When traveling to Japan, Russia, India, China, Norway
and France, there are things that you must know to avoid upsetting the locals.
Here are some rules that you should keep in mind.
Traveling to Japan
Japan is one of the top travel destinations in Asia.
But make sure to heed some of its travel rules. For instance, services at
hotels and restaurants can be quite unique in this country. If waiters in the
US would appreciate bigger tips, servers in Japan would find it degrading.
Tipping isn’t done in this country, so avoid that when
traveling to Japan.
Traveling to India
From Japan, let’s go to India. In this country, you
won’t see their locals using their left hand when greeting someone or
exchanging money.
Why?
They considered it as unclean.
Thus, when traveling to India, never use your left
hand when you try to greet someone. Don’t pick up merchandise or exchange money
using your left hand.
Traveling to Russia
Russia is known for its strict rules when it comes to
their tourists. If it’s your first-time in this country, don’t assume that the
people living here are miserable because they just don’t smile at you.
Well, there’s a reason for that. And it’s not that
they’re unhappy. In Russia, smiling at strangers is considered a demonstration
of insincerity. This is because smiling is an intimate gesture for Russians. If
you don’t know them and you smile at them, they’ll treat you as an insincere
individual.
So, don’t smile at Maria Sharapova when you see her in
Russia, unless the two of you are friends.
Traveling to China
China is known for its chopsticks. When you go to one
of its restaurants, never wave your chopsticks as this action is considered to
be rude in this country. It’s as if you’re drumming with your fork or knife.
Traveling to Norway
Among the many bizarre rules in Norway, it’s the
honking that really amazes me. In Norway, honking is only used during emergency
situations. Thus, when you beep while driving, you’re causing panic to other
drivers. (Wish it’s also being followed here in PH).
Traveling to France
In addition to learning le Francais, you must also
learn how to say hello. Saying “bonjour” is appreciated in this country but if
you don’t, French locals would consider you as rude. You’re simply showing the
person you don’t say hi to that he/she is “lower than you” in status.
Traveling to Germany
When in Germany, never put your hands in your pockets
while talking to someone. It’s considered to be bad manners. And while you’re
eating, never put your hands on the table. Never. Verstanden?
