TRAVEL ETIQUETTE TIPS

FROM chopsticks in China to selfies in Sri Lanka and the shoe shuffle of Seoul, travel can be a cultural minefield for the uninitiated. But cracking codes of conduct can be achieved with the low-down on local know-how.

GRUFF JUSTICE

In Croatia, general niceties like “have a nice day” are regarded as insincere.

Superfluous smiling is regarded as slightly unhinged.

SOUND BITES

The Japanese consider slurping essential.

The more noise you make, the more you are seen to be enjoying your meal. Loud laughter, however, and blowing your nose in public are both cardinal sins.

INDIAN INDULGENCE

Always refuse the first offer of a drink or snack so as not to appear greedy.

Acquiesce to the second round but remember to leave a little food on the plate to signify that you have eaten enough.

SACRILEGE IN SRI LANKA

Turning your back on Buddha in the tiny island nation of Sri Lanka is a sure-fire way to get the locals offside.

And, yes, that rules out selfies with statues of the deity.

TEST OF TIME

Punctuality is the key to making friends in Germany. Germany’s trains run like clockwork and you too should make a concerted effort to turn up on time.

SOLE TO SEOUL

Putting your best foot forward in South Korea means removing your shoes whenever you enter a home or restaurant.

The basic rule is that anywhere with carpet means leaving footwear at the front door.

WED OR BED

Religious laws dictate that many Egyptian hotels require proof of marriage before allowing a couple to stay the night, especially if one party is Egyptian.

STICK UP IN CHINA

When supping in Shanghai, never leave your chopsticks standing up in the rice bowl.

Vertical chopsticks are a sign of death and liable to cause grave offence.

RULE OF THUMB

Pointing is a faux pas in Malaysia and Indonesia and sticking your index finger in someone’s direction is considered extremely bad form.

If you must indicate, use your thumb.

PUTIN PERSPECTIVE

Conversely, in Russia, a thumbs-up is the equivalent of giving someone the middle finger salute.

TEA TOTAL

Expect to be served just half a cup of tea in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan.

A full cup means you’ve outstayed your welcome and your host wants you to leave.

HUNGER GAMES

Eating in the street is considered the height of bad manners in Rwanda.

Local culture dictates that food consumption be confined to establishments like restaurants, snack bars and hotels.