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03-2023
When traveling abroad, in addition to being prepared, we should also study the culture and customs of each country. This is especially important for popular Asian tourist destinations like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam. Some countries have similar taboos and social etiquette that should be followed. Let's see what to watch out for in each country:
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice, or pass food to each other using chopsticks.
- Using your phone on a train or public transportation will immediately draw the attention of many eyes.
- Tipping is already included in the cost of food or service.
- Do not eat food or drink beverages in public places.
- Do not cut in line.
- Do not wear clothing or swimwear in an onsen (hot spring).
- Do not touch cherry blossoms.
- Do not spit on the ground, as you may be punished with up to 30 days in jail or a fine of 1,000 to 10,000 yen.
- When yawning, cover your mouth discreetly.
- Toilet paper in the bathroom "can" be flushed down the toilet.
- Do not take pictures in public without permission.
- Stand on the right side of the escalator when going up or down.
- Give and receive things with both hands.
- Do not leave chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice.
- Do not bring diet pills, plants, vegetables, or fruits into South Korea.
- Close the toilet lid after flushing.
- Clean up after yourself when eating.
- Do not make loud noises in taxis or public transportation.
- Do not bring more than $10,000 USD (approximately 300,000 Thai baht) into or out of the country.
- Do not haggle over prices in stores with clearly marked prices.
- Do not take photos of others without their permission.
- Do not smoke, chew gum, or litter.
- Do not dress immodestly or inappropriately for the venue.
- Do not bring any meat products into Taiwan.
- Carry an EasyCard for transportation and purchases.
- Keep your receipts after shopping for a chance to win prizes.
- Do not bring any medications into the country without a prescription.
- Do not stand chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice.
- Bring no more than one camera and one video camera per person.
- The power outlets are two-pronged.
- Queue up for Hong Kong buses.
- Taxis are your best friend at night.
- Transportation costs are high.
- Hong Kong is a city of discipline.
- Always tip when using a service.
- Tea is a sign of hospitality.
- Scammers lurk in crowded areas.
- Toilet water is seawater.
- Cars are for the rich.
- Put away your wet umbrella before entering a building.
- No chewing gum.
- No walking naked in your own home.
- No stealing someone else's Wi-Fi.
- Don't forget to flush the public toilet.
- No feeding pigeons.
- No graffiti.
- No keeping exotic pets.
- No playing music that is loud and annoying.
- Stand on the left side when using an escalator.
- Ask for the price of an item before agreeing to buy it.
- Do not take photos of government buildings and organizations.
- People in Northern Vietnam do not eat ice.
- Do not give handkerchiefs as gifts to Vietnamese people, as it is considered a symbol of mourning.
- Do not take videos of ethnic minorities in Vietnam.
- Do not eat fruits with the skin on.
- It is considered rude to address Vietnamese people by their first name only.
- Do not bow to greet Vietnamese people.
- Do not use forks to eat.
- Do not buy products made from wildlife parts or antiquities.
- Invite the elders to eat first before you start eating.
Now that you know, when traveling to any country, don't forget to follow these tips. It's important to remember that unexpected events can happen when traveling abroad, such as flight delays, lost luggage, accidents, or illness. Medical expenses in aboards can be quite expensive compared to our home country. So before you travel, don't forget to purchase MSIG Travel Easy travel insurance for peace of mind. No matter where you travel in Asia, premiums start at just 190 baht. If you are denied entry at immigration, MSIG Travel Insurance will reimburse you at a prorated rate.
Interested in purchasing travel insurance? Click to buy travel insurance on the website.
