Foreign etiquette for Americans: Tips for traveling abroad

— -- Many American travelers have made a faux pas in another country. Such a blunder can be embarrassing and insulting. And for business travelers a slip up in etiquette can damage a business relationship.

"A potential mistake in business ultimately has higher stakes, and perhaps more sensitivity, than a traveler who flubbed an interaction one-on-one with a cafe worker or Laundromat attendant," says Robert Reid, U.S. travel editor for the international guidebook publisher Lonely Planet.

At USA TODAY's request, Lonely Planet put together a list of etiquette tips in the following situations for Americans heading abroad:

Table manners: In Japan, it's "perfectly okay -- even expected -- to slurp" when eating noodles, Lonely Planet says. But never stick chopsticks into a bowl of rice upright, because "that's how rice is offered to the dead." In almost all of Asia, it's also poor etiquette to use the chopsticks you are eating with to pass food.

In Russia, wrists should be placed on the edge of the table while eating, and the fork should be held in the left hand, and the knife in the right hand.

In Portugal, don't ask for salt and pepper if it is not on the table. "Asking for any kind of seasoning or condiment" casts aspersions on the cook, Lonely Planet says.

In France, never discuss money over dinner, and splitting the bill "is considered the height of unsophistication."

In Mexico, whenever you catch the eye of someone who's eating -- even a stranger -- it's good manners to say "provecho," which means enjoy.

Drinking: When drinking with others in Japan, don't fill your own drink, but instead fill the glass of the person next to you, and wait for the person to reciprocate. "Filling your own glass amounts to admitting to everyone at the table that you're an alcoholic," says Lonely Planet.

In Russia, wait for a cue, "because vodka is for toasting -- not for casual sipping," the guidebook publisher says. Men are expected to down shots in one gulp, while women are usually excused. Never mix vodka with another beverage or dilute it. "And don't place an empty bottle on the table -- it must be placed on the floor," Lonely Planet says.

In Armenia, if you empty a bottle into someone's glass, it obliges that person to buy the next bottle. "It's polite to put the last drops into your own glass," Lonely Planet says.

In Sweden, it's considered vulgar to clink glasses unless you say "skals', which means cheers.

At a pub in Australia, it's customary to buy a round of drinks for everyone in your group.

Tipping and bargaining: Tipping is not common in Japan. "If you want to show your gratitude to someone, give a gift rather than a tip," Lonely Planet advises. "If you choose to give someone a cash gift, place the money in an envelope first."

In Russia, a 10% tip is customary in a restaurant. Prices in stores are usually firm, but it's okay to make a bid somewhat lower than a merchant's price at markets and souvenir stalls.

Body language: In the United Kingdom, don't stick up an index finger and a middle finger with the palm of your hand facing you. "It's the equivalent of giving someone the finger," Lonely Planet says. If you are ordering two beers in a British pub, make sure the palm is facing out when the two fingers trust up in a peace sign.