How to avoid embarrassment when travelling abroad…

Travel giant Expedia has published an interactive guide on international etiquette rules.

It contains tips for 18 of the most-travelled countries in the world, across five continents. Designed for both business and personal travel, the guide offers expert advice regarding etiquette in restaurants, in people’s homes, how to greet people and common phrases.

Many Brits travelling abroad may be unknowingly causing offence as they navigate different cultural norms, according to Expedia, be that in the boardroom, a restaurant or in someone’s home.

The guide covers 18 of the world’s most-visited countries across five continents and highlights some of the most important etiquette rules for both business and personal travel. From what time to arrive at a meeting to how much to tip at a restaurant, this is an essential guide for anyone wanting to make a good impression overseas.

Certain rules, such as punctuality and small talk, vary dramatically across the globe. For example, while in countries such as France, Japan and the United Arab Emirates it is considered polite to arrive early or on time to someone’s home, in Mexico this is seen as rude. Instead, arriving around 30 minutes late is the norm. The same applies to small talk – while in Turkey and the UK this practice is a sign of good manners in business scenarios, in Germany and the United States small talk is not appreciated.

In Egypt you wait until the oldest male has started eating before tucking in yourself. In a Japanese household, your shoes should be taken off and point away from the doorway you are about to walk through. In Spain and Brazil it is normal to be interrupted and to interrupt others.

The guide also provides useful phrases in each of the different languages, including how to say ‘Thank you’ and the all-important ‘Cheers’! If you’re heading abroad this summer, this is a must-have resource for you trip. Prost! Yamas! Salud!

“Our guide to etiquette around the world is designed to help both holidaymakers and business travellers, ensuring they feel confident and informed when it comes to cultural differences and surprising norms,” said Kasha Dubaniewicz, project manager at Expedia. “Hopefully this guide will prevent embarrassing faux pas in the future!”