It’s that time of year again. Most South Africans are flocking north of the equator for a Christmas break. And maybe you’re planning a trip away too. But imagine if you were suddenly barred from the best restaurant in town or slapped across the face in front of everyone... Would that ruin your holiday or what? Well, you may think you’d never do anything that would make you such an outcast and you’d certainly never mean to... But there are dozens of gestures we in South Africa find totally acceptable that in another country might be the equivalent of calling someone’s mother a lazy cow.
 
Getting fluent in local body language is essential if you want to avoid trouble and want to be welcomed like a true local. Here are some tips to help save your life...!

* In China, point with an open hand and beckon or signal with the hand facing palm down. To use a finger to point or beckon is rude.

* In Hong Kong, only animals are beckoned with a finger. So unless you want to call your waiter an ape, call him over with your palm down and flutter your fingers.

* In Indonesia, hands-on-hips while talking means you’re angry and is considered rude and aggressive.

* In Japan, it’s unacceptable for two adults of the same sex to hold hands while walking together. A smile can mean happiness, anger, embarrassment or sadness. It’s an insult to point at someone with four fingers spread and the thumb tucked in. When someone compliments you, respond by waving your hand back and forth in front of your face. Women cover their mouths when they laugh, because it’s considered impolite to show your teeth.

* In Korea, it’s rude to blow your nose in front of people. When talking to someone, keep your hands in full view, not behind your back or in your pockets.

* In Spain, snapping the thumb and first finger together is a form of applause, so don’t think you’re being insulted if it’s directed at you!

* In Sri Lanka, Greece and Bulgaria, moving your head from side to side means yes and nodding up and down means no!

* In Thailand, pointing is considered rude. People point to something with their chins, their hands.

* In Germany, avoid chewing gum when you’re talking. It’s not considered nice over here, but in Germany it’s very rude.

* In India, point with your chin or full hand. Pointing with a single finger is only used if you’re talking to inferiors.

* In Egypt, it’s considered the height of bad manners to finish all the food on your plate. Instead, leave a couple of mouthfuls. It indicates that your host has been generous.
 
When in doubt - smile. This gesture is the least misunderstood and will usually signal your good intentions.