Travel

How To Order A Drink Like A Local: Bar Etiquette Around The World?

by Sophie

Ordering a drink at a bar might seem like a simple task, but when you’re traveling abroad, it can quickly become a cultural misstep waiting to happen. From tipping expectations to drink customs, bar etiquette varies dramatically across the globe. Knowing how to blend in with the locals not only makes your experience smoother, but also more respectful—and often more fun.

If you want to avoid awkward stares and show appreciation for a new culture, here’s your guide on how to order a drink like a local, wherever your travels may take you.

1. United States: Tip Well And Be Direct

In the U.S., bartenders expect you to know what you want and order efficiently. Waiting until you get their attention to start thinking isn’t appreciated, especially during busy hours.

  • Tipping Is Essential: 15–20% is standard, even for a single drink.
  • Wait For Eye Contact: Don’t shout or wave; a simple nod works.
  • Order With Clarity: “Gin and tonic, please” is perfectly fine. If you want something more specific, know the name and how it’s made.

2. United Kingdom: Take Turns And Mind The Queue

In the UK, especially in pubs, things run a little differently. There’s no formal line, but locals remember who arrived when.

  • Order At The Bar, Not From A Table: Unless table service is clearly offered.
  • Take Your Round: Groups usually take turns buying drinks. It’s polite to buy the next one if someone buys yours.
  • Tipping Is Not Expected: But rounding up is appreciated in some cases.

3. Germany: Respect The Glass And The Cheers

In Germany, drinking is almost ceremonial, especially when beer is involved.

  • Order With Precision: Say the type and size of beer you want. “Ein großes Bier, bitte” (a large beer, please) goes a long way.
  • Always Make Eye Contact During A Toast: (“Prost!”), or risk offending your fellow drinkers.
  • Return The Glass: Don’t walk off with it—mugs and steins are often part of the bar’s property.

4. Japan: Politeness Is Key

In Japan, drinking is a social art form rooted in etiquette.

  • Never Pour Your Own Drink: Pour for others, and they’ll do the same for you.
  • Use Two Hands: When giving or receiving drinks, especially in formal settings.
  • Order Modestly At First: It’s common to start with “nama biru” (draft beer), then switch to sake or whiskey later.

5. Italy: Keep It Light And Social

Italians treat drinking as part of social life, not just a way to unwind.

  • Stick To Local Customs: Aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks) is popular. Try a Negroni, Aperol Spritz, or Campari soda.
  • Don’t Rush: Savor your drink, don’t gulp it down.

6. Australia: Queue Fairly, Tip Modestly

Australians love their pubs and beers, but order etiquette is taken seriously.

  • Respect the queue at the bar, even if it’s unspoken.
  • Call your order clearly, but don’t shout.
  • Tipping is appreciated, but not expected—rounding up is more common.

7. Brazil: Drink with the Group

In Brazil, drinking is a shared experience.

  • Order For The Table: Beer is often served in large bottles with shared glasses.
  • Say “Uma Cerveja, Por Favor”: To start simple.
  • Don’t Be Surprised If Strangers Join In: Brazilian drinking culture is welcoming and social.

Final Sip: Respect Goes Further Than Fluency

Wherever you travel, the key to ordering a drink like a local isn’t perfect pronunciation or knowing every drink on the menu—it’s awareness, politeness, and openness to learning. Understanding local customs helps you avoid unintentional rudeness and opens the door to authentic, memorable experiences.

So next time you’re abroad, raise your glass the local way—and toast to being a traveler who gets it right.

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