Travel etiquette in some of the most visited countries

Knowledge of the basic protocol and etiquette in a foreign territory would make our travel experience worthwhile. Here are some tips on getting by graciously in some of the most visited countries:

In Austria, people don't discuss business matters during a meal, unless your host brings it up (in the Philippines, business deals usually discussed during lunch). If happen that you are eating a dumpling, never cut it with a knife; but instead, break it apart with your fork. Also, the person who extends the invitation to a restaurant will generally foot the bill (in the Philippines, it's KKB - "kanya-kanyang bayad" or pay your own bill). On the other hand, when you are meeting people in a social or business gathering, shake hands with everyone, including children. However, you might find this one disgusting: avoid wearing short pants while shopping (really disgusting!).

In China, if a Chinese person greets you with applause, applaud back. But clicking fingers and whistling is considered very rude. Always show special respect for older people like offering them your seat, standing when they enter the room, etc. (such custom also exists in the Philippines). Never point with your index finger for the Chinese perceived this as rude. In dining, be ready to make a small toast for any and all occasions. Feel free to belch and slurp soup while eating (well, that's considered lack of table manners here in the Philippines). However, eating rare beef is considered barbaric. So, never order medium-rare steak in a restaurant. Leave some food on your plate to honor the generosity of the host.

In France, the people there don't like to make or tell jokes. Likewise, they don't like nosy people as they value their privacy very much. Avoid using any of the following in public, such as nail clippers, combs and toothpicks, and avoid chewing a gum; and while you're at it, don't scratch or yawn either. In dinner, don't order a martini or scotch before dinner; they're considered palate numbing. When eating fruits, don't eat, say your apple or pear whole, but instead peel and slice it. Moreso, don't cut your crusty baguette with a knife, break it with your hands. (Living in France seems boring; but with all those French kisses and fries, I'm pretty sure you would enjoy your stay there he-he-heh.)

In Germany, people are more formal and punctual. If you will introduce yourself, introduce yourself by your last name only without using any title like "Mr.", "Dr.", "Gen.", etc. Always show respect to elderly and high-ranked person by standing whenever one enters the room. Too much compliment may embarrass Germans; thus, do it sparingly (so sychopants beware!). When dining, "guten appetit" is said before eating, which means "enjoy your meal." It is the host's way of saying, "please start." Meanwhile, fork and knife are used to eat sandwiches and most other fruits.

In Italy, people are generous and chic (well, that's good!). Italians are dressed elegantly, but conservatively. Likewise, they tend to forgive most faux pas except rudeness and arrogance. Never yawn or remove your shoes in public for they see it unethical. Not like in China, burping is considered extremely vulgar by Italians. Keep both hands above the table while eating, but keep the elbows off. Don't roll pasta on your spoon – do it on the sides of your plate.

In Mexico, it's okay to be late by an hour to a social engagement (great! Filipino travelers wouldn't have a hard time adjusting their "Filipino time"). But in the country, shyness seems discouraged as Mexicans like to get accustomed to people standing close to them. On the other hand, drinking to excess is frowned upon in the country. Likewise, when dining, always keep both hands on the table and when you have finished eating don't leave the table immediately.

In Russia, drinking tends to be an all-or-nothing affair; thus, you must know your limits. If invited to a meal, don't make post-dinner plans as Russians expect you to stick around and socialize. But in general, learning Russian language is the best way to win friends and influence people. However, don't shake hands over a threshold for Russians believe this will lead to an argument. Expect demonstrative greetings, like hugs, backslaps, etc. from them. (Does it mean that it would be safe to slap them rather than shake their hands?)

In Spain, there is no bread and butter plate being used as bread is set directly on the table. Likewise, know your limitations as Spaniards don't waste food. Always make a tip for everyone, not just in the hotel or restaurant, for everything like when someone helps you with the street direction or helps you carry your baggage. When talking with a citizen, just be patient as Spaniards use to interrupt. Likewise, it is acceptable to be late to social functions - 30 minutes in Southern Spain and 15 minutes in Northern Spain (so now it's clear that it was the Spaniards who introduced us the "Filipino time" concept). But most important, never be late for a bullfight.

In the United Kingdom, handshakes should be light, not firm (so how do the Britons do business with the Americans and Asians where firm handshakes are customary?). Do not attempt to push, shove or cut in line for the British people find it arrogant and rude. Holding the door for the person behind you is considered a polite behavior. When in a party or social gathering, wait for your host to begin eating before you start. You should leave a very small amount of food on your plate when finished eating, and leave a dinner party shortly after dinner ends.

In the United States, never arrive early to a dinner party (that's where Filipinos are more punctual). If you are offered a second serving of food, feel free to take as much as you want as Americans like people to eat well. Silence makes them uncomfortable; so, try to get rid of your shyness. In general, "see you later," is just a farewell expression; it doesn't mean anything. Same with "how are you?". Appropriate response for the latter are "fine!", "great!", "I'm good", or "doing well".