Illustration by Ingo Fast
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You Did What?
By Jennifer Haupt, September & October 2005
Follow these overseas-etiquette tips and avoid international incidents
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Ditch the Doggy Bag
When dining in European restaurants, it is considered gauche to take your leftovers home.
Don’t Blow It
In Japan, it is deemed disgusting to blow your nose in public. Also, cloth handkerchiefs are used only to dry hands and mop brows.
Wipe Your Mouth...But Not With That Hand
Always eat with your right hand in the primarily Muslim countries of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The left hand is used to "toilet yourself" and is considered unclean.
Give 'Em the Thumb
The A-OK sign, a circle formed with thumb and forefinger, may get you KO’d in Brazil and other parts of South America, where it is the equivalent of “giving the finger” in the States. Instead, you should use a "thumbs up."
Keep Your Hands to Yourself
In Thailand, don’t pat children on the head; it is believed the spirit resides there.
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