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Cultural considerations in Asia

Travel is full of wonderful new experiences, and soaking up new cultures is just one of those enriching new experiences.

Cultural differences make travelling exciting. If you got through the airport in China and saw everyone wearing the same clothes and doing the same things as at home, you’d want your money back. Perhaps due to the number of visitors they receive every year, people in Asia are very forgiving of cultural ignorance, but you should try as hard as you can to respect cultural practices. Guide books normally contain all the most important information and certainly enough to stop you receiving disapproving looks or a jail term! We’ve put together a list of the most important cultural behaviours to be aware of, in the name of not outstaying your welcome.

Modesty is the best policy!

Don’t be fooled by the glitz and the glamour of the big cities; Asia is still a conservative place and you should bear this in mind when you do your packing. Of course anything goes around the backpacker haunts and on the islands but in rural areas it’s handy to be able to cover up, unless you don’t mind being stared at. It’s best to pack a long skirt and cover your stomach, especially in places like Cambodia, China, India and Pakistan. Also, avoid public shows of affection unless you want a slightly annoyed audience.

Take your shoes off

Remember to look down whenever you enter most buildings and especially temples and private houses. On many occasions it’s appropriate to take off your shoes and the best policy is just to copy what you see others doing. The practice probably began to protect the mat-floored traditional houses and even though many now live with western style interiors, the tradition remains. In Buddhism the head is the point from which your spirituality emanates and the feet are of the lowest spiritual significance, so try not to draw attention to them; don’t put them up on tables or stretch them out towards other people when sitting.

Respect religion

In Asia, religion plays a far more visible (and colourful) role in everyday life than in most parts of the West. One of the most important cultural considerations when travelling to Asia is remembering to show respect not just to beliefs but also to religious buildings and icons. For example, images of Buddha are sacred and along with everything else of a spiritual nature shouldn’t be photographed. When in and around temples or places of religious significance make sure you dress modestly.

A royally bad idea

Only Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand live under monarchies; Nepal abolished theirs in May 2008. In all of these countries it’s highly advisable to avoid the subject of royalty. Showing any disrespect towards them will land you in real trouble. This applies to all images of royalty too so be careful about licking stamps, throwing coins and commenting on the royal photos you’ll see in shops and private homes. We advise being able to recognise the national anthem of the countries you plan to visit, as you’ll be expected to stand still whenever it’s played. Most can be found on youtube with a simple search.

Spitting

Probably the most surprising thing you’ll find when you travel to Asia is the practice of spitting. Many travellers must have left the continent believing they’d offended everyone that they had met, but it’s not you honestly! It’s an especially common practice in countries like China, Thailand, Nepal and Burma and is as natural as coughing is to us. We’re sure you’ll never quite get used to it bit just remember you haven’t done anything wrong!

Use the right hand

The history of this practice is not a particularly pleasant tale but let’s just say that without large-scale mills, paper was a rarity in many countries before it began to be imported! It’s therefore advisable to eat, shake hands and offer gifts with the 'clean’ right hand. If you’re left handed this may take a little practice but stay there a while and it will become second nature. As long as you try your best you’re unlikely to offend anyone