Traveling can be an enlightening experience as you engage with new countries, cultures and people. Chances are, you'll quickly realize that western etiquette is very different from the social norms practiced in other regions of the world, many of which that have been in place for upwards of thousands of years. So before you travel to a foreign land, take a dive into some international etiquette and review some customs from different countries around the world.
Italy
Punctuality is loose and relaxed
Don’t expect a quiet dinner; multitasking is normal and the more people invited, the merrier!
Smoking is not allowed in many public spaces
Italians are very chic (high fashion in Venice and Milan) and always look sharp
SPAIN
Think casual professional when deciding your outfit for the day; the Spanish tend to always look sharp, but still comfortable
Snack if you must, but lunch doesn't start until about 1:30PM or later
Dinner also doesn't start until after 8PM
There's a big quiet period around 3PM-5PM, when people leave for long breaks and occasionally rest up before heading back out
Nightlife runs in the early morning hours
Expect to run into lots of smokers
United Kingdom
Avoid asking about one’s health
Avoid asking “How are you” unless greeting a close friend
Don’t bring up jobs or money related topics, it’s poor form
Say yes to tea, but milk comes last!
Switzerland
The swiss are formal so be on your absolute best behavior
Take off shoes and line them up against a wall
Do not be late
Firm handshakes and eye contact are a must
Bring a gift AND send a thank you note afterward
If fondue is being served (often in winter), never lose your bread and NEVER scrape the bottom of the pot
Germany
Lateness is a huge no-no
Dressing up is normal, even in casual situations
Expect to take off your shoes
At the table, keep hands above and on the table, never let them fall to your lap
Always maintain eye contact when saying Prost!
China
Food is pre-selected and regional delicacies are a must-eat (it shows respect to the host)
Eat everything that is offered to you, if possible
Slurping your soup is a sign of thanking the chef
Punctuality is important because it demonstrates respect, though expect others to probably still be a bit late
Expect to be asked personal questions, but don't take offense, it's usually a tactic for finding common ground with new friends
Japan
Shoes must always be taken off before entering a private home, dirt is a sign of disrespect
Make sure to bring a gift
Bowing is essential, and the youngest person should bow first. The deeper the bow the more respect towards that person.
India
If visiting a traditional home, you may be anoinnted with a talika - a facial marking as a sign of honor
Hotel hospitality can take it a step further by offering to wash guests feet on arrival and providing floral garlands as you leave
Let elders sit before you always
Expect seconds, thirds and fourths of meals
Never go empty handed when visiting a home
Vietnam
Avoid public displays of affection
Limit physical contact with people of the opposite sex
Remove your shoes before entering most homes or private spaces
Being punctual is very important and demonstrates respect
Vietnamese dress relatively conservatively, so keep to this rule, even at the beaches
Mexico
Bigger cities dress more conservatively and professionally
Punctuality is not super important, but it shows that you are eager
Mexicans are enthusiastic and ceremonial in many cases, so showing enthusiasm and interest can take you a long way
Tipping is important, and asking for the check when you're ready is necessary
Colombia
Expect loudness, opinions and animated conversation
Colombians are very prideful and excited to talk about their region
Locals dress to the nines when going out and men often wear jeans or dress pants (rarely shorts or flip flops)
Dinner is hardly on time, so consider a snack beforehand
Catholicism is huge
Argentina
Fashionably late is a thing, so much so, it’s actually rude to be on time
Intimacy and affectionate behavior are norms in this culture
Lean out of a conversation and you’re considered rude
Dinners often span hours and can go into the night