How To Not Look Like An Idiot Abroad (Or Offend The Locals)

Are you a tourist or a traveller? When it comes to holidaying overseas most people think these two terms mean the same thing, but those in the know understand there are some very big differences. Tourists stick out like sore thumbs with their ugly shirts, glossy guidebooks and complete lack of consideration for local practices. Travellers on the other hand, know their stuff. They travel light, aren’t afraid to try the local cuisine and they understand and respect the customs of the local people.

Whether you’re travelling to some far off exotic land or just a couple of hours by plane to our friendly neighbours in Fiji, we’ve put together a collection of some of the most common cultural considerations for a variety of holiday destinations around the world. With this advice in mind, you’ll graduate from clueless tourist to savvy traveller in no time, avoiding awkward and possibly offensive situations no matter how far or how wide you roam.

Hawaii

Lei’s have become synonymous with Hawaii and no visit to the islands would be complete without receiving one. In Hawaiian culture, the lei is presented as a welcoming gesture offered in friendship and should not be removed in public, as this is considered rude. The larger and more elaborate the lei, the more important the person or occasion.

Thailand

It’s also taboo to touch a person’s head in Thailand as the Thai people believe it is the most sacred part of the body. It’s also considered rude to wear revealing clothing, blow your nose (do this privately where possible), show anger or impatience or lick your fingers while eating. Pointing with your feet is also deeply insulting as the feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body. In place of shaking hands, the customary greeting in Thai culture is known as the wai, which is done by placing your hands together and bowing your head as you raise your hands.

Japan

When handing something to someone in Japan, it’s customary to bow and polite to present it with both of your hands. It is rude to point, rather you should gesture with a flat open hand and your palm facing up. If drinking sake or beer in a group, it is visitor etiquette to wait for someone to fill your glass for you, although you’ll never be kept waiting. You should also never step on a tatami mat with shoes or slippers on as this is a big no-no.

Singapore

In Singapore, the locals don’t really bother with formal politeness. Most things are accepted in Singapore, including revealing clothing, however public displays of affection are still frowned upon. You may notice what look like swastikas being used commonly across the city, however informed visitors will know not be offended or appear disapproving as these are not Nazi or anti-Semitic symbols, in fact they are religious symbols in the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. It is also forbidden to feed pigeons or monkeys and to chew gum.

Comments