You shouldn’t do that in Japan, America, or Eastern countries

Berlin. Finally back on the road, immersed in foreign cultures and relaxing: the summer of 2022 is once again a real summer of travel. But beware! What is unworthy of mention in this country may be irritating elsewhere. A selection of quick mistakes we make when abroad:

Shake hands or kiss? Hug or bow? Or a small nod? There is a huge selection and it is difficult to make wrong decisions when congratulating.

A handshake to say hello isn’t always the best on vacation

A wonderful example of this”Shaking the bow‘ Then US President Barack Obama: During his first meeting with the Japanese emperor in 2009, he extended his right hand to shake hands and bowed at the same time – a real faux pas, the emperor admitted with a smile.

Germans are known abroad for their “bone-breaking” handshakes. Only: You don’t leave a good impression about it, but at great pressure points on the other person.

These gestures can be misinterpreted while traveling

In many countries, excessive gestures are not only considered somewhat rude, but they are often misunderstood. In Germany and the US the “thumbs up” gesture means “up”, but in various oriental countries it is a vulgar “verbis dich” (which is still a good word) and who knows, in Israel it applies as a sign of adultery. ?

Or is the cutthroat gesture translated as “drunk” in Poland and Russia? These are just two examples of many situations where gestures can lead to misunderstandings.

Be careful with thoughtless gestures: We use three harmless hand signals, but they can irritate people in other countries.

© Source: Bernd Diekjobst/dpa-tmn

Mistakes in tipping: These are the mistakes travelers should avoid

The German ten percent rule is valid in many countries, but not everywhere. In America For example, if employees are dependent on tips, it is more than double.

In other countries, such as Singapore or Japan, tips are not customary and simply not accepted because good service is taken for granted. If a tip is given to support the employee, wrong is right. It’s better: carefully leave it on the table after paying.

In the US, tipping is slightly more permissible.

© Source: Jens Kalaene/dpa-tmn

Be careful when going to the toilet: Be aware of this when abroad

There are similar requirements internationally. But this does not apply to their implementation: why is there a bucket in the corner of the toilet in Thailand? For toilet paper, of course. Failure to use it can result in embarrassing flooding.

What if a public toilet does not have a locking device? Knock before entering and of course, don’t force entry.

One of the most beautiful mistakes in the world is Japanese toilet slippers, for example waiting in front of the toilet in a restaurant. You wear them – the name says it all – in the toilet for hygienic reasons, only there. Of course, Western visitors forget to exchange them for regular shoes and lean on the table with them, much to the chagrin of Japanese guests.

Said toilet shoe wearer probably also had a big stain on his pants because he grabbed the butt shower button while looking for a flush (hint: Japanese labelling!).

Be sure to take off your clothes before returning to the table: In Japan, toilet shoes are common in restaurants.

© Source: Dennis M. Sabangan/epa/dpa-tmn

German Punctuality – Where It’s Wanted and Where It’s Not

Met nice people and got invited to a party abroad? Good! Now it’s time to find the perfect arrival time. If you show up on time in Brazil or India, there’s a good chance you’ll catch hosts with fine-rib undershirts or hair curlers — and then sit alone for a while. Because a delay of up to an hour is standard.

Once you’ve learned this lesson, apply it to dinner invitations in Sweden or Switzerland, however, with cold food and touchy hosts. It is wise to inquire beforehand how the term “timely” is interpreted locally.

Gossiping in German on vacation? D is not the opposite

Of course it’s fun to talk about experiences in a vacation country. Or to gossip about a round if things don’t always go smoothly. But what most German travelers ruthlessly underestimate is the number of people learning German abroad – so understand that.

In Italy, Belgium or Holland, people may be reluctant to use complicated German grammar. But that doesn’t mean that radical ideas about the country and its people aren’t understood. Contrary to all prejudices, even in France there are plenty of people who have a solid basic knowledge of German as a foreign language.

Be careful on your hands and feet in Asia

Did you quickly grab change from your pocket with your left hand and pay for it? In the East and in India it is a faux pas, the left hand being considered impure here. Logically, the left hand is not used at the table either.

In Thailand, even Buddha statues are not to be given to anyone Bare feet Stretch – and better not stop fluttering a banknote with a bold kick. Since it depicts a king, it can be considered an insult to majesty.

RND/dpa