What country is it rude to show the soles of your feet?

In many Arab, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist countries, showing the soles of your feet is a sign of disrespect, as they're considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body, since they touch the dirty ground.

What country can you not show the bottom of your shoe?

To people in India, the Middle East, and Asia, it's the lowest part of the body and never displayed to others. You may not think it's such a problem to avoid displaying the bottom of your shoes until you cross your legs in a meeting or during a meal.

What does it mean to show someone the bottom of your shoe?

It has to do with the fact that the shoe touches the ground, and you're basically kicking dirt or other dirty things in their face by hitting them with a shoe. It's not so much me taking off my shoe and smacking you in the face with you as an insult, it's me showing you the bottom of my shoe, which is dirty.

What is considered rude in Saudi Arabia?

Only use your right hand for shaking hands or for handing anything. It's considered rude to use your left hand in Islam. Respect the religion. Shops, cafes, etc. will close for a short while during prayer times.

What is considered rude in the Middle Eastern culture?

Showing public affection is generally considered rude and disrespectful across the Middle East. Although some cultures within the Middle East might be more tolerant than others, it's generally not a good idea to kiss, hug or openly display intimacy.

European Behaviors Considered Rude in Other Countries

Why is thumbs offensive in Egypt?

1. The Thumbs Up. While you might be thinking thumbs up shows approval, real life is not like Facebook. In parts of the Arab world, the gesture is considered highly offensive, its impact is equivalent to the middle-finger in the West.

What does thumbs up mean in Iraq?

It's true that “thumbs up” traditionally translates as the foulest of Iraqi insults—the most straightforward interpretation is “Up yours, pal!” The sign has a similarly pejorative meaning in parts of West Africa, Russia, Australia, Iran, Greece, and Sardinia, according to Roger E.

Can I wear jeans in Saudi Arabia?

Is it permissible to wear jeans in Saudi Arabia? People can wear jeans in Saudi Arabia; however, the top must be long enough to cover the bum.

What does the Arab middle finger mean?

In Brazil it can be synonymous with giving someone the middle finger. In the Arab world, this sign represents the evil eye, and is used as a curse, sometimes in conjunction with verbal condemnation.

Can I take my Bible to Saudi Arabia?

The public practice of any form of religion other than Islam is illegal; as is an intention to convert others. However, the Saudi authorities accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you can bring a religious text into the country as long as it is for your personal use.

Why can't you show the soles of your feet in Dubai?

Tourists in Dubai should avoid crossing their legs when sitting down as it is disrespectful. “Showing the soles of your shoes or feet implies that you think the other person is 'dirt,' so Arabs prefer to keep their feet flat on the ground,” according to Travelbag.

Why is it rude to show the soles of your feet in Thailand?

Don't point your feet

Pointing your feet at someone is considered very rude in Thailand and should be avoided at all costs. The feet are considered as the lowest and dirtiest part of the body and the bottoms should never be pointed at anyone, especially at Buddhas.

What culture throws shoes?

Modern incidents where shoes were thrown at political figures have taken place in Australia, India, Ireland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and most notably the Arab world.

Why do Turkish take off their shoes?

We will talk here about some Turkish cultural habits: Turks have the habit of removing their shoes before entering home. Do not be embaraced if you visit a Turkish family and see in the entrance of the house or even outside the main door a lot of shoes ! The reason is good and simple: cleanliness !

What religion takes their shoes off?

Although removing shoes before entering a home seems more a cultural rather than a religious tradition, it is important to know that some religions require removing shoes before entering a house of worship or a temple: muslims remove their shoes before entering a mosque, Hindus remove their shoes before entering a ...

Why do Westerners wear shoes indoors?

Americans wear shoes in the house because apart from it being a simple cultural difference, many of them don't consider or even care about the number of germs and bacteria beneath their shoes. Not all American households require their guests to take off their shoes before entering.

What does flicking your thumb off your teeth mean?

Flicking your thumb from the back of your upper front teeth toward someone is seriously nasty in India and Pakistan and simply means “f*** you.” Very nice. This sign will likely get you ejected from any place of business and not welcomed back. The head-shake.

What does the pinky finger mean in Japan?

The raised pinky comes from the Japanese folk belief in "en" (縁), which usually gets translated as "fate" or "karma." But en is a little more complicated than that. It's something like pre-destination, but only applying to the people that you meet in life.

What does thumbs-up mean in Thailand?

1- Thumbs-up

Meaning: Thumbs-up in Thailand means “This is good.” How to do: Make a fist and stick your thumb up. When to do: Use this when you want to tell another party that something is good.

Can a woman go out alone in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia will allow women to live alone without permission from a male “guardian”, bringing an end to a rule that attracted condemnation from human rights campaigners internationally.

What do female tourists wear in Iran?

Dress code for women in Iran

They should wear a loose sweater, tunic or Manteau, long enough to cover the lower waist. The sleeves must reach the elbows and the legs must be covered until right above the ankles. Wearing jeans, leggings, ripped jeans and loose skirts and dresses is allowed.

Can you drink alcohol in Saudi Arabia?

Alcohol use in Saudi Arabia

As with drugs, there is a prohibition on the manufacture, sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol in Saudi Arabia. Drinking is punishable by public flogging, fines, or lengthy imprisonment, accompanied by deportation in certain cases.

What does the middle finger mean in Iran?

And definitely don't give a thumbs up in the Middle East

However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of "up yours!" It's used the same way the middle finger is in the US.

What is the rudest hand gesture?

What does a raised pinky finger mean in India?

In India, holding up the pinky is a signal that the person has to urinate. Similarly, in Indonesia, when a man points his pinky finger downward it is a signal that he needs to urinate. In Turkey, it's tradition to link pinky fingers when two people are making a bet.