Don’t Do These 18 Things in Abroad

“Abroad” is a term that refers to a location outside of one’s own country. When used in this context, it refers to a foreign country, or a country that is not the one where a person is a citizen. People often use the term “abroad” when they are traveling or living in a foreign country for an extended period of time. Being abroad can provide many exciting and enriching experiences, such as learning about new cultures, trying new foods, and making new friends.

However, it can also come with its own set of challenges, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and homesickness. Overall, going abroad can be a life-changing experience that offers many opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether you are traveling for work, study, or leisure, living and experiencing a new culture can broaden your perspective and enhance your understanding of the world.

France – Don’t Talk or Ask About Money
Ukraine – Don’t Give An Even Numbers of Flowers
New Zealand – Don’t Honk Otherwise You’ll Insult People
India – Don’t Touch the Opposite Sex in Public
Japan – Don’t Leave Tips
Mexico – Don’t Get Offended At Local’s Jokes
Norway – Don’t Ask About Going To Church
Turkey – Don’t Show OK Gesture Cause It’s Very Offensive
UK – Don’t Ask How Much People Earn
Ireland – Don’t Try To Imitate Irish Accent
Germany – Don’t Congratulate On Birthday Before The Day
Kenya – Don’t Call People By Name First
Chile – Don’t Eat With Your Hands
Singapore – Don’t Eat in Public Transport
USA – Don’t Forget To Leave Tips
Italy – Don’t Order Cappuccino In Restaurants
Hungary – Don’t Clink Glasses When Toasting
China – Don’t Give Clock Or Umbrella As A Present

1. France – Don’t Talk or Ask About Money

In France, it’s considered impolite to discuss money in social settings, as it’s seen as a private matter. In general, people in France prefer to keep their financial situation to themselves and avoid talking about it with others, especially in public. When socializing with French people, it’s best to steer clear of conversations about money, salaries, and financial status.

This includes avoiding asking about someone’s salary, discussing your own financial situation, or making comments about expensive possessions or luxury items. It’s also important to be aware of the social norms and customs surrounding money in France, such as avoiding discussing it in public places like restaurants or cafes, and being discreet about financial transactions.

Avoiding discussions about money is a basic principle of etiquette in France and is seen as a sign of respect for privacy and good manners. By adhering to this custom, you can avoid offending others and maintain a positive social dynamic.

2. Ukraine – Don’t Give An Even Numbers of Flowers

In Ukraine, it’s traditional to give an odd number of flowers as a gift, especially when giving them as a token of affection or to express sympathy. Giving an even number of flowers is considered inappropriate because it is associated with funerals and is often used to pay homage to the dead.

For example, it’s customary to give an odd number of red roses when expressing love, while an odd number of chrysanthemums is used to express condolences. If you’re unsure about what type of flowers to give, it’s always safe to stick with an odd number. In general, it’s important to be aware of cultural customs and traditions when giving gifts in Ukraine, as these gestures can hold deeper meaning and significance.

By following local customs and traditions, you can show respect for the recipient and their culture, and make a positive impression. Giving an odd number of flowers is a well-established tradition in Ukraine, and it’s considered important to adhere to this custom in order to show respect and avoid offending others.

3. New Zealand – Don’t Honk Otherwise You’ll Insult People

In New Zealand, honking your car horn in an aggressive or angry manner is considered impolite and can be perceived as an insult to others. New Zealanders place a high value on good manners and respect, and honking your horn in a confrontational way is seen as a breach of these social norms.While it’s acceptable to use your horn to signal to other drivers or in emergency situations, it’s important to avoid honking in an aggressive or confrontational manner.

This can create tension on the road and be seen as a sign of rudeness or impatience. In general, it’s best to follow the local customs and traffic laws when driving in New Zealand, as these can vary from place to place.

By being mindful of your driving habits and avoiding confrontational behaviour on the road, you can help to maintain a positive and respectful driving environment.

Honking your car horn in an aggressive or angry manner is seen as impolite in New Zealand and can be perceived as an insult to others. It’s important to be mindful of local customs and traffic laws when driving, and to avoid confrontational behaviour in order to maintain a positive and respectful driving environment.

4. India – Don’t Touch the Opposite Sex in Public

In India, physical contact between members of the opposite sex in public is generally considered inappropriate. This is due to cultural and social norms that emphasize modesty and discretion, as well as respect for personal space.

While physical affection between partners is acceptable in private, public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in more conservative communities. It’s also important to be mindful of the cultural norms surrounding physical contact, as these can vary greatly depending on regional and religious customs.

In general, it’s best to avoid physical contact with members of the opposite sex in public, and to respect personal space and cultural norms. This can help to avoid offending others and maintain a positive and respectful social dynamic.

Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are generally considered inappropriate in India, and it’s important to be mindful of cultural norms and to respect personal space. By following these customs, you can avoid offending others and maintain a positive and respectful social dynamic.

5. Japan – Don’t Leave Tips

In Japan, leaving a tip is not a common practice and is often considered unnecessary or even rude. This is because the service industry in Japan places a strong emphasis on providing excellent service, and the expectation is that customers will receive the best possible service without the need for additional gratuities.

Tipping is not a part of the cultural or economic traditions in Japan, and service industry workers generally receive fair compensation for their work. As a result, leaving a tip is not expected or required, and can sometimes be seen as an insult to the service provider. If you’re visiting Japan and would like to show appreciation for excellent service, a simple thank you or expression of gratitude is often sufficient. If you’re not sure whether to tip or not, it’s always a good idea to observe local customs and follow the lead of others in the same situation.

Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, and is not expected or required. Service industry workers are compensated fairly for their work, and a simple expression of gratitude is often sufficient to show appreciation for good service. It’s important to follow local customs and to avoid offending others by observing cultural norms and practices.

6. Mexico – Don’t Get Offended At Local’s Jokes

In Mexico, humour is an important part of the culture and people enjoy making jokes and teasing each other in good fun. It’s common for Mexicans to make light-hearted jokes about each other, their country, and even about themselves. While these jokes can sometimes be direct or pointed, they are usually made in good humour and are not intended to cause offense.

In fact, making jokes and having a sense of humour is often seen as a sign of friendliness and hospitality. However, it’s important to be mindful of cultural and social differences, and to avoid taking jokes personally or getting overly offended. It’s also a good idea to be aware of sensitive subjects, such as religion, politics, or personal circumstances, and to avoid making jokes or comments that might be seen as inappropriate or offensive.

Humour is an important part of Mexican culture, and people enjoy making light-hearted jokes and teasing each other in good fun. While these jokes can sometimes be direct or pointed, they are usually made in good humour and are not intended to cause offense. It’s important to be mindful of cultural and social differences, and to avoid taking jokes personally or getting overly offended.

7. Norway – Don’t Ask About Going To Church

In Norway, religion is a personal matter, and many people do not attend church regularly or consider themselves to be religious. As a result, asking about someone’s religious beliefs or practices, or whether they attend church, is considered a private matter and is generally best avoided. Norwegians place a high value on individual privacy and personal freedom, and they tend to avoid intrusive questions or discussions about religion, politics, or personal matters.

This is an important aspect of their cultural and social norms, and it’s important to respect these customs and to avoid offending others. If you’re visiting Norway and would like to engage in conversation with locals, it’s best to focus on common interests, such as culture, history, or the local landscape, and to avoid sensitive topics or personal questions.

Asking about someone’s religious beliefs or practices, or whether they attend church, is considered a private matter in Norway and is generally best avoided. Norwegians place a high value on individual privacy and personal freedom, and it’s important to respect these customs and to avoid offending others.

8. Turkey – Don’t Show OK Gesture Cause It’s Very Offensive

In Turkey, the “ok” gesture, made by forming a circle with your thumb and index finger, is considered highly offensive. This gesture is interpreted as an insult and can be taken to mean “you’re nothing” or “you’re worthless.”

It’s important to be aware of cultural differences and to avoid using gestures that may be offensive in other countries. In Turkey, it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid using the “ok” gesture, especially in formal or business situations. If you’re visiting Turkey, it’s a good idea to observe local customs and body language, and to be mindful of gestures that may be interpreted differently than they are in your home country. A friendly smile and a respectful demeanour can go a long way in making a positive impression and avoiding misunderstandings.

The “ok” gesture is considered highly offensive in Turkey, and it’s best to avoid using it in order to avoid offending others. It’s important to be mindful of cultural differences and to respect local customs and body language while traveling or interacting with locals.

9. UK – Don’t Ask How Much People Earn

In the United Kingdom, asking about someone’s salary or income is considered impolite and a violation of privacy. Personal financial information is considered private, and many people consider it to be rude to ask about their income, especially in social settings. In British culture, people tend to avoid discussing their financial situation, and questions about salary or income are typically only asked in a professional context, such as during a job interview or performance review.

If you’re visiting the UK or interacting with locals, it’s best to avoid asking about people’s salary or income, and to focus instead on other topics of conversation. Showing interest in someone’s interests, hobbies, or family is a good way to build a relationship and create a positive impression.

Asking about someone’s salary or income is considered impolite in the United Kingdom, and it’s best to avoid the topic in order to respect personal privacy and cultural norms. Showing interest in other aspects of someone’s life and building a relationship based on common interests is a better approach in most social situations.

10. Ireland – Don’t Try To Imitate Irish Accent

In Ireland, imitating an Irish accent is considered insensitive and can be seen as offensive by some locals. The Irish accent is an important part of Irish culture and heritage, and for many people, it is closely tied to their sense of identity.

While it may seem like a harmless attempt at humour, imitating an accent can be seen as a form of cultural appropriation, and it can be hurtful to those who take pride in their heritage. Additionally, it can be difficult for non-Irish people to imitate the accent accurately, and this can lead to stereotypes and further offense.

If you’re visiting Ireland or interacting with Irish people, it’s best to avoid imitating the accent. Showing respect for cultural differences and avoiding any actions that could be interpreted as insensitive or offensive is a good way to make a positive impression and build relationships.

Imitating an Irish accent is considered insensitive and can be seen as offensive in Ireland. It’s best to avoid the practice in order to show respect for cultural differences and avoid any misunderstandings.

11. Germany – Don’t Congratulate On Birthday Before The Day

In Germany, congratulating someone on their birthday before the actual day of the celebration is considered bad luck and is considered impolite. This cultural tradition is deeply ingrained in German culture, and many Germans take it seriously.

In Germany, it is customary to wait until the actual day of the birthday to offer birthday wishes and greetings, and to avoid mentioning the celebration beforehand. This is seen as a way to respect the person’s special day and to make the celebration feel more special and meaningful.

If you’re visiting Germany or interacting with German people, it’s best to follow this cultural tradition and avoid congratulating someone on their birthday before the day of the celebration. Showing respect for local customs and cultural norms is a good way to make a positive impression and build relationships with others.

Congratulating someone on their birthday before the actual day of the celebration is considered bad luck and is considered impolite in Germany. It’s best to wait until the day of the birthday to offer birthday wishes and greetings in order to show respect for local customs and cultural norms.

12. Kenya – Don’t Call People By Name First

In Kenya, it’s considered impolite to call someone by their first name without first getting permission. This cultural norm is based on traditional African customs and reflects a strong emphasis on respect and deference to elders and authority figures.

In Kenya, it’s more common to use titles and last names when addressing people, especially those who are older or hold positions of authority. For example, it’s more appropriate to address someone as “Mr. Smith” or “Dr. Jones” rather than simply using their first name.

If you’re visiting Kenya or interacting with Kenyan people, it’s important to be mindful of this cultural tradition and to avoid calling people by their first name without first getting permission. Showing respect for cultural differences and avoiding any actions that could be interpreted as impolite is a good way to make a positive impression and build relationships with others.

Calling people by their first name without first getting permission is considered impolite in Kenya. It’s best to use titles and last names when addressing people and to get permission before using first names, in order to show respect for cultural norms and to avoid any misunderstandings

13. Chile – Don’t Eat With Your Hands

In Chile, eating with your hands is generally considered impolite and is not a common practice. This cultural norm is based on traditional European customs, which emphasize the use of utensils for eating.

In Chile, it’s customary to use utensils such as forks, knives, and spoons for eating, and to avoid eating with your hands as much as possible. This is seen as a sign of good manners and proper etiquette, and is considered an important aspect of Chilean culture.

If you’re visiting Chile or interacting with Chilean people, it’s important to be mindful of this cultural tradition and to avoid eating with your hands as much as possible. Showing respect for cultural norms and avoiding any actions that could be interpreted as impolite is a good way to make a positive impression and build relationships with others.

Eating with your hands is generally considered impolite in Chile. It’s best to use utensils such as forks, knives, and spoons for eating, and to avoid eating with your hands as much as possible in order to show respect for cultural norms and to avoid any misunderstandings.

14. Singapore – Don’t Eat in Public Transport

In Singapore, eating in public transportation, such as buses and trains, is considered impolite and is generally discouraged. This cultural norm is based on the emphasis placed on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in public spaces, as well as a desire to avoid creating litter or causing inconvenience to others.

In Singapore, it’s customary to avoid eating in public transportation, and instead wait until you arrive at your destination to have your meal. If you need to eat while in transit, it’s considered polite to cover your mouth and use a napkin to prevent crumbs from falling onto the floor or seats.

If you’re visiting Singapore or interacting with Singaporean people, it’s important to be mindful of this cultural tradition and to avoid eating in public transportation. Showing respect for cultural norms and avoiding any actions that could be interpreted as impolite is a good way to make a positive impression and build relationships with others.

Eating in public transportation is generally considered impolite in Singapore. It’s best to avoid eating in buses and trains and to wait until you arrive at your destination to have your meal, in order to show respect for cultural norms and to avoid any misunderstandings.

15. USA – Don’t Forget To Leave Tips

In the United States, leaving a tip for service is an important cultural norm and is expected in many circumstances. This tradition is based on the idea of rewarding good service and showing appreciation for the work of those who provide it.

In the United States, it’s customary to leave a tip for service professionals such as waiters and waitresses, bartenders, hairdressers, taxi and ride-share drivers, and others. The amount of the tip is usually based on the level of service received and can range from 15-20% of the total bill, with 20% being the standard for good service.

If you’re visiting the United States or interacting with Americans, it’s important to be aware of this cultural tradition and to leave a tip when appropriate. Failing to do so may be interpreted as a sign of stinginess or a lack of appreciation for good service, and can negatively impact your relationship with service professionals.

Leaving a tip for service is an important cultural norm in the United States, and is expected in many circumstances. It’s considered polite to leave a tip of 15-20% of the total bill, with 20% being the standard for good service, in order to show appreciation for the work of those who provide it.

16. Italy – Don’t Order Cappuccino In Restaurants

In Italy, cappuccino is typically considered a breakfast drink and is not commonly ordered in restaurants during lunch or dinner. Instead, Italians tend to drink espresso-based drinks such as espresso, macchiato, or café latte, with their meals.

This tradition is based on the idea that the milk and foam in a cappuccino can interfere with the taste of the food, so it’s more appropriate to drink it earlier in the day when it’s not being consumed with a meal. If you’re visiting Italy or interacting with Italians, it’s important to be aware of this cultural norm. While you may still be able to order a cappuccino in a restaurant, it’s considered more appropriate to do so earlier in the day and not with a meal.

Ordering cappuccino in restaurants is not a common practice in Italy, and it’s considered more appropriate to do so earlier in the day. It’s important to be aware of this cultural norm when visiting Italy or interacting with Italians, and to choose a different type of drink when ordering in a restaurant.

17. Hungary – Don’t Clink Glasses When Toasting

In Hungary, clinking glasses when toasting is considered impolite and is often associated with a dark period in the country’s history. The tradition dates back to the 1848 revolution, when Hungarian prisoners in Austrian prisons were not allowed to drink from their glasses and had to clink them instead as a sign of solidarity.

As a result, clinking glasses when toasting is viewed as a symbol of oppression and is considered inappropriate in social and cultural contexts. Instead, it’s common to simply raise glasses and make eye contact with others when making a toast.

It’s important to be aware of this cultural norm when visiting Hungary or interacting with Hungarians, and to respect their customs and traditions by avoiding clinking glasses when making a toast.

18. China – Don’t Give Clock Or Umbrella As A Present

In China, giving a clock or an umbrella as a gift is considered bad luck. The pronunciation of “giving a clock” in Mandarin is similar to the phrase “attending a funeral,” and therefore, it is associated with death and saying goodbye to someone. Similarly, giving an umbrella is associated with breaking up or separating.

In Chinese culture, gifts are an important way of expressing friendship and building relationships, and it’s considered important to choose gifts carefully to ensure they carry the right meaning.

If you’re visiting China or interacting with Chinese people, it’s important to be aware of this cultural norm and to choose gifts that are not associated with death or separation. Instead, consider giving gifts that are symbolic of good luck, prosperity, and longevity, such as fresh flowers, fruit, or red envelopes filled with money.

Giving a clock or an umbrella as a gift is considered bad luck in China, and it’s important to be aware of this cultural norm when choosing gifts for Chinese people. Consider giving gifts that are symbolic of good luck, prosperity, and longevity instead.

You may also read:

Don’t Do These 18 Things in Abroad

1. France – Don’t Talk or Ask About Money

2. Ukraine – Don’t Give An Even Numbers of Flowers

3. New Zealand – Don’t Honk Otherwise You’ll Insult People