Student life: What an awkward situation taught me about travel 

I met my buddy, and maybe you would think what could have gone wrong, right? So, the confusion arose when my buddy leaned in for a traditional Spanish-greeting on the cheeks. Coming from a different culture, it caught me off guard and felt way too intimate, almost like a French cheek-to-cheek greeting. I instinctively stepped back and just said, “Hi.” He looked confused, but we managed to break the ice later. 

Why am I sharing this with you? I believe you travel a lot and every time you visit new places, you meet new people from different cultures. Therefore, it is important to understand differences, know how to behave in certain situations, so you wouldn’t feel awkward or even embarrassed afterwards. So, I will share with you 5 unusual etiquette rules around the world that will be useful for you while travelling: 

1. We are used to tipping for service at restaurants and hotels; however, in South Korea and Japan it is unacceptable. When you travel to one of these countries, avoid tipping, because it is considered a form of begging there. So, better not do it. 
2. Use your left hand carefully in some parts of Africa, the Middle East, or other parts of Asia. For example, in India it is considered culturally inappropriate to eat with your left hand or offer this hand to anyone. I also remember my family’s trip to Turkey, when we handed money to a taxi driver with our left hand and then we received a dissatisfied stare. So, don’t repeat our mistakes. 
3. In most Eastern European countries, visiting someone’s home without a gift can be considered disrespectful towards the owner of the house. I remember when growing up my mom was always buying something before we went to visit someone. It could have been candies, a cake, champagne, or anything else. 
4. I think that most of us heard the phrase “silence is golden”. When talking to Norwegians don’t feel awkward if they make a long pause. It is completely normal in Norway, since it shows a sign of thoughtful consideration.  
5. The last one is very funny, but probably not for cheese lovers. Italy has an unspoken parmesan rule. When dining in Italy, don’t ask for extra cheese to put on your meal. The chefs serve the meal the way they think it should be, and asking for something extra can be disrespectful. Especially, avoid asking for cheese for seafood, because Italians can find it shocking. Like pizza with pineapples. 

These are only 5 unusual etiquette rules around the world, but there are many more. I recommend that before going to another country, you just do some homework – check what is considered polite and impolite in the country you plan to visit. This way, you will avoid unpleasant stares when travelling.  

Which etiquette rule surprised you the most? 

Author: Olivija Pagiryte 

Featured image: By HiveBoxx on Unsplash