Pretoria - South African President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday ministers would review new visa rules that have hit tourism and stoked tensions within the ruling party.
Last year South Africa implemented regulations requiring visitors to provide biometric data when applying for visas, a problem for people in large countries like China, which only has South African consulates in Beijing and Shanghai.
Further rules implemented in June require parents to carry unabridged birth certificates for their children when travelling to South Africa, a move heavily criticised by the tourism industry and foreign governments.
"We have noted with concern the complaints about the new visa regulations," Zuma told reporters in Pretoria, where he was providing a mid-year review on the economy.
"The ministerial committee will address the unintended consequences of the new immigration regulations on various sectors, including tourism and investment."
The new birth certificate rules have fuelled a rare public spat within Zuma's African National Congress (ANC) party.
Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said last month the rules had to be changed after visitor numbers dropped, prompting a backlash from Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba who argued they were needed to stem child trafficking.
ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe last week reprimanded both ministers for publicly bickering.
The visa row is the latest headache for Zuma, who is under pressure over sluggish economic growth and high unemployment.
Zuma said the most pressing task for Africa's most developed economy was to ease chronic electricity shortages, which were cutting 1 percent off GDP growth.
South Africa's economy grew 1.5 percent last year but Zuma said he hoped this would rise to at least three percent over the next three years if power constraints eased.
South Africa's heavily-indebted state power utility Eskom is struggling to keep the lights on due to insufficient generating capacity, increasing costs for industries like mining and manufacturing and discouraging new investment.
Long-delayed new coal plants are due to be completed in the next 2-3 years and Zuma's government is pursuing a controversial programme to bring 9,600 megawatts of nuclear energy onto the grid by 2030.
Zuma said the nuclear plan was at an "advanced stage" and procurement should be concluded within the current financial year.
Zuma's opponents have questioned the high cost and perceived lack of transparency of the nuclear plan, which could cost 400 billion to 1 trillion rand ($32-$81 billion).
WILDFRONTIER AFRICA TRAVEL On this blog we provide you with some useful Travel Tips.
Sunday, 6 September 2015
Interesting Facts About SA You Didn't Know Before
Ever wondered why you love SA as much as you do? You know you love the people, the diverse culture, the food and the sport, but those are all emotional reasons...
South Africa has the longest stretching wine route in the world
South Africa is the largest producer of meat in Africa
Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world
South Africa is the only place in the world where Mercedes Benz manufacture right hand drive cars
South African has the highest commercial bungee jumping bridge in the world at Bloukrans
South Africa's Table Mountain alone has more flower species than England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland combined
There are more than 1 000 dedicated tobacco producers in South Africa
South Africa has the world's most luxurious train, the Rovos Rail
Vilakazi Street in Soweto, South Africa is the one street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu
The Palace of the Lost City is the biggest theme resort hotel in the world and the largest building project undertaken in the southern hemisphere
South Africa naturally hosts four of the seven fastest mammals in the world, namely the wildebeest, the African lion, the springbok and the cheetah
South Africa has the longest stretching wine route in the world
South Africa is the largest producer of meat in Africa
Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world
South Africa is the only place in the world where Mercedes Benz manufacture right hand drive cars
South African has the highest commercial bungee jumping bridge in the world at Bloukrans
South Africa's Table Mountain alone has more flower species than England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland combined
There are more than 1 000 dedicated tobacco producers in South Africa
South Africa has the world's most luxurious train, the Rovos Rail
Vilakazi Street in Soweto, South Africa is the one street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu
The Palace of the Lost City is the biggest theme resort hotel in the world and the largest building project undertaken in the southern hemisphere
South Africa naturally hosts four of the seven fastest mammals in the world, namely the wildebeest, the African lion, the springbok and the cheetah
Clothing Bans and Restrictions Travellers Should Be Aware Of
The last thing you need to be doing while travelling the globe is to ignorantly insult the places you visit, either ethically, morally or in some cases illegally by breaking the laws they have in place.
Like, if you prance about leaving nothing to the imagination in the Vatican City, for example, don't complain when one of the Pope's guards throws you out of the City's walls.
Here's what you need to know when you're dressing to impress abroad.
Saudi Arabia
Cover, cover, coverThis might be the strictest country you'll visit in your life, so cover up everything you can. The country's clothing laws are grounded in religion, and are therefore a very emotional matter too. Even an accidental show of an ankle will land you in trouble if you're a woman, so be respectful if you're a visitor here.
It might be hot in this desert country, but the wrath of the people may be even hotter, so rather cover, cover, cover.
Vatican City
Cover your knees and shoulders
If you don’t comply, you won’t be able to see stunning its museum and Sistine Chapel… and you’ll have no choice but to fall victim to the plenty of hawkers selling severely overpriced scarves outside this holy city.
Regardless of the unforgiving summer weather in Italy, no traveller wants to see the Chapel draped in four scarves – two around each leg, and two around each arm. Wear appropriate clothes.
Thailand
Are you safe in bikinis?
The Thai prime minister made a bit of a blooper when he said beautiful women are unsafe in bikinis in Thailand following the gruesome murder of two Brits on holiday in the country.
His exact words were, 'Can they be safe in bikinis... unless they are not beautiful?' Did he mean that only ugly people should dress skimpy? Or is everyone unsafe?
He's since apologized for his bizarre comment...
Believe it or not, but Thailand has also now specifically banned the taking of an "underboob" selfie. The country aims to avoid the 'obscene' material causing 'public panic', and guilty underboob snappers could face jail time for their offenses.
Qatar
Leggings are illegal
This is no joke, it’s the law. In the “Reflect Your Respect” campaign, launched by the Qatar Islamic Cultural Center, advice and tips for tourists were lisetd on how to dress modestly in preparation for the 2022 Football World Cup it is hosting.
The pamphlets asked visitors to help preserve Qatar's culture and values saying, 'If you are in Qatar, you are one of us. Please dress modestly in public places.' Its specifically stated that, 'Leggings are not pants.'
Ascot Racing Day
Hide them shoulders
According to the 16-page style guide laid out by Ascot, hats should always be worn, and strapless, halterneck and spaghetti-strap dresses are strictly prohibited, reports Daily Mail.
Dubai
No shoulders and knees
It’s the same as in the Vatican City, but here you might actually be prosecuted and insulted if you disobey. For your own safety, cover up.
Spain
Save the bikinis for the sea
The Good Citizen Plan in the country will fine you almost R9 000 (£500) if you wander away from the shores in your itsie bitsie bikini or speedo. Stay on the beach in your bikini to avoid a penalty.
Like, if you prance about leaving nothing to the imagination in the Vatican City, for example, don't complain when one of the Pope's guards throws you out of the City's walls.
Here's what you need to know when you're dressing to impress abroad.
Saudi Arabia
Cover, cover, coverThis might be the strictest country you'll visit in your life, so cover up everything you can. The country's clothing laws are grounded in religion, and are therefore a very emotional matter too. Even an accidental show of an ankle will land you in trouble if you're a woman, so be respectful if you're a visitor here.
It might be hot in this desert country, but the wrath of the people may be even hotter, so rather cover, cover, cover.
Vatican City
Cover your knees and shoulders
If you don’t comply, you won’t be able to see stunning its museum and Sistine Chapel… and you’ll have no choice but to fall victim to the plenty of hawkers selling severely overpriced scarves outside this holy city.
Regardless of the unforgiving summer weather in Italy, no traveller wants to see the Chapel draped in four scarves – two around each leg, and two around each arm. Wear appropriate clothes.
Thailand
Are you safe in bikinis?
The Thai prime minister made a bit of a blooper when he said beautiful women are unsafe in bikinis in Thailand following the gruesome murder of two Brits on holiday in the country.
His exact words were, 'Can they be safe in bikinis... unless they are not beautiful?' Did he mean that only ugly people should dress skimpy? Or is everyone unsafe?
He's since apologized for his bizarre comment...
Believe it or not, but Thailand has also now specifically banned the taking of an "underboob" selfie. The country aims to avoid the 'obscene' material causing 'public panic', and guilty underboob snappers could face jail time for their offenses.
Qatar
Leggings are illegal
This is no joke, it’s the law. In the “Reflect Your Respect” campaign, launched by the Qatar Islamic Cultural Center, advice and tips for tourists were lisetd on how to dress modestly in preparation for the 2022 Football World Cup it is hosting.
The pamphlets asked visitors to help preserve Qatar's culture and values saying, 'If you are in Qatar, you are one of us. Please dress modestly in public places.' Its specifically stated that, 'Leggings are not pants.'
Ascot Racing Day
Hide them shoulders
According to the 16-page style guide laid out by Ascot, hats should always be worn, and strapless, halterneck and spaghetti-strap dresses are strictly prohibited, reports Daily Mail.
Dubai
No shoulders and knees
It’s the same as in the Vatican City, but here you might actually be prosecuted and insulted if you disobey. For your own safety, cover up.
Spain
Save the bikinis for the sea
The Good Citizen Plan in the country will fine you almost R9 000 (£500) if you wander away from the shores in your itsie bitsie bikini or speedo. Stay on the beach in your bikini to avoid a penalty.
Monday, 1 December 2014
KAZA VISA LAUNCH
The new Zimbabwe / Zambia Kaza Uni-Visa launched 28th November
The Governments of the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe announced the launch of the Kavango Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA) UNIVISA on 28 November, 2014. The KAZA UNIVISA is a common tourist visa for the SADC region which shall be piloted by Zambia and Zimbabwe for six (6) months. After the pilot period, the UNIVISA is intended to be rolled out to three (3) other countries in the KAZA region – namely Angola, Botswana and Namibia. More countries in the SADC region are expected to join in the UNIVISA initiative at the later phase.
The UNIVISA will be effective at the border and will be administered at eight (8) ports of entry as follows:
The UNIVISA will be effective at the border and will be administered at eight (8) ports of entry as follows:
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|
Monday, 24 November 2014
CAAZ to collect the PSC and AIDEF payments directly from Air Zimbabwe Passengers .
The Passenger
Service Charge (PSC) and the Aviation Infrastructure Development Fund (AIDEF)
are payments due to the CAAZ (Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe) that are
ordinarily collected by airlines on it's behalf for future remittance. However,
due to some policy changes, it has become necessary for CAAZ to collect the PSC
and AIDEF charges directly from Air Zimbabwe passengers. Therefore, take notice
that all Air Zimbabwe tickets issued on or after 1st November 2014, for travel
on or after 1st November 2014, will not include the PSC and AIDEF and the codes
CB and XI will not appear on the ticket. All passengers travelling on Air
Zimbabwe are being advised that with effect from 10th November 2014, they will
be required to pay for the PSC and AIDEF directly to the CAAZ at it's
receipting offices located at Harare, J.M. Nkomo, Victoria Falls, and Kariba
airports. The following are the applicable charges per passenger:
|
|
International
Departure
|
Domestic
Departure
|
|
PSC
|
USD35.00
|
USD10.00
|
|
AIDEF
|
USD15.00
|
USD5.00
|
|
TOTAL
|
USD50.00
|
USD15.00
|
Please note
that this arrangement applies to Air Zimbabwe passengers only. Wildfrontier
Africa Travel have been advised that
fees are payable in cash in USD, Rand, Euro, Pula, Pound equivalent.
Wednesday, 8 October 2014
PACKING FOR A TRIP
For extended trips,
however, travellers are likely to pack more, ultimately forcing them to check
in some of their luggage.
It is important,
therefore, to know what to keep with you at all times when you travel, and how
to pack a case that must be loaded into a plane’s cargo until you arrive at
your destination. In the event your luggage should be lost, it is necessary to
keep the most important items with you at all times.
Identification:
Your passport, your
driver’s license, any and all picture ID cards should remain on your person.
When you pass through airport security you will be required to have
identification ready for inspection, and it is important that it stays with you
and is not packed away in a case that won’t be readily at your disposal. If you
are traveling abroad and are using a passport, be sure to make copies of the
identification page in the event your passport is lost or stolen. Keep one copy
with a relative or friend at home, and keep extra copies with you in different
places so you will have one ready if needed.
Insurance cards are
also necessary to have on you, in the event of a medical emergency or accident
(especially if you are renting a car for your trip).
Money:
This includes paper,
traveller’s checks, and credit cards. In this age of electronic transfer, you
might not think it necessary to carry traveller’s checks, but they are good to
have if you are going abroad. Always remember the possibility that foreign ATMs
might not accept some bank cards, same with certain stores and restaurants. A
short supply of paper currency (no more than a hundred) is good to have also
for immediate money exchange once you reach your destination.
It always helps,
too, to have small change handy for tipping. Keep a few coins in your pocket to
pass over to a clerk or valet when needed. This prevents you from having to dig
in your purse or wallet in a crowd.
Itinerary: Know
where you need to go quickly. Have a small map, itinerary, or direction sheet
with you to expedite the arrival at your hotel. Whether traveling domestically
or overseas, you want to appear confident and inconspicuous so as not to catch
the eye of any possible scam artists who prey upon out of towners. If you are
unsure of where you need to be, seek assistance at the first information booth
immediately.
Clothing:
Consider the trip,
the places you plan to visit and the length of your absence from home. How many
changes of clothing are necessary, and what types of clothing can you expect to
wear? Sometimes, you might find you have packed too much for a trip, resulting in
wrinkled clothing upon arrival. Or, you might find you have packed too many
formal items for a trip that didn’t require it.
Before you open your
suitcase, determine exactly what is on the itinerary. Consult weather reports
for your destination and, if possible, research attractions and restaurants for
any dress requirements. If you are headed to an all-inclusive Caribbean resort,
you might find all you need is your swimsuit and one nice outfit! Check with
your hotel in advance, too, to determine what laundry services are available or
nearby. You may be able to pack half as much if you have such access.
Accessories:
Do you really need
to pack an iron? Can you live a few weeks without your laptop? Despite the
gadgetry designed to make our lives easier, it is not difficult to find that
too many gadgets on a short trip will prove to be aggravating. Thankfully, as
hotels evolve even the economy, accommodations offer enough amenities so travellers
need not pack everything and the kitchen sink. Coffee makers, irons, hair
dryers, and other home necessities are made available, though it is always a
good idea to check with your hotel to see what is offered and what is not. For
those traveling overseas, if you need to take electrical appliances, make sure
you have the proper adapters so the plugs will fit.
Personal Grooming:
When we forget
things like soap and shampoos, those little bottles at the hotel are a
blessing, yet you might not feel there is enough to suit your needs. Does this
mean you should pack economy size bottles of everything? While the large
bottles are nice, they are not always necessary for a trip, and sometimes those
bottles can prove dangerous. Packed with clothing, there is always the risk of
damage, and opening your suitcase to find every outfit soaked with mouthwash
and smelling minty fresh.
Determine what
essentials you need to pack, shampoo, makeup, toothpaste, etc. and pack in a
suitcase with a separate compartment. Medium size plastic bottles, no more than
ten fluid ounces, is a good gauge. Make sure the bottles are not completely
filled, in the event of temperature changes in cargo that may cause the plastic
to expand or burst. Better yet, pack all bottles in an extra plastic bag to
help ensure protection from leaks.
Knowing what to pack
and how much is beneficial to your enjoying a vacation. The less encumbered you
are by luggage, the less worry of damage, theft, or loss.
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
BOTSWANA’S YELLOW FEVER REGULATIONS
All traveller’s from
or through the countries which have been declared yellow fever infected areas
must provide an international health certificate of vaccination for yellow
fever upon arrival into Botswana.
These
are yellow fever declared countries:
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||
Africa
|
||
Angola
|
Guinea-Bissau
|
|
Benin
|
Kenya
|
|
Burkina
Faso
|
Liberia
|
|
Burundi
|
Mali
|
|
Cameroon
|
Mauritania
|
|
Central
African Republic
|
Niger
|
|
Chad
|
Nigeria
|
|
Congo,
Democratic Republic
|
Rwanda
|
|
Congo,
Republic of the
|
Sao
Tome Principe
|
|
Cote
d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
|
Senegal
|
|
Equatorial
Guinea
|
Sierra
Leone
|
|
Ethiopia
|
Somalia
|
|
Gabon
|
Sudan
|
|
Gambia
|
Tanzania
|
|
Ghana
|
Togo
|
|
Guinea
|
Uganda
|
|
Zambia
|
||
South
America & Central America
|
Argentina
– Misiones Province
|
Bolivia
|
Brazil
|
Colombia
|
Ecuador
excluding Galapagos Islands
|
French
Guiana
|
Guyana
|
Panama
|
Paraguay
|
Peru
|
Suriname
|
Trinidad
and Tobago
|
Venezuela
For further information contact: Port Health Services, Environmental and Occupational Health Division, Department of Public Health Ministry of Health, Botswana Tel: + 267 363 2448 Fax: +267 3902992 Toll free: 0800 600 740 |
Wednesday, 16 July 2014
15 WAYS TO BEAT JET LAG
Before going:
1. Change your sleep routine
1. Change your sleep routine
Going West – start going to bed a bit later a
few days before your trip.
Going East – start going to bed a bit earlier a few days before your trip.
2. Wear sunglasses
Your circadian rhythm responds to your eyes detecting light. Controlling your exposure to natural and artificial light can help change it.
Going East – start going to bed a bit earlier a few days before your trip.
2. Wear sunglasses
Your circadian rhythm responds to your eyes detecting light. Controlling your exposure to natural and artificial light can help change it.
3. Plan a stopover if possible
It’s a good way to
let the body adjust gradually to new time zones.
4. Keep calm
Try simplifying your travel plans as far as possible.
During your flight:
5. Time your activities
Try to eat and sleep according to the times of your destination.
6. Use remedies with caution
4. Keep calm
Try simplifying your travel plans as far as possible.
During your flight:
5. Time your activities
Try to eat and sleep according to the times of your destination.
6. Use remedies with caution
Using melatonin or
other sleeping remedies is not recomended, as it won’t help your body adjust
naturally.
7. Drink water
Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration.
8. Get comfortable
7. Drink water
Avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration.
8. Get comfortable
Earplugs, eye masks, cushions, blankets – whatever it takes!
9. Keep active
9. Keep active
Stretch your legs regularly and take walks around the cabin.
At your destination:
10. Spend the day outdoors
At your destination:
10. Spend the day outdoors
Exposure to daylight helps you adjust to the new time zone a
little faster.
11. Going west?
11. Going west?
Get more morning light as soon after arrival as possible.
12. Going east?
12. Going east?
Afternoon light is your friend.
13. Get your ‘anchor sleep’
13. Get your ‘anchor sleep’
Try to get a minimum of 4 hours sleep during the local
night.
14. Stay on ‘home time’ for short trips
14. Stay on ‘home time’ for short trips
If you’re staying for less than 4 days, and it’s possible,
plan meals and sleeping according to your home country clock.
15. Recover lost sleep
15. Recover lost sleep
Take short naps to get the same amount of sleep you would
normally have in a 24-hour window.
Thursday, 5 June 2014
GROUP TOURS - VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Travelling in a group keeps the trip easy, breezy
and fun!
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the African bush, so don't delay...book today! :-) You can also view our website on www.wildfrontierafricatravel.com or our facebook page
Enquire about our Group Tours - we will accompany you on the Group Tour
prices in the quotation are per person sharing per stay- 3 nights/4 nights or 5 Nights in Zimbabwe
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation in Double room sharing
- Return Airport Transfers included
- 3 Nights includes transfers, accommodation, meals, game drive, river safari, chobe day trip and tour of the Victoria Falls.
- 4 Nights includes transfers, accommodation, meals, game drive, river safari, elephant interaction and tour of the Victoria Falls.
- 5 Nights includes transfers, accommodation, meals, game drive, elephant interaction, two days canoeing the Zambezi rapids and tour of the Victoria Falls.
- OR choose our various packages ranging from the Ultimate Safari; Walk with Lions; Adrenaline Junkie; Adventure Pass or the Cultural Tour package.
If
you need any further info, kindly send us an email directly to
bookings@wildfrontierafricatravel.com or wildfrontierafrica@gmail.com , we're looking forward to hearing from you.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the African bush, so don't delay...book today! :-) You can also view our website on www.wildfrontierafricatravel.com or our facebook page
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
PASSPORTS
A passport is the
only reliable and universally accepted identification document, and it proves
that you have a right to return to your country. You are strongly advised to always
carry a valid passport when travelling to any foreign destination. Crossing
international borders can be complicated and sometimes requires many different
kinds of documents. Being prepared is the key to easing your way through this
process, so make sure you know what documents you need, where to get them, and
which ones will make your crossing quick and easy.
Remember to:
Carry
a passport for all trips outside your country.
Be
sure that your passport is still valid.
Check
that your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry.
Scan
a copy of your passport and email it to yourself or carry it a separate
location
Leave
a copy with a trusted friend or relative who is not travelling with you.
Keep
your passport safe while travelling.
Do
not leave it unattended in your luggage, vehicle, hotel or elsewhere.
Carry
it in your money belt, inside coat pocket or purse, or lock it in your hotel
safe.
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
CROSSING BORDERS ZIM/ZAMBIA/BOTSWANA – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We are here to make
your border crossing as simple and hassle free as possible. You can expect to
have our colleagues accompanying you at all times and they will assist you in
any possible way. A representative working together with Wildfrontier Africa
Travel is based at each border post. Our colleagues are all very experienced at
crossing these borders, however, the border posts are not under the
jurisdiction of Wildfrontier Africa Travel, and as a result you may on occasion
experience some of the scenarios laid out below.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT
THE FOLLOWING BORDER POSTS:
ZIMBABWE – ZAMBIA and vice versa
ZIMBABWE – ZAMBIA and vice versa
You
will be required to present yourself at Immigration for Immigration
formalities; these vary from Country to Country and can include photographs,
finger print scanning and passport scanning.
Possible
queues at Immigration
You
will cross over the Victoria Falls bridge – only one vehicle is allowed on this
bridge at any time, which can cause occasional delays
Heavy
truck congestion blocking parts of the road may also cause delays
When
crossing the border you may be required to change vehicles from a Zambian vehicle
to a Zimbabwean vehicle or vice-versa
You
may need to walk a short way with your bags to change transfers
ZIMBABWE –
BOTSWANA
You
will be required to present yourself at Immigration
Possible
queues at Immigration
When
crossing from Zimbabwe to Botswana you will change from a coach to an open 4x4
game viewing vehicle. This will be branded African Odyssey.
You
may need to walk a short way with your bags to change vehicles
On the Botswana side you will be required to step on a
treated mat for foot and mouth disease control. The officials may also request
that you pass all your shoes over this mat, so would be a good idea to keep
them easily accessible.
ZAMBIA – BOTSWANA
You
will be required to present yourself at Immigration
Possible
queues at immigration
On
the Zambian side of the river you will be required to walk a short distance
from the transfer vehicle to the boat.
You
will cross the Zambezi river in a speed boat (approximately 5 minutes) The
general public and heavy commercial traffic cross the river on state operated
ferries.
On
the Botswana side of the river you will be transferred in an open 4x4 game
viewing vehicle branded African Odyssey to the Botswana immigration and customs
hall. Every passenger is required to present themselves in person to the
officials. Again scanning equipment will be encountered, however you may be required
to complete manual declaration forms at either border should the computer
systems be off line.
On
the Botswana side you will be required to step on a treated mat for foot and
mouth disease control. The officials may also request that you place all shoes
in your position on this mat, so would be a good idea to keep them easily
accessible
Possible
delays due to heavy truck congestion.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Have
your passport and visa (or cash for visa) ready. Botswana does not process
visas at the border without prior arrangement and they will only accept BWP as
payment
The
best currency to carry is US Dollars
Have
some water and reading material nearby
Keep
an eye on your belongings as this border is a busy one with a lot of foot
traffic
Don't be stressed,
hundreds of tourists like you cross each of these borders very safely every
day!
Monday, 27 January 2014
ETIQUETTE ABROAD: HOW TO AVOID CULTURAL FAUX PAS
A guide to cultural
etiquette around the world.
The China National
Tourism Administration has published an etiquette guide for Chinese travellers,
who are advised, among other things, not to urinate in public swimming pools,
click their fingers (unless they’re summoning a dog) or pick their nose in
public.
It's all too easy to
cause offence to other nationalities while travelling, so here is a guide of
the top cultural ‘faux pas' to avoid when abroad.
Etiquette abroad: Muslim countries
Avoid eating anything with your left hand in Muslim countries. This is because the left hand is traditionally used to remove dirt – whether it's blowing a nose or, without going into details, holding the toilet paper during calls of nature.
Avoid eating anything with your left hand in Muslim countries. This is because the left hand is traditionally used to remove dirt – whether it's blowing a nose or, without going into details, holding the toilet paper during calls of nature.
Etiquette abroad: China
In China, business cards and money should always be presented with both hands. 'The general consensus is that two hands indicate respect to the other person,' explains Professor Leo Ching, the chair of Duke University's Asian and Middle Eastern Studies department. 'I believe that this practice started in Japan and spread from there.'
In China, business cards and money should always be presented with both hands. 'The general consensus is that two hands indicate respect to the other person,' explains Professor Leo Ching, the chair of Duke University's Asian and Middle Eastern Studies department. 'I believe that this practice started in Japan and spread from there.'
Etiquette abroad: Philippines
If you find yourself in a Filipino market hunting for souvenirs, be careful when it comes to getting the attention of the stallholder. In the Philippines, summoning with a finger is regarded as a gesture suitable only for directing at dogs; summoning a person in such a manner is even punishable by arrest.
If you find yourself in a Filipino market hunting for souvenirs, be careful when it comes to getting the attention of the stallholder. In the Philippines, summoning with a finger is regarded as a gesture suitable only for directing at dogs; summoning a person in such a manner is even punishable by arrest.
Etiquette abroad: Japan
In Japan, sticking both chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice will cause serious offence. Why? 'That’s what is done at a funeral,' explains Professor Haruo Shirane, an expert in Japanese culture based at New York's Columbia University.
In Japan, sticking both chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice will cause serious offence. Why? 'That’s what is done at a funeral,' explains Professor Haruo Shirane, an expert in Japanese culture based at New York's Columbia University.
Etiquette abroad: Arab countries
In Arab countries, the feet are seen as the lowliest and dirtiest part of the body. While it’s fine to display your designer pedicure in a pair of flip-flops, avoid showing the soles of your feet or pointing your feet at people.
In Arab countries, the feet are seen as the lowliest and dirtiest part of the body. While it’s fine to display your designer pedicure in a pair of flip-flops, avoid showing the soles of your feet or pointing your feet at people.
Etiquette abroad: Russia
If you ever order takeaway in Russia, when the delivery person arrives make sure you step outside to hand over the cash. In Russia shaking hands or exchanging cash across a threshold is considered unlucky.
'It is believed that people once buried ashes of the first owner of the house under the threshold, so by doing something on the doorstep, residents risk disturbing the peace of the dead,' says Professor Evgeny Dobrenko, head of Russian and Slavonic studies at the University of Sheffield.
If you ever order takeaway in Russia, when the delivery person arrives make sure you step outside to hand over the cash. In Russia shaking hands or exchanging cash across a threshold is considered unlucky.
'It is believed that people once buried ashes of the first owner of the house under the threshold, so by doing something on the doorstep, residents risk disturbing the peace of the dead,' says Professor Evgeny Dobrenko, head of Russian and Slavonic studies at the University of Sheffield.
Etiquette abroad: South Korea
Keeping your shoes on when entering a house is considered especially rude in South Korea. This is because the ancient Koreans used an underfloor heating system to heat their homes, and family life revolved around the floor.
Another tip for anyone heading to South Korea: never write anyone's name in red ink. 'It's bad luck for the person whose name is written in red,' explains Jong Hwang, secretary of Harvard University's Korea club.
'Legend states that only the emperor was allowed to write their name in red. Anyone else using red to write their name would be accused of committing treason and sentenced to death.'
Keeping your shoes on when entering a house is considered especially rude in South Korea. This is because the ancient Koreans used an underfloor heating system to heat their homes, and family life revolved around the floor.
Another tip for anyone heading to South Korea: never write anyone's name in red ink. 'It's bad luck for the person whose name is written in red,' explains Jong Hwang, secretary of Harvard University's Korea club.
'Legend states that only the emperor was allowed to write their name in red. Anyone else using red to write their name would be accused of committing treason and sentenced to death.'
Etiquette abroad: North Korea
If you ever find yourself in North Korea photographing one of the many statues of the Kims, make sure you capture the whole statue. Cutting the feet or head off is considered highly offensive and officials will often approach individuals to check their photos.
If you ever find yourself in North Korea photographing one of the many statues of the Kims, make sure you capture the whole statue. Cutting the feet or head off is considered highly offensive and officials will often approach individuals to check their photos.
Etiquette abroad: the OK sign
In Greece and Turkey, beware of making the “OK” symbol with your thumb and forefinger. In both countries the symbol is highly offensive – you’re basically indicating to someone that they resemble a similarly-shaped part of the human body. In some Middle Eastern countries, the OK sign is equally offensive because it represents the evil eye.
In Greece and Turkey, beware of making the “OK” symbol with your thumb and forefinger. In both countries the symbol is highly offensive – you’re basically indicating to someone that they resemble a similarly-shaped part of the human body. In some Middle Eastern countries, the OK sign is equally offensive because it represents the evil eye.
Etiquette abroad: flowers
Think twice before giving flowers while abroad. In Germany, yellow flowers are never given because they’re used for funerals, and in Mexico, yellow flowers represent grief or separation. It’s also unlucky to give an odd number of blooms in China and Indonesia.
Think twice before giving flowers while abroad. In Germany, yellow flowers are never given because they’re used for funerals, and in Mexico, yellow flowers represent grief or separation. It’s also unlucky to give an odd number of blooms in China and Indonesia.
Etiquette abroad: taking pictures
In certain countries, including Peru and Ghana, be careful when taking pictures of locals, because many people in these countries believe that by taking a picture of them, you're stealing a part of their soul.
In certain countries, including Peru and Ghana, be careful when taking pictures of locals, because many people in these countries believe that by taking a picture of them, you're stealing a part of their soul.
Etiquette abroad: Buddhist temples
When visiting Buddhist temples in Japan and other Asian countries, avoid pointing at anything, and if you sit down, never point your feet in the direction of a person or image of a Buddha. When leaving a temple, back away from the Buddha before turning your back.
When visiting Buddhist temples in Japan and other Asian countries, avoid pointing at anything, and if you sit down, never point your feet in the direction of a person or image of a Buddha. When leaving a temple, back away from the Buddha before turning your back.
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