Ask for permission before photographing people or private property – a simple “May I?” in the local language or a pointing gesture prevents confrontations.
Learn and use three local phrases: greeting, thank you, and apology. Use of these words reduces friction in brief encounters; aim to pronounce them correctly and practice polite forms if the language has honorifics.
Dress to match local norms at religious and official sites: carry a lightweight scarf or shawl, pack a pair of long trousers, and keep a foldable pair of slip-on shoes for places where footwear must be removed. Many shrines require covered shoulders and knees; failing to comply can mean denied entry.
Handle money and tipping deliberately: carry small bills and coins for markets and taxis, verify whether a service charge is already included on receipts, and use cash where card terminals are uncommon. In the United States, tip roughly 15–20% for table service; in several European countries a service fee is often built into the bill.
Avoid intrusive gestures: do not touch someone’s head in South and Southeast Asia, do not point with your feet in parts of Asia, and be cautious with thumbs-up or OK signs in the Middle East and parts of Latin America. When unsure, mirror local body language at a comfortable distance of 1–1.5 meters.
Respect noise and space rules on public transport: keep phone calls brief, use headphones, and speak softly. In Japan and many Northern European cities, silence on trains is strongly preferred; violation leads to social disapproval rather than formal penalty, but can still provoke conflict.
Follow local queueing and arrival customs: stand in line when locals do, arrive 10–15 minutes early for formal appointments, and confirm opening hours–some shops and services close midday or open late in Southern Europe and parts of Latin America.
When attending meals, mirror host behavior: wait to be seated, accept or decline food politely, offer small gifts for home visits (food or a token from your home area), and decline offers once before accepting if that matches local modesty norms.
If rules are enforced by fines or bans, check official guidance before visiting: alcohol, photography, and dress restrictions vary by region; municipal websites and embassy advisories list specific penalties and can be consulted within 48 hours prior to arrival.
How to Dress Respectfully at Religious and Traditional Sites
Cover shoulders and knees; carry a lightweight scarf or sarong (minimum 100×150 cm) and wear shoes that are easy to remove.
Quick garments checklist
- Head covering: square scarf ~60×60 cm or rectangular 50×150 cm; folded to cover hair and neck.
- Sleeves: cover shoulders and reach at least halfway to the elbow (≈10–15 cm of sleeve past the shoulder seam).
- Bottoms: hem must reach the knee or below; ankle-length preferred for mosques and major temples.
- Fabrics: 100% cotton or linen for hot climates; avoid sheer, clingy or transparent materials.
- Footwear: slip-on shoes or sandals that remove in under 10 seconds; clean socks if shoes must come off.
- Accessories: remove hats; keep jewelry minimal and avoid visible religious or political slogans.
Site-specific rules and examples
- Mosques (e.g., Blue Mosque, Istanbul) – Both genders: shoulders and knees covered; women should use a headscarf. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops and tight leggings. Many mosques loan scarves; carry a 100×100 cm scarf as backup.
- Sikh gurdwaras (e.g., Golden Temple) – Head covering mandatory for everyone; scarves of ~70×70 cm commonly provided. Shoes and socks removed; wash hands and feet before entry.
- Catholic/Protestant churches (e.g., St. Peter’s Basilica) – Shoulders and knees covered; men: no sleeveless shirts or shorts. Avoid low necklines and transparent fabrics.
- Orthodox churches – Women often asked to cover head and wear skirts or dresses below the knee; men should remove hats and wear long trousers.
- Hindu/Buddhist temples (e.g., Angkor Wat) – Modest dress: shoulders covered, no shorts, no exposed midriff. Remove shoes where signs indicate; avoid loud colors or graphic prints.
- Shinto shrines and Japanese temples – Conservative, neat clothing preferred; some inner halls require shoe removal–carry easy-to-remove footwear and avoid socks with holes.
- Western Wall and synagogues – Men expected to wear a head covering (kippah often provided); both sexes: modest skirts/trousers and covered shoulders in many areas.
- Sites with restricted access (e.g., Mecca areas) – Check access rules in advance; where allowed, men wear two unstitched white cloths (ihram) and women wear loose, full-coverage garments.
Packing suggestions: one 100×150 cm sarong, one 100×100 cm scarf, one pair of lightweight long trousers, one long-sleeve cotton shirt, two pairs of thin socks, slip-on shoes, and 3 safety pins to secure wraps. If visiting several religions in one trip, carry neutral-toned pieces (white, navy, beige) to avoid offending local preferences.
On-site conduct: accept provided coverings without modification; comply immediately with requests from staff or signs; cover visible tattoos if required; avoid wearing garments bearing other faith symbols. When in doubt, choose full coverage and breathable fabric.
Tipping Do’s and Don’ts: Who, When and How Much
Always check the bill for a service charge before adding a tip; if a service charge is already included, do not add more unless service was exceptional.
Restaurants: United States – 15–20% of pre-tax amount; Canada – 15–20%; UK – if “service included” present, do nothing extra; otherwise 10–15% or round up; France, Germany, Spain, Italy – service often included, otherwise 5–10% or round up small change; Australia/New Zealand – tipping not expected, 10% for excellent service; Japan, South Korea – do not tip; China – no routine tipping except in international hotels or tourist zones.
Taxis and rideshares: Round up for short trips in most of Europe and Latin America; United States/Canada – 10–15% or round up to next dollar; Japan – no tip; tip in local currency; prefer cash for drivers.
Hotels: Porters – $1–$5 per bag (US/Canada), €1–€3 per bag in many European cities, 20–100 JPY per bag in Japan only if service offered; Housekeeping – $2–$5 per night in North America, €1–€3 in Europe, small local equivalent in Asia (leave daily with note); Concierge – small cash for special requests, $5–$20 depending on difficulty.
Guides and drivers: Private guide – $10–$20 per person per day in North America/Europe; group tour guide – $3–$10 per person per day; driver/coach driver – $2–$5 per person per day; long private transfers – 10% of the service fee is a practical guideline. Adjust upward for exceptional service or bespoke itineraries.
Spa, salons and personal services: If no service charge, tip 10–15% of the bill; in countries where tipping is unusual, round up in cash. For hairdressers ask the front desk about local norms to avoid offense.
Street food, market stalls and counter service: Small change or rounding up; in Southeast Asia a few coins or 10–20 THB is fine; in Latin America round up to the next bill; avoid insisting on tipping at tiny stalls where staff operate on thin margins.
When not to tip: If a menu or bill states “service included,” “servicio incluido” or a fixed gratuity for groups, do not add an extra amount unless the team performed beyond expectations. In countries where tipping signals poor service or causes confusion (for example Japan, sometimes South Korea), decline to tip.
Payment method and delivery: Cash is preferred for porters, bell staff, housekeeping, restroom attendants and small vendors. For restaurant tips left on card, verify whether tips go to staff or to the house; some establishments retain card tips for payroll. Write “for staff” or hand cash directly to the person when possible.
Etiquette bullets (short):
– If unsure, ask a local hotel receptionist or the establishment whether tipping is customary.
– Tip per person when service is individualized (private guides, porters); tip per group for a single shared service (driver for a big party) and distribute if appropriate.
– Use small bills to tip; carry local small denominations for quick gratuities.
– Avoid tipping with notes that are damaged, as some countries reject them.
| Country / Region | Restaurants | Taxis | Guides & Drivers | Hotels (porters / housekeeping) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States / Canada | 15–20% pre-tax | 10–15% or round up | Guide $10–$20 pp/day; driver $3–$5 pp/day | Porter $1–$5 per bag; Housekeeping $2–$5/night |
| United Kingdom | 10–15% if not included; round up | Round up; 10% for long trips | Guide £5–£10 pp/day; driver £3–£5 pp/day | Porter £1–£3 per bag; Housekeeping £1–£3/night |
| Western Europe (FR, DE, ES, IT) | Service often included; otherwise 5–10% or round up | Round up small change | Guide €5–€15 pp/day; driver €3–€7 pp/day | Porter €1–€3 per bag; Housekeeping €1–€3/night |
| Scandinavia | Service often included; round up | Round up | Guide €5–€15 pp/day | Small tips appreciated but not required |
| Japan | No tipping; gift or small souvenir acceptable in rare cases | No tip | No tip; for private exceptional service a small gift is better | No tip generally; exceptional service may receive a small envelope |
| China | No routine tipping; in tourist hotels/tours small tips accepted | No tip in cities; round up in airports | Guide small cash in tourist areas | Small notes for porters in international hotels |
| India | 10% if service not included; small change for street food | Round up; 10% for longer rides | Guide $5–$10 pp/day; driver $2–$5 pp/day | Porter 20–100 INR per bag; Housekeeping 50–200 INR/night |
| Southeast Asia (TH, VN, ID) | 5–10% or round up; THB 20–50 for good service | Round up; small bills preferred | Guide $5–$10 pp/day; driver $2–$5 pp/day | Porter small local currency (coins/notes); Housekeeping small daily tip |
| Australia / New Zealand | Not expected; 10% for outstanding service | Round up | Guide AUD/NZD $5–$15 pp/day | Small tips welcome but not required |
| Middle East (UAE) | Service charge often added; otherwise 10% | Round up or 10% for long rides | Guide $10–$20 pp/day; driver $3–$7 pp/day | Porter AED 5–20 per bag; Housekeeping AED 5–20/night |
| Mexico / Latin America | 10–15%; 15–20% for very good service | Round up or 10% for longer trips | Guide $5–$10 pp/day; driver $2–$5 pp/day | Porter MXN 20–50 per bag; Housekeeping MXN 20–50/night |
| Brazil | Service often 10% included; otherwise 10% | Round up | Guide BRL 10–30 pp/day; driver BRL 5–15 pp/day | Porter BRL 5–10 per bag; Housekeeping BRL 5–10/night |
| Turkey & Egypt | 10% is common; small cash for fast service | Round up small change | Guide $5–$15 pp/day; driver $2–$7 pp/day | Porter $1–$3 per bag; Housekeeping $1–$3/night |
| South Africa | 10–15% in restaurants | Round up or 10% for long trips | Guide ZAR 50–150 pp/day; driver ZAR 20–50 pp/day | Porter ZAR 10–30 per bag; Housekeeping ZAR 10–30/night |
Adjust for local purchasing power: when visiting low-income destinations, a small amount by local standards may have high value to staff. Keep a supply of small local notes and coins for on-the-spot gratuities. When in doubt, ask a front-desk staff member how tips are normally handled at that property.
Photography and Privacy: When to Ask and Which Places to Avoid
Always ask permission before photographing identifiable people within 5 meters; if clear consent is not given, do not take the photo.
How to ask – simple, visible, accountable
Approach calmly, lower your camera, make eye contact and use a short phrase: “May I take your photo?” or “Is it OK if I photograph you?” Show the screen or viewfinder so the person sees framing. Offer to send the image via email or messaging app; if asked, delete the file in front of them. For nonverbal consent, expect a clear nod or smile; ambiguous gestures are a refusal.
When dealing with groups, request permission from a representative adult. For minors, always get consent from a parent or guardian before shooting or sharing. For any use beyond personal keepsakes (publish, sell, advertise), obtain written permission or a signed model release.
Specific places and situations to avoid pointing a camera
Do not photograph inside changing rooms, toilets, hospital wards with patients, courtrooms where cameras are banned, funerals during rites, or any place where privacy is reasonably expected (private homes, hotel rooms). Avoid photographing security checkpoints, border-control operations, military bases, prisons and critical infrastructure (power stations, water treatment plants).
Respect signage and staff instructions at museums, religious sites and cultural ceremonies – if a site posts “No Photography” or staff ask you to stop, comply immediately. Refrain from using flash or tripods in dim religious interiors and sacred rites; in many places flash is disruptive or prohibited.
Do not photograph people in distress, injured persons, or scenes of crime without explicit permission from authorities or family. When visiting indigenous, refugee or closed communities, obtain permission from community leaders and follow any conditions they set (payment, limited images, prior review).
Drone users: avoid flying over crowds, prisons, military installations and sensitive historical or religious precincts. Disable video/photo capture when local rules ban flights; always follow local aviation regulations and no-fly maps.
Sharing and post-production rules: strip EXIF/geolocation before uploading sensitive photos; blur faces or crop out identifying features when sharing images of minors or vulnerable people. Ask for permission to tag names or exact locations. If permission was conditional, honor those conditions (no public posting, no sale, no editing).
Signs that you should not proceed: a firm “no,” physical withdrawal, a parent stepping between you and a child, explicit “no photos” notices, or staff/security requests. Comply immediately and apologize briefly.
Quick practical checklist before pressing the shutter: is the subject identifiable? Are there minors? Is the location private or sensitive? Have I asked and received clear consent? Will posting this reveal private information or endanger someone? If any answer is “yes” or uncertain, do not take or do not post without permission.
Gestures and Body Language That Can Offend Locals
Keep your palms visible and avoid showing the soles of your feet: in Arab countries, Thailand and Indonesia the sole is considered dirty and pointing it at a person is insulting.
High-risk gestures with locations
Middle finger – offensive almost everywhere; never use in public. Replace with a neutral phrase or simply walk away.
Thumbs-up – can be vulgar in parts of the Middle East and West Africa; give a verbal affirmation or nod instead.
OK sign (thumb and index circle) – insulting in Brazil and offensive in parts of Turkey and Greece; use a thumbs-up only after checking local meaning.
Back-facing V sign (two fingers with back of hand toward recipient) – an insult in the UK, Ireland and Australia; show a friendly open palm or wave.
Index-finger pointing – rude across East and Southeast Asia; indicate direction with the whole hand, palm down.
Beckoning with palm up – considered demeaning in the Philippines and some Asian countries; beckon with the palm down and fingers curled toward yourself.
Touching or patting someone’s head – disrespectful in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia; avoid touching heads of adults and children.
Showing soles or placing feet on furniture – offensive in many Muslim-majority and Southeast Asian societies; keep feet on the floor and sit with feet tucked when space is limited.
Practical replacements and quick fixes
When unsure, mirror the other person’s posture at a mild level: match their eye contact length and distance without copying exact gestures. Maintain about an arm’s length in formal encounters; allow closer spacing only if the other person initiates.
Handing items: use the right hand or both hands in South Asia, the Middle East and parts of Africa. If you accidentally offend, offer a brief apology, place your hand over your heart and continue calmly.
If a gesture is misread, stop immediately and use clear words. Ask a local how they prefer greetings and gestures; a short question like “Is this OK?” prevents escalation and shows respect.
Questions and Answers:
What are the most common cultural mistakes tourists make, and why do they cause offense?
Many missteps come from assumptions and lack of local knowledge. Typical examples: ignoring dress codes at religious sites, taking photos of people (especially women or elders) without permission, entering sacred areas with shoes on, offering or refusing food in a way that contradicts local manners, using hand gestures that have different meanings, and speaking loudly in quiet public spaces. Such actions upset locals because they can be seen as disrespectful to beliefs, privacy or social norms. Tourists sometimes appear entitled or careless when they rely on habits from home rather than adapting. Language barriers and rushed schedules add to the problem: people skip simple checks like asking a guide or watching how residents behave. To reduce the risk, read brief cultural notes before visiting, watch local behavior on arrival, and ask polite questions if you are unsure. Small adjustments — covering shoulders at a temple, lowering your voice in markets, or asking before photographing someone — go a long way toward preventing offense and easing interactions.
If I realize I’ve made a cultural mistake, how should I apologize and fix the situation?
Stay calm and act quickly. First, pause and offer a clear, sincere apology — a short phrase in the local language helps (for example: Spanish “Perdón” or “Lo siento”, French “Pardon” or “Je suis désolé”, Japanese “Sumimasen” or “Gomen’nasai”). Remove or change the offending behavior right away, for instance cover up, step back, or stop taking photos. If something tangible was damaged, offer to replace or pay for it. Ask a local, guide or staff member what they would prefer you do next; listening shows respect. Keep body language humble: avoid aggressive gestures, lower your voice and give space. A genuine, prompt apology and corrective action typically smooth relations and is often accepted. Afterward, make a mental note so you don’t repeat the same error elsewhere.