While taking a break from your food in virtually any Asian country that uses chopsticks it would be advisable not to place them upright in your rice bowl. For the most part this position is reserved for funerals and therefore would be considered extremely impolite to the host and others seniors present.With some of the most severe lese-magesty laws in the world, Whatever you do in Thailand, don’t insult the king. In fact, it would probably be wise to not say anything about the royal family at all. As some unfortunate westerners have found out even liking a negative post about them on facebook is enough to earn you some serious jail time. Although having certain drugs in your possession is punishable in most societies, the list of offending drugs along with their accompanying punishments varies considerably from country to country. In Southeast Asia, for example, many drugs that are available over the counter in the United States and Europe can cost you your life. In fact, with some of the toughest drug laws in the world you would be wise to avoid carrying “packages” for others and not bringing your prescription drugs with you. Numerous westerners in the past have discovered just how swift and merciless justice in this region can be.Not only is it against the law to chew gum in Singapore, it’s against the law to bring gum into Singapore, even on accident. So unless you want to spend time in court explaining how you are not a smuggler, leave the spearmint at home.During the month of Ramadan, if you so happen to be in Saudi Arabia, it would be in your best interest to not eat while in public. Not only will all of the locals probably hate your guts while they are fasting but it is severely punishable by law.When talking to your friends in Brazil don’t be surprised if they regularly stop their sentence mid conversation to answer the phone. In some parts of the country it is considered ruder to ignore the call than pause the coversation.While you may have noticed that in certain places the who, how, and when of shaking people’s hands can be a bit confusing, in some nations like Austria you are required to shake everyones hand in whatever room you enter. At least it removes the guess work.
If you ever spend time in Russia and for some reason decide you’d like to get someone some flowers, go for it but be advised – make sure you have an odd number. Even numbers of flowers are only given at funerals and your gift may be interpreted as inviting death.While in many places finishing your meal is seen as a good thing or at least implies that you enjoyed the food, in Asia you may want to leave a little something on your plate. Licking it clean here implies that your host didn’t give you enough food and you’re still hungry – an epic insult.As we said, leaving food on your plate in some parts of Asia is sure to insult your host, so if you’re looking to compliment them try burping. They’ll be flattered.1 2
#7 is wrong info, please don’t mislead everyone. I’m a Singaporean, and not only I chew chewing gum in Singapore, I also bring chew gum into Singapore whenever I go overseas and back. It is ONLY illegal to sell chewing gum in Singapore. They figure out the most effective way is to cut the supply, not by suppressing demand. You can chew all you want in Singapore as long as you have them, and you can chew it in front of police station too. Just remember not to throw it on the streets. You can also bring it in for your own consumption. Of course you don’t bring in 10 cartons, that will be asking for trouble.
In South Africa the Peace sign is just that…the Peace sign. Not sure where you got you info from…
Where did you get #5 from?? thats definitely not true anywhere in Brazil (Im born and raised brazilian and have lived in different parts of the country).
#2 is the funniest. When I go to Asia at some point I will be sure to, instead of finishing my food, throw part of it out (at least I didn’t eat it).
I found this to be an interesting list, just haven’t experienced the “tongue in cheek” compliment in all these years. Even In India, a lot of older men and women don’t like to shake hands with the opposite sex.
In Korea, it is a faux pas to call somebody over to you using your index finger, especially if your palm is facing up. This is considered a gesture for animals. You have use your whole hand with your fingers pointing down and sort of wave them over to you.
Also if your are giving something or receiving something from some who is older than you, you have to do it with both hands. For example, pouring a drink for someone older than you. Or accepting money. Both hands.
It’s also taboo to kiss in public in Korea. Hugging is okay, holding hands is okay, but kissing is a no-no.
You know what is okay though? (Though I advise you not to do it) it’s okay to cuss at people when you’re drunk because you’re drunk and you don’t know any better. People get drunk in Korea all the time. Just don’t cuss at kids. Or pregnant ladies. And don’t drive either, because that’s not faux pas, that’s illegal.
In Korea, it’s okay to slurp your noodles loudly. This means that you are enjoying your meal. I don’t know about burping, though.
~강승재
Kissing is fine these days. I see it all the time at a Korean university where I teach. Burping, also, is cool.
In Australia the peace sign is the peace sign, mate.
Hi, I’m from Brazil.
Here, the “a-ok” sign MAY mean “ass”. But it depends of the context. So, there’s no problem to do it.
Interrupting a conversation to answer the phone is common, but it’s not rude if you don’t.
Great post =)
hi
i am one of the fans of this website
and i just have Reviews in the information you mentioned about the middle east
Inter-gender handshakes yes it is consider as Something forbidden in Islam
but just the Conservative Muslims who apply it
other people Usually don’t mind
and about Public displays of affection in Saudi Arabia
kissing in public is very Inappropriate and socially unacceptable
but holding hands or hugging there is nothing wrong with it
and might be some Saudis don’t do it because the traditions
the last thing about
Eating in public during Ramadan it is
forbidden for Muslims eating in the Middle of the day during Ramadan
but Non-Muslims they can eat
and i am Saudi and i know there is no low Punishes who does not fast