Top Ten International Etiquette Mistakes

From an unknown source (although I'm the one who elaborated these). Some lessons many flight crew try to keep in mind:

1. Make assumptions. This is one thing any traveler should not do. Don't assume that you are right even if it's obvious. Always ASK.
2. Neglect to develop relationships. Be friendly! Always smile and be POLITE. In that way, you can develop friendships to the locals of the place you are visiting. It's always nice to have friends around the world.
3. Compare the place you visit to your home. Although it's nice to love your own home, learn to appreciate the other places you visit. Remember that not all countries are the same. Learn to appreciate differences.
4. Talk about money. Relax! Enjoy your vacation and leave all the business and work talk behind. Separate work from vacation!

5. Misinterpret body language. Body languages (e.g. gestures) are often the most misinterpreted things in life. A thumbs up sign means the up your a** sign in Iran, while it means "ok" for the most of us. Avoid using gestures and be open minded if you see someone doing it. One tip: Just give your best SMILE. Showing your pearly whites will not offend anyone.

6. Do improper things with your feet. In other cultures, the feet is considered dirty so avoid doing inappropriate behavior even if you're wearing the nicest pair of shoes on earth.

7. Do improper things with your hands. Again, avoid hand gestures. This is also the same as number 6.

8. Wear improper attire. A sleeveless top may be okay in Thailand, but is not so in Katmandu where women are considered decent when showing their bellies. BE CULTURALLY SENSITIVE! To be safe, wear your good old jeans, rubber shoes (or boots if you feel like it) and your cute top when traveling. No one knows you in the place you're going, anyway!

9. Use names incorrectly. If you cannot pronounce foreign names correctly. If you want, you can ask for their nicknames or English names. If they don't have any, then forget it.

10. Ignore the situation when you made an etiquette related mistake. Learn from your mistake and try to improve on the situation. Make sure you'll never put yourself into trouble again...and after that, enjoy traveling!