Polite or Rude? Most People Fail This International Customs Quiz
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Question 1
In Japan, Is It Polite To Slurp Your Noodles?
Question 1
In Which Country Should You Never Tip Your Waiter?
Question 1
In India, Which Hand Is Considered Rude For Eating?
Question 1
Where Is It Rude To Show The Bottom Of Your Feet?
Question 1
In France, Is It Rude To Ask For A To-Go Box?
Question 1
In China, What Should You Never Do With Your Chopsticks?
Question 1
In Greece, Showing An Open Palm To Someone Is Considered What?
Question 1
In The Middle East, What Does A Thumbs-Up Actually Signal?
Question 1
In Norway, Is It Polite To Finish All The Food On Your Plate?
Question 1
In Which Country Is Burping After A Meal A Compliment?
Question 1
In Brazil, Is It Rude To Show Up Exactly On Time?
Question 1
In Russia, What Should You Never Give As A Gift?
Question 1
In Germany, What Is Considered Very Rude At The Dinner Table?
Question 1
In Turkey, What Should You Always Do When Entering A Home?
Question 1
In The UK, What Is Considered Very Bad Manners In A Queue?
Question 1
In South Korea, Who Should Pour Drinks For Others At The Table?
Question 1
In Italy, Is It Rude To Order A Cappuccino After Lunch?
Question 1
In Canada, What Gesture Is Considered Especially Polite?
Question 1
In Mexico, What Is The Polite Way To Greet A New Friend?
Question 1
In The Philippines, How Do Young People Greet Their Elders Respectfully?
Question 1
In Egypt, Is It Rude To Refuse Food Offered By A Host?
Question 1
In Sweden, What Is Considered Rude When Visiting Someone's Home?
Question 1
In China, What Color Is Associated With Funerals And Bad Luck?
Question 1
In New Zealand, What Is The Traditional Maori Greeting Called?
Question 1
In Portugal, Is It Rude To Ask For Salt At The Dinner Table?
Question 1
In Japan, What Should You Never Do With A Business Card?
Question 1
In Nigeria, What Should Younger People Always Do When Greeting Elders?
Question 1
In Denmark, What Is Considered Rude During A Toast?
Question 1
In China, What Gift Should You Never Give Someone For Their Birthday?
Question 1
In The US, Is It Rude To Ask Someone Their Age?
Question 1
In Which Country Should You Never Write In Red Ink?
Question 1
In Italy, What Is Considered Rude At The Dinner Table?
Question 1
In Japan, What Is The Polite Way To Hand Someone Money?
Question 1
In Iran, What Does Nodding Your Head Actually Mean?
Question 1
In Which Country Is It Rude To Smile At Strangers?
Question 1
In China, What Should You Do Before Sitting Down To Eat?
Question 1
In Hawaii, What Is Considered Deeply Disrespectful At A Sacred Heiau Site?
Question 1
In The Netherlands, What Is Considered Polite When Visiting A Home?
Question 1
In Japan, Is It Rude To Blow Your Nose In Public?
Question 1
In Saudi Arabia, What Should You Never Do With Your Left Hand?
Question 1
In Finland, What Is Considered Very Rude During A Conversation?
Question 1
In South Africa, What Is The Polite Way To Receive A Gift?
Question 1
In France, What Is Considered Rude When Meeting Someone New?
Question 1
In Korea, What Should You Never Do When Receiving A Business Card?
Question 1
In Spain, What Is Considered Rude If You Arrive For Dinner?
Question 1
In Hawaii, What Is The Polite Response When Someone Does You A Favor?
Question 1
In Nepal, How Should You Politely Pass An Object To Someone?
Question 1
In Egypt, What Should You Never Cross While Sitting Across From Someone?
Question 1
In Which Country Should You Never Refuse A Cup Of Tea When Offered?
Question 1
In Singapore, What Should You Never Do On Public Transportation?
Question 1
What Is The Polite Greeting Gesture Used Across Much Of Southeast Asia?
Question 1
In Ireland, What Is Considered Rude If Someone Buys You A Drink?
Question 1
In New Zealand, What Is Considered Very Rude At A Formal Dinner?
Question 1
In Which Country Is Winking At Someone Considered Quite Rude?
Question 1
In Brazil, Is It Polite To Eat With Your Hands At The Table?
Question 1
In France, What Is The Polite Way To Greet A Close Friend?
Question 1
In The UK, What Is The Polite Thing To Say When Someone Sneezes?
Question 1
In India, What Should You Never Do Before Entering A Temple?
Question 1
In Germany, What Is Considered Bad Luck When Making A Toast?
Question 1
In The US, What Should You Always Do When The National Anthem Plays?
Question 1
In Italy, What Should You Never Ask For With Your Espresso?
Question 1
In The UK, What Is Considered Very Rude When Someone Holds A Door For You?
Question 1
In Kenya, What Should You Always Do Before Entering An Elder's Home?
Question 1
In Norway, What Should You Never Bring Up At A Dinner Party?
Question 1
In Thailand, What Should You Never Do To Someone's Head?
Question 1
In Argentina, What Is Considered Very Rude At The Dinner Table?
Question 1
In Which Country Should You Never Cross Your Fingers For Good Luck?
Question 1
In The US, What Should You Never Do When Someone Is Still Talking?
Question 1
In The UK, What Is Considered Rude When Eating Soup?
Question 1
In Japan, What Should You Never Do Before Pouring Your Own Drink?
Question 1
In China, What Should You Never Do When Someone Gives You A Gift?
Question 1
In Which Country Is It Rude To Finish Your Drink Too Quickly?
Question 1
In Hawaii, What Is Considered Rude When Visiting A Sacred Site?
Question 1
In Which Country Should You Never Give Someone A Yellow Flower?
Question 1
In Australia, What Should You Never Do When First Meeting Someone?
Question 1
In Italy, What Should You Never Do When Ordering Coffee At A Bar?
1
Yes, Very Polite
2
Only For Children
3
No, Very Rude
4
Only At Home
In Japan, slurping noodles signals that you're enjoying the meal and actually compliments the chef.
1
Canada
2
Italy
3
Mexico
4
Japan
In Japan, tipping is considered insulting — servers take pride in doing their job well without extra payment.
1
Either Hand
2
Left Hand
3
Both Hands
4
Right Hand
Across India and much of the Middle East, the left hand is traditionally reserved for hygiene, making it impolite at the table.
1
Australia
2
Brazil
3
Germany
4
Thailand
In Thailand and many Buddhist cultures, feet are the lowest and least sacred part of the body, so pointing them at people is deeply offensive.
1
No, Totally Fine
2
Only At Dinner
3
Only In Paris
4
Yes, Considered Rude
Traditional French dining culture treats a meal as a complete experience — taking leftovers home suggests the portions were too large or the food unwanted.
1
Use Them To Serve Others
2
Rest Them On The Bowl
3
Stick Them Upright In Rice
4
Hold Them In One Hand
Chopsticks standing upright in rice resemble incense sticks at a funeral — it's a symbol of death and considered very bad luck.
1
A Request For Help
2
A Serious Insult
3
A Friendly Wave
4
A Sign Of Respect
The open-palm gesture called the 'moutza' has been an insult in Greece since ancient Byzantine times, meaning roughly 'I push filth in your face.'
1
Strong Agreement
2
A Job Well Done
3
A Friendly Greeting
4
An Offensive Gesture
In parts of the Middle East and West Africa, the thumbs-up carries the same rude meaning that the middle finger does in the United States.
1
Only During Holidays
2
Only At A Guest's Home
3
Yes, It Is Polite
4
No, Leave Some Food
In Norway and most Scandinavian countries, a clean plate tells your host the food was delicious and that you appreciated every bite.
1
Spain
2
China
3
Portugal
4
Argentina
In parts of China and some Middle Eastern countries, an audible burp after eating signals to the host that the meal was truly satisfying.
1
Only For Business
2
Only For Dinner
3
No, It's Perfect
4
Yes, Arrive Later
Brazilians consider punctuality at social events overeager — arriving 15 to 30 minutes late is completely normal and expected.
1
A Bottle Of Wine
2
An Even Number Of Flowers
3
A Box Of Chocolates
4
A Potted Plant
Even-numbered bouquets in Russia are reserved strictly for funerals, so always bring an odd number of flowers to a celebration.
1
Cutting Your Bread
2
Pouring Your Own Drink
3
Starting Before The Host
4
Asking For Salt
Germans take the host's cue seriously — eating before your host begins is seen as disrespectful and impatient in most German households.
1
Remove Your Shoes
2
Bow Slightly
3
Bring A Small Gift
4
Greet The Eldest First
Shoes are seen as carrying outside dirt and bad energy in Turkish homes, so slippers are almost always offered to guests at the door.
1
Checking Your Phone
2
Talking Too Loudly
3
Standing Too Close
4
Cutting In Line
Britons treat orderly queuing almost as a national religion — skipping ahead is considered one of the worst social offenses you can commit.
1
The Host Only
2
Anyone Who Wants
3
The Youngest Person
4
The Oldest Person
In Korean culture, the youngest person at the table shows respect by pouring drinks for elders — pouring your own drink first is considered rude.
1
Only In Rome
2
Only On Weekends
3
Yes, Very Unusual
4
No, Totally Fine
Italians believe milk-based coffee drinks are only for mornings because the milk is too heavy after a full meal — espresso is the only acceptable post-lunch coffee.
1
Nodding In Agreement
2
Waving From A Distance
3
Holding Doors Open
4
Offering Your Seat
Canada ranks among the world's most door-holding cultures — the habit reportedly intensified after British colonial etiquette took deep root.
1
A Wave And Smile
2
A Hug Or Cheek Kiss
3
A Formal Bow
4
A Firm Handshake
Warm physical greetings like hugs and cheek kisses are a sign of genuine friendliness in Mexico — a stiff handshake can actually feel cold and unfriendly.
1
Clasp Both Hands Together
2
Bow From The Waist
3
Touch The Elder's Shoulder
4
Press Elder's Hand To Forehead
Called 'Mano Po,' this gesture of pressing an elder's hand to your forehead dates back centuries and remains one of the most cherished signs of respect in Filipino culture today.
1
No, It's Fine
2
Yes, Always Accept
3
Only At Dinner
4
Depends On The Food
Egyptian hospitality is deeply tied to honor, and refusing offered food is seen as rejecting the host personally.
1
Removing Your Shoes
2
Bringing A Gift
3
Complimenting The Meal
4
Arriving Early
Swedes value punctuality so precisely that arriving even a few minutes early is considered inconsiderate and intrusive.
1
Red
2
White
3
Yellow
4
Blue
In China, white is the traditional color of mourning, so gifting white flowers or wrapping gifts in white paper is considered very bad luck.
1
Wai
2
Karakia
3
Powhiri
4
Hongi
The Hongi involves pressing noses together to share the breath of life, and refusing it at a formal Maori ceremony is considered deeply disrespectful.
1
Only For Breakfast
2
No, It Is Expected
3
Yes, It Insults The Cook
4
Only In Restaurants
Asking for salt or pepper in Portugal implies the cook seasoned the food badly, which is considered a real insult to the host.
1
Accept With Both Hands
2
Write On It
3
Read It Carefully
4
Say Thank You
In Japan, a business card represents the person's identity, so writing on it, folding it, or stuffing it in your pocket is considered deeply disrespectful.
1
Make Direct Eye Contact
2
Shake Hands Firmly
3
Wave And Smile
4
Bow Or Kneel Down
In many Nigerian cultures, kneeling or bowing before elders is a sign of deep respect that children are taught from a very young age.
1
Drinking Before The Host
2
Clinking Glasses Too Hard
3
Standing Up To Toast
4
Toasting With Water
At Danish gatherings, you must wait for the host to say 'Skål' and make eye contact with everyone at the table before taking your first sip.
1
A Bottle Of Wine
2
A Potted Plant
3
A Box Of Chocolates
4
A Clock
In Chinese, 'giving a clock' sounds identical to 'attending a funeral' — it's one of the most serious gift taboos in the culture.
1
Yes, Quite Rude
2
Only For Men
3
No, Very Normal
4
Only At Work
In American culture, asking age is considered personal — many countries in Asia and Europe treat it as perfectly casual small talk.
1
Morocco
2
Poland
3
South Korea
4
Argentina
In South Korea, writing someone's name in red ink signals death and is considered a very bad omen for that person.
1
Eating With Hands
2
Asking For Ketchup
3
Leaving Food Behind
4
Pouring Your Own Wine
Asking for ketchup — or any condiment — on pasta in Italy is seen as insulting the cook's seasoning and a sign of disrespect.
1
Tucked In A Book
2
Folded In Half
3
In A Small Envelope
4
Placed On The Floor
Handing bare cash directly to someone in Japan is considered crass — special gift envelopes called 'noshi bukuro' are used even for small amounts.
1
Please Repeat
2
I Don't Know
3
Yes
4
No
In Iran, a single upward nod means 'no,' which is the opposite of what most Americans expect — a downward nod means yes.
1
Spain
2
Ireland
3
Russia
4
Brazil
In Russia, smiling at people you don't know is seen as insincere or even suspicious — smiles are reserved for close friends and family.
1
Pour Your Own Drink
2
Wash Your Hands
3
Unfold Your Napkin
4
Wait For The Eldest
In Chinese dining tradition, the eldest or most honored guest sits and eats first — starting before them is considered very disrespectful.
1
Arriving At Sunrise
2
Wearing Bright Colors
3
Taking Photographs
4
Sitting On The Stones
Hawaiian heiau are sacred temples — sitting or climbing on the stones is seen as a serious violation of spiritual boundaries.
1
Bringing A Small Gift
2
Arriving Very Early
3
Bringing Your Own Food
4
Skipping The Doorbell
Dutch hosts genuinely appreciate a small token like flowers or chocolates — arriving empty-handed to a home visit is considered a bit thoughtless.
1
Only At Meals
2
No, Perfectly Fine
3
Yes, Very Rude
4
Only Indoors
In Japan, blowing your nose in public is seen as deeply offensive — sniffling quietly is considered far more polite.
1
Pass Food Or Items
2
Hold A Drink
3
Open A Door
4
Wave Hello
Across much of the Middle East, the left hand is traditionally considered unclean, so passing anything with it is considered disrespectful.
1
Filling Silences
2
Standing Close
3
Speaking Softly
4
Making Eye Contact
Finns deeply value silence as a sign of respect and thoughtfulness — rushing to fill a pause is seen as nervous and impolite.
1
Bow Your Head
2
Use Both Hands
3
Refuse It Once First
4
Open It Immediately
Receiving something with both hands is a widespread sign of respect across southern Africa, showing the gift is welcomed wholeheartedly.
1
Skipping The Greeting Kiss
2
Shaking Hands Firmly
3
Making Eye Contact
4
Saying Bonjour First
The French cheek kiss, called la bise, is a standard social greeting — skipping it with someone you've just been introduced to can seem cold or standoffish.
1
Nod While Reading It
2
Read It Carefully
3
Put It Away Quickly
4
Hold It With Both Hands
In Korean business culture, a card represents the person — you should study it respectfully and never shove it in your pocket without looking.
1
Bringing Wine
2
Arriving On Time
3
Dressing Casually
4
Leaving Before Dessert
Spanish dinner culture runs late by design — arriving exactly on time can actually catch the host off guard and is seen as overly rigid.
1
Kapu
2
Ohana
3
Aloha
4
Mahalo
Mahalo means thank you in Hawaiian and is used daily — locals genuinely appreciate visitors who use it rather than just saying thanks.
1
With Both Hands
2
With One Finger
3
Tossed Gently Over
4
With Left Hand
Using both hands to pass something in Nepal — and across much of South Asia — signals respect and care for the other person.
1
Your Arms
2
Your Legs
3
Your Fingers
4
Your Ankles
Crossing your legs and pointing the sole of your foot toward someone in Egypt is considered disrespectful, similar to customs across the Middle East.
1
Argentina
2
Canada
3
Poland
4
Morocco
In Morocco, mint tea is a sacred symbol of hospitality — refusing it is seen as rejecting the host's friendship and warmth entirely.
1
Read A Book
2
Talk On Phone
3
Eat Or Drink
4
Wear Sandals
Singapore actually enforces a legal ban on eating and drinking on public transit — fines can reach nearly $500 USD for violations.
1
A Cheek Kiss
2
Hands Pressed Together
3
A Firm Handshake
4
A Bow From Waist
The 'namaste' or 'wai' gesture — palms pressed together near the chest — is used respectfully in Thailand, Indonesia, India, and beyond.
1
Not Buying One Back
2
Drinking It Slowly
3
Saying Thank You
4
Choosing A Different Drink
Irish pub culture runs on 'rounds' — if someone buys your drink, you are expected to buy theirs next, no exceptions.
1
Pouring Your Own Drink
2
Asking For More Food
3
Sitting Cross-Legged
4
Starting Before The Elder
Maori tradition deeply values elders, and beginning a meal before the oldest person at the table is seen as a sign of disrespect.
1
Nigeria
2
Denmark
3
Sweden
4
Portugal
In Nigeria, winking at someone — especially an adult or elder — is seen as disrespectful and even aggressive, unlike its playful meaning in the West.
1
Only At Lunch
2
No, Use Utensils
3
Yes, Always
4
Only For Bread
Brazilians use utensils for almost everything — even pizza and sandwiches — touching food bare-handed is seen as unhygienic and impolite.
1
A Friendly Wave
2
A Firm Handshake
3
A Warm Hug
4
A Kiss On Each Cheek
The French 'la bise' cheek-kiss greeting dates back centuries and the number of kisses actually varies by region — Paris typically does two.
1
Excuse You
2
Good Health
3
Are You Okay
4
Bless You
Pope Gregory I introduced 'God bless you' during the 590 AD plague, believing sneezing expelled evil — the phrase has stuck in English ever since.
1
Speak Quietly
2
Bow Your Head
3
Bring A Gift
4
Keep Your Shoes On
Removing shoes before entering sacred spaces is a sign of respect across India, as footwear is considered spiritually unclean in Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim traditions.
1
Standing Up To Toast
2
Clinking Glasses Too Hard
3
Toasting With Water
4
Not Making Eye Contact
Germans believe failing to look someone in the eye during a toast brings seven years of bad luck — it's taken seriously even at casual dinners.
1
Bow Your Head
2
Clap Along Politely
3
Stand And Remove Your Hat
4
Place Hand On Bible
The tradition of removing hats during the anthem dates to 1942 when Congress formally codified it in the U.S. Flag Code as a sign of patriotic respect.
1
A Small Spoon
2
A Second Cup
3
A Glass Of Water
4
Ice Or Cold Milk
Italians consider iced or milky espresso an insult to the craft — a small glass of still water served alongside is actually the traditional and polite pairing.
1
Not Saying Thank You
2
Walking Through Too Quickly
3
Holding It Back For Them
4
Making Eye Contact
Failing to acknowledge a held door is considered shockingly rude in Britain — a quick 'cheers' or 'ta' is always expected.
1
Knock Three Times
2
Bow Your Head
3
Remove Your Hat
4
Announce Yourself Loudly
In many Kenyan communities, calling out your name or greeting before entering shows deep respect and prevents startling the household.
1
Your Favorite Recipe
2
Your Vacation Plans
3
Your Family History
4
Your Personal Salary
Norwegians follow Janteloven, a cultural code that discourages boasting about wealth or status, making money talk at the table quite uncomfortable.
1
Tilt It Sideways
2
Bow It Forward
3
Touch It
4
Nod It Quickly
Thais consider the head the most sacred body part — even patting a child's head is seen as deeply offensive.
1
Arriving Before 9 PM
2
Asking For Water
3
Using A Fork
4
Leaving Food Behind
Argentine dinners rarely start before 9 or 10 PM — showing up earlier signals you are unaware of local social customs.
1
Vietnam
2
Portugal
3
Hungary
4
Poland
In Vietnam, crossed fingers resemble a certain part of female anatomy and making the gesture at someone is considered a vulgar insult.
1
Nod Along
2
Smile At Them
3
Lean Forward
4
Interrupt Them
Interrupting is considered rude in American culture though it is far more taboo in Japan and Finland where silence signals deep respect.
1
Blowing On It
2
Using A Spoon
3
Adding Salt
4
Slurping It Loudly
British table etiquette dates back to Victorian-era dining rules where slurping any food was seen as a sign of poor upbringing.
1
Stand Up First
2
Clink Glasses First
3
Ask For Ice
4
Pour For Others First
Japanese drinking etiquette says you always fill everyone else's glass before your own — letting your neighbor go thirsty is considered selfish.
1
Open It Right Away
2
Use Both Hands
3
Smile And Accept
4
Say Thank You
Opening a gift immediately in China is seen as greedy — the polite tradition is to set it aside and open it privately after your guest has left.
1
Ireland
2
Australia
3
Mexico
4
Georgia
In Georgia, the country in the Caucasus, drinking too fast signals you want to leave — meals and toasts there are meant to last for hours.
1
Arriving At Sunrise
2
Wearing Sandals
3
Taking Rocks Home
4
Taking Photos
Hawaiian legend warns that removing lava rocks from the islands brings terrible bad luck — the Volcanoes National Park receives thousands of mailed-back rocks every year.
1
South Africa
2
Netherlands
3
Ukraine
4
Mexico
In Mexico, yellow flowers — especially marigolds — are strongly associated with death and funerals, so gifting them to a living friend sends a very dark message.
1
Offer A Handshake
2
Use Their First Name
3
Act Too Formally
4
Make Eye Contact
Australians prize casual egalitarianism — stiff formality or pretension at a first meeting is seen as snobbish and off-putting.
1
Pay In Cash
2
Order An Espresso
3
Sit Down At A Table
4
Say Please
In Italian coffee bars, locals always stand at the counter — sitting down triggers a much higher price, sometimes three times the standing rate.
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Global etiquette varies wildly from country to country. Actions considered perfectly polite in one nation may cause serious offense in another. This quiz tests international manners knowledge, and most participants find themselves genuinely shocked by how much they still have to learn.
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