Tips for expats on “etiquette” in USA, UAE, China and Australia

Etiquette and culture can vary widely in different countries - what may be considered normal in one country could be a big insult in another country. Check our useful tips for one of the following popular expatriate destinations: United Arab Emirates, Australia, China and USA:

 

Etiquette in the United Arab Emirates

 Tipping:

  • It is expected to give at least 10% in restaurants
  • Make sure you round up the taxi fare

 Gestures:

  • Lingering handshake for greeting
  • Kiss on nose for greeting is normal
  • Pointing is usually done with whole hand

 Dining:

  • When you say "Schucrame!" it means "Cheers"
  • When you place utensils in the center of the plate it means you have finished
  • Keep left hand off the table and also away from food
  • Do not drink any alcohol

 Do:

  • Cross legs at ankle not knee

 Do Not:

  • Show the bottom of your feet
  • Point toe or foot at anyone

Etiquette in China

 Tipping:

  • Only in Hong Kong this is appreciated (10-15% in restaurant)

 Gestures:

  • Shake hands for greeting
  • Rude to whistle or snap
  • Point with open hand

 Dining:

  • "Gan bei" means "Cheers"
  • Refill your neighbours glass, but never your own glass
  • Only use chopsticks, not forks
  • Do avoid slurping

 Do:

  • Generally avoid physical contact while conservin
  • Please dress conservatively
  • Always use both hands when giving/receiving gifts

Etiquette in Australia

 Tipping:

  • It’s not custom leave a tip in Australia.

 Gestures: 

  • It is common to give a handshake for greeting
  • Thumbs up – obscene gesture
  • "V" (peace sign) with palm facing inward – rude
  • Middle finger -obscene gesture

 Dining:

  • Leaving utensils on plate means: I have finished eating.
  • It is common to bring your own beer to restaurant
  • Cheers!" = Cheers
  • Keep elbows off table

 Do:

  • Offer to help host clean up or prepare
  • Dress casually in most situations
  • Use first names (informal address)

Etiquette in USA

 Tipping:

  • Pay 5-10% for taxi tip
  • It is expected to leave 10-20% tip in the restaurant
  • Give $1-$2 tip for each drink to the bartender

 Gestures:

  • Middle finger – is considered extremely rude
  • Shake hands is standard for greeting
  • Middle finger is considered extremely rude
  • Thumbs up means approval
  • Making circle with thumb and forefinger means OK
  • Beckon with palm up

 Dining:

  • Put the napkin in lap
  • It is polite to clear the plate
  • Put down your knife before taking a bit
  • "Cheers!" means "Cheers"
  • Keep elbows off table, one hand in lap

 Do:

  • Make sure you give firm handshakes

 Do Not:

  • Invade other’s personal space