It’s interesting to consider that our culture as Americans may lead us to turn our noses up at some things that other cultures worldwide are completely cool with.
If you ever travel to other countries, you have to keep an open mind and realize that our way isn’t the only way. We might not agree with everything that others do or what they allow, but it’s best to remove yourself from the situation if you’re not willing to assimilate. It’s your right to choose whether you’re interested or put off by a different standard of living based on your own moral compass.
We’re highlighting the fascinating differences in social norms around the world. Though some behaviors may seem odd, they can be eye-opening experiences when viewed through a global lens.
1. Not Tipping
You don’t want to be the guy (or girl) that goes to a restaurant and doesn’t tip. Here, tipping isn’t just a nice gesture, it’s a religious rite that shall not be neglected. In restaurants, taxis, nail salons, and more, not giving someone a tip can leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
Travel to some other countries, and tipping might not be on the menu at all. In places like Japan or Australia, for example, tipping isn’t part of the culture and might even be seen as insulting or implying that the service wasn’t adequate.
2. Swearing
Dropping an F-bomb or other colorful language in our homeland can raise eyebrows and even get you a disapproving look from those around you, depending on your tone. Swearing is part of everyday conversation in other parts of the world. Take Australia, for example. Native Australians say they toss around expletives, and it’s pretty lax, especially with Gen Zers!
Also, certain swear words don’t carry the same weight in some languages as in English. So, while Americans might clutch their pearls at a well-timed curse, elsewhere, it’s just another way to spice up a sentence.
3. Openly Discussing Salaries
In the U.S., bringing up how much you make can be seen as rude or even taboo in many circles. There’s so much to unpack here. In American society, people are uneasy sharing their salary as it’s often tied to their identity and perceived value. This secrecy within companies perpetuates disparities, allowing for unequal compensation based on gender and ethnicity.
In other places around the world, especially some Asian countries or European countries like Sweden and Norway, they’re more like, “Hey, let’s lay it all out on the table.” Whether it’s for transparency or just plain curiosity, openly discussing salaries is totally normal.
4. Public Nudity
In the U.S., baring it all in public is a big no-no. At beaches and parks, in particular, nudity is a quick ticket to some serious trouble, depending on where you live. There are multiple n*de beaches in America, but generally, they carry a stigma of indecency.
If you hop over to certain parts of Europe (France, Spain, Croatia, Germany, etc.) or slip into a nudist/naturist colony, suddenly, it’s no big deal. Europeans have a more relaxed attitude toward nudity, seeing it as natural and freeing rather than scandalous. A naked stroll might turn heads and elicit gasps in America, but across the ocean, it’s just another day in the sun.
5. Eating Certain Animals
For us typical Americans, it doesn’t get much better than biting into a juicy steak or munching on chicken nuggets—it’s par for the course when it comes to American cuisine. However, if you start talking about horse meat or insects, stomachs will begin to churn. We generally draw the line at insects and pets when it comes to mealtime.
In other parts of the world, it’s a different story altogether. Italy has no problem serving horse baby food to their infants. In Thailand, you can easily get crispy fried crickets. These culinary choices are acceptable and celebrated as delicacies in many cultures worldwide.
6. Public Displays of Affection
Our American sensibilities allow for a peck on the cheek or lips, but you don’t want to overdo it. We’re not exactly shy when it comes to showing affection, but there’s a line we try not to cross. Excessive displays of public affection (PDA) seem to make many of us uncomfortable.
Countries like Brazil embrace a different attitude altogether. Holding hands, cuddling, and even full-on make-out sessions (French kissing) in public are accepted and considered a normal part of daily life. It takes some getting used to.
7. Acceptance of Alternative Lifestyles
Polygamy is illegal in the United States, and only about one in five adults in America feel that it’s morally acceptable. Traditional monogamous relationships and nuclear families tend to be the norm, and anything outside of that may be met with tacit or outright rejection by some.
Though it’s not widely accepted here in the States, plenty of non-traditional families are thriving. You can find polygamous marriages to be prevalent in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and some parts of Southeast Asia.
8. Asking a Woman Her Age
American women (and Western culture, in general) really frown upon being asked about their age. Asking a woman how old she is comes off as impolite and invasive. Many women opt to keep their age private the older they get, reflecting the societal notion that aging is undesirable for women and should be concealed or even lied about.
In a place like Thailand, however, it’s very appropriate and considered necessary to ask so that you can have proper social interactions. Older adults are due a great deal of respect, and the language you use with them will reflect that.
9. Lack of Punctuality
Being on time is essential in American culture. We live by the clock, scheduling our days down to the minute. So, when someone shows up fashionably late or misses an appointment altogether, it’s not just a minor inconvenience; depending on the setting, it might be considered disrespectful.
In some other cultures, being fashionably late is more so normal. In Mexico, arriving half an hour late is completely acceptable, and in Morocco, being up to an hour or even a day late doesn’t garner the side-eye. Showing up right on the dot might even be seen as a bit uptight in these places.
10. Lack of Personal Space
In a nutshell, Americans cherish their personal space. If someone invades that bubble, standing a bit too close for comfort, it can be really annoying. But in other groups, like Italians or Hispanics, for example, they’re very much into affection for friends and families and even those they don’t know.
The idea of keeping your distance might seem a bit strange to these cultures because a hug or a quick kiss on each side of the cheek is customary. It’s all about perspective—and in some places, that perspective is all up in your face.
11. Cutting in Line
It is very annoying and can start an argument if someone gets in front of you in line in the United States. You will wait your turn! It’s very interesting to note that other places like Italy do not share the same sentiments.
If you’re standing in line in Italy and not moving because you want to give someone space to finish their transaction, beware that you’re pretty much inviting someone to get in front of you. This is also the case in various parts of Europe, so be mindful that no one is trying to disrespect you.
12. Eating With Hands
In many cultures, eating with your hands isn’t just reserved for certain dishes; it’s the go-to method for pretty much everything. Take fufu, for example. It’s a staple in West African cuisine, and eating it without using your hands would be like missing out on half the experience.
Many people enjoy scooping up stews and tearing off chunks of bread with their hands, using utensils just doesn’t have the same feel for certain cultures. So, while Americans might reserve hand-eating for certain finger foods, other folks aren’t reaching for the spoon and fork when they eat.
13. Burping or Belching
The quickest way to ruin someone’s appetite is to belch, especially obnoxiously. In the U.S., letting out a loud burp at the dinner table or even in public when you’re not around food will make people think you’re gross.
If you’re in China or Egypt, they’d see it as good dining etiquette and a sign of respect and appreciation for the meal that you were given. It’s hard to imagine Americans will ever come around to it because we’ve been conditioned to think of it as cringe, plus the smells that emerge are another story!
14. Public Spitting
Public spitting, especially the congealed slimy stuff, is no bueno in the United States. Venture into certain rural areas or among specific demographic groups, and you might see a different story.
In some parts of Asia and the Middle East, spitting is more accepted. Whether it’s to clear the throat or as a cultural habit, seeing someone spit in public might not elicit the same response as it does in the States.
15. Bargaining in Retail Stores
No one would walk into a department store and try to negotiate a lower price with the cashier. The price is what it is, and you either want it or you don’t. Places like Latin America, North Africa, and most of Asia engage in bargaining or “haggling” regularly.
It’s actually expected in those places. It makes you wonder whether Americans should start with small requests here and there, and HOPE it becomes a thing!
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