Travel etiquette: 10 common gestures considered rude in other countries
Which common tourist gestures can cause offense in other countries (photo: Freepik)
Traveling is not just about visiting new cities and trying new cuisine, it’s also about learning cultural rules. What is normal or even friendly in Ukraine can be perceived as rude or offensive in some countries.
RBC-Ukraine shares 10 gestures tourists should be careful with to avoid awkward situations.
Showing the “OK” sign with fingers
The classic gesture where the thumb and index finger form a circle usually means all is well.
But:
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In Brazil, it can be a rude insult
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In Turkey, it implies humiliation
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In some Southern European countries, it’s a vulgar gesture
It’s better to just say it with words.
Thumbs up
For most people, this is a sign of approval. But in some countries in the Middle East and South Asia, it is considered offensive, similar to showing the middle finger.
Beckoning someone with a finger
In Europe or Ukraine, this gesture is used to call someone over.
However:
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In the Philippines, it’s only used to call dogs
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In Japan, it can seem disrespectful
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In China, it is considered rude
It’s better to beckon with the hand palm down.
Showing the sole of your shoe
In many Middle Eastern countries, this is considered a serious insult. Even casually crossing your legs and showing the shoe sole can be seen as disrespectful.
Touching someone’s head
In Southeast Asian countries, especially Thailand, the head is considered sacred. Even gently patting a child’s head may be seen as disrespectful.
Crossing fingers
In many countries, this is a sign of luck. But in Vietnam, it is considered rude because it resembles an intimate symbol.
Pointing at someone with a finger
In many cultures, this looks aggressive or rude. In Asian countries, people usually point:
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With the whole hand
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Or with a gentle motion of the palm
Hands in pockets while talking
For tourists, this is a common pose. But in some European and Asian countries, it may appear as:
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Indifference
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Disrespect
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Unwillingness to listen
Crossing fingers behind your back
In many cultures, this means “for luck.” But in some countries, it can be interpreted as a sign of lying or insincerity.
Making the “horns” gesture
When a person raises the pinky and index finger, it means different things in different countries:
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In Italy, it can hint at infidelity
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In some European countries, it’s an insult
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In other cultures, it’s simply a rock music symbol
Why this matters for tourists
Cultural nuances sometimes affect travel more than knowing the language. One careless gesture can spoil a conversation or create an awkward situation.
Experienced travelers recommend learning at least a few cultural traits of a country before visiting—it helps avoid misunderstandings and shows respect for local traditions.
