Local Customs
Getting to know the culture for the country you're visiting can help alleviate culture shock and allow you to be a contentious traveler. Cultural differences are what make every country unique. It is important to understand local customs to prevent misunderstandings and so you can fully appreciate the country you're visiting.
ROME
â—‹ Upon meeting and leave-taking, both friends and strangers wish each other good day or good evening (buongiorno, buonasera); ciao isn’t used between strangers.
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â—‹ Italians who are friends greet each other with a kiss, usually first on the left cheek, then on the right. When you meet a new person, shake hands.
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â—‹ When you’ve finished your meal and are ready to go, ask for the check (il conto); unless it’s well past closing time, no waiter will put a bill on your table until you’ve requested it
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â—‹ Shorts, tank tops, and sleeveless garments are taboo in most churches throughout the country. In summer carry a sweater or other item of clothing to wrap around your bare shoulders before entering a church.
SALZBURG
â—‹ Lunch is often the big meal in Austria, not dinner like in the US. It is customary to wait for the host to say "Mahlzeit" before you start eating.
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â—‹ Greetings with strangers are formal. It is normal to shake hands and maintain eye contact when meeting someone for the first time.
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â—‹ When giving someone flowers, make sure it's an odd number (even numbers are considered bad luck).
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â—‹ When you cheers with someone, say "Prost!" and you must maintain eye contact. As to why, feel free to look it up!
PRAGUE
â—‹ When someone asks “how are you?”, don’t say “good” or “great”. They literally mean how are you doing and saying good or great is perceived as pretentious and like you’re trying to brag. If someone asks how you are, you should respond with “fine” or “okay”
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â—‹ The Czech Republic was under communist rule until only 40 years ago, so there is still a very keep-to-yourself vibe, especially with older people.
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â—‹ No shoes in the house, ever under any circumstance. Some Czech people actually leave their shoes outside.
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â—‹ Czech people are very private and reserved, especially with strangers.