Country etiquette tips for travellers

- Asia: No left hand eating in the whole of Asia. And no shaking hands or touching money with it either. It's for going to the toilet with. (EWWWWW!). - Asia: don't pat children on the head anywhere in Asia. It is where their soul is meant to be and they get offended if you dirty it up. Jenny Claxton

- Thailand: don't show the soles of your feet. Also don't pat any one on the head... it sounds weird but apparently the top of the head, inhabited by the Khwan or spirit essence, is the most important part of the body and the feet are the least important and dirtiest part. - Thailand: Thai people have a lot of respect for their King (although apparently he is no longer offically "sacred"...). If you drop some money make sure you don't stand on it before picking it up... The King's head combined with your foot is big no no!! *Devros*

- Asia: ladies must keep their hands off monks, no touching at all! - Malaysia: if you are in Malaysia for god's sake cover up! We came over the border from Thailand, stepped off the bus in Kota Buru and were stared at like prostitutes, not a nice experience! Long trousers and sleeves even in the heat. - Thailand: if you are in the cinema in Thailand and a film of the King comes on first, stand up. We just copied everyone else! All we wanted to do was watch Charlie’s Angels. Josie*

- New Zealand: don't sit on a table in New Zealand. It offends some Maori's because it is the eating place. - Fiji: In Fiji, men should sit cross-legged in a bure and woman with their legs to one side and always take a gift if you are invited to a local village to present to the chief (get your guide to advise). Susieannah

- Greece: in Greece, don't mimic the pose of statues - this is offensive and seen as having a disregard for the Greek Gods. Also, in most places of historical interest in Greece, cover up your shoulders as it is offensive if they are bare. This goes for males and females! Kris Robertson

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