When you're gearing up for a holiday, getting familiar with the local culture should be top of your to-do list. Understanding your destination's norms and etiquette can help you avoid awkward mistakes and make a great first impression on the locals. Whether you're travelling for fun or heading overseas on a workcation, being aware of different cultural practices helps make sure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.

We've pulled together 10 must-know etiquette tips from around the world to help you become a more considerate and culturally aware tourist. Read on to learn what you should and shouldn't do while sunning yourself abroad.

What is cultural etiquette?

Cultural etiquette refers to the social norms, customs, and behaviours that are considered polite or appropriate in a specific culture. From how you greet someone to the way you dress, these practices can change from country to country. These customs are usually passed down through generations and play a big role in shaping interactions between the locals.

While we're no strangers to general day-to-day behaviour, what counts as polite can change depending on where you are — sometimes even within different regions of the same country!

To give you an idea, here are some common cultural etiquette examples here in the UK:

• Being on time
• Queueing politely
• Responding to greetings and friendly gestures (waves, thumbs-up, etc.)
• Saying "please" and "thank you"
• Apologising for no reason

But, these behaviours being seen as polite here in the UK doesn't necessarily mean cultural etiquette standards are the same worldwide.

Why is cultural etiquette important?

Being aware of the cultural norms and etiquette of your chosen holiday is just as important as keeping up with any travel regulations that might affect your trip. But why?

Keeping the different cultural etiquettes around the world in mind can be a lifesaver when it comes to avoiding any potentially embarrassing interactions with the locals. It’s also a great way to add to your holiday experience, whether you're travelling for fun or heading out on a workcation. It helps you understand more about the places you visit and can lead to more rewarding experiences while you're there.

Here's why cultural etiquette matters:

• Respects local traditions — Being mindful of different cultures helps you follow the customs and values of local communities when you’re abroad, showing appreciation for their way of life.
• Avoids awkward moments — Understanding the etiquette on holiday can prevent accidental misunderstandings or embarrassing situations, helping you feel more at ease during your adventures.
• Helps create meaningful connections — Showing respect for a culture's norms will make locals feel more welcoming towards you, meaning you can feel more at home in the communities you're visiting.
• Builds your confidence while travelling — Knowing what to expect when you’re travelling overseas boosts your confidence, making exploring new destinations and navigating normally unfamiliar situations easier.
• Encourages responsible tourism — By following cultural etiquette, you're helping to promote sustainable travel and minimise your impact on local communities.

10 international etiquette travel tips

Each country has its own customs and traditions, so getting clued up on any expected behaviours before your trip will not only keep you out of trouble but also build up your knowledge of the cultures you’re visiting.

To help you fit in with the locals, we've put together ten need-to-know cultural etiquette tips for some of the most-visited destinations around the world:

1. Avoid tipping in Japan

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Japan is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, welcoming over 25 million visitors annually — but it's also one of the easiest countries to accidentally make a cultural slip-up.

In Japan, tipping after a meal isn't part of the culture and can even be seen as offensive. Exceptional service is the standard here, so leaving a tip might suggest that the service wasn't already up to scratch, which can embarrass the server or chef. Instead of tipping, you can show your gratitude by saying "arigato gozaimasu" (which means 'thank you very much').

Just remember: whether you're dining at a restaurant, staying in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn), or taking a taxi, excellent service is part of the experience — no tipping necessary!

2. Try your best to speak French in France

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If you're one of the 100 million tourists visiting France every year, making an effort to speak the language — even if it’s just a couple of words or a basic phrase — can show respect to the locals.

While a lot of French people can speak some English, assuming they do (or will for you) isn't polite. Instead, take the time to learn a few simple phrases ahead of time. A quick "bonjour" ('hello') when entering a shop or "merci" ('thank you') after a meal can go a long way.

If you’re someone who struggles with learning languages, don’t worry — the French people will appreciate your effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect!

3. Avoid eating around Italian churches and monuments

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Italy is a foodie's paradise filled with local delicacies to enjoy, but there are some unspoken rules about where you can eat.

Eating or drinking near churches, historic monuments, or public buildings isn’t recommended, and in some cities like Rome and Florence, it's actually banned! Italians are proud of their cultural heritage, and snacking in these areas is seen as disrespectful. If you’re caught taking a bite where you shouldn’t, you could face fines of up to €200, so it's really not worth the risk.

Save your gelato or panini for a nearby piazza or cafe, and remember to never bring food into a place of worship.

4. Forget the thumbs-up sign in Türkiye

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While the thumbs-up might be just another friendly gesture to us Brits, it's one to avoid when visiting Türkiye, where it has a very different meaning.

In Turkish culture, giving a thumbs-up is considered offensive or rude (you can think of it as the Turkish equivalent of putting up your middle finger) and forming the "OK" sign with your thumb and forefinger is also seen as an insult. Instead, stick to a polite ‘hello’, ‘yes’, ‘no’, and ‘goodbye’ — or simple gestures like a head nod or a wave.

5. Don’t eat food with your left hand in India

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India is a top destination for backpackers, so the locals are no strangers to tourists. Because of this, they’re usually a bit more forgiving when it comes to accidental blunders, but it's still important to respect the cultural traditions during your stay.

When visiting India, you should avoid eating with your left hand, as this is seen as unclean. The cultural practice of using your left hand for personal hygiene makes also using it during meals disrespectful.

Whether you're enjoying a thali (a large platter of dishes) or sampling some of India’s delicious street food, remember to always use your right hand to eat or serve.

6. Avoid public displays of affection in Egypt

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If you’re visiting Egypt or any other Islamic country, it's best to keep romantic activity in the privacy of your hotel room.

Public displays of affection (PDA), like holding hands, hugging, or kissing, can make locals feel uncomfortable, as this goes against their cultural emphasis on modesty. While it might be tempting to steal a quick kiss in front of the pyramids, you should save those moments for when you're out of sight.

During your trip, it’s also a good idea to wear full sleeves with trousers or a long skirt to show respect for local customs — especially during Ramadan (which usually runs from late February to the end of March).

7. Don’t eat with your hands in Chile

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In Chile, table manners are a big deal, and eating with your hands is seen as being impolite — even when it comes to foods we’re used to holding, like burgers or fries!

Chileans take dinner table etiquette seriously, so using utensils is a must no matter what you’re eating — even if you’re grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor. Whether you're tucking into a traditional empanada or sampling some of the famous local seafood, keeping your cutlery in hand shows respect for their dining culture.

While this can take some getting used to, it's a small adjustment that will help you avoid any raised eyebrows during mealtime.

8. Don’t reject coffee in the Middle East

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In many Middle Eastern countries, offering coffee to guests is an important part of being a good host, and refusing a cup can seem impolite or ungrateful.

Your hosts will usually keep filling your cup as soon as it's empty, but if you've had enough, don't worry — you can politely say no to a refill by tilting your cup, shaking it gently, or placing it on its side. This is a simple, respectful way to still show appreciation to your hosts but avoiding a caffeine headache!

9. Arriving on time in Mexico is impolite

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Here in the UK, showing up late is seen as rude, and many Brits prefer to play it safe by arriving early. But when you’re visiting Mexico, it's actually the opposite — arriving on time is too formal and may even catch your host off guard!

Whether you’ve got plans for a get-together or a work meeting, showing up 15–30 minutes late is the norm here and allows the host some extra prep time. So, don't worry if you’re running behind schedule or struggling to find your destination — the chances are you’ll still be the first to arrive!

Although it might feel strange, this laid-back approach will help you blend in, take your time, and enjoy the sights.

10. You can give Iillies in Italy, but not in France

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Here in the UK, flowers are a thoughtful gift, no matter the type. But it’s important to pay more attention to their meaning when you're abroad.

In France, lilies and chrysanthemums are used for funerals, so giving them to someone as a gift can seem inappropriate or even rude. On the other hand, lilies are the national flower in Italy and make a great gift for friends, hosts, and even business partners.

If you're not sure about the local customs in your chosen holiday spot, it's worth doing a little research to avoid any floral faux pas!

How do you learn about cultural norms before travelling?

Learning the do’s and don’ts before your trip is all part of being a respectful traveller. With so many resources available, keeping up to date with your destination's customs, traditions, and cultural norms is easier than you'd think.

Whether you prefer online research or something more hands-on, here are some great ways to prepare:

• Read travel blogs and online guides — Travel blogs are great for practical tips on blending in, as they usually feature the writer’s personal insights and experiences in a country.
• Visit government or official tourism websites — Free resources like ediplomat.com can help you gather in-depth information about a country's social norms.
• Check out guidebooks — Local libraries or bookstores usually have a section for travel guides, which are packed with helpful advice on greetings, dress codes, and more.
• Ask locals or experienced travellers — If you know someone who's already familiar with your destination, make sure you ask them for their advice.

What happens if you accidentally offend someone?

Etiquette is more than just being polite — it's also a way to keep yourself safe while travelling. Even if you have the best intentions, cultural misunderstandings can still happen. Thankfully, in most cases, the locals understand that travellers may not be fully aware of their customs and will usually forgive and forget as long as you apologise.

But it's important to be aware of other potential outcomes, including:

• Offence — You might accidentally offend someone, which can create a negative first impression and make your interactions awkward for the rest of your trip.
• Damaged relationships — A cultural misstep might damage your connection with a host or service provider, making it harder to enjoy your holiday.
• Legal consequences — In some countries, breaking certain etiquette rules — like eating in restricted areas or dressing inappropriately — can lead to fines or more serious consequences.
• Missed opportunities — Disrespecting local customs may even result in not being allowed to take part in certain experiences or events, such as being banned from attending a festival or getting kicked out of a historical building.
• Reputational damage — Word can spread quickly in smaller communities, which can affect how others see you. This is especially important if you're backpacking, as you'll usually rely on local knowledge to guide your trip.

Stay comfortable abroad with Trtl Travel

Whether you're testing your French or mastering the dining customs in Chile, exploring new cultures and practising the right cultural etiquette along the way can be an exciting way to immerse yourself in the local communities of the places you visit.

Our Trtl Pillow helps you put your best foot forward from the moment you step off the plane. Perfect for long flights or quick naps, it offers the support you need to stay refreshed wherever you go — meaning there's less chance of an accidental blunder due to lack of sleep.

For more tips and travel inspiration, from how to be a responsible tourist to answering your most asked holiday questions, take a look at the Trtl Blog.