Etiquette Around the World: A Global Guide to Manners

etiquette

noun [ U ]

“the set of rules or customs that control accepted behaviour in particular social groups or social situations.”

(Definition of etiquette from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

The noun “etiquette” holds a specific meaning in and of itself, but “etiquette” changes according to each group and social situation.

Especially when it comes to cultural etiquettes.

What might be considered polite manners in Japan will have someone from Greece stare at you as if you’ve grown two heads.

With summer looming just around the corner and you choosing your favourite destinations to visit, what you don’t want to do is arrive in a country and be ignorant of its social etiquette.

Each country comes with its own customs and traditions, and yet there are three areas that always seem to overlap when someone is researching a country.

Food and table manners, money and tipping systems, and last but not least…shoes (wiggles toes).

Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan has a number of etiquettes visitors should be aware of before visiting. In particular when it comes to food and tipping.

When eating in Japan, especially when you are being hosted by someone, don’t leave food behind on your plate as this can be seen as you not enjoying the food. What you can do to show your enjoyment is slurp your noodles. But only if they have broth!

Thirsty? Great! Now fill everyone else’s drinks at the table but your own. Once you do that, then someone else will fill yours in turn. Filling up your own glass can be considered as greedy and narcissistic.

Never pass food directly from your set of chopsticks to someone else’s as this is linked to funeral traditions and the moving of a cremated body. Similarly, do not stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice as this is also linked to funerals.

When it comes to shoes, you shouldn’t enter an indoor space with your outdoors shoes on. Especially in houses, there will be an area called the genkan which is made of two levels of different flooring. Take your shoes off at the lower area of the genkan and wear the slippers offered by your host (careful not to touch the lower area of the genkan with your socks - yikes!).

Money Etiquette in Japan

Just like with food, there are some important do’s and don’ts when it comes to money etiquette in Japan, especially with tipping.

In simple terms, don’t do it.

While in some cultures tipping is considered as a way of expressing thanks and giving praise for the service, in Japan it could result in awkward interactions.

And while we are exploring the don’ts, do not count any change you are given, as this shows mistrust and can be seen as very offensive.

You will notice that the bill is usually placed within a tray. That is because money is not exchanged using hands. Rather place the money or card on the tray provided.

Greece

There are more differences between Greece and Japan than the 6 hour time difference.

While Greeks are very proud of their food and they will use it as a way of showing their appreciation for you (prepare yourself for second and third servings), do not slurp your food in front of them unless you want to receive some hard stares.

Greeks will often show up “fashionably late” and toast a lot during a meal by raising their glasses and saying “eis igia mas” or for short “gia mas”, which means “to our health”.

When visiting, don’t take your shoes off when going to indoor spaces, especially in someone’s house. For Greeks, when the socks are out, that’s when you’ve lost all your manners.

But while shoes stay on, wallets come out.

Tipping is greatly appreciated in Greece. It shows your appreciation for their service - a good tip is usually around 10-15%.

But is it better to use card or cash in Greece?

While in Mainland Greece card payments are accepted, as a country Greece is still very cash-centric. Especially in the Greek Islands, so make sure to always have cash with you.

China

China has a lot of etiquette similarities to Japan.

Tipping in China - just like in Japan - is not expected. In fact it could be seen as something rude and can be the source of embarrassment.

However, while tipping is not customary, you will still need to pay in the local currency - the Chinese Yuan.

Tipping (or a lack of it) is not the only etiquette the two countries share. When in China, make sure to take your shoes off when entering places - usually you will be given slippers to wear.

However, while slurping one’s noodles is also seen as an expression of appreciation and leaving chopsticks upright in one’s bowl is frowned upon for similar reasons as in Japan, there are a few differences between the food etiquettes of the two countries.

While in Greece and Japan you are expected to finish your food, in China finishing your food is deemed impolite and could indicate that the host did not provide you with enough food. Always leave some food behind to show that you are satisfied.

In a similar manner, do not eat hastily and with great hunger as this is seen as greedy and even compared to “digging for treasure” (Plummer, Vogue).

Denmark

Like Greece and Japan, when eating in Denmark, you are expected to finish your food and you can expect to be offered second servings. But rest assured that your host will not be offended if you refuse.

Wait until your host says “skol” (skål) which translates to “cheers” before you start eating. When you are toasting and cheersing, remember to maintain eye contact with the people you are cheersing with.

Once you finish your meal, place your fork and knife across the plate and have the handles facing to the right.

While in Greece arriving late can be seen as fashionable, in Denmark it is seen as impolite as being prompt is one of the most well known Danish social etiquettes.

Following in the footsteps of Japan and China (quite literally), in Denmark it is not polite to wear your outdoor shoes inside someone’s house. But unlike Japan and China, your host will not necessarily have extra slippers to give you and people are expected to bring their own slippers.This is to say, please make sure your socks don’t have any holes in them!

Denmark shares more social etiquettes with Japan and China. In this case: tipping.

A service charge is usually included in the bill and therefore tipping is not expected. But just like all of the other countries mentioned above, when in Denmark you will be expected to pay in the local currency: the Danish krone.

From Yen, to Yuan, to Euros, to Krone. Different currencies, different customs, different etiquettes.

Some overlap and some are different with each country having its unique customs.

However, while etiquettes may differ between countries, they can also vary between different regions of the same country – we’d be here all day if we went through that.

Wherever you are, your Wise card can help. Exchange money on the app and pay using the local currency on the card. In countries where cash is king, you can withdraw at ATMs (keep in mind, some may charge additional fees) and spend like a local.

While you are exchanging money in preparation for your travels, it is also Wise to do thorough research of the country and regions you are visiting beforehand - especially when it comes to social etiquettes!

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Written by Eleni Socratous