There are certain things you should never do when traveling to a foreign country, no matter how safe you think it is. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time wanderer, it’s always good to be aware of the customs and laws of the place you’re visiting – after all, ignorance of the law is no excuse. And while every country has its own unique set of rules, there are a few general things that apply almost everywhere. So before you go on your next overseas adventure, make sure to read our guidebook.
16 Things To Avoid While Traveling Abroad
Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure or study, knowing what not to do in a foreign country is important. While there are many rules to follow when abroad, here are 16 things you should never do in a foreign country.
1. Never Give The Finger
A symbol that may mean “hello” or “goodbye” in one country can mean an offensive gesture in another. In Brazil, for example, “the finger” is used as a friendly greeting. The same gesture directed elsewhere could be considered rude or vulgar.
2. Never Undress Publicly
In France and Canada, people may occasionally walk around naked in their homes without drawing attention. However, you should never walk around naked in public as this may be considered rude or even illegal.
3. Never Pee In A River
In Germany and Switzerland it is common to pee anywhere outside. However, you should avoid urinating in rivers, lakes and other bodies of water as the practice pollutes water sources, endangering animals and plants.
4. Never Touch A Local
Many cultures consider the left hand unclean because it is used for bathroom functions, so it’s best not to shake hands with or touch anyone with your left hand. Be sure also not to pat children on the head as this gesture might be interpreted as condescending or patronizing.
5. Never Eat With Your Left Hand
In certain countries like India and Muslim-majority countries, you should never eat with your left hand. People who use the left hand in these cultures are considered unclean or unsophisticated.
6. Never Use Your Finger
In Islamic culture, pointing with your index finger is offensive because it’s similar to making the “evil eye” gesture which can call upon evil spirits. Pointing with your thumb is the proper way to refer to things in this culture.
7. Never Leave Your Chopsticks Stuck In Rice
In Japan, it’s considered offensive to stick your chopsticks into a bowl of rice vertically because it resembles incense stuck into sand used at funerals and memorial services. It’s best to stick your chopsticks into your rice horizontally.
8. Never Enter A Home With Your Shoes On
In Asian countries like Thailand, you should never enter a home with your shoes on. It’s considered rude and unclean because it can track in dirt and debris from outside.
9. Never Leave Your Phone Ringing
In many countries, it’s considered rude to leave your phone on or vibrate because you are intentionally trying to disturb others.
10. Never Litter
Many cultures consider littering the act of selfishness, disrespect and even hostility toward others. Trash thrown on the ground instead of in a garbage can is dirtying public space, making it unfit for others to use.
11. Never Wear Too Much Perfume
In Arab countries, wearing too much perfume is considered offensive because it can cover the smell of any other strong odors that are unpleasant or offensive to others. You should avoid colognes and perfumes when traveling in these areas because you may be mistaken as trying too hard to mask body odor.
12. Never Point Your Feet At People
Pointing your feet in some regions is considered rude because it resembles the posture assumed in preparation for the bathroom or during a Muslim prayer session which traditionally faces Mecca. It’s best to keep your feet pointed down if seated next to someone, especially in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries.
13. Never Touch People With Your Left Hand
In many cultures, the left hand is considered unclean because it’s used for bathroom functions. In these regions, you should never touch anyone with your left hand as it may be interpreted as a lack of sensitivity or basic manners. Keep both hands visible at all times to show respect for this culture.
14. Never Show The Soles Of Your Feet While You’re Sitting
In Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, showing the soles of your feet toward someone is offensive because it’s disrespectful to expose one’s “shameful” points. It’s best to keep your legs closed and your feet beneath you when seated in these regions.
15. Never Wear Shorts Or Short-Sleeve Shirts
In many countries, wearing shorts or a short-sleeved shirt is considered offensive because it’s reserved for casual wear at the beach and the pool only. In these areas, wearing shorts may infer you’re from a lower class of society or that you just don’t care about local customs and social norms. It’s best to dress conservatively in these places to show respect for their culture
16. Never Point The Soles Of Your Feet At People
In Islamic culture, pointing your soles at someone is insulting and offensive because they are believed to be “unclean” and incapable of purification by God’s word. Pointing your feet is also often considered an insult toward the person you’re pointing at.
It’s always best to be as prepared as possible before you go abroad. You’ll never know what could happen, and it would suck if your vacation was ruined because of a simple misunderstanding.
Who is Fifth Element?
Who is 5th Element Travel? We are a group of travel enthusiasts who know that life is not worth living unless you are willing to travel new locals, meet local people and expand your horizons – first-hand and with gusto! Don’t know where to start? Start reading our travel blog right now! Our articles offer you an easy summary about what you need to know before going, including hotel ideas, amazing culinary experiences and fun activities for planning and maximizing your time. In addition to specific destination information, we also offer history, cultural dos and don’ts, common language translations, currency information, weather, and other vital information.
This post was created with the assistance of San Francisco Bay Area’s Luxury Travel Agency, All Business Class. Have you ever wanted to go on a business trip or vacation but the cost was out of your budget? All Business Classis here for you. They offer clients wholesale pricing that the general public can’t get and, as an added bonus, they earn commissions from their clients so it’s a win-win situation all around! You save money and we earn a commission, so it’s a win-win for everyone. They also offer vacation planning services such as hotel accommodations, restaurant reservations, private jet or yacht charter service and pretty much anything else you can think of. Get in touch with them now if this sounds like something you want help with because there are no limits to what they will do.
