International Faux Pas
Top Ten Cultural "No-Nos"
What’s common practice in one area of the world may be absolutely taboo in another. Because of the great variety of customs, cultures and traditions, it’s almost impossible to list specific acts that you should — or shouldn’t — avoid.
With that in mind, here are ten types of faux pas commonly committed when dealing with people from other countries:
10. Making assumptions
- “Where can I get a good cup of ‘American’ coffee?”
- Assuming things are the same as at home
- Assuming you understand why things are different
9. Neglecting to develop relationships
- “Just sign the contract, I'm in a hurry!”
- Trying to do business before developing a relationship
- Acting too informally
- Coming on too fast or too strong
8. Comparing the place you are visiting to your home
- “Oh, it’s OK, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Grand Canyon!”
- Comparing customs
- Comparing the quality of goods or services
- Comparing business practices
7. Talking about money
- “I could get this at home for half the price!”
- Talking about how cheap or expensive something is
- Talking about how much money someone makes
6. Misinterpreting body language
- “Everyone loves a big smile.”
- Standing too close (or too far away)
- Smiling (or not smiling)
- Bowing (or not bowing)
- Making eye contact (or not making eye contact)
- Slouching
5. Doing improper things with your feet
- “I’ll slip my shoes off and get comfortable.”
- Touching your feet or footwear
- Showing the soles of your feet
- Moving an object or pointing with your feet
4. Doing improper things with your hands
- “I know they'd like a little hug.”
- Touching someone
- Holding (or not holding) hands
- Shaking hands with a glove on or with your hand in your pocket
- Using the incorrect (usually the left) hand for a particular act
- Touching an inappropriate part of your body
3. Wearing improper attire
- “Casual? I guess I’ll wear my T-shirt, tennis shoes and baseball cap.”
- Dressing sloppily or too informally
- Dressing immodestly
- Trying to “go native”
2. Using names incorrectly
- “Just call me Bill!”
- Using first names
- Neglecting to use a title (or using a lower title than is appropriate)
- Mispronouncing a name
- Misspelling a name
- Calling someone by the wrong name
1. Neglecting to follow the appropriate dining and etiquette
- “No, thanks, I’m on a diet.”
- Exhibiting improper table manners
- Eating in public
- Showing displeasure with food or drink
- Declining an offer of food or drink