Why can't you cross your fingers in Vietnam?

In Vietnam the gesture is considered rude, especially to another person. Referring to female genitals, it is comparable to the middle finger in American culture. In German-speaking countries and also Sweden and Latvia the gesture is a sign of lying. Instead, wishing for luck is gestured by holding thumbs.

What does crossed fingers mean in Vietnam?

FINGERS CROSSED

Crossing one's fingers is a common way of expressing hope for luck or good fortune in many cultures. However, in Vietnam, this is considered a very vulgar gesture. Best Practice: Cultivating positivity for one's family and community are very important in Vietnamese culture.

Can you cross your fingers in Vietnam?

While the middle finger is not traditionally an offensive digit in Vietnam, the typical “fingers crossed” gesture that many people from the West make to indicate that they are hoping for the best is highly impolite. If you hope for good luck, keep your fingers out of it!

What hand gestures are offensive in Vietnam?

Palm down when you call someone over

The usual gesture to call people over — open hand, palm up — is considered rude in Vietnam. It's how people call for dogs here. To show respect, point your palm face down instead. And you also shouldn't call someone over when they're older than you.

Why can't you touch someone's head in Vietnam?

The head is considered the most sacred spot of the body and the foot is seen as the least sacred. You never touch the head of someone else since this is the most sacred spot of their body. Do not point the soles of your feet toward anyone or any sacred statues, such as Buddha. This is considered very disrespectful.

Crossing your fingers is rude in Vietnam

How many wives can a man have in Vietnam?

Polygamy is reportedly no longer practiced in the country, though has had its roots in the past among the Hmong people. Polygamous marriages are prohibited by article 64 of the constitution, which stipulates that a lawful marriage must be monogamous.

Is eye contact rude in Vietnam?

Vietnamese people typically avoid direct eye contact and may gaze downward when talking. Avoiding eye contact demonstrates respect to elders, people of higher status or of the opposite sex. Speaking in a loud tone with excessive gestures is considered rude, especially when done by women.

What is disrespectful to Vietnamese?

To common Vietnamese people, too much make-up, brightly painted nails, heavy tattoos, too much jewelry will create an impression that you're not a decent, educated kind of people, or rather, a trọc phú (an empty-headed rich person). It is considered impolite to flaunt wealth in public.

What are some weird laws in Vietnam?

How to not look like a tourist in Vietnam?

Wear particularly conservative clothing if you visit a culturally sensitive area such as a temple or pagoda – generally, the less bare skin the better and specifically no shorts, short skirts, tops with low neck lines, or bare shoulders. Opt for long pants and a long-sleeved cotton shirt.

Can you get tampons in Vietnam?

Tampons/pads

These types of toiletetries in Vietnam are available in a wide range, from the standard to special wings. Tampons on the other hand are incredibly hard to find and are of poor quality- typically only offered in the one standard small size.

Are tattoos allowed in Vietnam?

Although the stigma around tattoos in Vietnam has not totally disappeared, attitudes today are much more relaxed than in the past. The tattoo industry is booming and safety standards are higher than ever. Tattooed tourists certainly need not worry about visiting Vietnam, or having more ink done while they're here.

Is adultery illegal in Vietnam?

Adultery and polygamy are criminalized (for both parties involved) under Article 182 of the Penal Code. [1] Individuals who breach Article 182 may be punished with up to one year's community sentence or 3-12 months' imprisonment if the act of adultery results in divorce or if the individual is a repeat offender.

Can I wear sleeveless in Vietnam?

Wearing shorts is acceptable in most situations for both men and women. However, Vietnam's traditional culture is somewhat conservative, so avoiding sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or short shorts—especially while visiting Buddhist temples—shows the greatest respect for it.

What does losing face mean in Vietnam?

If you make someone look bad in front of their friends, you are making them 'lose face'. This doesn't just apply to calling someone out on their farts. It can be something as little as refusing to let someone pay for your meal, or pointing out a mistake that a person made.

What does Smiling mean in Vietnam?

The Vietnam smile is a proper response in most situations to saying anything not appropriate. When Vietnamese smile, they can show happiness, agreement, acceptance, desire, and tolerance. But the same smile can show disagreement, embarrassment, confusion, anger and even contempt.

What is the legal age to date in Vietnam?

Age of Consent: 18 years Vietnam Criminal Code Art. 143, paragraph 4 Any person who employs trickery to make his care-dependent or a person in extreme need to reluctantly engage in sexual intercourse or other sexual activities shall face a penalty of 01 - 05 years' imprisonment. 4.

What is the drinking age in Vietnam?

The Drinking Age in Vietnam

The legal drinking age is 18, while the legal gambling age is 21. Also, keep in mind that you are not allowed to bring cultural items into the country that the Government considers to be depraved. In other words, leave your T-shirt that advertises your favorite beer at home.

What Cannot bring to Vietnam?

Weapons and Explosives: We know that some countries allow citizens to own some kinds of weapons. However in Vietnam, using or bringing weapons (such as pistols, shotguns, and firearms) or explosives is totally prohibited. If you are caught with these items, you will definitely in trouble!

Is slurping noodles rude in Vietnam?

For example, it is usually considered polite to slurp or make noises while eating in Vietnam. This is especially true when it comes to eating noodles: slurping is the norm and there are many (good) reasons for this, all of which are related to taste, flavour, and general enjoyment of the food you're eating.”

What do Vietnamese say before eating?

Xin mời (Please)

During a meal, everyone can say “Xin mời” to invite each other to dig in. In a way, this is one of the many Vietnamese versions of the phrase “Bon appetit”. Specifically, children and younger individuals at the table are expected to invite everyone to eat before they can start eating.

How do you apologize to a Vietnamese person?

Tôi chân thành xin lỗi.

I sincerely apologize. If you feel strongly about your apology, this is another slightly more formal phrase to use.

What does winking mean in Vietnam?

For foreigners from Western, sometimes you give a wink just for fun. But if you give a Vietnamese a wink (with the opposite sex), it is certain he or she will interpret it as a flirting signal. If you are impressed by a Vietnamese, this can be used as a signal to him or her.

How do you address a Vietnamese woman?

Do and don'ts in Vietnam culture?

The Vietnamese people value humility, restraint, and modesty. Avoid being boastful or showing off wealth. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon so try to avoid touching people of the opposite sex. Dress conservatively and keep your body covered.