Beware of these International Customs!

The world is a big place and the world is a bizarre place. When the languages of the locales can vary from place to place, why can’t the customs? What may be a very common daily practice in your country might just be the very most offensive gesture in another country’s culture! So make very sure to be aware of a country’s customs and save yourself from a whole lot of embarrassment from your host!

1. Arriving dot on time to a host’s place in Venezuela

Well, Venezuelans are just like Indians when it comes to their time schedules. Arriving on time to a host’s place will mean that you are very greedy and is offensive to the host. It is customary to arrive fifteen minutes late wherever you are invited. On the other hand, make sure to be as accurate as a clock when it comes to arriving anywhere in Japan!

2. Splitting bills in Turkey

So you got invited to dinner at a hotel by your friend? Make sure to let your friend pay the bill and not raise the point of splitting it. Splitting the bill is offensive to Turkish people. The right thing to do would be to invite them over to a dinner sometime soon to repay them for their kindness.

Image Courtesy: Dr.Geeky

3 .Emptying your plate in the South East Asia

In countries like China, Philippines and Thailand, it is considered a very rude gesture towards the host to finish everything it your plate. This would mean that the hosts were not kind enough to serve you with enough food and that you are still hungry. Don’t be surprised if your plate will be filled again without your permission. So whenever you decide to finish your meal, do the host a favour and leave some of the food in your plate.

Image Courtesy: Neelakshi Yadav

4. The ‘Thumbs Up’ sign in the Middle East

“UP YOU’RE A$$” is what the ‘Thumbs Up’ sign means in the Middle East. Be very careful to not use it or you’ll offend the Habibis! Contrary to this, in countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, it is considered rude to point at someone with the index figure. Or this purpose, they use their thumbs to point at anyone when needed…. Quite a paradox!

Image Courtesy: Etiquette Guide

5. The use of the Chopsticks in Japan

Westerners might be really intrigues with the concept of chopsticks in Japan. Always keep in mind that you must never use your chopsticks to point at anyone in Japan. Also, you the untouched end of your chopsticks to get food from a shared dish to your plate and then use the proper end to eat your food. It is considered as unhygienic otherwise.

6. The gift of the Clock in China

In China, gifting a clock to China could be next to the most offensive gesture ever. The Chinese symbol for a ‘clock’ is very similar to their symbol of ‘death’. Anything but a clock would do when you go over at a Chinese host’s place! Also don’t give straw hats, as they are associated with funerals.

Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

7. Extreme Table Manners in Brazil and Norway

When anywhere in these two countries, always remember to use a fork and knife while eating, even for the simplest of foods such as sandwiches. Letting your fingers touch the food is inappropriate in Brazil, even if you have washed your hands!

Image Courtesy: Neelakshi Yadav

8. The ‘Okay’ sign in Brazil, Germany and Russia

In these countries, the ‘Okay’ sign represents the private human orifice. This means that showing the ‘okay sign’ in these countries would be interpreted by the locals as “Go ***k yourself!” and is equivalent to showing the middle finger as seen in American culture.

No matter where you go, it is advisable to look up the local customs or else, you could land in trouble!

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