Heading overseas? While it can be fun, it can also be fraught with unexpected opportunities to cause offence.

That’s because what might seem normal at home (entering a house with shoes on? Sitting up front with the cabbie?) can actually be a big no-no in other countries, depending on your destination.

The experts at Lonely Planet are here to help the wary traveller with a witty book that includes 10 handy tips to help avoid being “that traveller”.

Some might seem like commonsense, while others can be a faux pas in waiting for the uninitiated.

Here they are:

1. Follow local crossing rules. In many countries – including Switzerland, the US, South Korea, or Singapore – jaywalking isn’t just frowned upon, it’s illegal and can result in an on-the-spot fine.
2. Respect house etiquette in Asia. Across most of Asia, there’s nothing considered ruder than entering someone’s house with your shoes on. Be prepared and check your socks for nagging holes or other unsightly evidence. In Japan, there’s also a whole slipper etiquette once shoes come off.
3. Take a kissing lesson. In Belgium, three pecks on the cheek count more than just one in the Philippines – and be ready for the full four pecks in Venezuela!
4. Dress appropriately in shared spaces. If you’re staying in a B&B, you’ll share a kitchen table with others, so make sure you’re decently dressed and not undressed.
5. Be mindful of greeting norms. In Japan and Korea, it’s expected to bow and maintain a sensible distance from the person you’re greeting.
6. Understand local dining times. In the US, Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, and Britain it’s usually between 6-7pm. But in Finland, the Netherlands and Norway it’s common to tuck in at 5pm or earlier; in Italy, Greece, Portugal, Croatia, South Africa, Spain, and Argentina, don’t even think about eating out earlier than 9pm or later.
7. Don’t sit next to the driver in taxis in some places. In cities like London and many parts of the US, the front seat (next to the driver) isn’t the norm – and in some cultures it can be uncomfortable for the driver, so take a back seat when possible.
8. Be open-minded with local foods. Try not to make a disgusted face if you’re eating a local delicacy. Even if something isn’t to your taste, being gracious shows respect for the host culture.
9. Know local public norms beyond swimwear. Don’t wear your swimsuit away from the beachfront in Barcelona, Spain, or Croatia. There’s a bikini ban in Dubrovnik and in Sorrento, Italy, you can be fined for walking the streets in revealing swimwear or topless. In Muslim countries be ultra-aware of local customs.
10. And, of course, don’t hike naked in Switzerland! While it’s not technically illegal in most of the country, there was a famous furore in the alpine area of Appenzell in 2009. It was caused by a hiker who caused considerable upset when he wandered along a trail past the barbecue area at a Christian elderly care home, wearing just his boots and a backpack. He was taken to court and fined €70 ($A117) for the offence caused. The case was later overturned on appeal but a subsequent local ban on nude hiking in the area remains. You have been warned!

Don’t Hike Naked in Switzerland and 101 Other Travel Etiquette Tips by Lonely Planet, RRP $26.99