7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip
7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Inappropriate hand gestures in Southern Europe
When traveling in Southern Europe, it's crucial to be mindful of hand gestures that may be innocuous in your home country but carry offensive meanings locally.
The "horns" gesture, formed by extending the index and pinky fingers, is particularly problematic as it's often interpreted as an accusation of infidelity.
Similarly, the "chin flick" can be seen as a dismissive or insulting gesture in some Southern European countries, so it's best to avoid these movements altogether during your trip.
The "mano cornuta" or horns gesture, formed by extending the index and pinky fingers, carries vastly different meanings across Southern Europe - in Italy, it's used to ward off bad luck, while in Spain, Portugal, and Greece, it's a serious insult implying infidelity.
Surprisingly, the seemingly innocent "OK" sign (thumb and index finger forming a circle) is considered vulgar in Greece, Turkey, and parts of Italy, equivalent to giving someone the middle finger in the US.
The "chin flick" gesture, where one flicks their fingers under their chin outwards, is a dismissive insult in Italy, meaning "get lost" or "I don't care," but in France, it simply means "I'm not interested."
In Greece, extending an open palm with spread fingers (known as "moutza") is highly offensive, stemming from Byzantine times when criminals were paraded through streets with ash-covered hands.
The seemingly friendly act of patting someone on the back can be considered rude and overly familiar in parts of Southern Europe, particularly in more formal settings or with strangers.
Interestingly, while pointing with the index finger is generally acceptable in most of Southern Europe, in Portugal it's considered impolite, and locals prefer to gesture with their whole hand or chin instead.
What else is in this post?
- 7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Inappropriate hand gestures in Southern Europe
- 7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Tipping practices in Japan
- 7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Dress code mishaps at religious sites in the Middle East
- 7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Table manners faux pas in China
- 7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Photography etiquette in indigenous communities
- 7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Public displays of affection in conservative countries
- 7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Misunderstanding queue culture in the United Kingdom
7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Tipping practices in Japan
In Japan, tipping is generally frowned upon and can even be considered disrespectful.
The culture emphasizes providing excellent service as a matter of pride, not for financial rewards.
Visitors should be aware that leaving a tip after a meal or service might be interpreted as implying the service was subpar, potentially causing confusion or offense.
These behaviors can be seen as inconsiderate or disruptive to the orderly nature of Japanese society.
It's also crucial to remember to remove shoes before entering certain establishments, such as traditional restaurants or ryokans, to show respect for local customs.
In Japan, the concept of omotenashi, or wholehearted hospitality, is deeply ingrained in the service industry, making tipping unnecessary and potentially offensive.
Some high-end hotels in Tokyo have started to implement a service charge of around 10-15%, which is automatically added to the bill, eliminating the need for additional tipping.
In certain ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), leaving a small gift for the staff is more appreciated than monetary tips, with items like local specialties from your home country being particularly well-received.
Japan's no-tipping culture extends to taxi drivers, who may refuse tips or even chase after customers to return "forgotten" money.
The Japanese practice of not tipping has led to the development of highly efficient self-service systems in many restaurants and hotels, reducing labor costs and maintaining affordable prices for consumers.
In rare cases where tipping is deemed appropriate, such as for exceptional tour guide services, it's crucial to present the money in a decorative envelope called "pochibukuro" to show respect and avoid potential embarrassment.
Japan's tipping practices have influenced some international airlines flying to Japan, with certain carriers discouraging their flight attendants from accepting tips to align with local customs.
7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Dress code mishaps at religious sites in the Middle East
When visiting religious sites in the Middle East, it is crucial to dress modestly to avoid any cultural faux pas.
Women are advised to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved tops and pants or long skirts that cover the knees, while men should cover their heads and wear closed-toe shoes.
Travelers should always research the local customs and dress code before their trip to ensure they can respect the cultural norms of the destination.
In Saudi Arabia, it is mandatory for women to wear an abaya (a long, loose-fitting robe) and cover their hair when visiting mosques, even for non-Muslim tourists.
Failure to comply can result in being denied entry.
At the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, both men and women must remove their shoes before entering the holy site, as a sign of respect.
Refusing to do so may lead to being turned away.
In Iran, the dress code for women visiting religious sites is particularly strict - they must wear a hijab (headscarf) that covers their hair, a long, loose-fitting coat, and pants or a long skirt that covers the legs.
In the United Arab Emirates, while the dress code is generally more relaxed for tourists, it is still considered disrespectful for women to wear short skirts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
At the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, men are expected to wear a kippah (skullcap) or a hat as a sign of reverence, and women are advised to wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
In some parts of the Middle East, such as certain neighborhoods in Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox Jews may be offended by women wearing pants or short skirts, even if they are tourists.
In Egypt, both men and women are expected to cover up when visiting mosques, with women required to wear a headscarf and long, loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs.
At the Imam Reza Shrine in Iran, the dress code is particularly strict, and women must wear a chador (a long, black cloak that covers the entire body) to enter the holy site.
7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Table manners faux pas in China
In China, table manners can be quite different from Western customs, and understanding these differences is crucial for a positive dining experience.
Burping and slurping are often seen as signs of enjoyment, while sticking chopsticks straight up in a rice bowl is considered highly disrespectful.
When using a lazy Susan, it's polite to wait for dishes to come to you rather than aggressively spinning the tray.
Leaving chopsticks sticking upright in rice is considered highly offensive, as it resembles incense sticks used at funerals.
Instead, rest chopsticks across your plate or bowl when not in use.
Tapping chopsticks on the edge of a bowl to make noise is seen as begging behavior and should be avoided.
Flipping fish over on the plate is associated with capsizing boats and considered bad luck.
Instead, diners should eat around the bones and leave the bottom half untouched.
Using your own chopsticks to serve yourself from shared dishes is a major faux pas.
Always use the serving utensils provided for communal plates.
Finishing all the food on your plate signals to your host that you're still hungry and they didn't provide enough.
Leave a small amount to show you're satisfied.
Sticking chopsticks into dishes to "spear" food items is considered rude.
Use chopsticks to pick up food by grasping it from the sides.
Blowing your nose at the table is highly offensive.
If necessary, excuse yourself to do so in private.
Refusing to try unfamiliar dishes offered by your host can be seen as disrespectful.
It's polite to at least sample everything, even if you don't finish it.
Handling chopsticks with your left hand is traditionally frowned upon, as the left hand was historically considered unclean.
Use your right hand whenever possible.
7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Photography etiquette in indigenous communities
When visiting indigenous communities, photographers must be respectful and seek permission before capturing images.
Many indigenous cultures have cultural or religious restrictions around photography, so it's crucial to understand and abide by local customs.
Casual dress may also be seen as disrespectful in certain locations, so travelers should dress conservatively when visiting sacred sites.
Navigating cultural etiquette is essential when traveling internationally.
Tourists should be mindful of public displays of affection, appropriate hand gestures, and local dining customs to avoid causing offense.
Simple gestures like tipping or using the wrong hand can be interpreted as disrespectful in some cultures, so it's important to research and respect local norms.
Many indigenous communities have strict cultural or religious restrictions around photography, and photographers must obtain explicit permission before taking photos.
In some indigenous cultures, photographing certain sacred sites, objects, or rituals is completely forbidden and can be seen as a grave offense.
Indigenous photographers often use their work to challenge stereotypes and provide a more balanced portrayal of their communities, rather than perpetuating exoticized or romanticized depictions.
The Navajo Nation in the United States bans all photography on their reservation without a permit, as they believe the camera can capture and steal the soul of the subject.
The Yanomami people of the Amazon rainforest have historically been very protective of their image and have clashed with photographers who have taken photos without consent.
In certain Australian Aboriginal communities, it is considered disrespectful to photograph deceased individuals, and permission must be obtained from the deceased's family.
The Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania have developed a more entrepreneurial approach to photography, charging fees for visitors to take pictures on their lands.
Indigenous communities in Canada have been at the forefront of establishing ethical photography guidelines, such as the "First Nations, Métis and Inuit Photography Protocol" developed by the Indigenous Photograph Project.
Photographers working with indigenous groups are often advised to spend significant time building relationships and trust before even considering taking photographs, as this can help mitigate cultural misunderstandings.
In some regions, indigenous communities have banned all photography and video recording by tourists, citing concerns over the commercialization and exploitation of their cultural practices.
7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Public displays of affection in conservative countries
Public displays of affection (PDA) can be a sensitive issue in conservative countries like the United Arab Emirates, India, and the Middle East, where more intimate displays such as holding hands, cuddling, and kissing in public are considered socially unacceptable and may even lead to legal consequences.
In contrast, European countries generally have a more relaxed attitude towards public displays of affection, though the level of acceptance may vary across different nations.
In the United Arab Emirates, India, and Middle Eastern countries, PDA such as hand-holding, cuddling, and kissing in public can lead to legal consequences, as these behaviors are considered socially unacceptable.
In Saudi Arabia, it is mandatory for women to wear an abaya (long, loose-fitting robe) and cover their hair when visiting mosques, even for non-Muslim tourists, and failure to comply can result in being denied entry.
At the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, both men and women must remove their shoes before entering the holy site as a sign of respect, and refusing to do so may lead to being turned away.
In Iran, the dress code for women visiting religious sites is particularly strict - they must wear a hijab (headscarf), a long, loose-fitting coat, and pants or a long skirt that covers the legs.
In the United Arab Emirates, while the dress code is generally more relaxed for tourists, it is still considered disrespectful for women to wear short skirts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
At the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, men are expected to wear a kippah (skullcap) or a hat as a sign of reverence, and women are advised to wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
In some parts of the Middle East, such as certain neighborhoods in Jerusalem, ultra-Orthodox Jews may be offended by women wearing pants or short skirts, even if they are tourists.
In Egypt, both men and women are expected to cover up when visiting mosques, with women required to wear a headscarf and long, loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs.
At the Imam Reza Shrine in Iran, the dress code is particularly strict, and women must wear a chador (a long, black cloak that covers the entire body) to enter the holy site.
In Japan, tipping is generally frowned upon and can even be considered disrespectful, as the culture emphasizes providing excellent service as a matter of pride, not for financial rewards.
Some high-end hotels in Tokyo have started to implement a service charge of around 10-15%, which is automatically added to the bill, eliminating the need for additional tipping.
7 Unexpected Tourist Faux Pas to Avoid on Your Next International Trip - Misunderstanding queue culture in the United Kingdom
Queuing, or standing patiently in line, is a deeply ingrained cultural practice in the United Kingdom.
Cutting in line or "queue jumping" is considered highly rude and inconsiderate behavior, as it disrupts the orderly flow and can lead to confrontation with locals.
Understanding and respecting the British queue culture is essential for tourists to avoid unintentional faux pas and negative interactions.
Queuing, or standing in line, is a deeply ingrained social norm in the UK, with Britons considered some of the most orderly queuers in the world.
"Queue jumping," or cutting in line, is a major faux pas that can elicit annoyed looks or even confrontation from local Britons, who value the fairness of the queue system.
Maintaining personal space and not encroaching on others in the queue is crucial, as Britons are known to fiercely guard their spot in line.
In the UK, the concept of the "polite queue" is so strong that even in situations without a physical line, such as at a bus stop, Britons will still form an orderly queue.
Surprisingly, despite the prevalence of queue culture, there are no official laws or regulations governing queuing behavior in the UK, with the system relying on social norms and peer pressure.
Researchers have found that Britons can become visibly agitated and even aggressive if their position in a queue is threatened, highlighting the deep-seated importance of queuing etiquette.
The origins of the UK's queue culture can be traced back to the 17th century, when the growth of urban centers and public services led to the development of organized lines.
Interestingly, the British queue is often characterized by a sense of quiet order and patience, in contrast with the more vocal and active queue cultures found in some other countries.
Tourists in the UK may be surprised to find that even in chaotic situations, such as at airports or train stations, Britons will instinctively form orderly queues without the need for explicit direction.
The British queue is often seen as a symbol of national character, with the ability to queue patiently and politely considered a mark of social refinement and civility.
Despite the prevalence of queue culture, Britons are generally tolerant of tourists who are unaware of the local etiquette, as long as they are willing to learn and adapt to the social norms.