Pacific and Asia

No region of the world has greater variety and diversity of language, races, and regions than Asia.

General Protocol Asia has an exquisite sense of politeness. --Don ’ t cause others to lose face. --Present gifts with both hands (HK, Japan, South Korea --Remove shoes when entering private homes or holy places (Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Samoa, Singapore, South Korea, Tahiti, Taiwan, and Thailand)

Make appointments, keep them, and be punctual.

In which countries littering is a taboo? --Australia (a strong sense of community) --Malaysia (harsh penalties) --Singapore (harsh penalties)

In which countries one is not supposed to touch food with his/her left hand? --India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia

In which countries do people eat their traditional food with their hands? --India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Samoa, Tahiti

Kava is served in which countries? --Fiji (Refusal of drinking Kava can be offensive.) --Samoa (Hold the cup in front of you before drinking and spill a few drops.)

In which country are people more direct and informal in ways they talk as well as they render service? --Australia

Australians call their friends _____ or call them by their names. --mate

In which country do people greet each other with a smile and raised eyebrows? ---Fiji

In which country is “ wai ” the most common form of greeting? --Thailand (placing both hands together in a prayer position at the chest and bowing slightly)

What are the rules for Indian and Pakistani men to follow when interacting with women in public? --no shaking hands; bow with palms together --avoiding touching --no talking to a lone women

Do’s and Taboos in India Guests should remove the garland of flowers presented to them immediately. Hindus and Orthodox Sikhs don ’ t eat beef. Muslims don ’ t eat pork or drink alcohol. Always use the right hand to accept or pass food. Different castes observe different restrictions concerning food.

Do’s and Taboos in S. Korea Women cover their mouths while laughing. Men go through doors first. Women help men with their coats. Blowing nose in front of others is considered bad manner. Remove shoes before entering a Korean home. Men bow and shake hands when greeting each other; women don ’ t shake hands.

Do’s and Taboos in Thailand Never touch a person ’ s head. Young people tries to keep their heads lower than those of older people. Avoid stepping on doorsills. Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon. Display of temper is poor manner. The sole of one ’ s shoe should be kept invisible. Being addressed as “ Ms. Mary ” is common.