We’ve all heard the Brits abroad stereotype, but it turns out some faux pas are more to do with a lack of cultural understanding than badly behaving Brits!
The arrest of a British tourist in Colombo was recently documented in the news, after a tattoo of Buddha on her arm caused religious offence. It was in light of this that MSN Travel published a guide to cultural etiquette abroad; so take a look at some handy do’s and don’ts of cultural sensitivity…
When in any of the United Arab Emirate states, you may want to watch your public displays of affection… In 2010, a British man and woman were sentenced to a month in prison for kissing in a restaurant and fined for drinking alcohol, while another couple were jailed for three months for getting a bit too frisky on the beach!
The UAE is a Muslim country and has conservative laws that reflect Islamic beliefs and practices. Swearing is a criminal act, as is the non-payment of bills and sex outside marriage. You may also want to avoid eating anything with your left hand in Muslim countries, because the left hand is traditionally used to remove dirt!
If you ever order takeaway in Russia, make sure you step outside to hand over the cash. In Russia shaking hands or exchanging cash across a doorstep is considered unlucky.
In Japan, sticking both chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice will cause serious offence because this is the same gesture that’s done at a funeral.
When visiting Buddhist temples in Japan and other Asian countries, avoid pointing at anything, and if you sit down, never point your feet in the direction of a person or image of a Buddha. When leaving a temple, back away from the Buddha before turning your back.
In China, business cards and money should always be presented with both hands, indicating respect for the other person.
In the Philippines, getting someone’s attention with your finger is regarded as a gesture suitable only for directing at dogs; summoning a person in such a manner is even punishable by arrest.
In Arab countries, the feet are seen as the dirtiest part of the body so avoid showing the soles of your feet or pointing your feet at people.
In contrast to this, keeping your shoes on when entering a house is considered especially rude in South Korea. This is because the ancient Koreans used an under floor heating system to heat their homes, and family life revolved around the floor.
Another tip for anyone heading to South Korea is never write anyone’s name in red ink as this is considered bad luck for the name which is written. Legend states that only the emperor was allowed to write their name in red. Anyone else using red to write their name would be accused of committing treason and sentenced to death.
In Greece and Turkey, beware of making the ‘OK’ symbol with your thumb and forefinger. In both countries the symbol is highly offensive. In some Middle Eastern countries, the OK sign is equally offensive because it represents the evil eye.
Watch out for interpretations of flowers when abroad; in Germany, yellow flowers are never given because they’re used for funerals, and in Mexico, yellow flowers represent grief or separation. It’s also unlucky to give an odd number of blooms in China and Indonesia.
If photographing one of the many statues of the Kims in North Korea, make sure you capture the whole statue. Cutting the feet or head off is considered highly offensive and officials will often approach individuals to check their photos.
In certain countries, including Peru and Ghana, be careful when taking pictures of local people, because many people in these countries believe that by taking a picture of them, you’re stealing a part of their soul.
So to avoid a tourist faux pas (or worse- an arrest!), do a bit of cultural research before your next On the Beach holiday!
Source: [http://travel.uk.msn.com/travel-advice/buddha-tattoos-and-pdas-a-guide-to-cultural-etiquette-abroad]
