Impolite Things That Should Not be Done in European Countries

Entering a church with very short sleeve or short pants is forbidden in Italy. Cutting the bread with a knife instead of breaking with hands, biting into it directly without butter or something on it, entering into a shop without greeting the proprietor and asking for the check immediately after finishing the meal are considered impolite.

Not announcing the visit prior and even 5 minutes late to the visiting time is rude in Netherlands. It is unpleasant if you come earlier than 5 minutes to the visiting time. Offering help and carrying luggage for women is considered as overly considerate by most women. Kissing family and friends thrice on cheeks is compulsory when meeting.

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In the United Kingdom it is impolite not to offer the tea or coffee to guests, kissing or hugging unfamiliar or briefly familiar people, not shaking the hands when meeting someone for the first time, asking someone about their financial positions or religious beliefs and not offering the seats to elderly people, physically challenged people and pregnant women in public transport.

It is rude in the United Kingdom to touch someone to get their attention unless it is an emergency, not buying a round of drinks (one person will buy for a number of others) at a pub or bar, not waiting for the person who called for an important meeting though he is late, snapping of fingers at shop workers and not bagging your own groceries at the check-out.

It is polite to thank the host by giving some flowers, chocolates or wine in the UK. Showing the V-sign with the back of the hand pointed towards the listener is an offensive gesture. “Two” can be shown on the hand with the thumb and index fingers.

Referring to the Republic of Ireland as part of United Kingdom or to Britain as “Mainland” is offensive in Ireland. Not paying for a round when a group of colleagues or friends are out for drinks is also impolite. And many rude things are common with the United Kingdom.

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It is impolite to criticize the host’s team when you are invited to watch a football match in Spain. When you enter a place where people are eating you should tell them to enjoy their meal. You should greet all your neighbors even if you have never met them. Men are greeted with a hand shake and women are greeted with two cheek-kisses.

Check out my other articles:

Impolite Things That Should Not be Done in Australia, Asia, and Africa

Impolite Things That Should Not be Done in North and South America