Certain gestures and actions may be rude in some places and cordial in others, and their meanings vary from one country to the next.

Politeness: Europe vs. Asia

Considéred impolite in Europe, spitting is completely normal in China, just as eating with your fingers is in India.

Conversely, gestures that Europeans find inoffensive, such as kissing and hugging in public, are unacceptable in India or in Turkey.

Handy tips

You only need to raise a hand and spread out your fingers to insult a Greek. In Iran, holding up a thumb is a particularly rude gesture. So, be careful!

Watch the head

In Thailand, make sure you don't touch another person's head, particularly that of a child. While doing so is a friendly gesture in some countries, it is particularly shocking in Asia.