Weird etiquette rules around the world

Here are 25 of the weirdest and most fascinating etiquettes around the world.

Country: Afghanistan

Being butterfingered in Afghanistan comes with an intriguing ritual.

A bread dropped on the floor should be picked up, kissed, put to one’s forehead, and then placed on the side. In Islam, food is seen as a gift from God, and wasting it is considered a sin.

Country: Chile

When it comes to paying respect to food, Chileans go the complete opposite way. In Chile, touching the food you eat is considered a faux pas and very unsanitary. Everything, even french fries, should be eaten with utensils.

Related slideshow: 30 etiquette rules that nobody should ever break again

Country: Italy

You don’t need to be a superfood to know that Italians take their food seriously. So, when in Italy, don’t ask for extra cheese on anything. This is considered a culinary sin in the food-loving country.

Country: Canada

Being tardy is frowned upon almost everywhere except in Canada, where showing up early or on time is considered bad. However, being late more than 15 minutes is also considered rude.

Country: Egypt

In Egypt, refilling your own glass is considered rude. If your glass is half full or empty, you should wait for the host to refill it.

Country: Japan

Slurping is generally considered an annoying and rude habit. Not in Japan, though. Slurping food loudly means you enjoy the meal, and it’s a sign that you appreciate the chef’s work. The louder you are slurping, the greater the thanks.

Country: Tanzania

Talk about starting off on the wrong foot. In Tanzania, showing the soles of your feet is considered offensive.

Country: China, Taiwan

While burping on the table is an unforgivable faux pas almost everywhere in the world, in China and Taiwan is the highest form of flattery—it means you like the food.

Country: India, Nepal, Middle East, Egypt

In Middle Eastern countries, as well as in India and parts of Africa, eating with your hand is the norm, but make sure it’s the right hand. Literally, the right hand. In these countries, the left hand is used for self-cleaning, so it should stay away from food.

Country: France

Apparently, the nation that trademarked kissing isn’t big on hugging. In France, people don’t hug to say hi. They rarely hug at all. In fact, there is no verb in French that means “to hug.” It is customary, though, to do a cheek kiss to say hi. At least it was, pre-Covid when kissing was not considered a health hazard.

Country: Singapore

In Singapore, chewing gum is not only a bad manner, it is also against the law, as the country has banned chewing gum in 1992 in an attempt to keep the streets clean.

Country: United Arab Emirates, Oman

Here’s another pre-Covid greeting etiquette. Known as khashm-makh, nose-to-nose kiss is a tried-and-true way of saying hello in countries like Oman and the United Arab Emirates.This  custom symbolizes respect and pride among Arab men.

Related slideshow: 12 things you should never, ever do in a restaurant

Country: Netherlands

Saying hello is considered a bad telephone etiquette in Netherlands where is customary to start a call with your last name.

Country: Kenya

In Kenya, you should always accept tea or coffee offered to you, even if you just take a few sips. If your cup is less than half full, it will always be refilled.

Country: Russia

When in Russia, steer clear from ordering Bloody Mary or any other vodka-based cocktail. Russians drink their vodka neat. Adding a mixer, including ice is seen as polluting vodka’s purity. Beer is the only exception, which when mixed with vodka produces a drink known as “yorsh.”

Country: Portugal

You won’t find salt and pepper shakers in any Portuguese restaurant, and you shouldn’t ask for them. Asking for more salt is considered bad restaurant etiquette in Portugal, implying you were served unseasoned and bland food.

Country: Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong

While tipping is encouraged in many countries, in some Asian countries, it is seen as a rude gesture. The Japanese believe that if the staff does a good job for an establishment, customers will return.

Country: Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, South Korea

While, western cultures consider eye contact a good maner, in some parts of the world eye contact is frowned upon. For example, in China you keep eye contact with someone only when you are angry.While in Vietnam, eye contact is a sign that you are attracted to the person.

Country: Hungary

Avoid clinking your glasses when toasting in Hungary. Hungary frowns upon this practice, connected to the 1849 execution of Hungary’s 13 Martyrs of Arad. The legend says Austrian generals celebrated the death of Hungarian revolutionaries by clinking their beer glasses.

Country: Inuit Tribes

Letting one rip is usually one of the biggest social faux pas everywhere. However, if you are planning to visit an Inuit tribe anytime soon, feel free to break wind after a meal, as this culture treats flatulence as a compliment to the chef.

Country: United Kingdom

It is customary in England to pass port continuously to the left side of the table until it is finished. Some say it has to do with naval tradition – if you’re facing the helm, the port side is on your left – but the real reason is unclear.

Country: South Korea

In South Korea, it’s impolite to start eating before the eldest person at the table, no matter how hungry you are. In Korean culture, elders are highly respected.

Country: Georgia

The toasting process in Georgia lasts for hours. Each person at the table makes a toast before taking a big gulp from their glasses. Once everyone has made a toast, the circle is recirculated. Georgians typically consume 10 to 15 (small) glasses of wine or vodka in an evening.

Country: Mexico

Never eat a taco with utensils. Especially if you are in Mexico — the birthplace of tacos. It’s impolite to eat the dish  with fork and knife.

Country: Germany, Turkey,  most of South America

Much of the world is not okay with the “okay” sign (touching thumb and forefinger to make a circle). It is considered an insult in Germany and most of South America—similar to giving someone the finger in the United States.