What is normal at home may be unusual or strange in another country, and vice versa. What's different and how to avoid problems.
45
votes
7answers
2k views
Tactics to avoid getting harassed by corrupt police
In Uzbekistan I was stopped, searched and questioned six times in one day.
At the border with Tajikistan, one official tried hiding my paperwork to elicit something from me.
In Kyrgyzstan, I was ...
117
votes
8answers
12k views
OK we're all adults here, so really, how on earth should I use a squat toilet?
OK so for anyone that's travelled beyond North America and Western Europe you know what I'm talking about.
Left: Romania, last year. Right: Turkey, last night.
They start popping up in the Balkans ...
30
votes
6answers
1k views
Japanese etiquette: Most common (and offensive) mistakes?
I am aware that Japan has many unwritten rules of etiquette. What are some of the most common (and offensive) breaches of etiquette made by visitors?
On the flip side, what behaviors show respect ...
18
votes
3answers
665 views
OK we're all nerds here, so really, how on earth should I use a Japanese toilet?
OK so for anyone that's travelled to Japan you know what I'm talking about.
They're devices that are a textbook example of excessive featuritis.
But I want to use something other than the flush knob ...
15
votes
4answers
299 views
Does one tip in the US/Canada for bad service?
In Aus/NZ you don't tip, it's not generally part of the culture.
In the US/Canada you seem to tip for almost everything, but it's meant to be for a good job. However I've also found some workers ...
13
votes
7answers
1k views
Are there any man-only places in the world?
I know it is forbidden to enter to Muslim's mosques/shrines without proper Islamic cover or having your shoes during walking through temples/tombs/shrines in India and some other Hindu countries or ...
21
votes
6answers
1k views
How to avoid suspicious looks when you are in the Western side of the world
Being an Arab with Arabian looks, after September 11 things have changed dramatically when Arabs or people with similar looks (Indians, Pakistanis, Turkish, Kurdish, Iranians...etc) go to the west ...
28
votes
3answers
2k views
I have a tattoo. Can I visit a public swimming pool in Japan?
A friend of mine is currently traveling in Japan. She has a small tattoo on her neck. Now she wanted to visit a public swimming pool but was denied entry.
It was difficult to understand the reason ...
20
votes
2answers
670 views
Vomitorium: Only common in the German-speaking world?
The first time I saw something like this in a Swiss Restaurant in Zurich I was really confused. What should it be used for?
(photo by TheoPB, available under CC-by-sa)
Then I was told that you ...
9
votes
1answer
230 views
Exchanging business cards in Japan
In Hong Kong (and I believe other parts of China as well), one offers his business card by holding it with both hands with the text unobscured and oriented so that the other person can read it. After ...
18
votes
2answers
747 views
Dealing with the 'unclean hand' when travelling (if you're left-handed)
"Among Muslims, the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene and
considered unclean. Thus, the right hand should be used for eating.
Shaking hands or handing over an item with one's left hand ...
16
votes
3answers
377 views
In which cultural regions is taking pictures of people considered offensive?
I have the impression that in Muslim countries taking pictures of people is often not welcome. On the other hand there are other countries where people really enjoy it (and also sometimes expect some ...
15
votes
3answers
314 views
References for tipping etiquette in different countries? [closed]
Where can I find information about tipping etiquette in different countries? I'm hoping for a comprehensive database so I don't have to ask about the countries one by one here.
5
votes
1answer
207 views
Tipping etiquette in different countries [closed]
What are the tipping etiquette in different countries? How much tip should I give to a waiter/waitress?
15
votes
3answers
698 views
Will I get in trouble if I drink beer in public in Dubai?
As far as I know, Dubai is a Muslim country. And as far as I know, it is forbidden to drink alcohol in Muslim countries. Is this also true for Dubai and tourists?
So as a tourist can I drink alcohol ...
10
votes
5answers
359 views
Avoiding or minimising altitude sickness
From my personal anecdotal experience, I've seen firsthand some horror stories with altitude sickness. I will always tell people now to acclimatise, drink fluids, and follow the local tricks like ...
10
votes
4answers
413 views
Are there any standard clothing restrictions when visiting mosques?
I know from visiting many catholic churches that many require knees and shoulders to be covered, so dressing appropriately is essential for hassle-free travel. Are there similar rules that might apply ...
5
votes
1answer
261 views
Male nerd here, how on earth can I listen to an “otohime” / “sound princess”?
The other day, I read about "otohime", also known as "sound princess":
Many Japanese women are embarrassed at the thought of being heard by
others during urination (see paruresis). To cover the ...
