Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Personal Hygiene and Travel Etiquette

19 December 2025

Traveling the world is one of the best ways to expand your understanding of different cultures, traditions, and social norms. But while navigating new landscapes and cuisines can be exciting, one often overlooked aspect of global travel is personal hygiene and etiquette. What’s considered polite in one country might be completely taboo in another.

Ever wondered why people in some cultures remove their shoes before entering a home while others don’t? Or why some places frown upon strong perfumes while others embrace them? These little details might seem insignificant, but they play a crucial role in how we interact with others while traveling.

In this article, we’re diving deep into how personal hygiene and travel etiquette vary across cultures. If you want to avoid awkward situations and ensure a smooth, respectful journey, keep reading!

The Perception of Cleanliness: A Cultural Perspective

Hygiene standards aren't universal—they are deeply rooted in cultural traditions, geography, and religious beliefs. What’s considered “clean” in one country may not hold the same meaning elsewhere.

Handwashing and Hygiene Habits

Handwashing is universally recognized as an important hygiene practice, but how and when people wash their hands can differ drastically:

- Middle Eastern and South Asian Countries: Washing hands before and after meals is a must, especially when eating with your hands. In some places, the left hand is considered unclean, so it’s improper to use it for eating or greetings.
- Japan: Public restrooms usually have sinks but no soap or hand towels—many locals carry personal hand sanitizer and handkerchiefs.
- Western Countries: Hand sanitizers have become widely accepted, especially post-pandemic, but frequent handwashing isn't always as culturally ingrained as in some Asian countries.

Public Restrooms: A Global Comparison

Not all public restrooms are created equal. If you’ve traveled to different parts of the world, you’ve probably encountered a wide variety of toilet setups, from high-tech bidets to simple squat toilets.

- Japan: Toilets are futuristic, equipped with heated seats, automatic lids, and bidet functions. However, some traditional restrooms still have squat toilets.
- Europe & North America: Most restrooms offer toilet paper, but bidets are more common in European countries like France and Italy.
- India & Middle East: Many restrooms do not provide toilet paper and instead offer water and a handheld bidet or a bucket. Using the left hand for cleaning is standard, which is why it's often considered impolite to shake hands with it.

For travelers, carrying tissues, hand sanitizer, or a travel bidet can be a lifesaver in regions where amenities vary.

Personal Grooming: What’s Considered Acceptable?

How people present themselves also differs worldwide. Some cultures emphasize strong scents and heavy perfume, while others prioritize a more natural or neutral body scent.

Deodorant Use and Body Odor

- United States & Western Europe: Deodorant use is standard, and strong body odor is generally frowned upon. Many people use antiperspirants daily as part of their hygiene routine.
- Japan & Korea: People tend to avoid overpowering scents. Many deodorants in these countries are milder, and strong perfumes can be considered intrusive.
- France & Mediterranean Regions: Perfume is popular, and many people embrace natural body scents without excessive deodorant use.

If you're visiting a place where strong fragrances are uncommon, it's best to tone down on colognes and perfumes to avoid offending locals.

Dental Hygiene Practices

Taking care of teeth is a global norm, but different cultures emphasize oral hygiene in various ways:

- United States & Canada: Whiter teeth are often associated with beauty and health, leading to a widespread use of whitening products.
- India & Middle East: Natural tooth-cleaning methods like miswak (a traditional teeth-cleaning twig) are still common.
- Asia: Some Asian countries practice oil pulling (swishing oil in the mouth) as an additional oral hygiene habit.

While dental hygiene is universal, seeing locals practice unique methods can be a fun and educational travel experience.

Travel Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules of Social Conduct

Beyond hygiene, etiquette while traveling can make or break your trip. Being mindful of cultural norms ensures you don’t unintentionally offend locals.

Greeting Etiquette Around the World

- Western Countries: A firm handshake is standard, though hugs and cheek kisses are common among friends.
- Japan: Bowing is the traditional greeting, and handshakes are less common.
- France & Italy: Expect cheek kisses, even when meeting someone for the first time.
- India & Thailand: A “Namaste” or “Wai” (palms pressed together with a slight bow) is preferred over physical contact.

If you're unsure how to greet someone, observing others or offering a polite nod is a safe approach.

Dining Etiquette: Table Manners Across Cultures

Food is a universal love language, but how people eat and behave at the table varies greatly.

- Japan: Slurping noodles is seen as a sign of enjoyment rather than bad manners. However, sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl is considered disrespectful since it resembles funeral rituals.
- France: Keeping hands on the table (but not elbows) is polite, and meals are often slow, social experiences.
- Middle Eastern Countries: Eating with the right hand is the norm, as the left hand is traditionally used for hygiene purposes.
- United States: Tipping is expected in restaurants (typically 15-20%), whereas in countries like Japan, tipping can be seen as rude.

Dining customs can be fascinating, and respecting them shows appreciation for the local culture.

Hygiene and Etiquette in Public Transport

Public transport is where travelers often interact closely with locals, making etiquette even more important.

- Japan & Korea: Public transport is generally quiet—talking loudly or answering phone calls is considered rude.
- Europe: Giving up your seat for elderly passengers is expected, and personal space is valued.
- Middle Eastern & South Asian Countries: Public transport can get crowded, and personal space might not be as strictly observed. Women may have separate seating areas in some places.

Being mindful of local commuting habits can make travel smoother and help you blend in respectfully.

Hygiene and Respect in Religious and Sacred Spaces

When visiting temples, mosques, or other places of worship, following hygiene norms is crucial to show respect.

- Covering Up: In many religious sites (like mosques, churches, or temples), wearing modest clothing is expected. Bringing a scarf or shawl can come in handy.
- Removing Shoes: In many Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, stepping into a temple or home with shoes on is highly disrespectful.
- Personal Cleanliness: Some religious sites require visitors to cleanse their hands, feet, or entire body before entering.

Being aware of these customs can prevent awkward moments and help you experience sacred places respectfully.

Final Thoughts

Cultural differences in personal hygiene and etiquette may seem minor, but they hold significant importance in shaping social interactions. What’s normal for you might be odd to someone else—and vice versa. Traveling with an open mind, a sense of curiosity, and a willingness to adapt can make your journey richer and more meaningful.

So, next time you're packing for a trip, consider not just what to bring but also how to respect the local customs. After all, being a considerate traveler isn't just about seeing new places—it's about embracing new ways of life.