Title: Things Americans Do That Are Rude Around the World
Headings: 11 things people in the US do that could be considered rude elsewhere
11 things people in the US do that could be considered rude elsewhere
Jessica Booth
A thumbs up can be offensive.
Laughing with your mouth open is often thought to be impolite in Japan.
Travelers recommend covering your mouth when you laugh in Japan.
Adjusting your meal to your liking might be considered rude in many countries.
Making substitutions to a meal isn't expected everywhere around the world.
Using your left hand for eating is bad form in some Muslim countries.
The left hand is considered unclean.
Tipping is considered to be rude behavior in many countries, including Japan and South Korea.
South Korea and Japan are no-tip cultures.
Showing up late is unacceptable in countries like Germany.
Being late isn't going to fly in Germany.
Eating anywhere that doesn't serve food is impolite in Japan.
It's considered bad manners to eat on the go.
Giving a thumbs up sign is very offensive in some places.
Thumbs up is the same as your middle finger in some countries.
It can be rude not to take second helpings in countries like the Philippines.
Leaving a little bit is the way to go.
Chewing gum in public is a big no-no in Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, and Singapore.
There are lots of places were chewing gum isn't generally accepted.
Blowing your nose in public is thought to be repulsive in many countries.
This isn't something that is done in public.
Opening a gift in front of the person who gave it to you is thought to be rude in some parts of India and Egypt.
It isn't always a good look to open your present in front of other people.
SEE ALSO: Language differences between Brits and Americans
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Content: That said, some people have adopted this hand movement to have a positive association, so it depends on where you are. Read more: 5 everyday hand gestures that can get you in serious trouble outside the US
It can be rude not to take second helpings in countries like the Philippines. Leaving a little bit is the way to go. YelenaYemchuk/ iStock
In some places, etiquette says that at first rejecting second helpings or doggie bags, but ultimately accepting them, is the polite thing to do. " If you really don't want more, take very little and leave it on your plate," Etiquette Scholar recommends to anyone traveling in the Philippines. Chewing gum in public is a big no-no in Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, and Singapore. There are lots of places were chewing gum isn't generally accepted. nyul/iStock
In Luxembourg, chewing gum in public, especially in a professional setting, gives off a bad impression. In France and Switzerland, it's thought to be disrespectful and rude.