1. Asking for Free Refills
In the U.S., free refills are practically a birthright. You finish your soda, and the server brings another without even asking. But in much of Europe and Asia, this move is seen as presumptuous—or downright rude. Drinks are sold by the glass, and refills cost extra.
Asking for a free top-up can make you look entitled or clueless. In places like France or Italy, it’s better to savor your drink slowly. And don’t expect bottomless coffee either. Abroad, refills aren’t a perk—they’re a faux pas.
2. Tipping Too Much—or at All
Americans are trained to tip 15–20% as a standard, and more for great service. But in many countries, tipping is minimal or even discouraged. In Japan, for example, leaving money on the table can be seen as insulting. And in places like Australia or Denmark, service is already included in the bill.
Over-tipping can make locals uncomfortable or create awkward moments. It’s not generosity—it’s cultural confusion. Always check the local custom before reaching for your wallet. Because tipping like an American can backfire fast.
3. Asking for “To-Go” Boxes
In the U.S., taking home leftovers is normal—even expected. But in many countries, it’s considered odd or even disrespectful. Meals are meant to be enjoyed in the moment, not boxed up for later. Asking for a doggy bag can signal that you over-ordered or didn’t appreciate the food.
In places like Spain or France, this request might earn you a puzzled look. It’s not that they’re offended—it just doesn’t fit the dining culture. If you can’t finish your meal abroad, it’s better to leave it. Or order less to begin with.
4. Rushing Through the Meal
American dining is often fast-paced: order, eat, pay, leave. But in many parts of the world, meals are meant to be slow, social experiences. Servers won’t bring the check until you ask—because lingering is the norm. Trying to speed things up can come off as impatient or rude.
In Italy, Greece, or Argentina, dinner can last hours. It’s about conversation, not just consumption. If you’re tapping your foot or flagging down the waiter, you’re doing it wrong. Abroad, dining is a ritual—not a transaction.
5. Talking Loudly
Americans are known for being expressive—and loud. In restaurants abroad, this can be jarring. Many cultures value quiet conversation, especially in public spaces. A booming voice can disrupt the atmosphere and draw unwanted attention.
In Japan, Germany, or Switzerland, loud talkers are often seen as inconsiderate. It’s not about silencing yourself—it’s about matching the room. Keep your volume in check, and you’ll blend in better. Otherwise, you might get more side-eyes than service.
6. Customizing the Menu
In the U.S., it’s normal to ask for “no onions,” “sauce on the side,” or “gluten-free, please.” But in many countries, the dish is the dish. Chefs take pride in their creations, and altering them is seen as disrespectful. It’s not a build-your-own experience—it’s a culinary statement.
In France or Japan, asking for substitutions can offend the kitchen. Even in casual spots, it’s best to order as-is. If you have dietary restrictions, explain them politely—but don’t expect a full redesign. Abroad, the chef—not the customer—is always right.
7. Expecting Tap Water for Free
In the U.S., water is automatically brought to the table—cold, free, and with ice. But in many countries, you have to ask for water—and it’s usually bottled and not free. Asking for tap water can be seen as cheap or even unsafe, depending on the country. And ice? Forget it.
In places like Germany or Italy, water is a menu item, not a courtesy. Don’t be surprised if it comes with a price tag. And don’t expect a refill unless you order another bottle. It’s a small difference—but one that trips up a lot of Americans.
8. Snapping or Waving at the Server
In the U.S., it’s common to wave or call out to get a server’s attention. But in many cultures, that’s considered rude or aggressive. Servers abroad often give you space and expect you to wait patiently. Snapping fingers or raising your voice can come off as entitled.
In places like France or Thailand, subtle eye contact or a polite hand raise is enough. The pace is slower, and service is more formal. If you act like you’re in a rush, you might get ignored. Or worse—asked to leave.
9. Mixing Dishes That Aren’t Meant to Be Mixed
In the U.S., combining sides, sauces, or even entrees is considered part of personalizing your meal. Throwing fries on a burger or adding ketchup to pasta isn’t out of place. But in many countries, that kind of mixing is seen as disrespectful to the chef and the cuisine. Certain ingredients are paired intentionally, and improvising on your plate may raise eyebrows.
In Italy, for example, adding cheese to seafood pasta is a culinary no-no. In parts of Asia, mixing multiple dishes into a single bowl can be considered messy or even childish. It’s better to follow local eating styles, even if they feel rigid. Culinary creativity is great—just not at someone else’s cultural expense.
10. Wearing Hats Indoors
In many American restaurants, especially casual ones, it’s perfectly normal to see diners eating with baseball caps on. But in many cultures, wearing a hat indoors—especially at the table—is considered impolite or even disrespectful. It suggests a lack of etiquette and can be taken as a sign that you’re not taking the dining experience seriously. In more formal settings, it’s a definite faux pas.
Countries like Japan, Germany, and parts of the Middle East expect diners to remove hats when entering restaurants. It’s viewed as basic manners and a gesture of respect. Even in casual spots, locals may give you strange looks for keeping it on. If in doubt, take it off—it’s an easy way to show courtesy without saying a word.
11. Treating Servers Like Hired Help
American dining culture often encourages a customer-is-always-right mentality. Some diners may treat servers as subordinates, snapping orders or complaining openly. But abroad, especially in Europe and Asia, waitstaff are professionals—not just someone bringing food. Speaking to them curtly or bossing them around can come off as deeply disrespectful.
In France or Korea, for instance, polite communication is a must, even when you’re unhappy. Good service doesn’t mean constant attention—it means efficiency and courtesy. Treating the staff with condescension may not just ruin your meal—it might get you shown the door. Mutual respect goes a long way, no matter where you’re dining.
12. Eating on the Go Inside a Restaurant
Americans are used to multitasking and may treat meals as quick pit stops. It’s not uncommon to see people wolf down a sandwich while scrolling on their phone or rushing to leave. But in many countries, eating quickly—especially while standing or constantly checking your watch—is seen as rude. Dining out is meant to be intentional, not rushed.
In countries like Greece or Spain, eating is part of the social rhythm of the day. Hurrying through a meal looks odd and can make the staff feel you’re treating their restaurant like a convenience store. Even in fast-casual spots abroad, taking a moment to sit, relax, and enjoy your food is expected. Slow down—or risk being labeled inconsiderate.
13. Dousing Everything in Condiments
In the U.S., ketchup, ranch, and hot sauce are standard on the table, and no one blinks if you cover your fries—or your steak—in them. But in many places, reaching for condiments before tasting the food is frowned upon. It signals that you don’t trust the chef’s preparation and can be seen as an insult. Some restaurants might not even offer condiments unless requested.
In Japan, for example, soy sauce is used sparingly, and drowning sushi in it is considered amateur. In France, slathering mustard or mayonnaise without trying the dish first can offend both chefs and diners. Use local condiments when offered, but do so respectfully. Food abroad is often seasoned deliberately—give it a chance to speak for itself.
14. Asking for Meals at “Off” Hours
In America, restaurants are open nearly all day, and eating dinner at 5 p.m. or 9 p.m. is no big deal. But many countries have strict meal windows, and showing up outside those hours can get you turned away or served with attitude. Lunch at 3 p.m. or dinner before 7 may simply not be available. Kitchens close between services, and that’s non-negotiable.
In places like Spain, lunch starts late and dinner even later—often not until 9 p.m. Meanwhile, in Germany or France, restaurants may close entirely during mid-afternoon. Americans who expect all-day service can appear demanding or unaware. Check local dining customs before making plans, or you might find doors—and kitchens—firmly shut.
15. Taking Up Space Without Ordering
In the U.S., it’s common to camp out at a table with just a coffee or a small snack. People hold meetings, work on laptops, or hang out for hours. But abroad, occupying a seat without ordering a full meal or drinks is considered rude. Many restaurants expect turnover—and loitering is discouraged, especially during peak hours.
In Italy or Portugal, cafés often have different prices for standing at the bar versus sitting at a table. If you’re using a table, you’re expected to spend accordingly. Nursing one drink for two hours is a fast way to annoy the staff. Being mindful of time and space shows respect for the establishment and other customers.
16. Bringing Your Own Food or Drinks
In the U.S., bringing your own snacks or drinks into a restaurant—especially with kids—is often overlooked. But in many countries, this is a clear breach of etiquette. Unless you’re at a picnic table, introducing outside food into a dining space is seen as disrespectful to the establishment. It’s essentially saying you don’t value what the restaurant offers.
In places like France or Japan, bringing in a coffee from elsewhere or opening a bag of chips at the table might even prompt staff to ask you to leave. If dietary needs require special arrangements, it’s best to inform the restaurant in advance. Otherwise, stick to what’s on the menu. When you walk in, you’re agreeing to dine—not DIY.
The story 16 Things Americans Do in Restaurants That Would Get You Kicked Out Abroad was first published on American Charm.
