Culture Guide

Cultural Etiquette Guide

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• User is traveling to a new country and wants to understand local customs
• User needs cultural etiquette guidance for business or social situations abroad
• User wants to learn about a culture food, traditions, or social norms
• User needs to avoid cultural faux pas in a specific country or region

Do NOT use this skill when:

• User needs travel logistics (flights, hotels, visas) -- use travel planning skills
• User wants language learning -- use language-specific skills
• User needs safety advisories -- check official government travel advisories

Process

1. Step 1: Identify destination country/region and purpose of visit (tourism, business, relocation)
2. Step 2: Research key cultural dimensions: communication style, hierarchy, time perception, personal space
3. Step 3: Cover essential etiquette: greetings, dining, gift-giving, dress code, taboos
4. Step 4: Provide context-specific guidance (business meetings vs. social gatherings vs. temples)
5. Step 5: Include common mistakes foreigners make and how to recover gracefully

Purpose

This skill helps travelers understand and respect the cultural norms of their destination. Knowing local customs prevents awkward situations, shows respect, and leads to more authentic and positive travel experiences.

Questions to Ask the User First

1. Where are you traveling? (country and region)
2. What is the purpose of travel? (tourism, business, visiting family, study)
3. Will you be attending any formal events? (business meetings, religious ceremonies, weddings)
4. Are you visiting religious or sacred sites?
5. Will you be dining with locals? (business dinner, family meal, social gathering)
6. How long will you be there? (short visit vs extended stay)
7. Do you speak any of the local language?
8. Have you traveled internationally before?
9. Are there specific customs or situations you are concerned about?
10. Will you be giving gifts? (business context, visiting a home)

Step 1: Greeting Protocols by Region

How to Greet People

GREETING GUIDE:

EAST ASIA:
- Japan: Bow (15-30 degrees for casual, deeper for formal).
  Do not initiate handshake; follow their lead. Business cards
  (meishi) are exchanged with both hands and treated with respect.
- China: Handshake is common in business. Nod slightly. Address
  by title + family name (family name comes first). Exchange
  business cards with both hands.
- South Korea: Bow slightly with a handshake. Elders are greeted
  first. Use both hands when giving/receiving items.

SOUTHEAST ASIA:
- Thailand: The "wai" -- palms together at chest level with a
  slight bow. Higher hands = more respect. Do not wai to children
  or service staff (nod instead).
- Indonesia: Handshake, then touch your heart. Islamic areas:
  men should not initiate handshake with women unless she extends first.
- Vietnam: Slight bow and handshake. Address with title.

SOUTH ASIA:
- India: "Namaste" with palms together. Handshake common in business.
  Some traditional women may not shake hands with men.
- Nepal: Namaste gesture. Remove shoes before entering homes.

MIDDLE EAST:
- UAE/Saudi Arabia: Handshake between same-gender is normal.
  Wait for a woman to extend her hand first. "As-salaam alaikum"
  (peace be upon you) is a respectful greeting.
- Israel: Handshake common. "Shalom" for hello and goodbye.
  Orthodox Jews may not shake hands with opposite gender.

EUROPE:
- France: Light cheek kisses (la bise), usually 2, sometimes 3-4
  depending on region. Between friends and acquaintances.
- Germany: Firm handshake. Use "Herr" / "Frau" + last name until
  invited to use first names.
- UK: Handshake for first meeting. Personal space is valued.
- Italy: Handshake for business; cheek kisses among friends (right
  cheek first).
- Spain: Two cheek kisses among acquaintances (right, then left).

LATIN AMERICA:
- Brazil: Cheek kiss (one or two, varies by region). Hugs are common.
- Mexico: Handshake and sometimes a cheek kiss. Use "usted" (formal
  you) with elders and in business.
- Argentina: One cheek kiss (even between men in social settings).

AFRICA:
- Morocco: Handshake with right hand. Between friends, a kiss on
  each cheek. Greetings are lengthy; inquire about health and family.
- East Africa: Handshake, sometimes prolonged. Ask about family.
  Elders are greeted first.
- South Africa: Handshake. In Zulu culture, a complex multi-step
  handshake is common among friends.

GENERAL RULE: When unsure, a slight nod and a smile are universally
understood as friendly. Let the local person initiate physical greeting.

Step 2: Dining Etiquette

Universal Dining Rules

DINING ETIQUETTE BY REGION:

JAPAN:
- Say "itadakimasu" before eating, "gochisousama" after
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral association)
- Do not pass food chopstick-to-chopstick
- Slurping noodles is acceptable and appreciated
- Pour drinks for others; they will pour for you
- Do not tip (it can be considered insulting)

CHINA:
- Host orders; guest of honor sits facing the door
- Try everything offered (declining can offend)
- Leave a small amount of food on your plate to show abundance
- Toast with "gan bei" (bottoms up)
- Use serving utensils, not personal chopsticks, for shared dishes

INDIA:
- Eat with your right hand only (left is considered unclean)
- Wash hands before and after eating
- It is polite to accept food offered to you
- "Atithi devo bhava" -- guest is equivalent to God
- Vegetarianism is very common; many restaurants are pure vegetarian
- Remove shoes before entering a home

MIDDLE EAST:
- Eat with your right hand
- Accept tea/coffee when offered (refusing is impolite)
- Compliment the food
- It is common for host to insist you eat more
- Remove shoes if visiting a home (look for cues)
- During Ramadan: do not eat or drink in public during daylight hours

FRANCE:
- Keep hands on the table (wrists, not elbows)
- Bread goes directly on the table, not on a plate
- Do not cut salad with a knife (fold with fork)
- Wine is served with meals, not before
- Finish everything on your plate
- Ask for the check ("l'addition, s'il vous plait") -- they will not bring it unsolicited

ITALY:
- Cappuccino is only for morning (after 11 AM, have espresso)
- Pasta is a first course, not the main course
- Do not ask for parmesan on seafood pasta
- "Coperto" (cover charge) is normal, not a scam
- Dinner starts late (8-9 PM)
- Do not rush the meal (dining is social, not transactional)

GERMANY:
- "Guten Appetit" before eating
- Make eye contact when toasting ("Prost!")
- Wait for the host to start eating
- Finish everything on your plate (wasting food is frowned upon)
- Knife and fork: Continental style (fork in left hand, tines down)

KOREA:
- Elders eat first; wait for the eldest to begin
- Do not pour your own drink
- Use both hands when receiving food or drink from an elder
- Do not blow your nose at the table
- Finish your rice (leaving rice is considered wasteful)

LATIN AMERICA:
- Meals are social events; do not rush
- Arriving on time to a dinner party is unusual (15-30 min late is fine)
- Wait for the host to begin eating
- "Buen provecho" before eating
- Both hands on the table during the meal

Step 3: Tipping Practices

Tipping Guide by Country

TIPPING GUIDE:

HIGH TIPPING CULTURE:
- USA: 18-20% restaurants, $1-2/drink bars, 15-20% taxis, $2-5/night hotel
- Canada: 15-18% restaurants, similar to USA

MODERATE TIPPING:
- UK: 10-12.5% if service charge not included
- Mexico: 10-15% restaurants
- Egypt: 10% restaurants + small tips for services
- South Africa: 10-15% restaurants

LOW TIPPING / ROUND UP:
- Germany: Round up to nearest euro or 5-10%
- France: Service included ("service compris"); round up small amount
- Italy: Round up or leave 1-2 euros (coperto is not a tip)
- Spain: Round up or leave 5-10%
- Netherlands: Round up or 5-10%
- Portugal: 5-10% if service was good
- Brazil: 10% usually included in the bill

NO TIPPING CULTURE:
- Japan: Do NOT tip (can be insulting; exceptional service is the baseline)
- South Korea: Not expected (changing in tourist areas)
- China: Not customary (some tourist restaurants expect it)
- Australia: Not expected but appreciated for excellent service
- New Zealand: Same as Australia
- Singapore: Service charge usually included
- Iceland: Included in prices
- Scandinavia: Included; rounding up is a compliment

WHEN IN DOUBT:
1. Check if a service charge is already on the bill
2. Ask your hotel/hostel staff about local tipping customs
3. Look at what locals do
4. When in doubt in a tipping culture, 10% is a safe default

Step 4: Dress Codes

Dressing Appropriately

DRESS CODE GUIDE:

RELIGIOUS SITES (universal):
[ ] Cover shoulders
[ ] Cover knees
[ ] Some require head coverings (women in mosques, men in synagogues)
[ ] Remove shoes (temples, mosques, some churches)
[ ] Avoid revealing clothing
[ ] Carry a scarf in your bag (versatile cover-up)

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:
- Mosques: Women cover hair, arms, legs. Men: long pants, covered shoulders.
  Some provide coverings at the entrance.
- Hindu temples: Remove shoes. Cover shoulders and knees. Remove leather items.
- Buddhist temples: Remove shoes and hats. Cover shoulders and knees.
  Do not point feet at Buddha statues.
- Catholic churches in Europe: Cover shoulders and knees. No hats for men.
- Sikh gurdwaras: Cover head (scarves provided). Remove shoes. No alcohol or tobacco.
- Jewish synagogues: Men wear a kippah (often provided). Dress modestly.

BY REGION:
Middle East: Conservative. Women: loose clothing covering arms and legs,
  headscarf in some countries. Men: long pants preferred.
South Asia: Conservative in rural areas. Cover legs and shoulders.
  Sarees and kurtas are respectful local options.
Southeast Asia: Cover shoulders and knees at temples. Beachwear is
  only for the beach.
Japan: Generally no specific rules for tourists, but neatness is valued.
  Remove shoes indoors.
Europe: Casual is fine for most places; smart casual for nice restaurants.
  No beachwear away from the beach.
Africa: Varies widely. Research specific country. Generally conservative
  outside major cities.

BEACH-TO-TOWN RULE:
In most destinations, swimwear and cover-ups are for the beach ONLY.
Change into proper clothes before entering towns, shops, or restaurants.

Step 5: Common Faux Pas by Region

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:

JAPAN:
- Walking with shoes on tatami mats or inside homes
- Talking loudly on public transport
- Blowing your nose in public (step away)
- Tipping (seen as insulting)
- Not bowing when receiving a business card

CHINA:
- Giving a clock as a gift ("giving a clock" sounds like attending a funeral in Chinese)
- Writing someone's name in red ink (associated with death)
- Sticking chopsticks upright in rice
- Not accepting a business card with both hands

INDIA:
- Touching someone's head (considered sacred)
- Using your left hand for eating or giving/receiving items
- Pointing the soles of your feet at people or sacred objects
- Wearing shoes inside homes or temples
- Public displays of affection

THAILAND:
- Touching someone's head (highest part of the body, sacred)
- Pointing your feet at people or Buddha images (lowest, unclean)
- Disrespecting the monarchy (illegal; treat images with respect)
- Stepping on money (it has the king's image)

MIDDLE EAST:
- Showing the soles of your shoes/feet (insulting)
- Public displays of affection (can be illegal)
- Photographing women without permission
- Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours
- Refusing hospitality (tea, coffee, food)

EUROPE:
- Assuming everyone speaks English (always try local greeting first)
- Being loud in public (especially in Northern Europe)
- Not greeting shopkeepers when entering (France: always say "Bonjour")
- Expecting free water at restaurants (many charge for water)
- Snapping fingers to call a waiter (rude everywhere)

LATIN AMERICA:
- Being overly punctual (social time is relaxed)
- Only speaking English without attempting Spanish/Portuguese
- Rushing meals (dining is a social event)
- Using the "OK" hand sign in Brazil (considered offensive)

UNIVERSAL FAUX PAS:
- Photographing people without asking
- Touching sacred objects or artifacts
- Talking politics or religion aggressively
- Comparing the country unfavorably to your home country
- Littering or being disrespectful to the environment

Step 6: Basic Phrases

Essential Phrases Template

ESSENTIAL PHRASES FOR {{DESTINATION}}:

Fill in for your destination language:

Hello:              {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Goodbye:            {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Please:             {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Thank you:          {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Yes:                {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
No:                 {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Excuse me:          {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
I'm sorry:          {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Do you speak English? {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
I don't understand: {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
How much?:          {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Where is...?:       {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Help!:              {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Bathroom:           {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Check, please:      {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Cheers/Toast:       {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})
Delicious:          {{PHRASE}} ({{PRONUNCIATION}})

BONUS PHRASES:
"I would like...":  {{PHRASE}}
"No, thank you":    {{PHRASE}}
"Beautiful":        {{PHRASE}}
Numbers 1-10:       {{LIST}}

TIP: Even poorly pronounced local language goes a long way.
People appreciate the effort. Download Google Translate with
offline language packs before your trip.

Step 7: Gesture Meanings

GESTURES THAT MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS:

THUMBS UP:
- Most of the world: Positive, "OK," approval
- Middle East / West Africa / Parts of South America: Offensive
  (equivalent to middle finger)

"OK" HAND SIGN (thumb + index finger circle):
- USA/UK: "OK," fine, good
- Brazil: Offensive
- France: Can mean "zero" or "worthless"
- Japan: Can mean money/coins

HEAD NOD:
- Most places: Yes
- Bulgaria, Albania: Nod means NO, head shake means YES
- India: Head wobble (side to side) means yes/understanding

POINTING:
- USA/Europe: Index finger pointing is normal
- Southeast Asia: Point with entire hand or thumb (index finger is rude)
- Malaysia/Indonesia: Point with thumb

BECKONING:
- USA: Palm up, fingers curling toward you
- Philippines/Japan: Palm DOWN, fingers curling (palm up is for dogs)
- Much of Asia: Same -- palm-down beckoning

LEFT HAND:
- Middle East / India / Africa: Do not give, receive, eat, or gesture
  with your left hand (associated with bathroom hygiene)

SHOWING SOLES OF FEET:
- Middle East / Southeast Asia: Very disrespectful. Do not cross legs
  to show sole of shoe. Do not prop feet on tables.

V-SIGN (peace sign):
- Most places: Peace
- UK/Australia: Palm facing inward is offensive (like middle finger)
  Palm facing outward is fine.

GENERAL RULE: When in doubt, keep gestures minimal and observe
what locals do before mimicking.

Step 8: Gift-Giving Customs

GIFT-GIVING GUIDE:

JAPAN:
- Present gifts with both hands
- Expect your gift to be set aside (not opened in front of you)
- Wrap beautifully (presentation matters as much as the gift)
- Avoid: sets of 4 (four sounds like "death"), white flowers
- Good gifts: Quality food from your home region, whiskey

CHINA:
- Present with both hands
- Gift may be declined 2-3 times before being accepted (persist politely)
- Avoid: clocks, white or black wrapping, cutting implements
- Good gifts: High-quality liquor, tea, gifts from your country

INDIA:
- Use right hand to give and receive
- Do not open gifts in front of the giver
- Avoid: leather products to Hindus, alcohol to Muslims
- Good gifts: Sweets, fruit, flowers

MIDDLE EAST:
- Use right hand
- Avoid: Alcohol (unless you know they drink), pigskin leather
- Good gifts: Chocolate, flowers, quality perfumes, gifts from your country
- Gifts for the home are appreciated when visiting

EUROPE:
- Bring flowers or wine when visiting someone's home
- France: Avoid chrysanthemums (for funerals)
- Germany: Unwrap flowers before presenting
- Russia: Give odd numbers of flowers (even = funerals)

LATIN AMERICA:
- Wine and flowers are safe for home visits
- Avoid: Knives or sharp objects (implies severing friendship)
- Business gifts: Quality pens, leather goods
- Generosity is appreciated and reciprocated

UNIVERSAL TIPS:
- Gifts from your home country/region are always well-received
- Avoid overly expensive gifts (can create obligation or embarrassment)
- When in doubt, high-quality chocolate is nearly universally appreciated
- The effort matters more than the expense
- Research flower symbolism before giving flowers

Cultural Sensitivity Quick Reference

UNIVERSAL RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR:

DO:
+ Learn a few words in the local language
+ Ask before photographing people
+ Follow dress codes at religious and cultural sites
+ Observe what locals do and follow their lead
+ Be patient with cultural differences
+ Accept hospitality graciously
+ Show interest in local customs and traditions
+ Smile -- it is universal

DO NOT:
- Assume your culture's norms are universal
- Get angry when things work differently
- Compare unfavorably to your home country
- Take photos of sensitive subjects (poverty, military, sacred rituals)
- Touch sacred objects without permission
- Discuss politics or religion with strangers
- Be loud or take up excessive space
- Litter or disrespect natural/cultural heritage sites

This skill provides general cultural guidance. Cultures are diverse even within a single country. When in doubt, observe, ask politely, and show genuine respect. Most people are forgiving of honest mistakes made with good intentions.

Output Format

CULTURE GUIDE OUTPUT
====================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps

Example

Input: "I am traveling to Japan for the first time next month. It is a mix of business meetings and tourism. What cultural things do I need to know?"

Output:

Cultural Guide: Japan (Business + Tourism)

Essential Etiquette

Greetings:

• Bow when greeting (15-degree bow for casual, 30-degree for business, 45-degree for deep respect)
• Business cards: present and receive with BOTH hands, read the card carefully, never write on it or put it in your back pocket
• Address people as [Last name]-san until invited to use first names

Business Meetings:

Dining:

• Say "itadakimasu" before eating (gratitude for the meal)
• Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral ritual)
• Slurping noodles is polite (shows enjoyment)
• Pouring drinks for others (not yourself) shows respect
• Tipping is NOT customary and can be seen as insulting

Temple/Shrine Visits:

• Bow at the torii gate before entering
• Purify hands and mouth at the water basin
• Remove shoes when entering buildings
• Quiet and respectful behavior (no loud talking or phone calls)

Common Mistakes

1. Blowing your nose in public (use the restroom)
2. Talking loudly on trains (keep phone on silent, no calls)
3. Walking and eating simultaneously (eat at the restaurant or stand by the vendor)
4. Entering a home with shoes on (always remove at the entrance)

Edge Cases

• Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
• Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
• Conflicting requirements: Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.