Tips to avoid a culture clash

But are you clear on what NOT to do on holiday? Here's a few key cultural faux pas to avoid if you're travelling this summer: * Waving your hand in front of someone’s face in Germany and Austria, is regarded as an offensive gesture * Don’t start eating unless everyone at the table is seated and ready to start their meal in France * Take shoes off when entering somebody's home in Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Poland * In Bulgaria, if asked if you like something, make sure you shake your head for yes. The gesture is reversed the other way, so remember to nod for no * Displaying too much flesh could see you ejected from churches in Italy and Greece, so dress modestly if you intend to visit * Flashing the thumbs up sign in parts of Italy and France is regarded as an insult * Showing your palm of your hand to a Greek is regarded as highly offensive * Don’t sit down at a dinner table until you’re asked to in Austria, as you may be met with disapproving looks. * Putting a piece of bread on one's plate in France is poor etiquette. Leave it on the table beside the plate as bread is not considered part of a meal * Failing to make eye contact while clinking glasses with Germans is considered bad luck * In some parts of Italy and France tips are expected even when service has been added to the bill * And in the USA: asking where the toilet is could result in a frown, call it a restroom or bathroom to avoid appearing rude; don’t steal another’s cab whilst in the Big Apple; ensure you have change or a metro card ready when stepping up to get on a bus or approaching a turnstile for the metro in New York; and not tipping in the USA is considered rude, and tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, hotels and taxis. List by leading travel money provider ICE International Currency Exchange