Shake Hands / Hug / Bow / Kiss Hello?

I'm about to state the obvious: Different countries have different customs. We all knew that. But how many faux pas are you making unknowingly?

Here are a few cultural blunders I've seen people make lately:

China
When putting chopsticks down, never place them upright in a bowl of food. It makes the chopsticks look like the incense sticks that you use when paying respects to the gods and is considered very rude.

Europe
Take off your gloves before shaking hands unless you are a woman wearing indoor gloves as a fashion statement - it's considered rude not to. I actually made this mistake a few weeks ago when meeting a Russian friend (we were outside and I forgot to take them off). Oops.

Japan
It doesn't matter how sniffly you are, do not blow your nose into a handkerchief. The Japanese call snot "hanakuso" which literally means "nose shit" so the idea of walking around with a cloth full of it is repulsive.

Africa and India
The left hand is considered the dirty hand, so when you eat you should use only your right hand.

India
Though it's polite and customary in North America to thank your host(s) at the end of a meal, it's considered impolite to do so in India. "Thank You" can be seen as a form of payment and may insult your host(s).

Asia in General
Never point your feet or show the soles of your shoes to anyone because feet are considered unclean and to do so is a sign of disrespect.

Have you noticed anyone commit a cultural faux pas lately?


Anny Chih
Picture taken from http://justhungry.com