Etiquettes are manners made either to please or make you feel welcome in other countries or places. In this world full of people and different religions and societal norms, there are etiquettes which are to be respected. For example, you cannot pick up a food or drink water from your left hand as it is considered unhygienic in Africa, and many more etiquettes which will surprise you.
Sit up straight and note down!
- In the United Kingdom, “What a delightful idea!” means “No, not in a million years”- So never use this whenever you start a conversation with a Brit, they might be offended.
- In South Africa, “Just now” does not mean immediately, it means that it is going to happen in the near future and “Now now” means right now! Weird isn’t it?
- Prepare your cheeks whenever you plan to be in France Geneva or Brussels, as people there will greet you by kissing your cheeks, it goes like that- is L-R (Paris), L-R-L (Geneva), L-R-L-R (Brussels).In Africa, it is considered unhygienic to pick up food or drink water from your left hand.
- In Italy, the cappuccino is a morning drink. It is gauche to drink it in the afternoon or evening: Switch to espresso. So advice, don’t have a morning drink in the mid-afternoon, they will frown upon you!
- Never tip or blow your nose in Japan, people get offended as it is a sign of disrespect.
- If you like your friends spit on them! The Masai tribe of East Africa greet each other by spitting on each other. When greeting an elder, they spit on the shaking hand before offering it. Be prepared to be spit on when visiting!
- In India, always use only your right hand for eating, receiving, and giving things. The left hand is to be used for only personal things such as wiping after going to the bathroom and handling items that have touched the ground, such as your shoes.
- In South Korea, it is very rude to keep your hands in your pockets while talking to other people. It is a sign of disrespect and considered ill-mannered.
- Never give an even number of flowers to Russian. It is considered impolite and superstitious to them. They also do not like to meet shaking hands through the doorway, it brings bad luck.
- Cover you shoulders when you are in the Middle East. It is considered as a respect.
- Always say “ma’am,” “sir,” “please,” and “thank you” in South America.
Remember these points whenever you travel these countries!