The adage “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” applies to every single country in the world. You have to remember that not all cultures are open to the fact that you’re a newcomer to their land and you know nothing about their customs. Having this list of taboos in hand when you travel may just save you from the embarrassment—if not a bar brawl. Read this list before your next flight out.
Bow a lot in Japan
Do you remember the Chinese kowtow story? While you don’t need to touch your forehead to the ground, make sure that you get used to bowing whenever your greet anyone in Japan. This is a sign of courtesy. Even if we don’t tell you to do it, once everyone is bowing, you probably will, too. Bowing is also used to thank people and to say goodbye.
Finger exercises in Brazil
Speaking of finger exercises, the “okay” sign is a taboo in another part of the world. In Brazil, the okay sign is actually very vulgar—so vulgar that it refers to fornication. When you make that sign while talking to a Brazilian woman, you could get slapped on the face. You might want to run, too, if that Brazilian woman was in the company of big Brazilian men.
The Brazilian mafia won’t consider you an uncouth, dirty scoundrel, though, if you express your approval another way. A thumbs up will do.
Left-handed taboos
In India, Nepal, Africa, Turkey, and Morocco, the left hand is considered dirty. Because of this, the right hand is always used to wave to people, handing over money, shaking hands, eating, and so on. The left hand is used for toilet habits and anything that’s just as base.
You wouldn’t want to be caught eating with your left hand or shaking someone’s hand with it. This is a challenge for left-handed people, but it’s also something that can be done with enough practice. If you do forget about this rule and you use your left hand while interacting with locals, don’t worry, you won’t go to jail. However, it’s polite to smile and say sorry. They will understand.
Nose picking is alright in Thailand
Try not to look so surprised or disgusted when someone in Thailand just digs through their nostrils while talking to you. In this country, it’s considered a natural thing. People need to pick their noses to keep themselves clean. You might even enjoy being allowed to pick your nose in public, too.
Be modest in Muslim countries
Revealing dresses which show too much flesh will be looked down on in Islam countries. This is especially true when you’re taking a motorcycle ride, or when you’re going to a very public place. Read up on dress codes before visiting a Muslim country like Iran or UAE. While foreign women aren’t expected to wear shawls over their heads, it may be courteous to cover up everything else from the neck down.
Some Muslim countries like Syria even go so far as to consider a thin sliver of skin between an ankle sock and the edge of your pants vulgar. Dress as modestly as the local women and you should be fine.
Do not flash your pearly whites in Japan
We see a lot of Japanese girls flashing their pearly whites onscreen, but apparently, for their more formal parents, this is considered vulgar, especially if you’re there for a business trip. Try not to smile open-mouthed. If you have to laugh, try to do it as subtly as possible and cover your mouth with your right hand. Vulgar, open-mouthed laughter might make you look very rude.
At their kindest, they might just think you’re not that intelligent.
Do not order Cappuccino after 10AM in Italy
Cappuccinos should only be consumed during breakfast. You might be attracting contempt from Italians if you order it any later than that.
Seat of honor in China
When dining, getting a seat that’s facing the door of the room is an honor. Make sure that you bow down to thank your hosts when you’re given this seat.
Just keep on waving
Japan has a lot of taboos, and I think we’ve settled that by now. Now, you’ll totally win everyone in Japan over if you remember this last tip. When saying goodbye to your host, just keep on waving your right hand until you can’t see them anymore. Don’t worry because you won’t look foolish. The host will keep on waving to you too.
Apparently, it’s bad manners to turn your back on them and to stop waving when you can still see them. It shows ungratefulness for their hospitality.
Keep your feet off the seat in England
It’s also considered uncouth to stretch your legs out and put your feet on top of an empty seat. It doesn’t matter if there are only five of you on a train car to a remote town. Unless you want the English folk to talk you down, sit like a proper lady. Feet on the seat are considered rude and vulgar.
In Egypt, sit properly
It’s considered very rude to have the bottom of your foot facing the person you’re talking to. It’s a Western habit for women to cross their legs while sitting down, but this also means letting the bottom of one foot face whoever is sitting beside you. This is very offending, especially if you’re facing royalty.
Sit down the queenly way, instead—with your ankles crossed, both knees together, and the feet tucked politely and the bottom of your feet facing the wall behind you. You’ll save yourself from the embarrassment of having one of the royal guards slap your feet so you would sit properly. If there’s someone behind you, it’s even better to just keep the bottom of your feet rooted on the floor where it can’t offend anyone.
Finger exercises in the UK
When you’re in Britain, there’s another version of the dirty finger, and it’s so far from the American dirty finger that you can commit the mistake even if you’re just innocently ordering two beers. So how does the Brit dirty finger look? Have your palm facing yourself and stick out your index and middle finger. It looks so very innocent, doesn’t it?
If you do this in a bar full of Brit men and they just happen to be buddies with the bartender, you’re in big trouble. Instead, have your palm facing outward. When it’s facing outward, the signal’s different—you really are just ordering two beers. You could also be giving out the peace sign, but that’s so much better than giving the bartender the dirty finger. Better yet, just “flag” him with all of your fingers sticking out and your palm facing outward.
You may look like a kindergarten student trying to get the attention of your pretty teacher, but that’s also innocent enough. Tell the bartender how many bottles of beer you want to order when he’s within earshot.
Do not touch the produce in Italy
In the U.S. it’s completely acceptable to poke your nose in the things you plan to buy. In Italy, you’ll be considered rude by the grocers if you keep on pressing at the bread to see if it’s soft, or if you touch the tomato and end up not buying it. It’s polite to just ask the grocery owner to select goods for you.
Speak in soft tones while you’re in Europe
Again, a very common mistake that most Americans make when traveling to Europe is to talk or laugh very loudly. You may have to hold back on your outward personality while you’re in Europe unless you want to appear tacky. It’s best to talk in modulated tones, especially when you’re dining at a posh restaurant.
Finger exercises in Iran
Never ever make the thumbs up sign in Iran. Iranians will think that you’re giving them the dirty finger. You wouldn’t want to get into trouble while you’re in Iran.
Never say the word “fanny” in England
Always take note of discretions in the vocabulary between American English and British English. When looking for a Fanny Pack, ask for a bum bag instead. Never say the word “fanny” because for the Brits, it’s equivalent to the word “vulva”.3
Clean plates in China
Do not leave even a single grain of rice on your plate when you’re eating in China. Doing so will offend the cook or your host because it means that you’re not happy with the food.
Men also need to be modest
Women are not the only once accountable when traveling. In India, it would be considered very rude to be in a pair of shorts when visiting any of the temples. These are holy grounds for the locals, and if you can’t wear your Sunday best in their temples, you’ll be attracting a lot of contempt.
Flower colors and their meanings
It’s common for foreign guests to present their hosts with flowers. However, it’s always advisable for you to know about the nuances of flower giving before giving flowers. In Italy, red flowers can be offensive unless you wish to convey romantic feeling for the recipient. White flowers may be a safe choice anywhere else except in countries like Korea and China where the color white connotes death.
Eating rice in Vietnam
When you’re done eating in Vietnam, do not poke your chopsticks into the rice. It reminds locals of death, as this figure looks very much like the tools which are used to empty urns. Instead, place your chopsticks on top of the bowl.
Supreme Clientele Travel
No comments:
Post a Comment