Travel & Culture: Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit

Travelling and exploring different cultures often means encountering customs and traditions that might seem unusual to outsiders. Understanding cultural attitudes helps you navigate social situations and avoid any unintentional offense.

From hands to feet, to the top of your head, there are numerous customs around the world you should have some knowledge of before you visit. Covering the soles of your feet when you visit a temple in Thailand, to knowing what countries you can legally visit a casino in, even if online platforms like Betinia are accessible.

Here are seven unique cultural customs from around the world that visitors should be aware of:

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7 Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit

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Big Buddha Phuket Thailand, Mueang Phuket, Thailand Photo by Abdullah Ali

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Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit #1

Showing the Soles of Your Feet

In many cultures, showing the bottom of your feet is considered rude or disrespectful. This is particularly true in countries across the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Africa. Here are some notable examples:

1. Thailand: Feet are considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body, so pointing your feet at people or religious objects is highly disrespectful. Additionally, placing feet on tables or chairs is frowned upon.

2. India: Similar to Thailand, feet are viewed as unclean. Pointing your feet at people, altars, or religious objects is seen as disrespectful. Touching books or any learning materials with your feet is also considered offensive.

3. Middle Eastern Countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt): Showing the soles of your feet to someone is highly disrespectful. In these cultures, feet are associated with impurity and showing the bottom of your feet can be seen as an insult.

4. Muslim-majority Countries: In many Islamic cultures, showing the bottom of your feet is considered disrespectful. This extends to the practice of sitting cross-legged in a way that exposes the soles of the feet.

5. Buddhist Countries (e.g., Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia): In countries with strong Buddhist traditions, feet are considered the least pure part of the body. Pointing your feet towards Buddha statues or other people is considered very disrespectful.

In these cultures, it’s important to be mindful of how you sit and position your feet, especially in social and religious settings.

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Mt.Fuji Japan Photo by Johannes Mändle

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Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit #2

Bowing as a Greeting

Bowing as a greeting is a significant cultural practice in several countries, particularly in Asia. Here are some examples:

1. Japan: Bowing is a deeply ingrained aspect of Japanese culture. It is used as a greeting, a way to show respect, gratitude, or apology. The depth and duration of the bow can vary depending on the situation and the relationship between the people involved.

2. South Korea: In South Korea, bowing is a common form of greeting and a way to show respect, especially to elders and superiors. It is also used during formal occasions and when expressing gratitude or apology.

3. China: While handshakes have become common, bowing is still used, particularly in more formal settings or among older generations. It’s also used in religious contexts and during traditional ceremonies.

4. Taiwan: Similar to China, bowing in Taiwan is used in formal and religious contexts. It is also common during greetings and as a sign of respect to elders.

5. Thailand: In Thailand, the traditional greeting is the “wai,” which involves a slight bow with palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. The height of the hands and the depth of the bow indicate the level of respect being shown.

6. Vietnam: Although not as prevalent as in Japan or Korea, bowing is still practiced in Vietnam, particularly when greeting elders or during formal occasions. It is often combined with a handshake in modern settings.

7. India: In India, a slight bow is sometimes used in conjunction with the traditional greeting “Namaste,” where hands are pressed together at the chest. This gesture conveys respect and reverence.

8. Cambodia: The traditional Cambodian greeting, called the “sampeah,” involves a slight bow with hands pressed together, similar to the Thai “wai.” The height of the hands and the depth of the bow indicate the level of respect.

These countries use bowing not only as a form of greeting but also as a way to show respect and humility in various social, religious, and formal contexts.

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Ladakh, India Photo by Milind Bedwa

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Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit #3

Eating with Hands

Eating with hands is a common practice in many cultures around the world. Here are some countries where eating with hands is traditional and culturally significant:

1. India: In India, eating with hands is a deeply rooted tradition. It’s believed that eating with hands enhances the dining experience by engaging all the senses. Typically, only the right hand is used for eating, as the left hand is considered unclean.

2. Ethiopia: Ethiopian cuisine often involves using injera, a type of flatbread, to scoop up various dishes and stews. This practice is communal, with everyone eating from the same platter, which fosters a sense of togetherness.

3. Morocco: In Morocco, it’s traditional to eat with the hands, especially when enjoying communal dishes like tagine. Diners use pieces of bread to scoop up food. The right hand is used, while the left hand is reserved for other tasks.

4. Middle Eastern Countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman): Eating with hands is common in many Middle Eastern countries. Dishes like kabsa and mezze are often eaten using bread or directly with the fingers. Again, the right hand is used for eating.

5. Philippines: In the Philippines, “kamayan” is the practice of eating with hands, which is traditional for feasts and special occasions. The food is often laid out on banana leaves, and diners use their hands to enjoy various dishes.

6. Indonesia: In many parts of Indonesia, eating with hands is customary. For example, in the island of Java, people often eat rice and side dishes with their hands, especially in rural areas.

7. Bangladesh: Similar to India, eating with hands is common in Bangladesh. It’s believed to enhance the taste of food, and only the right hand is used for eating.

8. Malaysia: In Malaysia, particularly among Malay and Indian communities, eating with hands is a common practice. Rice and other dishes are often eaten this way, with the right hand being used for eating.

9. Sri Lanka: In Sri Lanka, eating with hands is traditional, particularly for rice and curry dishes. The right hand is used to mix and eat the food, believed to enhance the flavor.

10. Nigeria: In Nigeria, many traditional meals such as pounded yam and egusi soup are eaten with hands. The food is often scooped with a small ball of dough, which is used to pick up the various dishes.

These practices not only reflect cultural traditions but also emphasize a communal and sensory approach to dining.

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Busan South Korea Photo by Noa Jung

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Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit #4

Respect for Age Hierarchy

Respect for age hierarchy is a significant aspect of many cultures around the world, where older individuals are given special respect and their opinions hold considerable weight. Here are some countries where age hierarchy is particularly important:

1. South Korea: Age hierarchy is deeply ingrained in South Korean culture. Respect for elders is a core value, influencing social interactions, language (honorifics are used), and behavior. Younger people are expected to bow to elders, offer them seats, and serve them first during meals.

2. Japan: In Japan, respect for elders is a fundamental part of social etiquette. This respect is reflected in various aspects of daily life, including language (honorifics), seating arrangements, and decision-making processes. Elders are often consulted for their wisdom and experience.

3. China: Chinese culture places a high value on filial piety, where respecting and caring for one’s elders is paramount. Age hierarchy influences family dynamics, social interactions, and even business practices. Elders are often given priority in decision-making and are treated with great respect.

4. India: Respect for elders is a cornerstone of Indian culture. Age hierarchy is evident in family structures, social interactions, and religious practices. Younger people are expected to seek the blessings of their elders, listen to their advice, and show them deference.

5. Thailand: Thai culture emphasizes respect for elders and seniority. Younger people show respect through gestures such as the “wai” (a traditional greeting), using polite language, and deferring to the opinions and decisions of older individuals.

6. Vietnam: In Vietnam, age hierarchy is a significant aspect of social structure. Elders are highly respected, and their opinions are valued in family and community matters. Younger individuals show respect through gestures, language, and behavior.

7. Philippines: Filipino culture places a strong emphasis on respect for elders, known as “paggalang.” This respect is shown through gestures like “mano” (a traditional gesture of respect), polite language, and deference to the authority and opinions of older family members.

8. Nigeria: In Nigerian culture, particularly among the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups, age hierarchy is deeply respected. Elders are consulted for their wisdom and guidance, and younger people show respect through greetings, language, and behavior.

9. Ghana: In Ghanaian culture, respect for elders is significant. Elders are seen as custodians of knowledge and tradition. Younger people are expected to show deference through greetings, listening to their advice, and prioritizing their comfort and needs.

10. Greece: In Greek culture, respect for elders is an important value. Elders are often seen as the head of the family, and their opinions and decisions are highly respected. Younger people in Greece show deference through language, behavior, and care for their well-being.

In these cultures, respecting age hierarchy is not just about social etiquette but also about honouring the experience, wisdom, and contributions of older individuals within the community.

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Sifnos, Greece Photo by Johnny Africa

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Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit #5

Gestures and Touching

Respecting personal space everywhere in the world is important but here are some gestures you should be aware of:

1. Greece – Avoiding “Ok” Hand Gesture: In Greece, the “OK” hand gesture (thumb and index finger forming a circle) is considered offensive. It’s better to use a thumbs-up or verbal affirmation instead. It is similarly seen as insulting in France, Italy and Turkey.

2. Thailand – Avoiding Touching the Head: In Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Touching someone’s head, even in a friendly manner, is considered disrespectful. Additionally, pointing feet towards people or religious objects is also seen as impolite.

3. Middle East – Using the Right Hand: In many Middle Eastern countries, the left hand is considered unclean as it is traditionally used for personal hygiene. Therefore, visitors should use their right hand for eating, shaking hands, and handing over items.

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Hobbit Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand Photo by Leo Bayard

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Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit #6

Greetings and Hospitality

In Ireland, a ‘hello’ ‘how are ya?’ and ‘would you like a cup of tea?’ are just some of the ways we greet each other and show we care, and we’re renowned for our hospitality … but did you know of these greetings and traditions …

1. New Zealand – Maori Greeting (Hongi): The Maori people of New Zealand greet each other with the “hongi,” a traditional gesture involving the pressing of noses and foreheads together. This act symbolises the exchange of breath and the sharing of the same life force.

2. Ethiopia – Gursha Tradition: In Ethiopia, it’s a sign of respect and affection to feed others by hand, known as “gursha.” This custom typically takes place during communal meals and is a gesture of hospitality and care.

3. Russia – Offering Bread and Salt: In Russia, offering bread and salt to guests is a traditional sign of hospitality and welcome. The bread represents wealth and abundance, while the salt symbolizes friendship and a long-lasting relationship.

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Qaisariah Market, Al Hafuf, Saudi Arabia Photo by Mohammed Alyousif

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Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit #7

Don’t Wager on the Law

Gambling is forbidden or heavily restricted in several countries around the world, often due to religious, cultural, or social reasons. These countries have strict regulations and penalties in place to enforce the ban on gambling. So before you pack your bags, research the local laws of your destination. Online platforms like Betinia might offer an array of games accessible from anywhere in the world. However some countries may have stricter regulations or limitations on specific types of gambling.

Did you know The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco appeared in James Bond movies ‘Never Say Never Again‘ and ‘GoldenEye’? How about the fact that locals in Monaco are forbidden from entering casinos?

So before you pack your bags and plan on placing your first bet (whether online with Betinia or at a physical casino). Here are some countries where gambling is either completely banned or significantly restricted:

1. Saudi Arabia: Gambling is strictly prohibited under Islamic law, which the country follows rigorously. All forms of gambling, including casinos, sports betting, and lotteries, are illegal.

2. United Arab Emirates: Gambling is banned in the UAE. The country adheres to Islamic principles, which prohibit gambling. There are no casinos, and online gambling is also illegal.

3. Qatar: Like other Gulf countries, Qatar prohibits all forms of gambling under Islamic law. The country does not allow any gambling establishments.

4. Brunei: In Brunei, gambling is illegal due to Islamic law. The country has strict laws against any form of gambling, including casinos.

5. North Korea: Gambling is illegal for North Korean citizens, both domestically and abroad. There are some casinos in North Korea, but they are exclusively for foreign tourists.

6. Somalia: Gambling is prohibited in Somalia under Islamic law. The country does not have any legal gambling establishments.

7. Afghanistan: Gambling is banned in Afghanistan due to Islamic principles. There are no legal casinos or betting shops.

8. Indonesia: Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, bans all forms of gambling. While illegal gambling operations exist, they are subject to strict penalties if caught.

9. Iran: Gambling is strictly prohibited in Iran under Islamic law. The country does not allow any gambling establishments.

10. Kuwait: Gambling is illegal in Kuwait, adhering to Islamic law. There are no casinos or other gambling establishments, and online gambling like Betinia is also restricted.

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Understanding and respecting these customs can enrich the travel experience and foster positive interactions with locals.

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Feature Photo:  Osaka, Japan by Alex Ding

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PIN: 7 Customs From Around the World to Know Before You Visit

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