That’s Offensive, Somewhere

"Thumbs up!" means "good', right? Not necessarily.

While traveling around the world can be an amazing experience, we all have to face it, we are representatives of our country. I mean, one false move and you could be labeled an "ugly American." But believe it or not, even if you’re on your best behavior you may be insulting people in your host country without even knowing it.

In fact,  some seemingly innocent moves on your part could be completely offensive where you’re traveling.  For example, did you know that in Australia and New Zealand, sitting alone in the back of a cab can be seen as totally snobby.  Most drivers prefer you sit up front so it doesn’t seem like they’re your chauffeur. (even though technically they are).

Here are some tips to use next time your traveling, to avoid offending:

Left Isn’t Best –  In countries like India, Africa and the Middle East, using your left hand for things like handshakes or touching food is considered disgusting since it’s the hands used for various sanitary activities.

When A Tip Is Not A Compliment – In some European countries tips are included in your meal, while most of us may throw in some extra dollars to be nice. Well, in Japan, any form of a tip can be taken as an insult.

Know the Signs – While holding up the peace sign in America is a loving symbol, in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand it’s considered an obscene gesture, similar to holding up your middle finger. Meanwhile, the A-OK sign can mean “a-hole” in Germany and Brazil, and can also be seen in a negative light in France, Venezuela and Turkey.  Same thing for giving the thumbs up. It  has a negative connotation in West Africa, South America, Iran, Sardinia, Israel, Thailand, Afghanistan, Italy, and Greece.

Exposing Your Sole –Men should be careful when crossing their legs in the Middle East. Exposing the sole of your shoe is considered offensive in Arab cultures, which consider the bottom of your shoes dirty.

Fingers Crossed – In Vietnam crossing your fingers is said to resemble a part of the female anatomy and is considered a vulgar gesture.