Traveling has become easier in today’s world, and people visit many countries for work, study, or holidays. However, every culture has its own customs, so it is important to show respect and behave politely when you go abroad.

Greetings
People greet each other in different ways. In Canada and the United States, people usually shake hands firmly and look directly into the other person’s eyes. In many Asian countries, people avoid strong eye contact to show respect. In Japan, people bow, and a deeper bow shows greater respect. In Thailand, people greet others by pressing their hands together near the chest and giving a small bow.

Clothing Rules
Some countries have rules about clothes. In many Asian and Muslim countries, people should dress modestly. Women often wear long sleeves and skirts below the knee. In places like Japan, China, Korea, and Thailand, it is polite to take off your shoes before entering a home or certain restaurants. Visitors should place their shoes neatly facing the door.

Food and Eating Habits
Eating customs also differ from place to place. In Italy, Spain, and Latin America, lunch is a long and important meal. People may eat for two or three hours and enjoy talking with family or friends. In countries like Mexico and Japan, people usually avoid talking about business during meals because food time is for relaxing. In the United States and Britain, business meetings may happen during breakfast or lunch. In China, business banquets are common, but guests usually do not talk about business while eating.

Doing Business
In many countries, people exchange business cards when they meet. Cards should include your name, your company, and your job title. In Japan, you must give your card with both hands, with the writing facing the other person. Business hours are usually from morning until late afternoon, but countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain may close for a short break in the afternoon. In Japan, workers often go out with colleagues after work. If you are invited, it is polite not to refuse.

Around the world, there are many small cultural habits. For example, in some Asian countries, making sounds when eating shows that the food tastes good. In China, your host will keep filling your dish unless you place your chopsticks across your bowl. In South America, people like to stand close when talking, and in the Middle East, people never use the left hand for eating or greeting. In the United States, people usually eat a hamburger quickly and with both hands. These differences help us understand and respect new cultures.