When in Rome . . . or France . . . or China
Worldwide travel can be exciting and enriching, but getting to grips with local customs and trying not to inadvertently offend is sometimes daunting. Most Romans will forgive the early arrival of a dinner guest even though it’s deemed rude and some Germans will even overlook a limp handshake.
But a Russian waiter could be very insulted by a tip as large as 20%! It’s therefore wise for tourists to learn about local traditions – before they arrive in a new country - to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb and leading online travel insurance provider, insurewithease.com is offering a useful guide to blending in with the locals, ahead of the long Easter break.
“The old adage, ‘When in Rome’ is a good one for travellers to remember as they set off for their spring getaway,” says Sarah Findlay, Marketing Manager at insurewithease.com. “It would be a mistake to think that it’s only destinations outside Europe that need research into local customs. Whether it’s how much to tip or restaurant etiquette, sometimes even the closest destinations can trip us up.”
In France and Spain, almost everything closes for around three hours for lunch or siesta, which includes tourist attractions. And if you don’t eat lunch during these hours you may find most restaurants closed after 3pm, leaving you hungry and tired.
Italy may be the country of ‘amore’, but when it comes to visiting the Vatican City, it’s time to cover up, rather than drift around in skimpy shorts and flirtatious skirts.
Last summer, new rules were introduced, requiring men visiting the Vatican City to wear t-shirts and shirts with sleeves and long trousers. Women should have their shoulders covered and wear a skirt that falls below the knee.
“Part of going on holiday includes embracing the customs and traditions of the country you are visiting” continued Sarah Findlay. “But we wanted to remind travellers to find out as much as they can about their holiday destination before they go. Muslim countries, including Turkey and Malaysia have strict traditions, so it’s important to find out about the most appropriate clothes to pack.
“We also advise travellers to check they have the right visas, jabs and travel insurance cover, no matter where they are going. That way they can concentrate on enjoying the trip, and avoid any nasty surprises.”
LOCAL CUSTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR
• In Brazil: Avoid giving anything purple or black as these are mourning colours.
• In the Netherlands: People greet one another by kissing on the cheek three times.
• In Italy: Avoid arriving early for a dinner party as this is considered rude.
• In China: The Chinese believe that statues in the temples are ‘allergic’ to camera flashes and their images
are not supposed to be captured.
• In the Middle East: generally in Muslim countries it is best to dress modestly and avoid consuming alcohol
outside in public places.
• In mosques: Remove your shoes and perform ablutions by washing hands, face and neck. Women should cover
their head.
• In Japan: Never stick chopsticks into a bowl of rice, as it is a symbol of death
• In India: Always eat food with your right hand, never your left.
• In Quatar: Homosexual behaviour is illegal. The import of religious books and pork into Quatar is illegal,
as is drinking alcohol or being drunk in public.
• In Thailand: Never touch another person’s head and never point your feet at anyone. Also, the king is
highly respected, so never joke about the monarchy as we may do in the UK.
• In Russia: Only tip up to 15% to avoid embarrassing your waiter.
Tips sourced from fco.gov.uk/en/ and kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette