Michelle Reed
Travel Tips

6 embarrassing mistakes we make overseas

Part of the joy of travelling is experiencing a different culture, but sometimes we make a faux pas without realising.

Here are six mistakes we make overseas! Avoid these cultural faux pas and get home without causing an international incident!

1. Raising your arm to wave in Greece

While this seems like a friendly gesture in most Western cultures, in Greece this can be a very offensive gesture. So exhibit care when you're meeting and greeting.

2. Blowing your nose at the table in China

Big cold in little China? Well, if you have to blow your nose make sure you leave the table. In China, blowing your nose in public at all is generally considered a major faux pas.

3. Shaking hands at a doorway threshold in Russia

While this is considered a friendly gesture of greeting in most parts of the world, in Russia this act is considered extremely unlucky and won't make you any friends.

4. Accepting something with your left hand in a Hindu or Middle Eastern country

In many of these countries your left hand is considered your bathroom hand (the one you use for clean up after a trip to the toilet) so it goes without saying it is bad to accept something with it.

5. Wearing shoes indoors in an Asian country

In many Asian countries it’s considered respectful to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, as many people at cultures eat at low tables and sleep on futons.

6. Don’t wash your face in the bidet

Bidets haven’t really caught on in Australia, so many tourists have had to face a startling revelation after telling their friends and family they washed their face in the "really low sink" in their hotel room. 

Related links:

7 of the world’s best iconic public transport experiences

10 most amazing festivals in the world

The busiest pedestrian crossing in the world

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travel, mistakes, holiday, Travel tips, Culture