Every country in the world has them—those unspoken norms, behaviors, and practices that dictate everyday social interactions. These quirks are usually instilled in locals from birth and come so naturally that they become second nature.

 

These unspoken social rules can pose problems for travelers who may not be aware of them. A behavior that is completely innocuous in your culture might be a major faux pas in another.

 

Trying to navigate cultural differences without knowing the social norms can land you in some embarrassing situations. Here’s a list of 5 cultural quirks to be aware of before your next trip abroad:

Keep your left hand to yourself in Indonesia

In Bali and other parts of Indonesia, it’s considered rude to touch someone or pass them something using your left hand because it is considered unclean. You should also avoid touching the top of someone’s head because it’s regarded as a sacred and private area.

Respect Italy’s cappuccino curfew

Coffee etiquette is a big deal in Italy. Cappuccinos are considered a breakfast drink, and the unspoken cut-off time to order one is 11 a.m. This may have started in the days before refrigeration when milk harvested in the morning would spoil before noon. Whatever the reason, if you order anything but espresso after 11 a.m. in Italy, you’ll expose yourself as a tourist.

Don’t be surprised if someone hand-feeds you in Ethiopia

Ethiopian cuisine doesn’t typically require utensils, and feeding guests the tastiest parts of the meal is considered an act of friendship. This practice is called gursha. The host may place food into your mouth by hand as a show of respect. As the guest, it’s polite to accept the offering.

Partying in Mexico is not for the faint of heart

If you get invited to a party in Mexico, know that it could very well go all night and into the early hours of the morning. Whether it’s a baptism, a quinceañera (a girl’s 15th birthday party), or a wedding, the reason for the celebration doesn’t matter as much as the opportunity to gather with friends and family. Parties include the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest member, and involve food, drinks, music, and dancing. An invitation to such a party is a friendly gesture. Make sure you have the stamina and bring something (a case of beer, a dessert, etc.) to contribute.

Be wary of ‘normal’ hand gestures and facial expressions

Every culture in the world uses hand and face gestures as part of its communication system, but those gestures don’t always translate as intended. Giving a thumbs up in the Middle East, for example, is considered an insult. In Brazil, the “OK” sign has a scatological meaning and is essentially the same as showing someone the middle finger. Clenching your fists with your thumbs tucked in means “good luck” in Sweden. And in Nicaragua, puckering your lips is a way of giving directions, as people use their lips instead of their index fingers to point.

 

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