Avoiding Cultural Faux Pas When Traveling
When traveling to other countries for business or pleasure, it is easy to offend your hosts if you don’t know the local “rules.” Here are some tips:
• In Middle Eastern countries, never touch food or shake hands with your left hand. (The left hand is traditionally used for “post bathroom clean up.”)
• In Asian countries – including Thailand, China, and the Koreas – personal space is respected. Do not hug, backslap, or otherwise touch anyone other than a friend or family member.
• Another no-no in Asian countries, especially China and Japan, is blowing your nose in public. They find it disgusting. If you have a cold, hit the restroom.
• Never wear a swimsuit or other clothing in a sauna in Scandinavian countries or Turkey. Au natural is preferred – but if you’re modest, wrap yourself in a towel.
• In Russia, don’t sip that vodka… take the whole shot at once. And in France, never fill your own wine glass without offering to pour for the others at the table.
(Source: Travel and Leisure)
Thank you for these tips. I will be traveling to the mid-east/eastern Europe area this summer and appreciate knowing what is appropriate for the various customs. Manners are always in vogue!
Hi,
My comment is on blowing your nose in public in china is a no-no.This statement is not true because i am a Zambian studying in china and I have seen many,many people blowing their noses in public places especially where Iam staying.Every time I meet a chinese in town or in the school they always spit saliva,blow their noses.To tell you the truth,it is really disgusting.They even smoke in a public transport.1 out of 10 will stick to your statement.Experience is sometimes the best teacher.