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AFGHANISTAN Pointing the soles of your feet towards someone else is considered impolite. Food is served in a communal dish in the centre of the room, and eaten with the fingers of the right hand only. ALBANIA Albanians greet with a handshake and use there hands a lot when talking to you. ARAB COUNTRIES You do not greet a female with a kiss or embrace and only with a handshake if she offers it, a few polite words will be sufficient. Arabs make a great deal to honour their guests. If you visit a home, the male and female guests will be entertained in separate rooms. If you are having a meal, the host will be the last one to start as a sign of respect to their visitors. Also remember not to take alcohol into an Arab country. ALGERIA It is considered impolite to point directly at someone. You will find men and women socialize separately, and the local women have to observe a strict Islamic dress code. Western women should dress conservatively with a headscarf. AUSTRALIA Always ask permission before taking photographs of Aborigines. AUSTRIA It is impolite to begin eating before everyone else is ready. You will also find Austrians are quite formal even when they are being friendly.