And 11 other cultural quirks you need to know before travelling overseas.
Come to Australia without an offering of sacrifice for our sacred Drop Bear and, let me tell you, you’ll be out on your ear.
At least that’s what I keep telling people.
But every country has its customs, rules and laws that simply don’t exist anywhere else. And you’d best be mindful because punishments can range from disapproving glances to prison time and even deportation.
IYKYK… you know? Read this and you will.
1/11
While we’re used to pointing with our fingers, in Nicaragua locals with it with their lips. Ask a local for directions and they’ll likely position their pout towards whatever it is you seek.
2/11
Sitting on a table - as well as putting a hat or bag on a table on which food is served - is a no-go in the land of the long white cloud. Tikanga Maori (or the Maori way of doing things) has a strong influence on NZ culture overall and dictates it’s just plain disrespectful to do so.
3/11
Don’t expect to see much going on should you happen to visit Russia on September 12. That’s the national Day of Conception and everyone will be at home having sex. Not even kidding - declining birth rates in Russia have led to this unusual public holiday. The icing on the cake: those couples who give birth on June 12 the following year are rewarded by the government.
4/11
Ahh, feet - those terminal appendages that get us from A to B are, alas, often pretty gross when you get to the sole of the matter. As a result, showing the soles of your shoes to someone could be considered an insult in many Arab and Muslim countries.
5/11
At least not between the hours of 6-8pm because most restaurants will be shut. It’s customary in Spain to eat around 9-10pm so set your watch accordingly.
6/11
While most Western cultures consider a thumbs up a sign that everything’s A-OK, in Turkey the same gesture is considered extremely rude.
7/11
Not only is it perfectly acceptable to burp at a restaurant in China, it’s encouraged. Mostly by the chef who would consider it a manifestation of a satisfying meal. Don’t wave your chopsticks around though, because that will signal quite the opposite - they should always go on the chopstick rest provided.
8/11
When visiting Buddhist temples and monuments be sure to follow the example of the monks and walk around them clockwise, as a sign of respect.
9/11
You can slurp your noods all you want (in fact, you definitely should), but tip in Japan and you might find yourself being chased down the street in order to have the money returned to you. It’s crude to tip, as excellent service is considered standard, not something done for a reward.
10/11
While sometimes it feels like all that comes of the US is absolutely bonkers political news (and the occasional Marvel movie), it’s best not to mention affairs of the state in convos with strangers, like your Uber driver or waiter. Despite most Americans having very strong views on their party or leader of choice, most don’t consider it a matter of casual conversation; whichever way they lean.
11/11
In much of India you’ll find yourself eating insanely good food with your hands; it’s half the reason you go. But know this should only be done with the right hand, as the left is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene and therefore considered kinda gross. The same goes in the Middle East, Sri Lanka and parts of Africa. Use your right hand to pass food, hand over money and of course, stuff your face with curry and naan.
Words: Emma Markezic
This article was originally published in November 2022 and was republished with permission.
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