Mobile Phone Etiquette Around the World

Questions and Answers

What is the approximate number of mobile phone users in the world?

3.3 billion

In Japan, it's considered rude to play games on your phone.

False

What is traditionally buried with someone who dies in Ireland?

a treasured possession, often a mobile phone

In Madrid, people may accept a call during a meal and then try to include everyone at the __________ in the conversation.

<p>table</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the city with the common complaint about mobile phone usage:

<p>Hong Kong = Conversations during a movie Czech Republic = Phones interrupting business meetings Thailand = Phones ringing in restaurants</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mobile Phone Usage and Etiquette

There are over 3.3 billion mobile phone users worldwide, making up more than half of the global population.

Regional Variations in Mobile Phone Etiquette

In Hong Kong, conversations during movies are considered the most annoying.
In the Czech Republic, phone interruptions during business meetings are frowned upon.
In Thailand, ringing phones in restaurants are considered rude.
In Japan, making calls on trains is considered impolite, but playing games on phones is acceptable.

Answering Calls and Voicemail Etiquette

In Paris, when a phone rings in a restaurant, the owner usually ignores it.
In Madrid, people often answer calls and try to include everyone at the table in the conversation.
In London, people typically take the call and then step outside to talk, often standing near traffic.
In some cultures, leaving voicemail messages is acceptable, while in others it's not preferred.
In Spain, callers prefer speaking to a human being, and if not answered, they expect a call back.
In Mumbai, calling back is considered good manners, especially for men who don't want their girlfriends to pay the phone bill.