Things You Should Never Do in Other Countries
- The Mary Word
- Nov 12
- 4 min read
By Chloe Cheng
As you know, it is coming to the end of the year, making it the time and season to go travelling, whether it is overseas or just domestic or even a small trip to the mall.
Well, trips to the mall or domestic travels - get outta here unless you want to know facts of what to DO and what NOT to DO when going overseas.
Common things can be a no-no, just like how giving a tip in Japan is not acceptable. It is a do-not-do. It is rude. :) Further, more will be explained!
Also, I am just going to make it a list, so look out for the country you’re going to!! Enjoy and Remember!!
Firstly Japan,
Do:
Slurp your noodles. If you don’t, it is considered rude and communicates to the chef that you don’t like the noodles.
Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, traditional accommodations, temples, and certain restaurants.
Use both hands when giving or receiving: Whether it’s money, gifts, or business cards, using both hands shows politeness.
Don’t:
Don’t tip. Tipping is not customary and may be considered rude. Excellent service is expected and included in the bill.
Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice. This resembles a funeral ritual and is considered bad luck.
FACTS:
If you feel the top of your milk carton and it has a notch, it is 100% pure milk
When looking for 100% pure juice, look for a label that features a sliced fruit image and indicates 100% juice. That’s how you know if it is pure fruit juice or not.
Always trust the size of the snack or juice on the packaging, as the Japanese law says that the sizes must be the exact same size as the product.
How to survive Japan’s ‘Hell Train’, AKA the train line in rush hour. Firstly, put your backpack in front of you to save more space. If others are talking, then you can talk too, but it would mainly be quiet.
Next, China
Do:
Give and receive things with both hands
Try to pay for the meal in a restaurant with others. Even though they will most likely stop you, it is considered polite to try and pay.
Bring your passport everywhere you go. You need it for booking attractions, booking trains, etc.
Download a VPN. Some apps are not compatible with China's network.
Use Didi. It is like Uber
Need mobile data
Don’t
Hug unless you know the person or they allow you to. Otherwise, a handshake would be good.
DO bring your passport everywhere you go. You need it for booking attractions, booking trains, etc.
Go to China on Chinese holidays. It is the busiest time.
FACTS:
China is safe. They have cameras almost everywhere.
Have safety insurance when going to China. Some say to also get a safety wing.
Transport. There are super-fast trains in China to get across the country
The best times to go are May- June and September - October
Apparently, visas are a big thing, especially when travelling to China
Italy
Do:
Dress modestly at religious sites.
Validate train tickets before boarding.
Enjoy meals slowly and socially.
Try regional specialties like Sicilian or Tuscan dishes.
Use greetings like “Buongiorno” (good morning) or “Ciao.”.
Don’t:
Don’t order a cappuccino after 11 AM.
Don’t touch produce at markets.
Don’t expect punctuality.
Don’t rush through museums or churches.
Don’t wear shorts in churches.
France
Do:
Greet with “Bonjour” when entering shops.
Dress neatly — style matters.
Try regional dishes, not just Parisian fare.
Use formal titles like “Monsieur” or “Madame.”
Enjoy meals slowly — dining is an experience.
Don’t:
Don’t speak English without asking first.
Don’t rush service or expect fast dining.
Don’t touch produce at markets.
Don’t assume tipping is mandatory.
Don’t be loud in public places.
United states
Do:
Tip 15–20% in restaurants and taxis.
Follow traffic and pedestrian rules.
Be open to regional diversity.
Use small talk to connect with locals.
Respect personal space.
Don’t:
Don’t discuss politics or religion casually.
Don’t underestimate travel distances.
Don’t smoke in public areas.
Don’t jaywalk — it’s often illegal.
Don’t assume healthcare is free or cheap.
Thailand
Do:
Dress modestly at temples.
Smile — it’s part of Thai culture.
Show respect to the monarchy.
Remove shoes before entering homes or temples.
Use polite language and gestures.
Don’t:
Don’t touch anyone’s head.
Don’t point your feet at people or sacred objects.
Don’t raise your voice — stay calm.
Don’t disrespect Buddha images.
Don’t engage in public displays of affection.
Germany
Do:
Be punctual — it’s highly valued.
Recycle properly — waste is a serious matter.
Follow pedestrian and traffic rules.
Use formal greetings like “Guten Tag.”
Respect quiet hours in residential areas.
Don’t:
Don’t jaywalk — even if the street is empty.
Don’t be overly casual in formal settings.
Don’t expect small talk in professional contexts.
Don’t assume tipping is optional — 5–10% is expected.
United Kingdom
Do:
Queue patiently — it’s a cultural norm.
Say “please” and “thank you” often.
Try pub culture — it’s a social staple.
Use polite conversation starters.
Respect personal space and privacy.
Don’t:
Don’t talk loudly on public transport.
Don’t confuse England with the UK — be specific.
Don’t skip tipping in restaurants (10–15%).
Don’t assume everyone loves tea — ask first!
Don’t interrupt — wait for your turn to speak.
Greece:
Do:
Greet with a smile and a “Yassas” (formal) or “Yia” (casual) — Greeks are warm and friendly.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries — cover shoulders and knees.
Try local food beyond gyros — like moussaka, dolmades, and fresh seafood.
Embrace the slower pace — meals and conversations are meant to be savoured.
Carry cash — especially on islands or in small villages where cards may not be accepted.
Respect siesta hours — many shops close between 2–5 PM, especially in summer.
Don’t:
Don’t flush toilet paper — plumbing is sensitive; use the bin provided.
Don’t assume everyone speaks English — many do, but learning a few Greek words is appreciated.
Don’t point with your palm facing out — it’s considered rude (called the “moutza” gesture).
Don’t rush through meals — dining is a social event, not just about eating.
Don’t enter religious sites in beachwear — always cover up appropriately.
Don’t expect punctuality — time is flexible, especially on the islands.
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