1. Greece – Don’t Give a “Talk to the Hand” Gesture
If you’re in Greece, think twice before showing someone your palm with fingers spread. This might seem harmless elsewhere, but in Greece, it’s called the “moutza” and is considered deeply insulting. It dates back to ancient times when criminals were smeared with dirt using an open palm. Flashing it at someone is the equivalent of telling them off in the worst way. Even waving can be risky—if your palm is too open, it might be misinterpreted. Locals know this, so they tend to wave with a closed hand or an upturned palm shares CBS News.
To play it safe, keep your hand gestures minimal while talking. If you do need to signal something with your hands, make sure your palm is facing downward. Tourists sometimes get away with it, but it’s still best to avoid any awkward situations. You don’t want to accidentally insult a friendly local or a shopkeeper just by waving goodbye.
2. Iran – Thumbs Up Means the Opposite of Good
In many countries, a thumbs-up is a universal sign of approval. But in Iran, it carries a completely different meaning—one you definitely don’t want to convey. Historically, it’s been the equivalent of giving someone the middle finger. It’s an old insult, but one that still lingers, especially among older generations. If you flash a thumbs-up to a cab driver or a waiter, they might not take it as a compliment adds Thomas Cook.
Instead, stick to verbal acknowledgments or a simple nod of approval. Younger Iranians might understand the Western use of the gesture, but there’s always a risk of misunderstanding. You don’t want to be that tourist who accidentally offends someone just by trying to be polite. When in doubt, keep your hands down and let your words do the talking says Lingoda.
3. Japan – No Pointing Allowed
Pointing at someone in Japan is seen as incredibly rude. Unlike in Western cultures, where it’s a normal way to indicate something, in Japan, it’s considered aggressive and disrespectful. Instead of using a finger, locals gesture with an open hand or nod their head toward what they’re referencing. Some even use their entire palm or fingers together to indicate direction. If you point at a person, they might take it as an accusation rather than simple direction-giving shares Business Insider.
The same goes for pointing at yourself—Japanese people typically gesture toward their nose instead of their chest. If you need to point at something, try using subtle body language instead. Tourists who don’t know this rule can come across as impolite without realizing it. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in how you’re perceived.
4. Brazil – The “OK” Sign Is Not Okay
If you’re in Brazil and thinking about flashing the classic “OK” hand gesture, don’t. In this country, making a circle with your thumb and index finger is highly offensive. It’s equivalent to showing someone a very rude gesture, one that’s sure to get you dirty looks or worse. This has even led to international incidents, including when an American president unknowingly made the sign while visiting. Many Brazilians are aware that foreigners don’t mean it that way, but it’s still best avoided.
If you need to show approval, a thumbs-up (which is safe in Brazil!) or a verbal confirmation is the way to go. It’s always smart to observe how locals communicate before using hand gestures. A simple mistake can turn a friendly exchange into an awkward moment. No one wants to be the tourist who accidentally insults their taxi driver or restaurant server.
5. Thailand – Don’t Touch Anyone’s Head
In Thailand, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body. Even a friendly pat on the head can be seen as highly disrespectful. It might seem like an innocent gesture, especially if you’re interacting with children, but locals won’t appreciate it. Buddhist beliefs emphasize the head as the seat of the soul, making it off-limits for casual contact. Even placing objects above someone’s head can be frowned upon.
If you accidentally touch someone’s head, a quick apology can help smooth things over. On the flip side, feet are considered the lowest and least respectful part of the body, so don’t point them at people either. Being mindful of body language is key to making a good impression in Thailand. The last thing you want is to offend someone without even realizing it.
6. Italy – The “Horn” Gesture Can Get You in Trouble
In Italy, making a “horn” gesture (index and pinky fingers extended) can be a serious insult. While in some countries, it’s used in rock-and-roll culture, in Italy, it implies that someone’s spouse is unfaithful. It’s called the “cornuto” and is definitely not something you want to direct at someone. Italians take it personally, and it could easily start an argument. If you see someone making it jokingly, they’re probably referring to a sports rivalry or a lighthearted insult among friends.
Tourists who don’t know this might accidentally offend someone just by mimicking what they see. To be safe, avoid using hand gestures unless you’re absolutely sure of their meaning. Italians are expressive, but they have strong traditions tied to their gestures. When in doubt, just stick to friendly words and smiles.
7. India – Left Hand Is for Private Matters
In India, using your left hand for certain tasks can be considered unhygienic and offensive. Traditionally, the left hand is associated with bathroom activities, so using it to hand someone food or money is frowned upon. Locals might not say anything, but they’ll definitely notice. If you’re eating with your hands, always use your right one. Even if you’re left-handed, it’s best to make the effort in public settings.
Handshakes, passing items, and paying for things should all be done with the right hand. It’s one of those cultural nuances that might not seem like a big deal to outsiders but carries weight in everyday interactions. Being mindful of this small detail can go a long way in showing respect. It’s always worth adapting to local customs when visiting a new country.
8. Russia – Shaking Hands Across a Threshold Is Bad Luck
In Russia, shaking hands over a doorway is a big no-no. It’s believed to bring bad luck and is tied to superstitions about spirits lingering in thresholds. If you extend your hand for a shake while standing in a doorway, you might get a hesitant or even irritated response. Russians prefer to step fully inside or outside before engaging in a handshake. Some people take this belief very seriously, especially in more traditional households.
To avoid awkward encounters, just wait until you’re both in the same space before offering a handshake. If someone refuses to shake your hand over a threshold, don’t take it personally. They’re just following a long-held tradition. It’s a small but significant rule to remember while traveling in Russia.
9. France – The “Snapping Fingers” Gesture Is Rude
Snapping your fingers at someone in France is considered extremely disrespectful. It’s seen as a demand rather than a polite way to get attention. If you snap at a waiter, don’t be surprised if they ignore you or give you a disapproving look. In France, service workers expect to be treated with the same courtesy as anyone else. Instead of snapping, a simple “excusez-moi” will do the trick.
Tourists who are used to more casual dining cultures might forget this rule. But in France, manners are taken seriously, especially in restaurants and cafes. The more respectful you are, the better your experience will be. No one wants to be the traveler who offends their server just by trying to order a coffee.
10. Turkey – Don’t Make the “Fig” Gesture
In Turkey, the “fig” gesture—where you place your thumb between your index and middle finger while making a fist—is highly offensive. In some cultures, this might be a playful sign, but in Turkey, it’s a crude and vulgar insult. It’s roughly the equivalent of flipping someone off, so you definitely don’t want to use it. Some people might just laugh off a foreigner’s mistake, but others won’t take it so lightly. It’s best to avoid making any unfamiliar hand signs to be safe.
Even gestures that seem harmless in other countries can carry entirely different meanings abroad. If you see someone making a gesture you don’t recognize, it’s a good idea not to copy it. Turkish people are generally welcoming, but unintentional rudeness can still cause misunderstandings. When in doubt, a polite nod or a verbal greeting is always a safer bet.
11. Mexico – Handing Someone Money Without Eye Contact Is Disrespectful
In Mexico, simple acts of politeness go a long way, and one unspoken rule is to always make eye contact when handing someone money. Whether you’re paying a cashier or tipping a waiter, looking them in the eye as you do it shows respect. If you just toss the money onto the counter or avoid eye contact, it can come across as dismissive or even rude. It may not start an argument, but it’s not the best way to make a good impression.
Mexican culture values warmth and personal interaction, so small gestures of courtesy matter. A smile, a simple “gracias,” and direct eye contact can make all the difference. Tourists who don’t follow this rule might not realize they’ve come across as impolite. If you want to be seen as a respectful traveler, take a second to acknowledge the person you’re interacting with.
12. South Korea – Don’t Gesture With One Hand
In South Korea, using one hand to give or receive something can be considered impolite, especially in formal settings. When handing over money, a business card, or even a simple object, it’s customary to use both hands. This shows respect and is an important part of Korean etiquette. If you only use one hand, especially with someone older or in a higher social position, it might come across as dismissive.
The same goes for beckoning someone with your fingers—it’s considered rude unless you’re calling an animal. Instead, Koreans use an open palm facing downward to call someone over. These small cultural differences might seem minor, but they hold a lot of meaning. Being aware of them can help you avoid awkward moments and show that you appreciate local customs.