Posted 31 Dec 2009

Gestures that westerners may assume mean the same to everyone can sometimes indicate the opposite during a gap year abroad, one news provider has pointed out.

MSN has offered some advice as to which gestures may provoke the opposite response than the one desired when in a different country – starting with a shake of the head.

In India, doing this means neither yes or no and will leave rickshaw drivers, street sellers and others waiting for a more solid answer, the website stated.

Meanwhile, pointing your soles in anyone’s general direction is "a serious affront in Muslim countries", it added.

Additionally, "In Buddhist countries, such as Thailand, sitting with your feet pointed in the direction of a Buddha statue is a no-no," MSN advised.
At the other end of the spectrum, slurping noodles in Japan is perfectly acceptable, as is using a toothpick at the table after a meal.

Earlier this year, tourism-review.com also advised gap year travellers visiting Buddhist countries – such as Thailand and Japan – not to touch people’s heads, as they are considered to be the "seat of the soul".

Category: General Travel