Ten things you should avoid doing to prevent offending local people on holiday
Most people try to be be respectful when abroad, but there are ten things you should not do to avoid offending local people on holiday
Cultures vary from country to country and what is ok in one place is not in another. A gesture which is acceptable in Australia can be highly offensive in another country. Probably best not taking the risk on some things to avoid causing offence.
1. Displaying your feet soles
In Oz, it is perfectly fine, but if you’re showing your feet soles in Asia, India or the Middle East and you are likely to cause offence. They are considered the lowest and, dirtiest parts of the body and flashing your foot soles is a no-no for certain.
2. Giving the thumbs-up
If give someone this gesture in Iran, or Afghanistan and even in Greece or Italy, the 'thumbs-up' signal is the same as a raised middle finger does in ours. It's therefore advisable to keep hands in your pockets.
3. Getting drunk
In British culture, getting drunk is almost encouraged. But in plenty of other countries no-one falls down drunk especially in France, Italy, or Spain where drinks are savoured and you do not get smashed. This will not please or impress the locals.
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4. Being friendly
If you are in Russia or meet someone from there they are wary of people they don’t know. If you give strangers a smile, even just to be friendly, people will will think you are not very well or have a mental health condition.
5. Filling your own glass
In Japan and Korea it's bad luck to pour yourself another drink. Instead wait for someone else to fill your glass and you shouldn't have to wait too long for that.
6. Eating with your left hand
If you get to India, Sri Lanka, and parts of the Middle East, the left hand is used for other matters such as toiletry functions. They should not ever be used for eating. Right hands are fine, but using your left hand to eat will provoke looks of horror during the meal.
7. Tipping
In the USA, this is a minefield and if you must tip waiters, make it between 15 and 20 per cent of the bill. Hotel and housekeeping staff will also be offended if no money is left for them. and cab drivers too. But if you're in Japan it is offensive if you leave a tip.
8. Pointing
In many countries pointing or, especially at someone, is considered extremely rude. Best to leave your index finger for other purposes if you don't want to offend someone.
9. Not slurping
Forget thinking slurping is rude when in Japan or Korea. In these countries loud slurping is a way of showing appreciation to the chef and also cools off hot food at the same time
10. Taking photos
Many people in overseas countries are deeply offended if you start taking pictures of them and is similar to someone taking images of you in your workplace,. If you must take that shot, it is polite to ask first.
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