32 WEIRD CUSTOMS, LAWS, AND GESTURES WORLDWIDE
32 WEIRD CUSTOMS, LAWS, AND GESTURES WORLDWIDE
Many countries have what some people may term weird customs, laws, and or gestures. Depending on where you are from, they might seem somewhat quirky, frown upon, and or punishable offenses. Additionally, some travellers are unaware of most and can end up in uncomfortable situations. Therefore, I am sharing 32 weird customs, laws, and gestures worldwide, which stood out most from some of the countries I have visited. Consequently, they may probably help you to avoid sticky situations when travelling around the world.
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32 Weird Customs, Laws, and Gestures Worldwide
- Crossing your finger signifies hope or good luck. Notwithstanding, in Vietnam, it doesn’t. When flashed, it is rather impolite because it represents the female anatomy.
- In the Philippines, the cute curled one-finger call or gesture is offensive and reserved for calling dogs/animals. Additionally, in Singapore, the motion signifies death.
- Singapore is a super clean country and has strict laws when it comes to littering. Others like smoking or chewing gum in Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) comes with a fine.
- This one is a bit confusing for many, I am sure. In Bulgaria, shaking your head sideways means yes or in agreement (for us, it means no). Whereas in the opposite direction, up and down (nodding) means no or not in agreement (yes for us). Weird right!?
- The “A-okay,” Peace sign, and Thumbs up symbols are disrespectful or provocative in some countries. Coincidentally, so is the Three fingers salute.
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- In some countries, especially Asian countries, do not touch the top of anyone’s head. It is the most sacred part of the body. Furthermore, it is extremely inappropriate to pat it.
- I have never been to Thailand. However. my friend in Thailand relayed that it is illegal to step on Thai money because the Thai royal family is on it. Moreover, defacing any image of the royal family can cause imprisonment.
- When visiting Russia, don’t ask/talk about politics (especially with the older folks). Also, do not criticize the Soviet Union nor the President whether he is loved or not.
- If someone invites you to their home, be sure to know in advance the shoe/foot etiquette. That is because, in some Asian cultures, it is respectful to enter their homes without your shoes. Nevertheless, in others, it is quite the opposite. It is a sign of disrespect to uncover the lowest part of your body, (the sole of your feet) in their homes.
- In almost all the Caribbean islands (except for Bonaire) swearing/profanities (meaning the “F” word) is illegal. You can receive a fine and or serve jail time for doing so.
So, leave your “cussing” at home, or you will face arrest, like 50 Cents was, after cursing on stage, in St. Kitts some years ago.
32 Weird Customs, Laws, and Gestures Worldwide cont.
- When visiting Germany, DO NOT MENTION THE WORD NAZI. Also, do not carry a Nazi symbol on you because it is an arrestable offense.
Regarding this issue, I recently read an article about the arrest of a female traveller at a German airport, who referred to a T.S.A. Officer as a Nazi.
She became irate because of the seizure of a personal item she had in her luggage. Even I have had an episode of a different issue with a T.S.A. Officer at a German airport. See my article Search or Sex at Frankfurt, Airport. So, be on your best behaviour in these airports.
- Avoid using your left hand even if you are a left-hander in some Asian, African, and Middle-Eastern countries. It is impolite to do anything with your left hand because, in their culture/countries, it’s for cleaning the toilets and oneself. Mmmm wow!!
- It is inappropriate to sit next to the opposite sex on public transport, restaurants, etc., in some cultures and countries, unless, of course, you are married.
I remember sitting next to a man from Algeria (as I later found out) on the ferry in Istanbul. As soon as I sat, he got up immediately as though the seat was on fire.
A lady then sat in his place and explained the reason for his actions. The point being, do not be too quick to jump to any conclusions or feel offended if this happens to you.
Remember people travel with their cultures and beliefs as well.
- Leave your camouflage at home when visiting some Caribbean countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, among others. It is illegal to wear camouflage.
Whether they are pink, green, grey, or any other colour, they are illegal if they are camouflage. Therefore, it will be seized and confiscated (whether you are wearing it or not). It applies to all, old, young, males/females, and even babies.
Therefore, leave camouflage in your country before travelling. So, to avoid taking it off in public.
- In some jurisdictions, necking and kissing in public is an offense that can cause you to spend time in jail. Holding hands is frown upon as well.
32 Weird Customs, Laws, and Gestures Worldwide cont.
- Clinking glass around the world is normal when drinking and celebrating. However, in Hungary, no one clinks their glasses. It is offensive because legend has it that there are some dark and unhappy memories attached to this act.
The reason for this goes back to the 1848 revolution with the execution of some captured Hungarian leaders. The Austrians celebrated this with the clinking of their beers. Hungarians vowed not to cheer or click glasses for over 150 years.
Despite this, I don’t think they will be angry at a foreigner for doing this, but avoid doing so if you can, as a sign of respect. In any case, I think the tradition might be dying with the younger generation.
- In countries like the Vatican City, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and many others, there is a dress code, especially for ladies. Dress appropriately and avoid revealing clothes. Keep your skirts below your knees and shoulders covered.
Point to note: When I was in the U.A.E. I wore tank tops and strapless (with no problem) but never any clothing above the knees). The rules are relaxed to an extent, but it is still unacceptable to wear skimpy, low-cut, revealing, and super-tight outfits.
- In many countries and especially Egypt, if someone invites you to their home for a meal, do not add salt or seasoning to your meal. It is unmannerly and indicates to the host that their food is repulsive.
The funny thing is I always like sprinkling extra salt on my meals, and I always travel with pepper sauce for the many bland foods I purchase. So, imagine me drenching my food with hot sauce,…lol.
- Don’t give yellow flowers to anyone in Russia because it symbolizes deceit, break-ups, or betrayal. Red carnations identify with graveyards and bad omens as well. Added to this, in Mexico, they use red roses on graves, and so it is a no-no. Take note that in China, all cut flowers are for the cemetery.
So, for the Casanovas who are visiting any of these countries. Take note, if you meet a lady you like, be sure not to give her these colour flowers. If in doubt, then surprise her instead with chocolates.
- Avoid the hand signal of the devil’s horn, which is the index and little finger up and the others down. For you, it may be the “rock on” sign, but in many cultures and countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, and others, it is an insult. Moreover, it also signifies infidelity, (meaning a husband is getting “horned” by his wife).
I will curtail all hand signals when travelling to avoid soliciting or offending anyone.
32 Weird Customs, Laws, and Gestures Worldwide cont.
- In France, avoid hugging people you don’t know, instead share a kiss…mmm. Hugging is more intimate than kissing, it seems.
- In some countries, your host expects you to eat every crumb on your plate. Without a doubt, they interpret this to mean that their food was delicious and takes it as a compliment.
However, in China and other Middle-Eastern countries, it is a good idea to leave a little food on the plate. If you clean the plate, the host may interpret this as though they did not provide you with enough food. Nonetheless, in other countries, it is a sign of good manners to leave a little food on the plate, so you do not appear greedy.
- Want to please your host in some Asian countries like China? Then, burping loudly after a meal is advisable, as it indicates the appreciation and enjoyment of the meal. So, try to compliment your host by burping loud and proud. (Take note, in Japan it is bad manners and rather tacky to do this).
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- It has an 9-in-1 functionality: The Ninja Air fries, Air roasts, Air broils, Bakes, Dehydrates, and keep warm all in one appliance.
- Additionally it takes up 50% less space when you flip it up and away to store against your backsplash.
- Are you thinking of flushing your toilet paper in some countries? Well, it’s a no-no in some European countries because the plumbing design does not facilitate the flushing TP.
This one is seriously off for me. I once nearly booked a hotel that did not allow this. Instead, they had a bin in the room dedicated to the soiled toilet paper. Ewww… not for me (thanks to TripAdvisor’s reviews, I was able to avoid booking this hotel).
- It is not a good idea to sprinkle Parmesan cheese on every dish especially, seafood and Pizza when dining in Italy. Parmesan cheese is unacceptable for risotto and pasta dishes. That will definitely offend your host.
- Many countries prohibit public sex. In the United Arab Emirates, it is intolerable, and it is the fastest way to imprison and deport you. That applies to married couples as well.
- Pointing with your index finger can be offensive in countries like Malaysia. It is more polite to gesture with your thumb.
- In some Asian countries, chewing with your mouth open, slurping, and smacking your mouth and food is a sign of appreciation and enjoyment of your food.
- When in Italy, do not order Cappuccino with lunch or after dinner. It is almost a culinary crime. Cappuccino is solely a breakfast drink.
- Drinking alcohol in public or having an open bottle in your car is a crime in many countries. In many Islamic countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, drinking alcohol in public is also an offense. Added to this, you are not allowed to bring alcohol into Qatar.
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- Many Islamic countries prohibit same-sex relations. So, if you are so inclined, it is best to vacation elsewhere. It is for these reasons that it is always wise to research a country before visiting.
- In Qatar, unmarried couples are not allowed to stay together in the same room at any hotel. Married couples must show proof of marriage upon request. In the U.A.E., this once strict law is a bit more relaxed, and unmarried couples can stay together. For more about Doha, Qatar, and my review of it, click here.
The Takeaway
It is highly impossible to know all the weird customs, laws, and gestures worldwide that might be deemed inappropriate and or illegal. Consequently, it could be an oversight not knowing the main/relevant ones in the countries you visit. More than likely, when planning your vacation, you are sure to come across a few through research.
Therefore, take note of the 32 weird customs, laws, and gestures worldwide that can help you fit in with the locals or avoid any embarrassing moments. We don’t have to accept them all, but compliance with those that can get you a fine is for your benefit. Remember, as a traveller, ignorance of the law is no excuse. So, now you have pertinent information, Be sure to take note on your next vacation. Enjoy.
Please share some of the quirky customs, laws, and gestures in your country. I would love to hear about them.
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