SIDELINES //

Learn the Local Customs: Things to Avoid in a Bar

by Mike Richard

From my daily survival tips calendar:

Essential Survival Knowledge: Gesture to Avoid (the Upside-Down Glass on Bar)

In the United States and other countries, turning your glass upside-down might indicate that you do not want anything more to drink. In some pubs in Australia, however, finishing your drink, turning the glass upside-down, and placing it squarely on the bar may signal that you believe you can win a fight with anyone present.

Anyone heard of this before? Or witnessed the unfortunate outcome of some unsuspecting traveler doing same?

It might sound a little silly to folks in the States. But whether it’s true or not, it’s a good reminder to get acquainted with the countries you plan on visiting – especially local gestures and greetings. Seemingly innocuous gestures here in the U.S. – the thumbs up or the simple wave – might mean something altogether different in Asia, Africa, et. al.

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About the Author

Vagabondish editor, Mike Richard, lives in Rhode Island - a spit of land in the northeastern U.S. He is a professional web designer and travel junkie with an unhealthy addiction to backpacking, camping, hiking and seeing the world. He enjoys knit hats, small, declarative sentences and speaking in the third person.