturally considered unclean and inappropriate.
In Ethiopia, meals are often shared communally using injera, a soft, spongy bread used in place of utensils. It’s polite to tear off a piece of injera to scoop food, but licking your fingers during the meal is seen as rude.
Tip: Learn your destinations’ customs for utensils, tipping, and table etiquette. Small gestures, like waiting for a toast or refilling a neighbor’s glass, show respect and are usually appreciated.
Dressing the part: what you wear matters
Clothing isn’t just about comfort or style; it can also signal respect for local customs. Dressing appropriately also helps you blend in and avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Dressing conservatively
In North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, modest clothing is expected. Women are generally expected to cover their shoulders, cleavage, and legs above the knee, while men typically wear long trousers instead of shorts. Generally, avoid very tight or flashy outfits.
Covering up at religious sites
In pretty much any culture, when you’re visiting churches, temples, mosques, or other sacred spaces, you should cover your shoulders and knees. In Thailand, for example, wear clothing that covers your arms and legs when visiting Buddhist temples. In Middle Eastern countries, women may also need to cover their hair with a scarf.
Bringing a scarf or shawl with you can be useful to quickly cover up when needed.
Dressing for the occasion
In countries like Italy and Spain, locals favor smart, stylish clothing in public, even when running errands. “Athleisure” or overly casual clothing is usually reserved for the gym, and if you’re wearing it to grocery stores, cafes, or restaurants, you may stand out.
In Japan, both business and social events call for neat, conservative clothing. Even casual social gatherings may lean towards smart-casual attire.
Tip: Pack versatile clothing you can adjust on the go. Scarves, shawls, or lightweight jackets that can be added or removed as needed help you honor local customs, stay comfortable, and feel confident while exploring.
When yes means no: understanding communication and gestures
Non-verbal cues can matter as much as words. Gestures, tone, and body language vary widely, and even familiar signals may carry very different meanings abroad.
Common gestures with conflicting messages
What feels natural in one country can send the wrong signal in another. While a thumbs-up is positive in the US and UK, it can be offensive in places like Greece, the Middle East, or parts of West Africa. In Australia, the thumbs up is positive, but if you move up and down, it becomes an insult.
Even a simple head nod isn’t universal. In Bulgaria and Greece, nodding can mean “no” instead of “yes.” Similarly, crossed fingers are seen as a hopeful gesture in English-speaking countries, but in Vietnam, they represent something offensive.
Tone and volume
The way you speak can be just as important as what you say. In places like Germany and the Netherlands, direct but calm communication is appreciated, while in Italy or Spain, loud, animated conversations are perfectly normal.
By contrast, in Japan, speaking softly shows politeness. Adapting your tone to local expectations helps you blend in more comfortably.
Hand gestures: hidden meanings
Many everyday hand gestures carry hidden meanings abroad. The “OK” gesture, thumb and index finger forming a circle, means “all good” in most English-speaking countries, but in parts of Latin America and France, it can be insulting. In New Zealand, it can imply laziness, and in Australia it simply means “zero.”
Waving, which is friendly in many places, can be dismissive in parts of East Asia or Europe, while in India, it may be understood as “come here.” Likewise, beckoning with a curled index finger is common in the US, but in the Philippines, Japan, and Singapore, it is seen as disrespectful.
Even subtle gestures like crossing your arms can cause negative assumptions. Instead of being seen as a casual posture, in Finland, it’s a sign of arrogance and can lead to people disliking you.
Tip: When in doubt, pause and observe how locals use gestures, tone, and body language. If you’re unsure, a warm smile is usually safe. For newcomers settling abroad, even small efforts to adapt are noticed and appreciated.
Key dos and don’ts
Even with all the country-specific etiquette tips, there are a few universal dos and don’ts that can guide you on your travels.
Dos
- Learn a few phrases in the local language. Even imperfect pronunciation makes a positive impression.
- Observe and mirror local behavior before joining in.
- Respect traditions, like removing your shoes when entering Thai or Japanese homes or accepting a host’s food.
Don’t
- Assume your home-country norms apply. Hugging or kissing in public might be acceptable in Europe, but it’s frowned upon in parts of the Middle East.
- Discuss sensitive topics, like politics, religion, or controversial current events.
- Speak loudly where it’s inappropriate, such as on public transportation in Japan or South Korea.
Travel thoughtfully: research, respect, and adapt
Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about connecting with people and honoring the cultures that welcome you. By learning local etiquette, you enrich your trip, avoid missteps, and show genuine respect.
Before your next journey, take a moment to research the greetings, dining customs, and dress codes that matter most at your destination. You’ll feel more confident, and locals will notice the effort.
Want to dive deeper? Explore the Remitly blog for travel guidance on destinations worldwide.
FAQs
What does cultural etiquette mean?
Cultural etiquette refers to the customs, traditions, and social norms that guide acceptable behavior in a specific culture. It encompasses everything from initial greetings to dining practices, dress codes, and communication styles.
Why is learning cultural etiquette important for travelers?
Knowing cultural etiquette helps travelers connect respectfully with locals, avoid unintentional offense, and enhance their overall travel experience by understanding and appreciating the culture more deeply.
How can I quickly learn about a country’s cultural norms before visiting?
Research blogs, forums, or official guides, and watch videos or read firsthand traveler experiences to learn the customs before you go.
What are some universal travel etiquette tips?
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites.
- Observe how locals behave and adapt to similar patterns.
- Avoid making assumptions about gestures or traditions.
- Don’t assume everybody else’s culture is the same as your own.
Can cultural missteps harm my travel experience?
Yes, unintended offenses can strain interactions with locals or even lead to legal issues in some regions. Being respectful and doing some pre-travel research can prevent these mistakes.