11 Annoying American Habits You Would NOT Get Away With In Another Country

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11 Annoying American Habits You Would NOT Get Away With In Another Country

When traveling abroad, Americans might find that some of their everyday habits are not just out of place, but could also be considered disrespectful in other cultures.

From dining etiquette to how you act in someone’s home, the differences can be quite surprising. Here are 11 American habits that don’t always translate well globally, each with its own local customs and cultural norms to consider.

1. Keeping Your Shoes On

In many Asian and Caribbean cultures, it’s customary to remove your shoes when entering a home. While Americans might prefer to keep their shoes on, doing so in these regions can seem disrespectful, as it brings outside dirt into a clean living space.

2. Drinking Someone Else’s Alcohol

In Norway, drinking alcohol that you didn’t bring to a party is considered rude. Unlike in the U.S., where sharing everything brought to a BBQ or party is common, in Norway, the expectation is to consume only what you provide unless explicitly offered otherwise.

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3. Men Showing Some Skin

In South Korea, modesty prevails even at the beach, with men generally keeping their shirts on. This contrasts sharply with American culture, where going shirtless in hot weather, especially at the beach, is perfectly normal.

4. Eating Anywhere That Doesn’t Serve Food

In countries like Rwanda and Japan, eating in non-dining settings, such as public transportation or on the street, is frowned upon. These cultures value decorum in eating environments, making snacking in public places a cultural faux pas.

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5. Telling People to Help Themselves

Telling guests to “help themselves” in the U.S. is seen as laid-back hosting, but in many Asian cultures, this is uncomfortable and inappropriate. Hosting involves actively taking care of guests rather than adopting a hands-off approach.

6. Touching

While friendly gestures like hugs and pats on the back are common in the U.S., such physical contact can be offensive in countries like China, Thailand, and parts of the Middle East, where personal space is more rigorously respected.

7. Keeping Your Clothes On in Saunas and Steam Rooms

In Germany, the norm in saunas and steam rooms is to strip down completely, reflecting a more open attitude towards nudity in certain settings. This is a stark contrast to the more prudish American approach to public steam rooms and saunas.

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8. Not Declining Gifts

The quick American acceptance of gifts and invitations without reciprocation can seem rude in cultures like Japan and China, where it is customary to politely decline several times before accepting.

9. Polishing Off Your Meal

In the U.S., finishing your plate is a compliment to the chef, but in places like China and Russia, it suggests you’re still hungry and the host hasn’t provided enough, which can embarrass them.

10. Blowing Your Nose

Blowing your nose in public is considered rude and repulsive in many countries, including China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. In these places, it’s better to excuse oneself and handle such matters privately.

11. Showing the Soles of Your Feet

In many cultures across the Arab world, and in Hindu and Buddhist countries, showing the soles of your feet is disrespectful. The feet are considered dirty because they touch the ground, so such exposure is offensive, especially directed towards people or sacred sites.

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