If you like to spend your holidays abroad, you may have been faced with a misunderstanding of your requests by the locals. While the language barrier can be difficult, a single gesture is enough to make you hate the locals. Indeed, Le Figaro has listed the signs and gestures that seem harmless, but are not in some countries.

Like the middle finger in France, each country has a certain number of obscene gestures not to do. More than simple facial expressions, some represent real insults. And, it is not just about signs but also about ways of behaving. For example, in France, putting your elbows on the table can be seen as rude. Similarly, in Japan, not tipping could hurt you. Discover in our slideshow below the gestures not to be repeated abroad.

Also in Japan, it is very frowned upon to expose your tattoos. A reference to the yakuza, the Japanese mafia, the tattoo can lead to you being refused in certain public places such as onsens (Japanese thermal baths meaning public baths). But, some countries affirm more clearly the habits that are not accepted in public spaces. Indeed, during the World Cup in Qatar, in December 2022, the country’s authorities listed a number of rules to be respected.

According to information collected by Europe 1, we find the fact of avoiding taking objects with the left hand. This rule is actually present in many Asian countries. Indeed, the left hand is considered impure. Among other rules, supporters were asked to avoid contact between women and men. In this country, custom wants to limit contact between genders. Moreover, these directives had been controversial and most of the rules were not really respected.

Discover in our slideshow below the other gestures to avoid in certain countries.