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Travel Tips on Trips Editor: Piero Scaruffi

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Japan The suffix "san" must be added to a person's first name to show respect Slightly bow to superiors and older people "Yes" means "I heard you", not "I agree" Eye contact and physical contact are considered rude Don't shake hands

South America Ask "permiso" before walking into somebody's house or an office Remove your hat before entering a building, whether private or public Remove your shoes before entering somebody's home Kiss friends European style (both cheeks) Refuse food a few times before accepting it All prices are supposed to be bargained

Europe Offer to remove your shoes when you walk into somebody's house For latin countries, see Latin America Kiss friends on both cheeks Seat yourself at the restaurant

Buddhist countries Never point your feet to a Buddha Remove your shoes and socks before entering a temple

India Refuse food a few times before accepting it, and don't finish the food in the plate Remove your shoes before entering any private or sacred building Eat only with your right hand (and usually with no fork) Tilting one's head to either side means "yes" You are expected to release a table as soon as you finished eating The feet are considered the most unworthy part of the body Do not touch children's heads Men do not stare at women, women do not stare al men.

Arab countries You are supposed to always tip people, even if you agreed on a price It is perfectly ok for adult men to hold hands Eat only with your right hand Remove your shoes before entering a mosque Shake hands when you meet somebody and keep hands clasped for a little bit Every price is supposed to be bargained Men greet men, women greet women If you are vegetarian, explain it very carefully: it is insulting to refuse meat Men and women are carefully separated in many occasions: make sure you are not in the women's area Do not point at people Do not touch people, unless they touch you

Slavic countries Alcohol and cigarettes are the way to show friendship: if you don't drink and don't smoke, make sure people understand you are not trying to offend them

Black Africa

U.S.A. Anything goes as far as dressing, eating, etc Smoking in somebody's face is rude and unpolite, and often illegal A waiter will seat you at the restaurant Americans consider it rude to drive aggressively, and will snap at you Americans are obsessed with speed: speed limits are controlled by police with radars Stand in line Tip waiters (15%) and taxi drivers (5-10%)

TM, ®, Copyright © 1999 Piero Scaruffi All rights reserved.