CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

Everybody likes travelling. But do you know the customs of some countries well enough not to be ashamed by doing something wrong. Do the AROUND THE WORLD quiz to check that up.

Around the World

1. CHINA

You’re invited to someone’s house. Which of these may cause offence?

1. Blowing your nose.
2. Refusing an offer of food.
3. Not removing your shoes before entering.

2. SAUDI ARABIA

You want to hire a car to tour the country. Is this permitted?

1. Yes, but you must take a test first.
2. Yes, but only if you’re male.
3. No, tourists have to travel by camel.

3. NEPAL

While travelling you want to take photos of local villages. Is this allowed?

1. Yes, the Nepalese love being photographed.
2. No, their religion forbids it.
3. Yes, but you must ask their permission first.

4. CYPRUS

On a village tour a local offers you glyco. Should you

1. Eat it- it’s a dessert.
2. Ride it- it’s a type of bicycle.
3. Wear it- it’s a traditional hat.

5. SWEDEN

You go out for a meal. How many glasses of wine can you drink before driving back to your hotel?

1. Two
2. Any amount- there are no drink-driving laws.
3. None

6. SPAIN

You’d like to sample the local cuisine. How late can you eat?

1. You have to finish your meal by 9p.m. Restaurants close early.
2. Spanish restaurants stay open all night.
3. You can eat very late. Spaniards often eat after 11 p.m.

7. THAILAND

On a bus, the only free sear is next to a Buddhist monk. Should you take it?

1. Yes, but only if you’re male.
2. Buddhist monks aren’t allowed to travel by bus.
3. Yes, but you must bow first.

8. ITALY

You’d like to visit the cathedral on a hot day. To show respect, what should you cover?

1. Your guidebook.
2. Your thighs and shoulders.
3. Your head and cars.

9. SINGAPORE

You offer a piece of chewing gum to your tour guide. Why does she look shocked?

1. Because chewing gum is forbidden by law.
2. Because tour guides aren’t allowed to accept gifts.
3. Because chewing gum is given to animals.

INDIA

An Indian friend invites you to a traditional meal. How should you eat?

1. With your left hand only.
2. With your right hand only.
3. With both hands.

Keys:

1b. It’s considered impolite to refuse food (although it’s customary not to accept immediately).

2b. Women are forbidden to drive.

3c. The Nepalese, like many other cultures, are sensitive about having their photo taken.

4a. A glyco is a traditional dish, given as a welcome to visitor. It’s impolite to refuse it or offer money for it.

5c. Drinking when driving is illegal.

6c. Restaurants stay open very late in Spain.

7a. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by females.

8b. You should avoid wearing shorts or miniskirts, or showing bare shoulders.

9a. You can be fined for chewing gum in Singapore.

10b. Indians traditionally eat with their right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.

All’s well that ends well. We believe you’ve got our message- the world is unique as well as each country’s own rules and customs. Find out about them before going there and then the country will become more attractive for discovering.