Burping Is Good Manners And 25 Other Etiquette Surprises From Around The World Slideshow

The world is a strange and surprising place full of history that is being explored daily by wanderers and adventure-seeking foodies. With so many cultures to explore, each with its own set of social rules and unique backgrounds, it's no surprise that what is considered to be acceptable etiquette varies culturally depending on the country, region, and tradition. But, if you don't know what's considered acceptable versus what is considered rude, you could be breaking a lot of etiquette rules!

Sometimes what one sees as disrespectful, such as running late to dinner plans or a lunch date, others see as common courtesy — as is so in Venezuela, where showing up early or on time is seen as a rude gesture. In China, if you burp, it indicates to your host that you enjoyed your meal, and the same is true for making loud slurping noises in Japan, whereas in the U.S. it's considered tacky. Regardless of what your thoughts may be of the food itself, it's important to be careful how you come across in other cultures while traveling. That's why before you dine across the globe, you must check out why burping is good manners and 25 other etiquette surprises from around the world.

Showing up fashionably late is socially acceptable in Canada, while showing up on time or early is not.

In China, a host can tell that you enjoyed the meal when you've made a mess around your table. And leaving just a bit of food on your plate shows that you're full and you had enough to eat. Although, it's rude to leave any rice leftover in your bowl. Belching is another way of complimenting the host on the food and isn't considered rude.

It's customary in Egypt to wait for someone else to refill your glass and for you to refill your neighbor's glass when needed. If a glass is less than half full, it needs refilling. If your neighbor forgets to refill your glass, you can let them know it needs to be refilled by pouring a little more drink into their glass. It's never acceptable, however, to refill your own glass.

Ethiopians consider it wasteful to eat with utensils or with more than one plate for a group. Diners share one plate and eat with their right hand. In some parts of Ethiopia, a tradition called "gursha" is practiced, in which people feed each other.

In the country of Georgia, toasting lasts for hours. Everyone at the table goes around in a circle making toasts before emptying their glasses in one big sip. Once every person at the table has made a toast, they go around the circle again. Ten to 15 (small) glasses per person are typically consumed in an evening, and Georgians only toast with wine or vodka, or with beer if they wish someone bad luck.

If your pizza doesn't have Parmesan on it, it's not a good idea to ask for it. Putting Parmesan on pizza is considered a culinary sin in Italy.

You're probably not visiting any Inuit tribes soon, but it's interesting to know that this culture shows appreciation through... flatulence? Yup, a good meal is praised by letting one rip afterward.

The Japanese associate food that is presented this way with funeral offerings to ghosts. It created quite a stirr last year when a takeout box emoji was designed with the chopsticks sticking straight up! 

In Korea, it is considered polite to wait to eat until the oldest person has begun eating. It's also polite to keep pace with them the entire meal, so if they're eating slowly–so are you.

It would make sense that if your food is perfect you wouldn't add more seasonings to it. With that said, in countries such as Portugal and Egypt the chef will be offended if you use salt or pepper on their dish — so steer clear of the shakers!

In parts of Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia, diners pay respect to Pachamama, the Andean goddess of fertility and harvest, by spilling a few drops of their drink on the ground and saying, "Para la Pachamama." This ritual is called "ch'alla." To make an offering, some tip their glass over, while others flick it with two fingers.

Eating on a carpet or mat in Tanzania is customary. But showing the soles of your feet is seen as impolite.