Embarrassing Things You Should Never Do In Other Countries

Traveling is a lot of fun until you do something that will land you in hot waters. Every country, and every city for that matter, has its own customs. While tourists will rarely knowingly disrespect locals' culture they may end up doing so anyway.

Pretty much the only time it's OK to hank in New Zealand is to wave other drivers a thank you as you pass by. And this honk is usually quick honk-honk. All other kinds are considered too noisy and rude, and people don't honk.  

It can be considered rude and degrading. Don't even leave change; the waiter will probably chase you to give it back.

British people won't relevel their salaries to others and they hate talking about it, so don't even bring it up. A 2015 study found that locals are much more likely to talk to you about their intimate lives than about money.

The head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body – the home for the soul – so leave it alone.

People don't talk about God, faith or the Church. Everyone minds their own business when it comes to personal issues and they like to keep it that way. They don't criticize or judge.

An even number of flowers is given only at funerals. Odd number is for festivities.

The OK sign in Italy is very rude; it's an insult. A circle made with the index finger and thumb with the three remaining fingers up implies you are accusing someone of being gay.

People are superstitious and think that something bad – like dying – will happen to them before their birthday if you congratulate them. Many people in Eastern Europe believe that to be true as well. 

Just like in Japan and other Asian countries, guests in Russia are expected to take their shoes off when entering a home. People just don't appreciate others bringing the streets” dirt in the house. Dirty shoes are especially offensive to people who have religious altars inside.

People are addressed by their academic or professional title followed by their last name. You may be able to call someone by their first only after a close personal relationship has been established.

Cappuccino is for breakfast. Ordering a cup after that screams that you're a tourist.

The story goes that when Hungary's 1848 revolution against the Habsburgs was defeated, the Austrians celebrated in Vienna by toasting and clinking their beer glasses. Hungarians vowed not to cheers with beer for 150 years, according to We Love Budapest. They still don't.

You may think this is "hello," but locals in Greece interpret this gesture quite differently. It is an insulting gesture, called a mountza.

The left hand is thought to be the unclean one because it is assumed people use the left hand to clean up after going to the bathroom. This is true for most countries in the Middle East and countries with big Hindu populations.

Unless you have great things to say about the fantasy saga, don't mention it. It was filmed there and locals adore it.

Kissing and hugging in public is not accepted in many conservative parts of the country. Play it safe, if you're not sure, and avoid it. In some parts kissing in public can even get you arrested for public obscenity. Whether it's legal or not seem to be a hot topic.

Don't walk where you're not supposed to. People bike a lot. The bicycle is the main means of transportation for many. Don't get in their way.

Who would say no to any kind of food in Italy? Just in case you're thinking of refusing it, think twice, especially if it was made by your host. It'd be rude of you. It doesn't matter if you've just eaten; just take the food.

Italians are very proud of their food and coffee, so don't be the one asking for the most commercialized brand of coffee ever. You may not find it anyway. Starbucks' first store in the espresso motherland will open next year in Milan.

Superstition is the problem here again. The word umbrella sounds a lot like "separation," and "clock" sounds like "paying last respects." You can see why these items are avoided, right?

This is just rude. Are you trying to tell people that you're bored even talking to them? Don't do it.

While this may be considered a compliment to the chef in many countries, in China people take it to mean that the host did not provide enough food for the guests.