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Press Release

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

22nd February 2008

Tourists can avoid social gaffes when abroad by checking out local customs and traditions before they travel, says a new report from Holiday Which?

A number of things that are seen as perfectly acceptable in the UK could be seen as an insult or misinterpreted abroad - even something as simple as eating fruit on the underground can be illegal.

  • In Egypt, travellers should not expose the soles of their feet; this is seen as an insult.
  • Chewing gum in Singapore could lead to a fine, and eating the notoriously smelly durian fruit on their public train system is illegal.
  • In Nepal, taking photographs of local people is a no no - they believe it takes their spirit away.
  • To signal the end of a meal in China, diners should balance chopsticks together on the side of the bowl - placing them vertically in the bowl is only done for offerings to the deceased.
  • In Finland, bread and shrimp are the only foods not eaten with a knife and fork.
  • If someone tells you they like your shirt in Venezuela, it’s customary to give it to them.

Lorna Cowan, Editor of Holiday Which?, says:

“Although tourists might be conscious of watching what they say and do when they’re on holiday, sometimes there are customs and etiquettes that would be impossible to guess at unless you knew. Depending on where you are, something as simple as eating dinner with the wrong hand or drinking cappuccino after breakfast can be seen as a terrible faux pas.

“If in doubt, make sure you read up on local customs before you travel, or observe how the locals behave. As the old adage goes – when in Rome, do as the Romans do!”



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