It really is a small world, and knowing where we stand, and where to stand, can be handy when we venture beyond our own shores. “The rules for space and touch differ greatly from culture to culture,” says Peter Andersen, a professor of communications at San Diego State University and the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Body Language (Alpha, $17, www.amazon.com). Though each person’s relationship and interaction with another is unique, here are some general tips for what to expect when visiting other parts of the world.

Europe: Body language varies widely across the European continent, says Mary Murray Bosrock, the author of European Business Customs & Manners (to be published in September by Meadowbrook Press, $16). While northern Europeans tend to be more physically reserved when interacting with people beyond family and close friends, “the entire Mediterranean region is the most touch-oriented part of the world,” notes Andersen.

Asia: “Our research suggests that the most touch-avoiding cultures are located in east and northeast Asia,” says Andersen. Unnecessary touching is best avoided in most Asian countries, Bosrock says, and touching another person’s head has traditionally been considered very rude.

Middle East: Gender often comes into account in Middle Eastern countries. People of the same sex may stand quite close together during a conversation and touch or hug one another more than Americans tend to. However, people of the opposite sex commonly keep a greater distance.

Latin America: Latin American cultures are typically very touch-friendly, and people tend to stand close together when talking, says Bosrock. It is also considered more polite to pass, rather than toss, an item to another person, and to place money into a receiver’s hand, rather than on the counter when paying for something, she says. Stepping back when someone is speaking to you may be considered insulting.