As children, we were taught correct etiquette, and by now we’re all confident about what’s polite and what’s not, right? Think again!
One of the best things about travel is being able to immerse yourself with other cultures, and often we find real similarities that let us know that we’re all not so different after all. There are however some cases, where we’re very very different.
Check to this list of weird etiquette rules.
Make sure to burp
In China, Taiwan and a lot of the Far East, burping is a sign that you have eaten well and you loved your meal – a different way to compliment the chef.
Slurp your soup
While we’re completely shattering your preconceived social constructs of being quiet and avoiding noises whilst eating.
In some Asian countries, including Japan, it’s traditionally considered more polite to loudly slurp your soup. It’s a compliment to the chef!
Fart
You need to call your mother and tell her that she raised you wrong.
The Inuit people of Canada will fart after meals to express their appreciation of the food.
Personally we would hate to be the last one to finish our meal, imagine trying to eat whilst everyone at the table are ‘expressing their appreciation’.
Use your right hand
It’s too easy to put a dad joke in here about the right hand being the right hand, get it, as in correct. Yeah, we’re fun at parties. But in the Arab world, it’s considered very rude to eat with your left hand.
The left hand is reserved for activities, like bathroom activities.
We refrained from putting in any toilet humour as we think you may have had your fill from this article.
Feet are made for walking
Aussies love to get around in either thongs or bare feet, but be careful with this practice while in Asia, India, and the Middle East.
It’s offensive to show the soles of your feet.
If you want to be a total d*ck, point the bottom of your feet at someone, that’s considered extra rude.
Business introductions
Be careful when accepting business cards in Japan.
Don’t just grab it and stuff it in your pocket, this is deeply insulting. You need to accept the card with both hands, read through it thoroughly and if possible put it into a special cardholder.
To tip or not to tip
We’ve all been very confused going to the US about proper tipping etiquette, but in South Korea and Japan a tip is considered an insult.
They consider it a form of begging, so save your money and don’t do it.