One essential rule of etiquette from each of the world's 20 most visited countries — the things that matter most to locals.
Getting etiquette right signals respect. Getting it wrong is usually forgiven — but knowing the difference makes you a better guest wherever you travel.
Dress well even for casual occasions. Appearance signals respect for the people around you and for the place you are visiting. Turning up to a restaurant in athletic wear or flip-flops is genuinely frowned upon — even in warm weather.
Greet with a kiss on each cheek, right cheek first. This applies between women and between men and women. Men typically shake hands with other men. The greeting is light and social — it is about acknowledgement, not affection.
Maintain eye contact during conversations. In American culture, looking someone in the eye signals confidence, honesty, and engagement. Avoiding eye contact is often interpreted as disinterested, evasive, or untrustworthy.
Present and receive business cards with both hands and a slight bow. Take a moment to study the card before setting it aside — never write on it, fold it, or put it directly in your back pocket. The card represents the person giving it.
Cover your shoulders and knees before entering any church or basilica. Many will turn you away or offer a paper wrap at the door if you are not dressed modestly. This applies to everyday churches, not just major tourist sites.
Greet the eldest person in the room first. Age commands genuine respect in Turkish culture — in family settings, social gatherings, and professional environments. Standing when an elder enters a room is also common and appreciated.
Address people as Señor or Señora with their surname until explicitly invited to use first names. Moving to first names too quickly can feel presumptuous or disrespectful, particularly in professional settings or with people you have just met.
Punctuality is non-negotiable in Germany. Arriving late to a meeting, dinner, or appointment — even by a few minutes — is seen as disrespectful of the other person's time. If you will be late, call ahead. There is no grace period.
Remove your shoes before entering any temple or private home. Look for a pile of shoes at the entrance as your signal. Inside temples, sit with your feet pointed away from Buddha images and from monks — pointing feet toward something sacred is disrespectful.
Reflexive apologising — saying sorry even when you have done nothing wrong — is standard British social behaviour. If someone bumps into you, you both apologise. It is not about fault; it is a verbal gesture that keeps social interactions smooth.
Do not make phone calls on trains or public transport. Carriages are expected to be quiet, and most display explicit no-phone-call signs. Keep conversations low, put your phone on silent, and step off the train or into a designated area to call.
Use formal titles and surnames until you are explicitly invited to use first names. "Herr" (Mr) and "Frau" (Ms) remain standard in professional and new social situations. Using first names too early can come across as overly familiar.
Refusing food or a drink when offered by a host is genuinely rude. Hospitality — filoxenia — is a point of national pride in Greece, and hosts take real pleasure in offering. Accept what is given, even if you only have a little. Refusal is a rejection of goodwill.
Bring a small gift when visiting someone's home — flowers (always an odd number, never even), chocolates, or a bottle of wine. Arriving empty-handed is considered impolite. Flowers in even numbers are reserved for funerals.
Personal space during conversation is important. Standing too close feels intrusive. An arm's length is a comfortable default. Canadians also tend to be indirect in expressing disagreement — listen for polite hedging rather than explicit "no".
Dress conservatively in all public spaces. Both men and women should keep arms and legs covered. Women are expected to dress modestly and carry an abaya (a full-length robe) for religious sites. Respect for local dress norms is taken seriously.
Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, gurudwaras, and most homes. This is a mark of respect — religious and social — not just hygiene. Many sites provide a shoe-check area. Socks are usually acceptable to keep on.
Pour drinks for others before filling your own glass. Never pour your own drink while others at the table have empty glasses — it is considered inconsiderate. Use two hands or support your right forearm with your left hand when pouring or receiving.
Keep your voice down in restaurants, cafés, and public spaces. Loud or boisterous behaviour stands out in Portugal and is considered poor form. The Portuguese tend to speak quietly, and noticeably loud groups are generally assumed to be tourists.
Be direct and say what you mean. The Dutch place a high value on straightforwardness and honesty. Indirect communication, vague hints, or excessive hedging can come across as evasive or untrustworthy. "No" is a complete sentence and is respected.