The American "okay" sign signifies "money" in Japan, "zero" in Southern France, and is considered a profane expression in Greece.
In the Middle East, a shared cup of thick coffee or mint tea usually precedes any business dealings.
In Sweden, toasting can be more formal than in other Scandinavian countries. Never toast your host or anyone senior to you in rank or age until they toast you. And don't touch your drink until the host has said "skoal."
In Zambia, at dinner, you should ask for food, as it is considered impolite for the host to offer food first. It is also improper to refuse food.
In Haiti, at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., a bugle is played and a flag raised. If in the vicinity — either on foot or in a car — you are expected to stop, get out of the car, and stand respectfully.
In Peru, an eyebrow raise means "money" or "pay me."
In Chinese cultures, including Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong, it is customary for elders to give local money in a red envelope during the lunar New Year.
In the Middle East, eating, giving and taking are never done with the left hand.
In Japan, sticking chopsticks directly into your food, especially into rice, is considered bad luck. Only on funerals are chopsticks stuck into the rice that stands on the altar.
