Things (that might be) Considered Rude in Other Countries | Baamboozle - Baamboozle

At restaurants in France, Italy, Spain, and Japan, asking for any alterations to the dish you're ordering is rude

TRUE - Unless the condiment is already on your table, the staff might get upset with you for asking for more

It's inappropriate to expose the soles of your feet in most Arab, Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist countries

TRUE

in France, it's inappropriate to bite or slice into a baguette

TRUE - The polite way to eat bread in France, is to tear it up in your hands. Never bite straight into it or use utensils to slice it.

In some asian countries, blowing your nose in an open public area is ok

FALSE - It's impolite to blow your nose in public

Not sitting in the back of a taxi is bad manners in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Scotland

FALSE - It's the opposite: riding in the backseat might imply that you 'think you're above the driver' and think of them as more of a chauffeur or servant.

In Greece, West Africa and some Middle Eastern countries, giving someone a thumbs up is impolite

TRUE - It's rude to give a thumbs up, because in some places this is the same as giving your middle finger

In Vietnam, it's polite to cross your fingers when you see a person who is celebrating their birthday, because it means good luck

FALSE - In Vietnam, crossed fingers are considered rude. You might offend people by corssing your fingers

Having one hand in your pocket is bad manners (in Turkey and South Korea)

TRUE - Doing this in South Korea and Turkey will make you seem arrogant. It is especially rude if you're talking to someone.

In Japan, people might stare at you for eating in public

TRUE - Unless an area (like a park) has a sign that says it permits eating and drinking, it's disrespectful to eat anywhere that isn't a restaurant.

In Mexico, People might get upset with you for arriving exactly on time

TRUE - Being a little bit late ensures the host does not feel rushed

In some parts of China, it's nice to make the "horn sign" when greeting someone. It's an old tradition that dates back to the 5th Century and it is related to the belief that dragons have horns

FALSE

In Italy, not drinking a cappuccino after eating is impolite

FALSE - Italians believe that consuming milky beverages on a full stomach causes indigestion. For this reason, most baristas would be against this idea

In the USA, you might offend waiters by raising your hand when they walk by you

FALSE - It's actually considered the best option. Calling out their names or whistling is bad manners

In UK, it's offensive to show two fingers with the palm of your hand facing towards you

TRUE - making a 'V' shape using your index and middle finger with the back of your hand facing someone is offensive in UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa

In Japan, laughing loudly with an open mouth is considered impolite

TRUE - When they can't hold back a chuckle, locals usually hold a hand over their mouth