Politeness in Different Cultures

Polite: The rule is to leave at least one arm space between people to respect personal space: The United States, Costa Rica, Ethiopia

Impolite: If you talk during the national anthem, you can get angry looks: Canada, United States, United Kingdom

Impolite: Using the left hand is traditionally considered unclean so it's inappropriate to greet, hold things or eat with it: Ireland, India, Portugal

Impolite: Don't talk with your hands on your pocket, it shows you're not interested in the conversation: Poland, Panama, Germany

Impolite: It's rude to look, smile or start small conversations with strangers unless it's necessary: Italy, Russia, Germany

Impolite: Leaving food on your indicates that your host may not have served enough food or a satisfying meal: Spain, France, China

Impolite: Tipping is considered quite rude and the waiter/waitress will chase you to return it: Japan, Thailand, Philippines

Impolite: It is best to refrain from opening a present on the spot as it is regarded as greedy or impolite: India, Philippines, China

Polite: Slurping noodles is not only acceptable, but is also a sign of appreciation: Romania, Turkey, Japan

Impolite: Making direct eye contact is considered aggressive and disrespectful: Poland, Korea, Italy

Polite: Eating with your hands is not only acceptable, it’s customary: Ethiopia, Russia, Mexico

Impolite: Don't ask "What do you do?" because there's a great social welfare system regardless of your job and they can consider you a classist: The United States, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands

Polite: Burping aloud is an easy way to convey to the entire table that you are now happy and well fed: Uruguay, Russia, China

Impolite: It's completely unacceptable and rude to point at people or things: England, Spain, Bolivia

Polite: It is generally considered wasteful to discard food, so it's okay to eat food that has fallen on the ground: Egypt, Korea, Spain

Polite: You should always start a conversation by saying greeting hello: Argentina, Egypt, France

Impolite: Blowing your nose is generally perceived as repulsive. Instead, it is advisable to politely excuse yourself as if you need to visit the restroom: Italy, France, Brazil

Polite: Arriving late to a party is not merely polite, it’s an act of graciousness to avoid the risk of interrupting your host doing last-minute preparations: Costa Rica, Argentina, Italy

Impolite: The horn should only be used in emergencies; therefore, your unnecessary beeping might lead drivers to panic: New Zealand, Norway, Iceland