Travel gestures

So you’re going on a holiday but you don’t speak the local language. No big deal, right? We all know how to use our body parts to send messages. Not quite. People in different parts of the world speak different body languages and many hand gestures don’t travel well at all. Whether it be for sun holidays or weekend breaks abroad, this is what you need to know if you don’t want to offend people from other cultures.

Dangerous gestures

1. Two beers, please

Making the “V” for victory with two fingers is a well known peace sign, but be careful not to  make this two-fingered salute with the palm of your hand facing yourself.  In many countries, the palm-in V means the same as raising your middle finger!  Watch out not to make this gesture when trying to order two drinks or two tickets for the cinema.

2. What part of no don’t you understand?

Very confusing: in Turkey, Bulgaria and parts of Greece, people will nod their head up and
down when they mean no. The exact opposite of what we are used to!

3. Not OK

When we curl our thumb and index finger into a circle and point the other three fingers upwards, we usually mean OK. In Italy, this gesture won’t get you in trouble but in France, it means zero and is used to indicate that something is worthless. In countries such as Turkey, Greece and Mexico, it is an even worse insult.

4. Thumbs up

In most parts of the world, sticking up your thumb means a good thing. Hitchhikers also use
this sign when trying to catch a lift. But if you’re hitchhiking in Cyprus, Mexico or West Africa,
your upraised thumb may be interpreted as an insult to passing motorists.

5. Talk to the hand

If you hold up your hand with all fingers extended and your palm facing away from you,  you might be greeting someone or you might be indicating the number five. But in the USA, people will think you’re telling them to ‘talk to the hand’ and in Greece, they’ll be seriously offended. The Greek word for this gesture is moutza and it dates back to the time of the Byzantine Empire, when criminals were paraded through the streets. To indicate their shame, the prosecutor used to apply fecal matter to the criminal’s face. If you’re going to Greece warn all
members of your family not to make this gesture!

6. When in Rome…

Everyone knows the Italians gesture with their hands a lot while talking. If you’re on a holiday in Italy, things you do with your hands without thinking about it might suddenly become meaningful signs. For example, if you place your hand on your stomach or rub your chin with your fingertips and then propel them forward, you’re saying that you dislike someone. Avoid pointing with your index and little finger (the way hard rock fans often do) or slapping your raised arm above the elbow, it’s very offensive.

Handy gestures

1. Check, please

If you want to pay after having had dinner in a restaurant, hold an imaginary pen and pretend
to write your name in the air. This gesture won’t be misinterpreted.

2. Money money money

The international gesture for money is rubbing your thumb, index and middle finger together.
Depending on the situation, this gesture can mean that someone is rich or that something is
very expensive. It could come in useful when you’re trying to haggle.

3. Smile

Remember: you can never go wrong with a friendly smile.

Tell us what gestures have got you in trouble?