If you’re eating a meal with anyone from the Middle East, they consider it disrespectful if you don’t burp afterwards. And don’t ever give a Russian flowers in even numbers — such bouquets are used only to mourn death. Here’s a list of all the quirky dos and don’ts one must remember while travelling abroad!
France Ah, the land of love! Beautiful streets, the Eiffel Tower, fountains and cobblestone pathways are sure to make you fall in love with this city, but don’t get too carried away! Do: Especially if you see a French woman — giving her roses may be the only thing on your mind, but red symbolises love, so stick to pink or white! Also, be careful to avoid carnations because they symbolise death and mourning. And if someone welcomes you into their home, carry a bottle of wine as a thoughtful gesture. Don’t: The French are known for their breads, but they’re given in restaurants only as an accompaniment. So if you do wish to eat the bread, don’t bite into it, because it appears crass. Gently tear pieces off; that should do. And if someone leans in for a gentle hug, don’t push them away! This is the French way of greeting a person.
Kenya Patience is of utmost importance in this country, because almost nothing runs on time — football matches, public transport, even meetings at times! But don’t let that deter you. The Kenyans are hospitable but are also touchy when it comes to men speaking to their women, so try not to be Casanova! Do: If you offer to take someone out for a meal, ensure you pay for their food too. Inviting them and expecting them to pay for their own food/drinks is sure to offend them. Don’t: If you know a person’s marital status, or their profession, you could refer to it — doctor, teacher, miss, mister. But don’t call the locals by their first name. Ensure to find out what would be appropriate, from a local.
Japan Deeply rooted in tradition and culture, there are quite a few things you need to be cautious of, while in Japan. Do: Discipline comes first and foremost, so when you visit any person’s home, make sure you leave your footwear outside, in an orderly manner. And make sure you’re wearing clean socks or stockings — yes, your hosts will notice what your socks look like! Don’t: Also, if you’re in a restaurant, do not leave any tips, not even small change. The waiters take offense and will come running behind you to return your money!
Arab Countries Lavish lifestyles, fancy cars and even pet lions are not all what the Middle Easterners are about — they believe in tradition a lot too. Do: In some countries, after two people shake hands, they place their right hand on the heart, as a symbol of strengthening friendship. So if you’re with some locals and they show this gesture, make sure to respond. In case your hands are dirty, then just placing it on your heart will give them the message. Don’t: When a family invites to dine with you, make sure you don’t eat with your left hand. And once you’re done with the meal, the hosts will find it very disrespectful if you don’t burp. Avoid picking your teeth, after the meal.
Russia It may seem like the Russians love their politics, but honestly, they don’t! Vladimir Putin or any other issues related to economics and administrative affairs are topics that border on dangerous territories — you don’t want to anger a Russian! Do: Apart from this, if you’re invited to someone’s home, or see a girl you want to give flowers to, ensure the bouquet has odd number of flowers. Even numbers are given only when mourning a death. Don’t: Avoid sitting at the corner seat of a table in a restaurant, since the Russians’ superstitious belief is that the person in the corner won’t get married and may stay single for life.
New Zealand This fun-filled bunch is not very picky, but call them Aussie and they may not speak to you ever again! New Zealand is the land of the kiwis however, the bird is nearly extinct, so don’t hope to spot one running amok. Do: Take the slang very seriously, for what you say in American or British English, may be the most offensive thing to them! If one of the locals asks if you want a banger, they mean sausage, nothing else. And if you want a condom, just ask for a frenchie! Don’t: Lord of the Rings is something they are very proud of and we can’t stress this enough, so don’t be dissing the movie. And as strange as it may sound, they respect and look up to the Queen of England, so make sure you don’t say something offensive about her either.
