Tipping
Sitting in the Back of a Cab
Drinking Coffee On-the-Go
Giving a Thumbs-Up

In the Middle East, Latin America, Western Africa, Russia, and Greece, a thumbs-up has a pretty negative connotation. In fact, if you did it in one of these countries, you may as well be flipping the bird! Here, it means “good job,” but it may be best to say the words when you’re outside of America.
Making a Peace Sign

This one is pretty famous, but some people still make this mistake. In the UK, the peace sign doesn’t mean the same thing as it does here. If you were to make this sign in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, or Australia, be sure to keep your palm facing outward. If your palm is facing toward you, then you’re flipping someone off.
Laughing with Your Mouth Open
Customizing Restaurant Orders
Calling the United States “America”

We’re used to calling the United States “America.” It’s a lot easier than saying the whole thing, but we don't really stop to think that there’s more to the continent than just our country. When you’re visiting South America, tell people you’re from the United States. Otherwise, you may get a few offensive looks.
Complaining at Restaurants
Being Super Late

Most Americans aren’t too pleased if you show up late, but it isn’t the worst thing in the world. In Germany, it’s actually a lot worse. If you’re late there, it’s like you’re sending the message that your time is more valuable spent elsewhere. No one wants to feel like that, so arrive a little early when you’re in Germany.
Showing Up on Time
Getting Doggie Bags
Making the “OK” Sign
Putting Your Hands in Your Pockets
Using Your Left Hand
Opening Gifts in Front of the Giver
Requiring Personal Space
Chatting with Random People
Getting Free Refills
Smiling at Strangers
Finishing Your Plate
Not Greeting Someone

While many people greet strangers in America, it isn’t taboo NOT to greet someone. That being said, you shouldn’t fail to greet someone when you visit France. The first words out of your mouth should be, “Bonjour, Madam/Monsieur!” If you don’t, you’re signaling to the person that they’re below you. Yikes.
Not Declining Gifts
Asking About Employment
Blowing Your Nose
Showing the Soles of Your Feet
Keeping Your Shoes on Inside Someone’s Home

Unless someone has a new carpet or floor, you probably won't take your shoes off while visiting another person’s home. It’s actually custom in most Asian and Caribbean cultures. When entering someone’s home, you take off your shoes in the designated spot. Be careful; in some places, taking your socks off is also pretty bad.
Going Topless at the Beach
Inviting People to Help Themselves
Refusing Food
Touching and Hugging Others
Doing “Bull Horns” with Your Hands

Rock concerts call for doing “bull” or “devil horns” with your hands. You could say its American custom. Here, it means “rock on!” but not so much elsewhere. If you made that sign in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and some parts of South America, you’re making a sign that indicates a man’s wife isn't faithful to him. Whoa.
Showing the Palm of Your Hand
Crossing Your Fingers
Beckoning with Your Hand
Showing a Lot of Skin
Paying with Older Money

If someone handed you a crisp, clean bill, would you take it? In all honesty, you may think it was fake because American money stays in circulation for a long time. However, in some countries, older cash is a no-no. Some shops may refuse money if it’s crinkled, worn, or looks like it’s been around the block.
Pointing with Index Fingers

Several countries think pointing at something or someone is rude. We do it so often in the United States that we don’t think twice, but if you’re in China, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, and Latin America, it’s awfully impolite. In some countries, like the Philippines, people point with their lips. In others, they use multiple fingers.
Eating in Public

We’re so on-the-go here that we’re used to seeing people eat in public. We don't even pay attention to it anymore! However, if you’re in an Asian country, you may want to keep the food where you bought it. While the tide is turning for younger folks, some Japanese people think it’s low-class and even rude to eat in public.
Talking About Mental Health

It isn’t odd for Americans to share their feelings openly. We’re used to it! Plus, when we hear great advice from our therapist, we share it. Not so much in the UK. There, feelings and stuff our therapists told us should be kept under wraps. It’s best to stick to the weather as a conversation topic.
Having Pumpkin Mania

When fall hits, pumpkin mania is alive and well. Other countries don’t love the squash nearly as much as we do. Some places are beginning to catch on, but don’t expect to pick up a pumpkin spice latte at an Italian café.
Measuring with the Imperial System
Writing Dates MM/DD/YY
Throwing a Baby Shower

Other countries don’t throw baby showers, so it’s weird for Americans to throw one. In fact, some places consider it bad luck to celebrate the baby before it’s born.
Turning Right on Red
Eating Giant Meals

America eats enormous meals, and that’s pretty unique to our country. Studies have shown that people from other places tend to gain weight when they visit America. Even our candy bars are 41% bigger than other places!
Requiring Massive Variety
Obsessing Over College Sports

Other countries don’t care about college sports. In America, it’s a huge past time. In fact, entire events are planned around football games. You have to tailgate during football season. It’s just a given. While we’re on the subject, tailgating is pretty weird to other countries, too.
Going into Debt for College
Trick or Treating

This one is pretty upsetting. Trick or treating isn’t really a thing outside of the United States. In fact, some places don’t even celebrate Halloween! That means no candy, no costumes, and no haunted houses. Don’t they know Halloween is the best holiday?
Eating Dinner Early

In America, most people eat dinner between the hours of 5:30 pm and 8 pm. Elsewhere? There’s no way anyone will sit at the dinner table before 8 pm. Can you imagine eating dinner that late? As a note, we also tend to have heavier dinners than other places, so that probably contributes to our dining times.
Working Constantly

Americans work all the time. A report by the Center of Economic Policy and Research found that one in four Americans don’t have guaranteed paid leave. In many European countries, people can get off as much as a month every year.
Avoiding Harsh Critiques
Unending Optimism
Carrying in the Open

Open carry or carrying, in general, is a really weird (and frightening) rule to many other countries, and it’s a topic of hot debate. In other places, the only people that are legally allowed to carry are police officers.
