Eye contact may be the most misread signal in cross-cultural life because both extremes are sincere politeness somewhere. In North America, Western Europe, Australia, and the Middle East between same genders, steady eye contact signals honesty, confidence, and attention, and avoiding it can read as shifty or disengaged. Across much of East Asia, parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, softened or lowered eyes are respect, especially toward elders, teachers, and authority figures, and a hard direct gaze can feel challenging or aggressive.
Gender adds a layer: in conservative societies, sustained eye contact between men and women can carry romantic implication or invite unwanted attention, so brief and neutral is the wise setting. And nearly everywhere, staring at strangers is intrusive, so the difference is between engaged glancing and locking on.
A practical calibration: hold comfortable eye contact while greeting and when listening, break it naturally rather than abruptly, and watch what the other person does, then match their rhythm. With officials, police, and elders in hierarchy-minded cultures, a slightly lowered gaze plus attentive body language is the safe blend. Mirroring covers you in every country far better than any memorised rule.