But youd be surprised how easy it is to be rude without knowing.

Many see it as a way of measuring or pigeonholing them.

Some small talk is necessary, though.

The smallest of small talk: saying hello.

Its basically saying you think youre above them.

Its pretty rude not to say hello in the U.S. too, but people dont usually take offense here.

Save the nose blowing for when youre alone in the bathroom, anddont carry a handkerchief for that purpose.

Use disposable tissues instead as many cultures find the idea of handkerchiefs repulsive.

Laughing With Your Mouth Open

When somethings funny, you want to laugh loud and proud.

Butthat kind of behavior can be rude in Japan and some other parts of Asia.

There, laughing with your mouth open, exposing your teeth, is considered impolite and horse-like.

This is especially true for women.

Thats where the trope of giggling Japanese girls covering their mouths comes from.

Not only is tipping not expected,it can be considered an insult.

What you think is a nice gesture and incentive comes across as demeaning charity.

Tipping is different everywhere, so always check what the custom is before you go somewhere new.

Making Common Gestures

What a gesture means here is rarely what it means elsewhere.

Peace sign (backwards): This is not a sign of peace everywhere.

In the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand itsanother version of giving the middle finger.

Only if you do it with the back of the hand facing them, though.

In those places it means asshole.

Your feetespecially the bottomsare considered to be the dirtiest part of the body and shouldnt be displayed to anyone.

Same goes for gesturing or pointing with your feet.

Better to be safeand respectfulthan sorry.

Eating Meals

Meal time is when most cultural snafus occur.

Its impolite to ask for something thats not already being offered.

Youre basically saying something is wrong with the food they gave you and you want to fix it.

For one, dont accept a gift the first time its offered to you (unless its food).

Many cultures expect you to decline a gift several times before reluctantly accepting it.

Also,never open a gift immediately in front of the gift giverunless they ask you to.

It makes you look greedy and impatient.