Always be 30 minutes late in Mexico and NEVER make the 'OK' gesture in Bahrain: The habits that could offend locals on your next holiday revealed
- In Australia and Germany, it's rude be late, while in Mexico and Greece for example, it's rude to be on time
- Avoid discussing accidents or death in Taiwan, don't whistle in China, or snap your fingers in Belgium
- A new online tool lets users compare the common customs in different countries around the world
When it comes to international manners, it's a veritable minefield out there.
In some cultures, take Australia and Germany, it's rude be late, while in others, Mexico and Greece for example, it's rude to be on time.
Head to South Africa and you'll find a thumbs up indicates approval, but do this in Nigeria and the same gesture is considered insulting.
And don't be offended in Brazil if the first thing your host asks is whether you'd like a shower - it's not because you smell.
A new online tool from Hillarys allows users to select and compare etiquette rules from around the world.
Here, MailOnline Travel has extracted key customs in four need-to-know categories - mealtimes, gestures, punctuality, and receiving guests.
MailOnline Travel has extracted key customs from a new interactive etiquette tool in four need-to-know categories - mealtimes, gestures, punctuality, and receiving guests. And you may want to avoid the 'OK' signal in Bahrain (stock image)
Mealtimes
Chow down: Avoid salting your food in Egypt, taking your hands off the table in Germany, and rotating your plate in Singapore
Manners and gestures
Win-lose: Head to South Africa and you'll find a thumbs up indicates approval, but do this in Nigeria and the same gesture is considered insulting
Punctuality
Tick tock: In Australia and Germany, it's rude be late, while in Mexico and Greece for example, it's rude to be on time
Receiving Guests
Take heed: Don't open gifts in front of guests in China or show excessive emotion at someone else's home in Japan
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