How to Act Appropriately When Traveling Abroad?

Being mindful of local customs is crucial when traveling abroad. However, navigating cultural nuances can sometimes be challenging due to differing regulations.

What is the Proper Etiquette for Traveling Overseas?

1. Pay Attention to Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes – Fiji

The residents of this country are extremely friendly and hospitable, but they also uphold certain customs. Touching someone's head is seen as disrespectful.

When visiting a local village, female tourists should dress modestly, covering their shoulders. If invited into a Fijian's home, it's customary to remove all footwear, scarves, and hats before entering.

2. Express Respect – Bangkok (Thailand)

Thailand's national religion is Buddhism. Therefore, they highly respect the monastic community. You should express your respect whenever you encounter monks.

You should also show utmost respect to the Thai Royal Family as they hold significant influence over the people.

3. Be Open to Trying Different Foods – Singapore

The island nation of Singapore is a culinary paradise with various cuisines. It would be considered impolite to refuse to try different foods.

Refusal is only acceptable once the meal has begun, and you want others to enjoy the dish before you.

4. Stand on the Right-hand Side – London (UK)

As the world's first underground railway system, London's Tube holds significant historical value and is always crowded with passengers. You'll be astounded by the sheer number of commuters on this mode of public transportation. Therefore, when ascending or descending escalators, it's best to stand on the right-hand side to avoid unnecessary collisions.

Londoners typically yield to busy or late travelers, and the left-hand lane of the escalator is reserved for these individuals.

​5. Be Mindful of Hand Gestures – Bali (Indonesia)

In this tourist paradise, you need to be extremely cautious when choosing swimwear as the locals are quite conservative and adhere to Islamic beliefs.

When communicating with locals, pay close attention to hand gestures. Using your index finger to point is considered extremely rude. Eating with your left hand is also considered impolite by the Balinese people.

6. Respect Local Customs – Paris (France)

The locals here highly value etiquette. If you wish to order an extra croissant, it's best to politely request it from the server. You should greet everyone beforehand, whether in a restaurant, hotel, or any store.

Even the baguettes in restaurants have certain rules. It's considered impolite to eat when the server has just brought it out; instead, leave it for the next course with cheese. Placing the bread on the tablecloth rather than on a plate also pleases Parisians more.

7. Offer Drinks to Others – Japan and South Korea

It would be a grave mistake to pour yourself a drink in Japan as offering drinks to others plays a significant role. Even if you're just socializing with a few friends, pouring more for yourself is considered impolite.

If you're the one opening the bottle, pour for everyone else first before yourself. They will greatly appreciate this gesture.

In South Korea, the custom of pouring drinks differs from Japan as you only need to offer drinks when accompanying those of higher status or seniority.

If they offer you a drink, use both hands and raise the glass to show respect. When the drink is poured, mimic the action of smelling it. This gesture is meant to show respect to the elderly, and many South Koreans highly regard this.

From Youth

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide