Wikipedia defines an Ugly American as an epithet used to refer to perceptions of loud, arrogant, demeaning, thoughtless and ethnocentric behavior of American citizens mainly abroad, but also at home.

Sound like someone you know? Here’s a few tips to help you avoid becoming THAT person:

• Respect your host culture and do as the locals do. If you are in Hawaii, remove your shoes before entering someones home. In Muslim countries, it may be appropriate to cover your shoulders or even your head in a mosque.
• Don’t be judgemental. Just because they don’t do things like you do back home does not make it wrong. Or weird.
• Be careful of your hand gestures. In parts of the UK for instance, the peace or victory sign means “up yours.”
• Try to learn a little bit of the language, at least hello, goodbye and thank you.
• Watch your table manners. If there’s no ice in your soda, that’s probally not the way they serve it there.
• Don’t over tip. In some countries, this is seen as being boastful or flaunting your wealth.
• Learn the customs. In Spain, for instance, almost all stores and restaurants close in the afternoon for a siesta.
• Speak lower and slower. In conversation, match your voice level to the environment. A loud voice can be perceived as bragging or seen as aggressive.
• Avoid slang, others will not understand you.
• Don’t try to “find” America or compare other countries to America.
• Be respectful when taking photos, sometimes its good to ask rather than snap a photo of a local.
• Listen at least as much as you talk and ask people you meet about themselves and their culture.
• Do not talk about the locals in a condesending way.
• Understand they do things differently abroad. Try finding a “to go” cup of coffee in Milan. Not gonna happen, so sit in the cafe and enjoy that cappuccino just like the locals do.
• Remember that your religion and beliefs may not be shared by the majority in a foreign country. Don’t preach to others, its just plain obnoxious.

Show the world your beautiful American self!