22 Gaffes You May Commit Abroad
Why don’t the French like to speak English? What will upset a Kenyan and in which country will you go to jail for insulting the royal family?
Some of our behaviour is considered rude, inappropriate or offensive in a particular culture or society. Find out more about the customs of the countries you want to visit this holiday and you will save yourself many inappropriate situations, social mishaps and gaffes.
Argentina: don’t refuse to drink yerba mate, but don’t drink this tea alone either. Both behaviours are unwelcome there.
China: avoid looking into someone’s eyes for too long, invading their personal space, or getting too familiar — Middle Easterners can be embarrassed.
Colombia: men glare at and call out for women, but this does not mean that they do not respect the ladies. On the contrary, this is how they express their admiration. It can therefore be a misunderstanding to react too violently to such taunts.
France: when visiting this country, try not to speak English. This does not mean that its inhabitants consider this…
