In order not to be trapped in a foreign country, you need to study its traditions and customs, culture and habits. Sometimes the most common things for us in another state turn out to be inappropriate and even offensive.
Where representatives of different cultures meet, there is always room for misunderstanding. Traveling to other countries, it is easy to get into an awkward situation and not even guess about it. What can be done wrong? From funny greetings to solving a problem with a tip. You should always remember: different country - different customs. Taking into account cultural differences is not only a matter of respect. Ridiculous situations and even fines can be avoided.
There will never be a second chance for a first impression - greetings in different countries
- In New Zealand, they rub their noses at the first meeting. This act symbolizes the "breath of life".
- In Japan, they greet with a bow. The deeper you bow, the more respect you show. But do not overdo it, the golden mean is good in everything.
- On many Polynesian islands, such as Bora Bora or New Guinea, locals take the hands of their closest relatives and friends and run them over their faces. But this rather intimate gesture has no place in public.
- Applause in Africa! In some areas, residents clap their hands in greeting.
- In Spain, greeting with a handshake is considered rude, preferably a kiss on the left and right cheeks.
The check, please! Which countries should you tip?
- In many Central European and North American countries, the tip for good service is 15–20% of the bill.
- In China and Japan, good service is a matter of course. Tipping the staff is more insulting than pleasing.
- Tipping in pubs is not customary in England and Ireland. In restaurants, the service charge is often already included in the bill, but nevertheless a tip of 10-15% of the bill is expected.
Bon Appetit! Or what eating habits should be considered in a foreign country?
- In Japan, you need to eat everything that is on the table. Refusing to eat can be a serious insult to the host. But even here we remember the rule of the golden mean: do not overdo it! Is your plate empty? You will receive the supplement immediately. If in Russia champing at the table is considered indecent, in Japan it is a praise for the cook. But unlike China, belching at the table is not accepted here.
- A custom in India: cutlery is not used. You can only eat with your right hand, as your left hand is used for hygiene after using the toilet. For thinner dishes such as curry, you can use a flatbread, the rest of the dishes are eaten with your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger.
Let's drink to love? Where alcohol is prohibited in public places
- In the United States and Australia, drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited by law. However, brown paper bags will protect you from law enforcement. It is also best to refrain from smoking outdoors.
- Italy is also struggling with alcohol consumption in public places. In Genoa, drinking alcoholic beverages on the street faces a fine of up to 500 euros.
- In the center of Prague it is forbidden to drink alcohol in public places, with the exception of restaurants and bars, street cafes. The alcohol ban is especially valid within a radius of 100 m from playgrounds. If you get caught, you will have to pay a fine of about 40 euros.
- In France, even just being drunk in public is forbidden. If you are caught at night after a club on the street drunk, you will not only have to part with 150 euros, but also undergo a forced sobering procedure. Only when you are sober again will you be allowed to return home. Alcohol is not allowed in the stadiums.
- Throughout Poland, beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks can only be drunk in restaurants and bars. A general ban on alcohol applies across the country, even at major events.
Yes, no, or maybe. What do the gestures mean?
- Gestures can easily lead to misunderstandings. Thumb and forefinger, forming a circle, in Central Europe mean "good", but in Spain, France and Turkey, this gesture is perceived as an obscene sign. In this way, you express disgust for homosexuals.
- The raised thumb, which in Germany and Russia means praise, should not be shown in Australia: here this gesture signals that you want to get rid of the interlocutor.
- Shaking the head from side to side (as in Russia “no”) expresses agreement in Bulgaria, India and Pakistan. In Ethiopia, the head is even thrown back to say yes. Whereas in the Arab countries, in the southern regions of Italy, in Greece and Turkey, the same head movement means “no”. If you want to say “no” in Japan, you need to wave your hands in front of your face (a gesture similar to the movement of a windshield wiper), in Germany this gesture in front of your face means that the interlocutor is crazy.
Love is in the air? Where better to refrain from kissing
- Nobody expected this from romantic Italy, but in this country you need to keep an eye on where you kiss. Passionate kisses in the car are punishable by a fine of up to 500 euros! In Sicily, it is forbidden to kiss on park benches.
- Also in Indonesia, India, Dubai and Malaysia, public kissing is prohibited.
- Kissing is prohibited in front of Warrington Bank Station in England so as not to interfere with traffic. Farewell kiss will have to be postponed until the station building.
- In Japan and China, kissing is considered part of love foreplay. Therefore, in public, it is better to restrain yourself so as not to attract sidelong glances.
