International PerspectiveCulture undeniably determines perspective. Notions about what conduct is correct are rooted in each country's environment. Whether you are visiting another country or are hosting a foreign representative in the US, you want to act in a courteous, gracious fashion that will make everyone feel comfortable.
General International Etiquette Guide
Just as we expect visitors to our country to adopt our customs, you are expected to figure out how to function properly in the host country.
We see things according to our cultural backgrounds and it's like putting on our cultural glasses and every culture has a different set of glasses, which affects its vision of reality, hence cultural difference results in different perceptions. For example, to Mexicans, Americans are unemotional and serious, likely to work as a team but rather time-conscious. The Taiwanese see Americans are emotional and fun-loving, easygoing although inclined to be independent. What it boils down to is that there are absolute no absolutes.
Remember that our perceptions are relative not absolute. One of the invigorating aspects of travel can be the way it allows you to examine your own beliefs and habits, taking them off of "automatic" if you so choose.
When you feel offended, try to consider motivations and perspectives. Intention counts for a lot: someone who didn't look at you didn't mean to insult you but instead was showing you deference.
As a business traveler, you are not there to change the culture but to work within it. In new environments, try new foods, new ways of behaving, your hosts will appreciate the positive attitude demonstrated by your attempt. Be prepared to react positively to unusual encounters.
