One of the main appeals to traveling is being able to experience new cultures and languages from around the world. You expect to have a language barrier when speaking to people in other countries but many people don’t consider non-verbal differences you will also encounter.
In many situations, this will just create a bit of confusion but in other times a small friendly gesture in one country is a highly offensive insult in another. We’ve hand-picked 10 countries where doing things that seem normal to you, might get you into a lot of trouble.
10: I’m ok, in Italy.
Between the weather, history, and of course the world-famous cuisine Italy is a popular destination for travelers around the world. However, if a waiter asks you how your food is while your mouth is full of authentic Italian spaghetti, it’s best not to flash an OK sign.
While in the US this is a friendly gesture to say “OK” it has a completely different meaning in Italy. And after showing this to certain Italians you will not be doing well at all!
This innocent, peaceful gesture has a totally different meaning in Italy. The closest English translation to its meaning is ‘a-hole’. You are therefore insulting a person and you could end up in a lot of trouble.
In a business meeting, colleagues might see this as a sign of disrespect and ignorance toward their culture whilst at night in a bar, it would most certainly invite a confrontation.
Next up, we go to a place where suggesting peace could get your teeth knocked out.
9: Peace in the UK
The UK is not famous for its amazing weather, but millions of tourists flock to the isles every year. Its beautiful countryside, the historical sites such as Stonehenge, and of course the beer attracts many avid wanderers. And then there is London… A maze of mind-blowing historical buildings where the architecture alone will leave you breathless.
Another thing that would leave you breathless is a punch in the stomach from a local when you show the wrong peace sign!
In the dark ages, France and England were at war with each other. The French captured many of the English archers and cut off their index and middle fingers so that they could not use bows and arrows anymore.
The English soldiers that evaded capture would show the back of their index and middle fingers toward the French on the battlefield as a sign of defiance. This, however, changed into a sign of disrespect over the years. When you show this to someone in the UK, the F word pops up in the minds of the British.
When you leave the nightclub in London next time, rather NOT show a peace sign to the bouncer at the door.
8: Don’t get your feet up in Thailand
Turquoise waters, beautiful marine life, tropical forests, crazy beach parties, and oh the food! Oh my gosh, the flavorful, spicy food…
Thailand ticks all the boxes of an amazing holiday destination and it is no wonder that over 1 million American tourists bear the long flights to get there every year.
Apart from the natural wonders, Thailand has another ace up its sleeve- the people. The Thai people are ever friendly and warm, and it is no wonder that Thailand got the nickname: The land of smiles. There won’t be any smiling when you show them your feet though!
Have you ever heard of the expression "put your feet up? It means to take a break or to take a rest in the USA.
For most Thai people, it is a serious insult when you show the soles of your feet to another person. Traditionally, Thais consider feet to be the lowest and filthiest part of the body. Therefore, pointing your feet at another person or certain items, such as a statue of the Buddha, is extremely disrespectful.
Even sitting cross-legged with your foot up on your knee could generate some rude stares or hostility. So, rather keep your feet down and keep your glass or bottle up instead. It is Thailand after all…
In our next country, you can raise your glass but not the country’s own national flag.
7: Don’t display the national flag of Nicaragua, in Nicaragua.
Nicaragua sometimes seems like the foster child of Central America. It resides in the shadow of Costa Rica and most Americans that visit Costa Rica, do not know the name of the neighboring country to the North.
Nicaragua has spectacular natural diversity, and there is something for everybody. From surfing in the Pacific to chilling in the Caribbean. From scaling an active volcano to walking in coffee fields in the temperate mountainous area. Best of all, the country is much cheaper than Costa Rica.
Although it is perfectly safe to visit the country now, there had been some troubling times in the past, especially from a political perspective.
The Sandinista government has been in power for many years. You will see the national flag outside government buildings, in the streets, and on the TV. But not everybody can wave the flag with pride.
In the past, rival political parties started using the national flag as a sign of unity and a call to action against the ruling party. Nowadays, government officials may confront or even expel tourists from the country for showing solidarity or support for the opposition parties. Waving the flag, unofficially according to the ruling party, is a sign of support for the opposition and they do not tolerate it.
The police could stop you on the street, detain youyou, and some tourists have even been refused entry to the country because they had the flag on their social media posts.
Next, we visit a country where whistling strikes the fear-of-god into the local people.
6: Don’t whistle in China or Taiwan
If it is ancient culture and tradition that you seek, then the East is where you would find it. Apart from the history and architecture, there are the contrasting modern marvels of technology and futuristic cities. When walking around a modern Metropole like Shanghai, you could inadvertently terrify the people around you by accidentally summoning evil spirits.
The month of August is Ghost Month in China and Taiwan. During this month, some Chinese believe that ghosts are allowed to walk the earth once more. They advise that children, sick people, and the elderly do not go out at night out of fear of being attacked by some bad spirits.
It’s believed that spirits could both harm and also bring bad luck. That is why the Chinese people would be very reluctant to sign business deals or even rental contracts in the month of August.
Just by doing your usual Toby Maguire walk and whistling while doing so, you could upset the people around you and strike fear into their hearts. Some Chinese believe that whistling taunts and upsets the evil spirits.
Rather chew some gum so that you won’t be able to whistle. Oh, wait! That is illegal in some countries too!
5: No chewing gum in Singapore
Singapore is a modern wonder. The country is 170 times smaller than New York, yet it has the second most powerful passport for traveling in the world! A USA passport does not even come in under the top 10 of this list. It is a financial powerhouse and probably one of the cleanest cities in the world. Furthermore, bubble gum is banned in the country!
Seriously, it is not only banned to eat bubblegum on the street but just having some in your possession could lead to you getting arrested.
In 1992, Singapore outlawed gum as a preventative measure to ensure that the metro system operated optimally. Gum could interfere with the door sensors and get stuck in the seats, and the government wasn’t going to have any of that. Today, if the authorities catch you smuggling gum into the country, you could receive a fine of $60,000 or two years in prison.
If you were a male under 50 and the police caught you spitting in the street, even if it was just spit, you could be judicially caned!
Those are some strict laws. If you are someone that loves a little structure in your life, be sure to avoid the next country on our list.
4: Be late in Venezuela
Venezuela must be any punctual person’s definition of hell. Here, it is not only advised that you come late, but many consider it rude to show up on time!
If you are punctual and show up on time, it is a sign of greed and people will not like you for it. When a Venezuelan invites you to a dinner party, it is best that you show up at least 15 minutes late. If not, apart from being seen as greedy, the host might also consider you a nuisance as they would still be busy preparing everything for the party but have to stop to entertain you.
The other part that might upset you if you are hosting a party, is that not only would your guests be showing up late, but they could be surprising you with other friends or guests that you don’t know and didn’t invite.
Speaking of uninvited guests, in the next country, these include shorts at swimming pools!
3: No shorts for swimming in France
France is one of the most visited countries in Europe, and it comes as no surprise. World-class food, beautiful scenery, astonishing architecture, and wine… Oh, wine divine! No wonder many people consider France one of the most romantic countries in the world. Speaking of romance, I am not sure where speedos fit in this idyllic picture.
To the delight of some, and the disgust of others, speedos are law in France. Some find them comfortable and others find them to be an insult to humanity, but whatever your viewpoint is, you better get used to wearing them when you want to cool down in France.
The idea stems from the fact that someone would not be walking around in the street with their speedos on unlike another person that might be walking around in shorts the entire day, for example. The next moment, ‘shorts-guy’ rocks up at the public swimming pool and jumps in with his dirty dusty shorts. To avoid this, men must change and wear speedos.
Makes sense, right? Anyway… The bottom line, (excuse the pun), is that you need to wear speedos when you go to a public pool in France.
2: Hide your tattoos in Japan
Japan has everything to offer, from beautiful tropical islands to snow-capped mountains. Many experts consider the food to be the healthiest and tastiest in the far east and the people are friendly and respectful. You will not easily find a traveler that returned from Japan that had any regrets. It just has so much to offer.
Japan has a rich history concerning perfection, respect, and patience. And this might sometimes clash with the western concepts of “freedom of expression.”
One such clash exists around tattoos.
Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. The oldest discovery of tattooed human skin to date is found on the body of Ötzi the Iceman, dating to between 3370 and 3100 BC. There were many reasons why people got tattoos back then. For instance, the Egyptians used art to bring homage to the gods, while the Greeks and Romans used it as a form of branding.
Today, there is still a stigma surrounding tattoos in some cultures and Japan is one of those.
A survey conducted by the country’s official tourism agency found that 56% of hotels and inns did not allow visitors with tattoos to enter their public bathing areas. Only 31% of establishments permitted people with tattoos, while 13% said they would allow entry if the customers hid their tattoos. One of the reasons why many Japanese have negative opinions regarding tattoos is because tattoos are traditionally associated with yakuza organized crime gangs in the country.
1: Keep your thumb down in the Middle East
Seeing the Great Pyramid is surely on the bucket list of every adult on the planet. And which girl never fantasized about shopping in Dubai with a limitless credit card? I know I do.
The Middle East is a fascinating place and I know I keep on mentioning the food of every single country that we speak of, but I won’t be able to forgive myself if I didn’t mention anything about Arabian food here. It is to die for!
When you finished stuffing yourself and the waiter comes by to ask if everything is ok, but your food-coma prevents you from speaking- rather nod your head lazily instead of showing them the thumbs up.
The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of saying OK in most western countries. However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, the gesture has the connotation of "up yours!" It's used the same way the middle finger is in the US.
Mmm, I wonder what the Facebook like-button looks like in The Middle East?
There you have it. 10 different customs or laws that you should watch out for when going on holiday. What did you think of our list and which law or custom surprised you the most? Did we miss any other customs or laws that you would like to share with us? Let us know down in the comments.