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About This Quiz
The world is a large and complicated place, and what makes total sense socially in one culture may be completely unacceptable or misunderstood in another. It's important to observe the rules of etiquette as we navigate our way around this big and beautiful planet, which is why this quiz will stretch to all four corners of the globe and test your skills on what is acceptable and what is not.
Do you know what is critically important to do before entering a home in Japan? Or what common sign is seen as vulgar and rude in many countries in South America? Tipping might be considered acceptable (and expected) in the United States, but is the same true in other countries and in all situations involving service? There's an emotion that you should never express publically in Thailand, but do you know what it is? Answer these questions and more to prove that you are a true citizen of the world.Â
These 35 questions will test your foreign etiquette savvy and your interpersonal skills across the continents. It's time to pack your bags and go globetrotting to see who has James Bond level diplomatic skills and who would look like a heel overseas.
What should you never do with chopsticks in much of Asia, due to rituals involving the dead?
Stick them straight up in the bowl
Never stick your chopsticks straight up in your rice while dining in much of Asia. This is how bowls of rice are offered to the dead, and it is considered a big social faux pas to do it while eating.
Lay them in an X pattern on the table
Pass them to the person on your left
Use them with your eyes closed
If you’re eating pizza with a Dutch person, what’s the polite way to do it?
Backward, from crust to tip
Loaded with hot sauce
With a fork and knife
In the Netherlands and much of Europe, it is appropriate to eat pizza with a fork and knife. Picking it up with your hands is considered to be very poor etiquette, no matter how commonplace it might be in other parts of the world.
Ice-cold
Which body part is considered sacred in Thailand?
Feet
Neck
Eyes
Head
For many Thai people, the head is considered to be sacred, and you should avoid touching that part of a Thai person's body, even if they are a small child. Touching the head — or hair — could be perceived as offensive.
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What is the appropriate time to bring up business while dining in Taiwan?
Don't — you should wait until your hosts do
Business dinners in Taiwan are very structured, and business is not discussed until the host brings it up. This might be unusual for some Western people, but it's the polite way to do things.
Immediately at the table
When dessert and coffee are being served
Whenever you want
During dinner in Portugal, what should you avoid doing if you don't want to insult your host?
Asking for seconds
Asking for condiments
Asking for condiments — even salt and pepper — is considered to be very rude in Portugal. If a condiment is not on the table, you should assume that the dish is meant to be served without it.
Leaving food on the plate
Eating before the host does
What should you never show to someone in Greece?
Your open palm
Showing your open palm to a Greek person is considered to be very impolite. It's essentially a way to tell someone that you reject them. Even waving to someone with an open palm is a big no-no.
A big smile
The soles of your feet
Your ring finger
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How do you get a waiter's attention in the United Kingdom?
Shout at them
Make unflinching eye contact
Raise your hand
Once you've finished your meal in the United Kingdom, you should raise your hand to get the attention of the waiter. Shouting at them or beckoning them with a finger is considered very rude.
Turn your water glass over
What greeting gesture is very common in France and French-speaking countries?
Kissing on both cheeks
Kissing on both cheeks — faire la bise — is a very common greeting in France and French-speaking countries. Really these are air kisses, with cheeks touching. Both men and women greet each other this way, so if you're traveling to France, expect to be smooched.
High fiving
Raising your eyebrows
Grasping arms
In Argentina, what common response is considered rude?
Stepping nearer to someone
Backing away from someone
Argentinians are notorious for being close talkers, and those who are used to a little bit more personal space might want to take a step back. Resist the urge. It is considered rude in Argentina.
Waving
Kissing on both cheeks
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What body part should you never point at anyone in Asia?
Head
Finger
Feet
You should never point your feet at anyone while in Asia. Feet are the lowest point of the body and are considered to be dirty. Pointing your feet at someone is very disrespectful.
Elbow
Are titles taken seriously in China?
Yes
Titles are taken very seriously in China, and it's considered highly rude not to use or acknowledge someone's formal title when addressing them. A certain level of formality is expected in conversation.
No
Only in certain provinces
Only in religious families
What is famously taken very seriously in Germany?
Using proper titles
Table manners
Punctuality
German people are sticklers for punctuality. It is considered to be extremely rude to be late. It's better to be on the safe side and plan to arrive ten minutes early for appointments in Germany.
Eye contact
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What type of talk do conversations in Kenya usually start with?
Personal questions
Small talk
Kenyans generally engage in small talk before jumping into tough or deep conversations. It is considered rude not to observe this nicety, so always add in a buffer for some small talk.
Professional discussion
Introductions
What unlikely place will Finnish people sometime conduct business in?
Kitchens
Restaurants
Nightclubs
Saunas
For Finnish folks, saunas are a big part life. They are also sometimes considered to be the perfect place for conducting business. Many Finns will cement contracts while in the sauna.
What is proper to do when visiting churches in Italy?
Dress appropriately
Italian cathedrals, churches and other houses of worship are places where the appropriate dress is not only encouraged, it's mandated. No shorts are allowed. Shoulders must be covered and skirts must be knee-length or longer.
Be baptized in advance
Thank the priest
Carry a rosary
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Which common gesture for sleepiness is considered rude in Ecuador?
Snoring
Blinking fast
Yawning
Yawning is considered rude in Ecuador, so if you feel a yawn coming on, it is best to excuse yourself and do it in private. Many Ecuadorians see yawning as a sign that you're not interested in conversing with them.
Resting your head in your hands
What institution is highly prized in Egypt?
Family
Egyptians prize family above almost everything else in the world. If you are invited to an Egyptian get-together, that's an honor. Expect multiple family members to attend, including children.
Government
Religion
Social order
In what country is “yes†indicated by tilting the head to one side?
The United Kingdom
Russia
Greece
It is considered confusing or rude to nod "yes" when you are in Greece. Instead of nodding, simply say "yes" to the other person. Greeks understand that nodding is customary in the rest of the world and won't hold it against you if you slip up.
Thailand
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What common sign is considered inappropriate in Argentina?
The "OK" sign
The "OK" sign is considered very vulgar in Argentina, so if you are traveling or staying in that part of the world it is better to simply say "OK" rather than to use the hand gesture. Don't give a thumbs-up, either.
Twiddling thumbs
Crossed fingers
Rubbing palms together
If you are in a country where Ramadan is practiced, what should you avoid doing?
Praying in a mosque
Eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day, during fasting times
Even non-Muslims should avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours, but you can do these things in private. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the 30 days of Ramadan.
Asking questions about the holiday
Eating, drinking or smoking after sunset
In Hong Kong, should an older person be introduced before a younger person?
Yes
In Hong Kong, as in much of Asia, age is prized. When two people are being introduced, the older one should always be introduced first. This is a sign of respect that is taken seriously in Hong Kong.
No
Only if they are in the same family
Only in certain parts of the country
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What should you always do before entering a house in Japan?
Offer a gift
Put on a robe
Say hello to everyone inside
Take off your shoes
Japanese people never wear shoes inside their houses, and you should always take yours off before entering a home in Japan. It is considered exceptionally rude and unsanitary not to do so.
This is considered a big no-no in India. What is it?
Dancing
Kissing on both cheeks in greeting
Small talk
Public display of affection
If you visit India with your significant other, remember to keep the public displays of affection to a minimum. It's best not to engage at all, as it's considered uncouth and rude to be all over your S.O. in public.
What should you never ask for, when dining in France?
Doggie bag
You should never ask for a doggie bag after a meal out in France. If you can't finish your meal, just consider it a loss and move on. To request a doggie bag is seen as greedy and inappropriate.
Fork
Salt
To split the bill
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Which emotion should you avoid showing in Thailand?
Boredom
Joy
Anger
It is ill-advised to show anger in Thailand. If you erupt in anger in the Land of Smiles, Thai people will see you as "losing face" and look down on you. It's best to hold it in until you're in private.
Happiness
Which simple gesture might signify arrogance in South Korea?
Putting your hands in your pockets
Putting your hands in your pockets might be innocuous in most of the world, but you could be sending out an unwanted signal if you are in South Korea. Many South Koreans see hands in the pockets as a sign of arrogance.
Making the "OK" sign
Waving
Raising your eyebrows
What is a common thing to do at dinner parties in Russia?
Sing a song
Make a toast
Toasts are very common in Russia, and you should always let your host lead you in one. You might even be asked to make a toast, so be prepared to say something if called upon. Na zdorovie!
Say thank you to everyone at the table
Eat an amuse bouche
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You're invited to a Norwegian person's house. What should you bring?
A gift
If you are invited to a Norwegian person's house, you should always bring a gift. It does not have to be extravagant, but you should have something to present your host with. If you opt for flowers, bring an odd number to avoid being disrespectful. To come empty-handed is rude.
A friend
An invitation to visit your house
Nothing
Should you tip in South Korea?
Yes
No
It is not standard to tip in South Korea, and it can also be considered downright rude. If you are visiting a very touristy place you should be OK leaving a tip, but you certainly don't have to.
Only at restaurants
Only for transportation
Is it customary to show up on time in Israel?
Yes
No
In Israel, punctuality is not expected. It is common to show up between fifteen to twenty minutes late to just about everything. If you're a stickler for being on time, you'll have to adjust your expectations.
Only at restaurants
Only if you're in larger cities
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What should you never do to a Portuguese person?
Give them the "OK" sign
Shake hands
Point at them
You should never point at a Portuguese person unless you want to be seen as totally uncouth. To be on the safe side, you should try to avoid pointing at anything, including objects.
Wink at them
Is haggling acceptable in Nigeria?
Yes
Haggling is very common in Nigeria, and you are expected to engage in it. It's not exactly considered rude not to haggle, but you're better off making some lower offers on items to avoid getting ripped off.
No
Only in certain places
Only if you are Nigerian
Which common politeness is actually considered impolite in Mexico?
Tipping
Showing up on time
Showing up on time, which is considered polite and appropriate in certain countries, is actually thought of as rude in Mexico — for Mexicans. As a foreigner, you're probably better off showing up on time, but don't be surprised or offended if other people are late.
Making small talk
Paying in advance
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What is very important to do while shaking hands in Colombia?
Grasp arms as well
Nod
Maintain eye contact
If you are shaking hands with someone in Colombia, you should make and maintain eye contact. Breaking eye contact is considered rude and could be seen as a sign that you are untrustworthy.
Smile
You are out for dinner with your Singaporean host. What should you let them do?
Season your food
Make a toast
Choose the seating order at the table
Pick all of the dishes
In Singapore, it is common for the host to order dishes for everyone at the table. You should expect to be treated to multiple dishes that will likely be shared family-style among the guests.
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