Alcohol: The best way to loosen up and ingratiate yourself with the locals. OR
Alcohol: The best way to completely make a fool of yourself and alienate yourself from the locals.
Here’s your quick guide to drinking like a pro (and making friends) while traveling in 10 different countries.
10 International Drinking Rules:
- Ireland- Never ask for a Black & Tan. Order a “half and half” if you want a mix of pale ale and dark stout. The term Black & Tan is reminiscent of the notoriously brutal “Black and Tan” British troops during the Irish War of Independence.
- Japan- Do not leave a tip. Leaving a tip in the Land of the Rising Sun is almost as rude there as not leaving a tip is here in the States.
- Korea- Do not pour your own drink. It is considered rude. So when you see your pals’ glasses running low, fill ‘em up! They’ll do the same for you in return.
- Russia- Leave your empty bottles on the floor. It’s considered bad luck to leave empty bottles of booze on the table.
- China- Serve the elders first. Older folks get the utmost respect in many parts of Asia. Make sure they get the first pour.
- Turkey- Always clink glasses. And always clink the bottom of your glass. If you touch the top of someone’s glass, that indicates you think you’re better than they are.
- Hungary- Never clink glasses. Knocking glasses is associated with the Austrian generals who toasted Hungary’s defeat in the Revolution.
- Denmark- Maintain eye contact. It’s customary to keep your eyes locked on your fellow revelers for good luck when you raise your glass.
- Germany- Never let your reach cross anyone else’s when toasting. And make eye contact. Or be cursed with seven years of bad sex. Yep.
- Cuba- Save the first pour of rum for the saints.
