20 American customs that are offensive in the rest of the world

Traveling to far-off regions of the earth can be an exciting event full of fresh sights, sounds, and tastes. Still, among the excitement of discovery, it is all too easy to ignore the many cultural variations that define our contacts with other people. In the United States, what might be considered polite and customary could actually offend or be inappropriate elsewhere. Here, we explore twenty American customs that might offend or raise questions overseas, so guiding visitors to tread carefully and respectfully in foreign countries.

1. Delay in Arriving
In many societies, especially Germany, timeliness is not only a politeness but a basic expectation. Arriving late can be seen as evidence that your time is more valuable than that of others, which would cause hosts and friends equally to feel disrespect and frustration.

2. Arriving Right on Time
On the other hand, arriving exactly on time for a dinner invitation can be considered as impolite in Latin American nations like Argentina. Here, guests are expected to arrive fashionably late, so allowing a more leisurely social environment and a more relaxed attitude to time.

3. Hands in Pockets
Placing one’s hands in pockets might be seen as rude in Turkey and some Asian countries including South Korea. In societies that respect honest and polite body language, this gesture could imply apathy or a lack of involvement, which would be unacceptable.

4. Eating on the Go
In nations like Rwanda and Japan, eating in public places—especially outside of approved restaurants—is discouraged. This habit emphasizes the need of savoring food in suitable surroundings since it is considered as a lack of decency.

5. Laughing with an Open Mouth
In Japan, open mouth laughing and teeth showing are seen as rude. This stands quite differently from American standards, where such laughing is sometimes interpreted as a sign of friendliness and delight. Knowing these nuances helps one to avoid inadvertent faux pas.

6. Using the Left Hand
Since the left hand is customarily used for personal hygiene, it is connected in many civilizations—especially in the Middle East, Africa, India, and Sri Lanka—with dirtyliness. Using the left hand for any reason, but particularly in social settings, can be quite rude.

7. The ‘OK’ Gesture
In West Africa, Russia, Greece, Latin America, and the Middle East, where it is associated with a nasty insult, what may seem like a benign thumbs-up in the United States could have a quite different meaning. This clear difference emphasizes the need of knowing local gestures.

8. Tipping Practices
Tipping can be considered as an insult in Japan and South Korea. Service employees feel they are fairly paid and take great satisfaction in their work. Leaving a tip can thus suggest that their service was inadequate, which would be quite insulting.

9. Sitting in the Backseat of a Taxi
Not sitting in the front seat of a taxi can be seen as a slight against the driver in nations including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. This behavior captures a cultural focus on respect of others and equality.

10. Unpacking Gifts Immediately
Opening a gift in front of the giver is seen as rude in many Asian societies, especially India and China. It can show avarice since the receiver is supposed to show thanks without disclosing their needs right away.

11. Accepting Gifts Without Hesitation
While in many civilizations it is custom to reject a gift several times before finally accepting it, Americans often welcome gifts or invitations with great enthusiasm. This custom shows humility and regard for the generosity of the giver.

12. Showing Skin
Public skin displays like men going shirtless are rare and generally frowned upon in South Korea. Emphasizing the need of modesty, many Arab, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu societies find it offensive when one displays the soles of their feet.

13. Casual Attire
Common sight in the United States is wearing flip-flops, caps, or sweatshirts in public places; in Japan and many European nations, however, such clothing is considered improper. In these societies, dressing suitably for the occasion shows respect.

14. Failing to Remove Shoes Indoors
It is traditional in many Asian nations and the Caribbean to take off shoes before visiting someone’s house. Ignoring this could be considered as a disrespect for the house and its cleanliness.

15. Encouraging Guests to Serve Themselves
Although Americans might invite visitors to feel at home by serving themselves, this behavior can be alien to many Asian countries, where it is custom for hosts to present their visitors as a sign of hospitality.

16. Adding Spice to Meals
Adding spices to a meal cooked by a host in nations rich in cuisine like France, Italy, Spain, and Japan can be seen as a critique of their cooking. It’s best to not change a meal unless spices are specifically provided.

17. Refusing Food
Refusing food presented by a host can be considered a great insult in Lebanon. Although Americans might refuse food to lighten their host’s load, in many societies it is expected of visitors to kindly accept food since it shows the host’s hospitality.

18. Drinking Alcohol Not Brought by You
Considered rude in Norway is drinking alcohol you did not bring to a party. This is quite different from American traditions, where sharing beverages is often done without question.

19. Physical Contact
Physical contact—including hugging or touching—is sometimes avoided in societies including China, Thailand, and the Middle East. Respect of personal space comes first, thus good interactions depend on an awareness of these limits.

20. Discussing Certain Topics
In some nations, especially those with rigid social hierarchies like the Netherlands, questions about one’s job can be seen as invasive or classist. Such questions could unintentionally label people, which would cause discomfort.