How to Mind Your Manners While Traveling Abroad

The following advice by Sue Fox, author of Business Etiquette for Dummies, may help business travelers avoid an embarrassing gaffe abroad.

Argentina            It is rude to ask people what they do for a living. Wait until they offer the information.

Bahrain                Never show signs of impatience, because it is considered an insult. If tea is offered, always accept.

Cambodia           Never touch or pass something over the head of a Cambodian, because the head is considered sacred.

Malaysia             If you receive an invitation from a business associate from Malaysia, always respond in writing. Avoid using your left hand because it is considered unclean.

Mexico                If visiting a business associate's home, do not bring up business unless the associate does.

 China                   As in most Asian cultures, avoid waving or pointing chopsticks, putting them

vertically in a rice bowl or tapping them on the bowl. These actions are considered extremely rude.

Dominican Republic        When speaking to someone, failure to maintain good eye contact may be interpreted as losing interest in the conversation.

France                  Always remain calm, polite and courteous during business meetings. Never appear overly friendly, because this could be construed as suspicious. Never ask personal questions.

Greece                 If you need to signal a taxi, holding up five fingers is considered an offensive

gesture if the palm faces outward. Face your palm inward with closed fingers.

Egypt                   Showing the sole of your foot or crossing your legs when sitting is an insult. Never use the thumbs-up sign, because it is considered an obscene gesture.

India                     Avoid giving gifts made from leather, because many Hindus are vegetarian and consider cows sacred. Keep this in mind when taking Indian clients to restaurants. Don't wink, because it is seen as a sexual gesture.

Japan                   Never write on a business card or shove the card into your back pocket when you are with the giver. This is considered disrespectful. Hold the card with both hands and read it carefully. It's considered polite to make frequent apologies in general conversation.

Vietnam              Shake hands only with someone of the same sex who initiates it. Physical contact between men and women in public is frowned upon.

Philippines          Never refer to a female hosting an event as the "hostess," which translates to prostitute.

Singapore           If you plan to give a gift, always give it to the company. A gift to one person is considered a bribe.

Spain                    Always request your check when dining out in Spain. It is considered rude for wait staff to bring your bill beforehand.