In Thailand, Laos, and much of mainland South-East Asia, feet are considered “low” and dirty. So you need to remove your shoes to enter a house (and put them on again when you leave, rather than dirtying the next house you visit with your grubby feet). And never, ever point your feet at anyone… (Here’s more on the finer points of feet etiquette in Thailand.)

2: Have The Wrong Tattoo in the Wrong Place

Like Hindu/Buddhist symbols? Be careful where you tattoo them if you’re planning on visiting places where people practise Hinduism. That funky little Om tat on your ankle can cause immense offence to observant Hindus: it’s as offensive as tattooing it on your butt, and a hell of a lot more visible. Cover it up, or feel the wrath of villagers.

3: Pat A Child (Or Anyone Else) On The Head

Remember the bit in Gran Torino where Clint Eastwood’s character pats the little Hmong child on the head and the entire room goes silent but for a volley of abuse from grandma? Touching someone on the head is taboo in many South-East Asian cultures, most obviously in Thailand and Laos. Don’t do it. To children or to adults.

4: Beckon with an Upturned Hand

In Bali, and many other parts of Indonesia, the classic European sign for beckoning – with the upturned palm — is offensive. Beckon with palm downwards, not upwards.

5: Take Offence at Spitting, Swastikas or Staring

In Hindu cultures within Asia, the ancient symbol of the Swastika remains a sign of blessing, untouched by the use the Nazis made of it. Anywhere where folk chew betel, and plenty of places where they don’t, spitting is, well, just part of life. As is staring. In most small towns and villages in Asia, you can expect a curious audience. (Not to mention the odd bit of mobile phone photography.

6: Refuse to Answer a Personal Question

“Where is your husband?” “How old are you?” “Why don’t you have a husband?” All of these are perfectly acceptable gambits within the first couple of minutes of a conversation all over Asia. Refusing to answer them, or ducking the question, presents as rude and unfriendly.

What cultural challenges have you faced in your travels? And what’s the worst thing you’ve done to cause offence? Drop me a comment and let me know.

The post The Sunday Six: Ways To Offend The Locals in Asia appeared first on EscapeArtistes.