Table Manners
Traveling Abroad
Okay in US, but not elsewhere
Japan at work
Not in Japan!
100
There is no need to do this when eating a baguette in France
Using a knife to cut the bread
100
When presenting gifts to your host in Italy, avoid giving this.
Flowers
100
Wearing these inside the house is okay in America, but not in Japan
Shoes
100
Don't do this if you are invited to a staff meeting.
Don't be late!
100
Don't give gifts with four items. Why?
The Japanese word for four sounds like death
200
In South Korea, it is rude to start eating before this happens.
The oldest person starts eating first
200
If you’re traveling in Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Morocco, Egypt, or Beijing, avoid doing this when you use the toilet
Flushing paper in the toilet
200
While eating take-out food, you shouldn't do this in France or Japan
Walk and eat at the same time
200
How should you receive a business card?
With both hands
200
If you use a toothpick, you should also do this.
Cover your mouth
300
When in Thailand, never do this with a fork
Put it in your mouth
300
In France, when it's time to pay the restaurant bill, never do this.
Offer to split the cost of the check
300
In America, people often do this even to people not so familiar. This is not done in Asia.
Hugging or touching or PDA
300
From May to October, office workers don't need to wear neckties because of this government policy since 2011
Cool Biz
300
Never do this with chopsticks while eating a meal
Pass food to another person (chopsticks to chopsticks)
Stick them upright in a bowl of rice
400
In China, you should do this at the end of a meal
Leave a little food on the plate when you are finished
400
If you're travelling alone in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland or the Netherlands, don't do this when entering a taxi alone
Get in the back seat
400
Doing this in Singapore could get you arrested.
Chewing gum in public
400
How does a person say "No" at the Japanese workplace?
That's a little difficult.
400
When visiting a nice restaurant, avoid putting this on your body.
Perfume or strong fragrances
500
In Portugal, never ask for these during a meal; it insults the chef
Salt and pepper
500
In Dubai, foreign tourists have been jailed or deported for doing this in public.
Kissing
500
In many Asian countries, people tend to cover their mouths while doing this.
Laughing
500
“Kuuki wo yomu” - What does it mean?
Understanding the general mood or atmosphere of the room
500
While in Kansai area, don't do this when using an escalator
Don't stand on the left side. (Stand on the right side)