As in any culture, we as Americans have our customs that we deem normal or appropriate. However, there are customs we do here that would offend elsewhere.  So the next time you travel to a foreign country, you may want to take a look at what customs in their culture are o.k. before you head out. What you may think is appropriate and proper, just may not be.

Here are 5 customs in America that we deem o.k., but other countries find offensive.

  1. Laying Down A Tip - In this country, there is always the question of whether or not 15% is enough or not. However, in Japan, tipping is offensive and even boarders an insult. The workers have the mindset that they are being paid to do there job already and take pride in what they do and how they perform.
  2. One Hand In The Pocket - Sometimes when we're having a casual conversation in the front yard or next to the truck, it's common to put your hand in your pocket. Not in Turkey. In Turkey, as well as South Korea, if you put your hand in your pocket, they consider you as arrogant and have little tolerance for that kind of gesture.
  3. Dress Code - If you walk into your local Wal-mart you'll see people wearing flip-flops, tube tops and even pajamas from time to time. Wearing athletic gear in the gym is fine, but if you wear them in Japan and in most of Europe, you're considered down right sloppy.
  4. Dressing Up In The Sauna - In America, you may go to a public sauna wearing a towel robe or something like that. In Europe, the clothes come off in the sauna because if you don't, you might be considered prude.
  5. Thumbs-Up - In America, thumbs up means you agree or are pleased with the results. In many countries to include, but not limited to Australia, Scotland and the Netherlands, throwing a "thumbs-up" has the same meaning as the middle finger. So if they watch film critics, who give 2 thumbs-up for a movie, people in other countries may avoid the show altogether.

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