Social Norms in Other Countries – 10 Etiquette Tips from Around the World

Recommendation: Begin each trip by observing unwritten norms in confined spaces among locals; a respectful handshake when offered opens good conversations and sets the tone for the hours you spend abroad. These norms are highly considered by locals and backed by research, and our service helps you apply them smoothly.

1. Japan and Korea: Start with a light bow; a handshake is optional and may occur only if invited. Taking cues from locals helps you avoid missteps. In crowded spaces, keep your voice down and avoid dirty or flashy gestures; respect the unwritten rules and let conversing happen at a calm pace.

2. United States and Western Europe: A firm handshake lasting about 2-3 seconds works in most business settings; maintain steady eye contact and greet everyone in the room to set a good level of formality. If a group is conversing, wait for a natural pause rather than interrupting the flow, which is highly valued in service contexts.

3. Middle East and parts of Africa: Personal space is respected; use the right hand for greetings and avoid intrusive topics as a sign of respect. In receptions and queues, wait with patience and allow hosts to set the pace of conversations within their customary spaces.

4. Latin America: Expect warmth and occasional physical closeness; handshake or hug is common with consent, and light-handed conversation helps groups feel at ease. Keep a friendly tone and read the room so you join conversations at the right moment.

5. India and Southeast Asia: Namaste greeting, removing shoes in homes, and avoiding pointing; in conversations, maintain a calm voice and avoid any dirty or distracting gestures. Let conversations develop naturally and allow elders to set the pace, a good courtesy in hospitality settings.

6. China and Taiwan: In queues, wait your turn; avoid discussing sensitive topics in public, and keep a modest level of conversation. Avoid direct pointing and large public displays; let others take the lead in social spaces, especially in mixed groups where unwritten norms guide behavior.

7. France: Meals offer an opportunity to show restraint; keep hands on the table when appropriate and greet with a polite bonjour. Don’t rush the course and acknowledge pauses that signal a refined conversation in mixed company.

8. Germany: Punctuality matters; arriving within hours of the agreed time is seen as respectful. In business settings, a precise handshake, clear language, and a direct style are highly valued, with a focus on efficiency in service contexts.

9. Brazil and Italy: Expressiveness is welcomed, but respect personal space in new groups; use a warm tone and read social cues, avoiding intrusive questions until you receive a clear invitation to engage in deeper topics. Reading the room helps you adapt your style to local norms and social dynamics.

10. Australia and New Zealand: Be direct yet courteous; observe hosts’ timing and avoid dominating the dialogue. If unsure, ask a polite question at the right moment to join the discussion; this approach is reinforced by research and supported by our service, helping you tailor your etiquette for any audience.

10 Etiquette Tips by Country: Bowing, greetings, and punctuality mapped worldwide

Japan: In Japan, adhere to the quintessential bowing norms; a light 15-20 degree bow for casual greetings and a 30-45 degree bow for formal introductions. Shaking hands is not the default, so let the other person indicate if a handshake is welcome. When exchanging business cards, use two hands and display the card briefly so the other person can read it; this shows consideration and respect. Punctuality matters: arriving early is a basic fact of good manners and signals how seriously you take the schedule; even a half bow can suffice when the situation is informal. At events and in worship spaces, watch your body language and keep conversations open but not loud; always keep talking at a respectful pace. The hygiene and order you observe reflect the norms of the country and help you adhere to local expectations.

United States: In daily business and casual settings, offer a firm handshake with steady eye contact and a warm smile; this standard remains the baseline where trust starts. In drive-thru or service contexts, acknowledge the order clearly, keep voices calm, and show hygiene by avoiding cross-contact and using tissues as needed. Regularly arrive on time for meetings or events, and let your interest in the other person show through brief, relevant questions after the greeting; do not dominate the talking. In many workplaces, the boundary for physical contact is open, but let the other person lead. When ordering at a counter for fries or other food, say please and thank you to signal good manners. The fact remains that American etiquette favors open, direct communication and efficient interactions.

United Kingdom: A light, brief handshake with steady eye contact is common in business, while many prefer to use a respectful title and surname in formal settings. Punctuality is valued, yet social events can run late, so plan with a flexible margin and respect queues in shops and on public transport. In conversations, keep talking at a measured pace, show consideration, and listen more than you speak to convey interest; different social circles may call for different levels of informality, so watch for cues from nearby colleagues. When greeting someone you don’t know well, a nod or a soft hello is appropriate where the setting is quieter. Politeness balances practicality for both family gatherings and business discussions, making etiquette feel natural rather than rigid.

India: Begin with Namaste, palms pressed together; it’s a quintessential greeting that younger and older people alike use. Physical contact can be welcome among friends, but in many business contexts you should be cautious with the opposite sex unless invited. Address people by their title and surname during formal meetings; this shows respect and helps adherence to local norms and traditions. In religious events or worship areas, remove shoes where asked and follow local hygiene practices; during political or social events, stay considerate and avoid heated topics. In many regions, norms can differ, so be ready to adapt your approach to the context and watch hosts for cues about what is acceptable.

China: In many business contexts, a light handshake is common, and presenting a business card with both hands is a must; place the card in front of you so it can be read and kept for a moment. Avoid public displays of emotion; instead, watch the other person’s responses and adapt. Time is treated with care: punctuality is appreciated, and discussions progress in a calm, organized way; show interest by asking open questions at the right moment. When moving in crowded spaces, keep a respectful distance and avoid loud talking that could disturb nearby colleagues. This approach reflects a blend of modern business practice and traditional norms in the country.

South Korea: Greet with a bow and a handshake, but use two hands for added respect, especially with elders or senior colleagues. In business settings, present cards with both hands and take a moment to read the card before putting it away; this shows consideration and respect for the other person. Time is important: keep meetings on schedule and respect prayer or rest times nearby; many social events have a built-in rhythm you should follow. Early introductions often involve some chatting beforehand, but avoid shouting or loud talking; maintain calm body language and show genuine interest in the conversation. If unsure, mirror the other person’s formality and scale your approach accordingly.

Germany: Punctuality and efficiency define most business interactions; arrive exactly on time and keep to the agenda. A firm, brief handshake accompanies a direct, clear conversation; language should stay formal until invited to be more casual. When in public spaces or offices, hygiene matters and personal space should be respected; avoid unnecessary physical contact in early meetings. If you are unsure about a topic, default to polite questions rather than speculative opinions; this aligns with German norms of factual, focused discussion. In nearby offices and conference rooms, maintain a calm, orderly environment to reflect respect for the process and the people involved.

Brazil: Start with a warm handshake or cheek kiss with close colleagues, adjusting to how well you know the person. In both business and social events, openness and generosity matter–show interest and engage in light, friendly talk to build rapport. Time tends to be more flexible in social settings, but for formal meetings, plan to be on time and do not rush conversations. Keep a balanced distance; Brazilians appreciate physical proximity during conversations as a sign of engagement, but always read the other person’s cues. In casual dining, a relaxed atmosphere and good humor often drive the experience; this approach helps you fit in at nearby gatherings and events.

Saudi Arabia: Handshakes may occur among men; women greet with more reserved gestures depending on the community. In business contexts, respect gender norms; if a woman offers a handshake, follow her lead or offer a light nod instead. Heed prayer times and business hours around worship schedules; opening hours can vary during religious events. Address hosts with formal titles and show patience when discussing terms; this matters as part of everyday etiquette in the country. When dining, wait for the host to signal seating and avoid rush or loud talking in mixed company; showing restraint communicates good judgment in political and social discussions alike.

France: In business, a firm handshake is common, with brief eye contact and a polite greeting. Among friends and colleagues, la bise–one to four light kisses–serves as a quintessential greeting, adjusted to the degree of familiarity. In conversations, maintain a certain level of formality at first and shift to a warmer tone with closer colleagues; watching the room and choosing the right moment to switch topics matters. Punctuality is valued in professional settings, while social events may start later; adapt accordingly and avoid blunt talking at meals. When eating, keep conversations balanced and respect the etiquette of the table; this helps you fit in across different contexts in the country.

Japan: Bowing etiquette; business-card protocol

Start every meeting with a shallow bow of about 15 degrees and present your business card with both hands, card facing the recipient so they can read it easily. This simple action communicates respect and helps foreigners adapt quickly, with much impact. Adapting to local rhythm becomes easier when this foundation is clear. This protocol is easy to apply in practice.

For formal occasions or when meeting senior executives, deepen the bow to roughly 30 degrees and keep your shoulder line straight; avoid leaning forward, which signals casualness rather than deference. This approach uniquely communicates respect and sets the tone for every subsequent discussion. Unlike some other cultures, the ritual relies on restraint rather than prolonged interaction.

Exchanging business cards follows a clear sequence: present your card with two hands, card facing up and readable, and receive similarly with two hands; study the name and title for a moment, then place the card on the table in front of you if seated or in a case if standing. Validate any uncertain readings by repeating the name once to confirm you understood correctly.

In meetings, address colleagues by surname plus san, or by their title if appropriate; keep conversations formal and focused on the terms of the discussion; avoid interrupting and give others space to speak.

At meals or parties, wine is common in many events, but some hindu attendees may refrain from alcohol; offer non-alcoholic options and wait for others to signal their preference. This approach fosters a comfortable atmosphere for all participants.

Travelers and passengers alike should respect the schedule; when you travel to japan for meetings, arrive a few minutes early; this protects the starting line of an important discussion from delays. If you need to step away briefly, apologize politely and resume with another brief bow.

To adapt, practice with a partner before travel; keep your language clean and concise, and use a calm tone–this routine fosters trust and makes etiquette easy for newcomers.

United Kingdom: Queuing etiquette; polite small-talk boundaries

Always join the end of the queue and wait your turn; extended patience makes the experience smoother for everyone in line.

The UK queue culture is a clear custom: everyone lines up, and locals expect fair play. In busy stations, shops, or cafés, a firm, respectful line reduces stress and speeds service for businesses and customers alike. When you are abroad, observe the same rules you use at home, because the culture differs by setting, yet courtesy remains universal.

Start with brief greetings and a courteous nod, then keep conversations short while waiting. If you exchanges a few words, let the chat end before your turn–exchanging words should feel natural, not intrusive. Someones space matters; avoid crowding others and maintain a comfortable distance, even in crowded queues.

While you wait, be mindful of seats and space: do not save seats for people who are not present, and let someone ahead who appears to need a seat more, such as an elderly person or a parent with a child. If someone in front of you steps aside to let a colleague or a family member pass, acknowledge the gesture with a simple thanks; this small act reinforces camaraderie and consideration.

At the counter, keep bills and change ready, and watch price tags so you know what to expect when paying. In cafés or shops, the customary tip is free to give if the service was good, but it is not obligatory; your words of thanks carry more weight than any extra money. If you’re unsure about tipping norms, follow the local staff’s lead and observe what locals spend or leave as bills.

When conversations do happen, limit topics to light, universal subjects: the weather, travel plans, or local events. Although friendly, small talk should stay brief to avoid monopolizing someone’s time. In general, reactions like a short greeting and a smile suffice to signal goodwill and keep the queue moving.

In summary, queueing in the UK blends extended patience with firm boundaries: greet briefly, exchange only a few words, respect strangers and locals alike, and keep the flow steady for everyone involved in the culture of waiting–whether you are at a shop, a station, or a business venue.

France: Formal greetings; correct use of titles

Greet with ‘Bonjour’, followed by the appropriate title and surname, and offer a handshake. Those first moments set how a meeting will unfold, so keep the gesture respectful and light.

Use the formal forms M. or Mme (and Mlle in traditional contexts) until someone invites you to use first names. In conversation, switch to vous and address with the last name, which signals consideration and respect. If someone indicates you can call them by their first name, respond with a brief thanks and adjust. There is more to etiquette than the initial greeting; maintain consistency in how you call people.

In conversing with colleagues, keep your language professional and clear; avoid slang. Use terms of address consistently, and be direct when proposing a plan, then pause to invite their input. There is much value in listening as you respond. This balance helps you move from small talk into productive discussion without interruption, making everyone feel acknowledged.

Punctuality matters: arriving on time makes a good impression; if you are late, call the host with a brief explanation. In formal meetings, stay within the designated terms and agenda; avoid altering the pace without warning. After meetings, a short comment or note can show goodwill, and you should express thanks for the time.

In restaurants, the customary routine follows a calm, controlled zone. The designated server will handle your table; maintain cleanliness and avoid dirty areas in the dining space. When the bills arrive, use a clear, direct request such as ‘L’addition, s’il vous plaît’. If you are sharing, propose a fair split using proper language; many will settle the terms politely. Conclude with thanks to staff and a brief comment on the service. Remember: this is a customary practice that signals mutual respect in France’s dining culture.

Germany: Punctuality; direct yet respectful conversation style

The norms called punctuality and directness require you to arrive early, start on time, and state outcomes concisely. For meetings, plan a tight agenda, share it ahead, and adhere to allotted times. If a delay occurs, send a brief notice with the updated ETA.

In conversations, engage with directness yet respect. Use cues to signal you are ready to speak; listen, then respond with concrete statements. Keep your shoulders square, smile lightly, and maintain open posture to show engagement. This blend of efficiency and warmth is a core concept in German business culture. The approach is totally practical.

In offices, finish discussions with a clear takeaway and next steps; many teams rely on a brief summary to prevent ambiguity. Keep coffee breaks to the least disruption and resume promptly. If you see someone taking notes or organizing a task, offer to help and move on without delay. Address each person with direct statements and avoid singling out any person.

Traveling in Europe requires adapting to local rules and environments. When travelling across europe, respect local norms and adjust your approach. Germans expect a precise order of topics and well-documented price terms when discussing products or services; bring data, price lists, and timelines, and confirm decisions in writing. In some environments, Americans may be more informal; respond with crisp data-backed proposals and clear deadlines. This contrast helps prevent friction and keeps meetings efficient.

During receptions or meals, keep foods simple and portions reasonable; avoid long, heavy meals during negotiations; use coffee meetings to maintain momentum and stay focused.

This approach supports efficient collaboration across many offices and persons, reduces confusion, and helps prevent delays in meetings, whether traveling for business or working with German teams.

India: Namaste greetings; removing shoes and temple etiquette

Namaste greetings unite fellow persons; press your palms together at chest level, then a subtle bow. This quintessential gesture, which will be an example of respectful behavior, sets the tone for any interaction.

Before entering homes or temples, remove your shoes; place them neatly by the doorway, a habit accustomed in many households. If you forget, ask a host or temple staff for guidance, and then follow the posted signs in the future.

Dress modestly in temples: keep shoulders and knees covered; remove hats or sunglasses; avoid loud jewelry; in urban settings, observe posted rules and follow locals’ lead. Your behavior should respect the sanctity of the space and the devotion around you; consult staff if any rule seems unclear. This aligns with common table habits when visiting sacred spaces, keeping a calm and respectful atmosphere.

Photography is often restricted near idols; consult staff or pilgrims before taking pictures. If you receive prasad, accept with both hands and a quiet “thanks.” Do not discard offerings on the floor; this shows clear gratitude and respects the ritual.

In asian contexts, Namaste is a popular greeting across households; korea shows different practices, but respecting local customs creates a smooth experience. At meals, many dishes are served family-style; in urban restaurants, cutlery is common, while some breads and curries are eaten with the fingers. Use the right hand to pick up food or breads, and watch the host for how to share dishes at the table. When bills arrive, handle them politely and thank the server for service.