Avoiding Cultural Missteps: 5 Hand Gestures to Navigate Abroad

Some hand gestures that are 'rewarding' in your home country can be uncomfortable for many abroad. 

Steering Clear of Hand Gestures Abroad

Here are some hand signals to be mindful of for smoother communication when traveling abroad.

The Victory Sign: V for Victory

The 'V' gesture, created by raising the index and middle fingers, was initially used to signal victory for allied nations in World War II. Anti-war activists later adopted it as a symbol of peace, and today this gesture is known as the 'peace sign.'

However, in some countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, the V sign pointing outward is considered vulgar, similar to the use of the middle finger (indicating an insult). It's advisable to be cautious with this gesture, especially the habit of flashing the V sign in photos.

The 'Rock on' Hand Gesture

If you're a rock music fan, you're likely familiar with this gesture (forming a fist with two middle fingers tucked in). It's widely used at performances and, in many places, also serves as a sign for 'I love you' with the thumb pointing outward. However, in countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, it symbolizes devil horns or being 'horned,' signifying infidelity in love and marriage.

The OK Hand Gesture

Making the OK sign by circling the thumb and index finger can be a way to praise someone or indicate that everything is fine. However, in Brazil, this hand gesture is offensive, and in France, it suggests that the other person is utterly useless (like the circular zero).

The Thumbs Up Gesture

The thumbs-up gesture is a universally recognized sign. However, in some West African and Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, this gesture carries a negative meaning similar to the middle finger in the U.S., often referred to as 'Up yours!'

The 'Come here' Hand Gesture

If you're in the Philippines, refrain from using the 'Come here' gesture (cupping your hand and waving your index finger) to beckon someone unless you want to be perceived as impolite. In this Southeast Asian country, such a hand gesture is reserved for calling dogs.

By Thuy Duong/ Ngôi sao

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour