Welcome to Vietnam!

Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries of Southeast Asia, which is safe to travel and full of wonders. Although the roots of Vietnam’s culture are firmly bedded in a thousand years of Chinese domination, the French colonialists brought European-style administration, Christianity in the form of Catholicism. Vietnamese people are very gracious, polite and generous with  the conservative nature of Confucianism inherited from the Chinese. They are very appreciative for visitors trying to abide by their customs. The following Vietnam travel tips, taboo, dos and donts will help you to avoid some social taboos and make your trip to Vietnam a culturally and socially enriching experience.

Vietnam Travel Taboo

• No shorts or tatty beer t-shirts when you visit pagodas. It is considered extremely rude and offensive. 
• Do not touch someone’s head and point with your finger.

Vietnam Travel Donts

• Do not sit with your feet pointing towards people. When visiting someone’s house, do not sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar.
• Do not give handkerchiefs, anything black, yellow flowers or chrysanthemums as a gift. Bring fruit, sweets, flowers, fruit, or incense as a gift if invited to a Vietnamese home.
• Do not sit until shown where to sit. The oldest person sit first.
• Do not carry large amount of money or wear a lot of jewellery. Never leave your bags unattended. You may become a victim of a pickpocket or drive-by bag snatcher.
• Do not show off; keep a low profile and a cool head, remain polite. Losing your temper in Vietnam means a loss of face.
• Do not cause Vietnamese to “lose face”. The concept of “saving face” is extremely important in East Asian social relationships. Avoid behavior that causes embarrassment to another party, and hold back behavior that can be misconstrued as overly aggressive.
• Do not take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages. They are considered to be too intrusive by the local people.
• Do not take a photo of somebody without asking for permission. Do not take pictures of anything to do with the military, which is considered a breach of national security. 

Vietnam Travel Dos

• Do dress conservatively. Never wear shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas.
• Do avoid public displays of affection with a member of the opposite sex. Anything beyond holding hands is seriously frowned upon
• Do use both hands to pass things. But do not pass anything over someone’s head.
• Do learn to use chopsticks. Try to finish everything on your plate, and rest your chopsticks on top of your rice bowl when you are finished eating. Hold the spoon in your left hand while eating soup.
• Do hold your bag in front of you and easy to grab, especially when you hire a motorbike taxi to avoid bag snatching.  
• Do take your shoes off at the entrance if you’re invited to a Vietnamese’s home.  
• Do expect toiletries in your hotel room such as toothbrush, comb, soap, shampoo, etc. But do carry toilet paper with you when you go out.
• Do drink plenty of bottled water, especially when walking around sightseeing. Do expect to pay less for the local beer (Bovina) than for a bottle of water.
• Do keep your valuables such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets etc in a safe place.
• Do change money from a recognized moneychanger.
• Do get medical insurance before your travel. The price of medical care in Vietnam is ridiculously expensive due to a scam they run with travellers and their travel insurance companies.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

9.0 magnitude earthquake on the Japan Fukushima Prefecture causes devastating tsunami on March 11, 2011, which moves Honshu Island 2.4 Meters and destroyed the cities and towns on the coast of northeastern Japan. The subsequent three nuclear reactors explosions  cause radiation levels to rocket 4,000 times normal level in surrounding seawater. A nuclear emergency was declared the first time in Japan, and the Japanese authorities rated the events as a level 5 (Accident With Wider Consequences) on the International Nuclear Event Scale.

Japan accounts for about 20% of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater and on average, an earthquake occurs there every five minutes. Japanese earthquakes are often accompanied by threatening tsunamis and eruption from volcanoes that kill many people in Japan. Due to this, concerns have been widely expressed about the particular risks of constructing and operating 57 nuclear power plants and over three hundred reactors with a number of others in construction or being planned. Amory Lovins has said: “An earthquake-and-tsunami zone crowded with 127 million people is an un-wise place for 54 reactors”. Professor Katsuhiko Ishibashi, one of the seismologists coined the term genpatsu-shinsai (原発震災), from the Japanese words for “nuclear power” and “quake disaster” to express the danger. Dr Kiyoo Mogi, former chair of the Japanese Coordinating Committee for Earthquake Prediction stated in 2004 that the issue ‘is a critical problem which can bring a catastrophe to Japan through a man-made disaster’. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also expressed concern at a meeting of the G8′s Nuclear Safety and Security Group, held in Tokyo in 2008, warned that a strong earthquake with a magnitude above 7.0 could pose a ‘serious problem’ for Japan’s nuclear power stations. Where are those dangerous nuclear waste is disposed is also very worrying.

To date, the most serious seismic-related incident has been the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, located in the Fukushima Prefecture, which consists of six reactors and uses high-risk uranium-plutonium mixed oxide materials and dangerous fast breeder reactors. Fukushima is Japan’s third-largest county, but with less populations, where has a large number of Japanese military experimental base. Fukushima has occurred a number of earthquakes successively in less than 10 years time, and the magnitude is surprisingly consistent between 5.5 to 6.0. Record shows:

1. October 2, 2001, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred off the coast of Fukushima, focal depth 40 km.
2. July 24, 2002,  a magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred east cost of Fukushima.
3. February 16, 2003,  off the coast of Fukushima, a 5.1 earthquake occurred, focal depth 70 km.
4. October 2, 2003, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred near the sea in Fukushima, focal depth 40 km.
5. June 2, 2005, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred near the sea in Fukushima, focal depth 40 km.
6. October 11, 2006, near the sea of Fukushima, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred.
7. March 9-10, 2011, two small magnitude consecutive earthquakes occurred in waters near Fukuoka. By the March of 11th, Earthquake intensity increased to 9.0.

Some critics argued that submarine nuclear test would lead to earthquake and tsunami, which have often been covered up with “earthquake”. March 11, 2011 Japan earthquake occurred in the sea far from the Fukushima, could be a hydrogen bomb test caused, and the earthquakes on 9^th and 10^th could be atomic bomb test. Plutonium is found on the land and at the sea outside Japan’s crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant. Observers believe that the Japanese officials claimed that Japan can produce nuclear weapons in 30 minutes is not a nonsense.

Japan’s “nuclear power” and “quake disaster” has posed a serious threat to tourist travelling to Japan.

© 2011 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Peru!

Peru is a fascinating country which boasts both an ancient culture and a striking ambiance. The culture of Peru is one of the most diverse in South America, primarily ingrained in Amerindian and Spanish traditions. African, Asian, and European ethnic groups have influenced Peruvian culture. The ethnic diversity and rugged geography of Peru allowed diverse traditions and customs to coexist. Knowing Peru travel know-how, bear in mind the following Peru travel tips, travel taboo, dos and donts to save time, money and prevent hassles when travelling to Peru. 

Peru Travel Taboo

•  The import of raw ham from Italy and Portugal, and export of artistic or cultural articles, is prohibited.
• Calling someone over using an upward curled first finger in Peru is considered an insult.

Peru Travel Donts 

• Do not carry valuables around or wear expensive jewelry. Crime rates in the cities and villages of Peru are high.
• Do not use the words ‘indio or indios” to refer to natives. These words are considered derogatory.
• Do not go shirtless in Peru. Dress is usually informal, pants and a shirt are fine, but wearing several layers of clothing is always a good idea due to vary temperatures throughout the day.
• Do not drink the tap water, buy bottled water instead.
• Do not eat food from street to avoid becoming the victims of wretched stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and worse.
• Do not take pictures of people without their permission, especially when taking photos of indigenous tribes’ people.
• Do not take unlicensed taxis with a red and white taxi sign on the windscreen. Take licensed yellow taxis, especially for a woman travelling alone or at night! Taxis do not have meters and fares should be agreed before departure.
• Do not drive. Road travel in Peru can be hazardous, due to reckless driving and the poor condition of the roads. Traffic in Lima is hectic, unpredictable and drivers tend to be very aggressive.
• Do not be offended by the word “Gringo” (white) said to you in a decidedly derogatory manner while in Peru.
• Do not take ride at the airport. Be sure that the driver is legitimate and ask about rates before getting in the car.
• Do not be alarmed by armed guards. Whether you are in a bank, shopping district or airport, guns will be commonplace.  

Peru Travel Dos 

• Do learn a few words of Spanish before travelling.
• Do shake hands and kiss men and women once in the cheek for greeting.
• Do bring your own toilet paper, and expect to pay to use a restroom. Toilet paper is often not supplied in public restrooms in Peru.
• Do make copies of your travel documents and keep valuables at hotel safe always.
• Do exchange your currency at the airport if you want to save 5-20% or more fees.
• Do get immunizations for Typhoid Fever, Malaria, and Yellow Fever.
• Do have a credit card at hand to avoid the exorbitant fees for transferring money.
• Do carry an international phone card for emergency or unexpected incidents to contact home.
• Do pack light. Elevators and escalators are usually unavailable in Peru.
• Do expect smaller personal space in Peru, people get very close to you when talk to you.
• Do drink from the same glass. Drinking from the same glass for the locals in the mountains is a sign of friendship and trust.
• Do expect to pay higher price than locals. Your lack of Spanish or foreign accent will usually hike up the price, at least, a 15%.
• Do be a responsible traveler, be respectful to locals and local traditions, and protect the nature.

 © 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Costa Rica has been considered as one of the more stable nations of Latin America, characterized by high standards of life and education. Although its culture is strongly influenced by Spain, it has turned into a multicultural society due to the amount of world visitors. Roman Catholicism is the most popular religion in Costa Rica with 76.3% of the followers.

Costa Rica is a paradise for tourists, besides the well developed tourism infrastructure, the country’s populous creatures, staggering nature beauties and two oceans with hundreds of exotic beaches make this tiny nation drawing 1.5 million visitors every year. Try and see as much of the country as possible, it is truly incredible. But keep in mind the following Costa Rica travel tips, taboo, dos and donts is best way for you and your family to have a safe and wonderful vacation in Costa Rica!

Costa Rica Travel Taboo

Sexual relations before marriage is taboo.

Costa Rica Travel Donts

• Do not visit Costa Rica on Christmas or Easter weeks, as the whole country shut down for local celebrations, not even to say the prices are sky high, and lodging is almost impossible to find.
• Do not rent a car, the road signs are notoriously poor in the countryside and it’s easy to get lost. Take public transportation instead, they are cheap and reliable.
• Do not be too affectionate in public. Excessive affection in public is frowned upon in Costa Rica.
• Do not bathe nude at the beach! Also, Limit the beach wears at the beach only.
• Do not be obliged to tip. A service charge of 10% is already included in your bill on top of the tax.
• Do not damage trees or flowers, nor to litter or take things away from the rain-forest’s and beaches. It could be the equivalent of a felony if you are caught disturbing the flora and fauna.
• Do not be surprised to see drugs and prostitution. Although frowned upon in respectable circles, prostitution is socially acceptable throughout most of the country.
• Do not carry valuables around. Keep them in a safe and hidden place if possible to avoid attracting petty crime.
• Do not take a taxi without negotiating a fare or having a meter on. Do not ever eat, drink, or smell anything a taxi driver offers. It could be laced.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.

Costa Rica Travel Dos

• Do learn some basic Spanish before coming to Costa Rica. Use the phrase pura vida (pronounced POO-ra BEE-da) for hello and goodbye and to express happiness. It can also mean “no worries.”
• Do break the ice with Costa Ricans by complimenting the splendor of the country and its progressive reputation.
• Do address people with formal title. Christian names are preceded by Señor for a man and Señora for a woman, but Don is used to address a highly respected man and Doña for a female equivalent.
• Do observe normal courtesies when visiting someone’s home and gifts are appreciated as a token of thanks, especially if invited for a meal.
• Do bring and wear enough sunscreen and insect repellent, no matter where you’re traveling to, even if it is cloudy. The sun is very intense in Costa Rica and it is very easily got burned. It can also be very expensive in Costa Rica.
• Do greet everyone in the room with a kiss and say good bye with everyone when leaving. Smile and say hello or “hola” to everyone, even in passing on the street.
• Do wear casual dress for most occasions, but beachwear should be confined to the beach.
• Do take a local bus which is comfortable and also considerably cheap. Do not take the Interbus shuttle, they are very expensive, and run around $35-40 to the destinations.
• Do bring an umbrella and raincoat, which are always helpful in the wet season.
• Do make a passport copy and the stamp page showing the entry into Costa Rica in case something happens.
• Do exchange through authorized source. Street corner foreign exchange transactions are technically illegal, and often risky.

© traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Nigeria!

 ”When Nigeria sneezes, the rest of the African nations (with the exception of South Africa) catch cold.” Along with South Africa, Nigeria is considered a super-power in the African continent. It is the most populous nation in Africa, and is the Africa’s largest oil producer and second largest economy. Although its tourism is still fragile since Nigeria suffers from a reputation of being corrupt and prone to violence, the travelers do report that the Nigerian are friendly and generous. Nigeria is a culturally and religiously diverse country with 250 tribes, where tribe and ethnic affiliation is important. Be sure to be sensitive to these differences, respect the local customs, learn the following Nigeria travel tips, taboo, dos and donts, to make a safe and pleasant trip to Nigeria.

Nigeria Travel Taboo

It is taboo to ask the size of a man’s herd in Nigeria Yoruba society.
Transvestism and homosexual practices are prosecuted.

Nigeria Travel Donts

• Do not  use your left hand at all, as it is considered unclean. Do not eat with it, do not give or receive a present or objects with it. Using the right hand only or both hands.
• Do not rush a greeting without inquiring about the other person’s general well-being, which is considered extremely rude.
• Do not step on anyone’s toes.
• Do not show indifferent facial expression which indicates ignorant or obnoxious. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an expression.
• Do not keep constant and direct eye contact, which can be seeing as being intrusive.
• Do not ever criticise Nigeria or Nigerians, no matter how much a local may do so. Be polite and conservative in your actions, although in many cases, the politeness can easily be mistaken for weakness.
• Do not  try to wear Nigerian clothes. They are beautiful, but Nigerians think they look stupid on other nationalities.
• Do not travel alone. Go around in a group, and do not let anyone touch or intimidate you. Voice anger if necessary.
• Do not discuss or make generalizations about religion in Nigeria. Nigeria is a religiously diverse country, maintain an open mind.
• Do not feel obligated to leave tips. Tipping is optional in Nigeria.

Nigeria Travel Dos

• Do shake hands with a warm, welcoming smile with everyone, as a customary, on meeting and departing. Muslims will not generally shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
• Do have cash on hand to help negotiate either a good purchase or a bad situation. Bribery is still common throughout the country, handing over a few dollars could save you from unexpected troubles. Leave your credit cards behind to prevent from the fraud.
• Do take an extra copy of your passport which may help in some situations in case yours are taken.
• Do dress casual, although modest wearing required in the northern Muslim areas, particularly for women. A lightweight suit and tie are only necessary for businesspeople on formal meetings.
• Do respect the elders, and lower your eyes or bow when meeting an elder. Nigeria is a hierarchical society, and the extended families are the norm and the backbone of the social system in Nigeria.
• Do address people initially by their academic, professional or honorific title and their surname, unless invited to call someone’s first name.
• Do try eating with your hands! You will be given finger bowls and towels to keep clean. If you’re uncomfortable eating with your hands, then ask for utensils.
• Do bring fruit, nuts or chocolates for the host if invited to dinner at someone’s home. A gift for the children is always welcomed. Do compliment your host’s home and belongings.
• Do say that a gift came from your wife, sister, mother, etc. female relative, if you’re a man giving a gift.
• Do understand that Nigerians communicate with a lot of gestures and body language, pay attention to non-verbal cues when conversing.
• Do bargain at a market. You can usually get the price down by 50%. But do not walk away without buying something after you’ve agreed on a price with the merchant.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Switzerland!

Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world with Zurich and Geneva ranked as the cities with the second and third highest quality of life in the world. Switzerland comprises three main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, and Italian, which showcase three of Europe’s most distinct cultures – beer-drinking, sausage-eating German-speaking Swiss in the northeast; wine drinking and shopping spills effortlessly French Swiss in the south-west; the cappuccino-sippers loitering in Italian-style plazas in the south-east; and the classic Swiss flugelhorns and mountain landscapes in the centre.  Swiss are relatively reserved people, polite and helpful, but rather discrete with highly respected privacy. Respect their culture and etiquette, and bear in mind the following Swiss travel tips, taboo, dos and donts will make Switzerland a glorious whirlwind trip.

Switzerland Travel Taboo

Pointing your index finger to your head is considered an insulting gesture.

Switzerland Travel Donts

• Do not speak loudly in public, especially on a cell phone. Nor make big noise, or joking loudly. As a rule Swiss do not like noise and dislike others make jokes about them.
• Do not address someone by their first name until invited to do so. Use surnames and titles instead.
• Do not give expensive or extravagant gifts which can be viewed as tacky or bribery. Nor give anything sharp, such as knives or scissors, which signifies severing off the friendship. Wine, high quality chocolates, or flowers are good gifts. But avoid white chrysanthemums and white lilies which are for funerals.
• Do not drink until after the first toast given by the host. Do not ask for salt and pepper if it’s not already on the table.
• Do not feel obligated to tip. A service charge is included in restaurants and hotels.
• Do not put your hands in pockets while talking to people. Nor chew gum, litter, or clean your nails in public.
• Do not ask personal questions, such as salary, age, or religion. Swiss respects privacy highly.
• Do not eat out which can be very expensive. Making lunch your main meal of the day. The same meal in the evening doubles up.
• Do not hike unless you think you are fit or hike often. Carry your joggers or any pair of light shoes.

Switzerland Travel Dos

• Do respect traditional Swiss greeting with three kisses on the cheek, though a handshake is the norm on a first meeting.
• Do dress conservatively and neatly. A suit and tie in business for men, and a suit or dress for women.
• Do appreciate tolerance and be patient in Switzerland. Swiss are rather discrete, let them follow their own rhythm.
• Do keep both hands on the table during a meal, but keep elbows off the table. Eat everything off your plate and put your knife and fork side by side at the 5:25 position when you’re done eating.
• Do use fork to cut food such as salad and potatoes instead of a knife, and break bread with your hand, but most other food should be eaten with utensils.
• Do recognize that German, French and Italian are widely spoken in Switzerland, and Romansch is spoken in isolated pockets. More French around the west and South is Italian. Other areas are more German in style, but speak Schweiz-Deutsch (Swiss-German), a dialect that even Germans don’t understand.
• Do be punctuate for a dinner party, although 15 minutes late is acceptable. Do send flowers to your hosts either before a party or the next day, along with a thank you note.
• Do ask for your tax-free shopping cheque and reclaim the VAT if your purchase costs at least CHF. 500. Switzerland is a shopper’s paradise with so much irresistible stuff around.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

But today, the IATA downgraded its airline industry outlook for 2011 to $8.6 billion from the $9.1 billion it estimated in December 2010. The high oil price cuts airline profits by almost 50%.  “Political unrest in the Middle East has sent oil over $100 per barrel. That is significantly higher than the $84 per barrel that was the assumption in December. At the same time the global economy is now forecast to grow by 3.1% this year—a full 0.5 percentage point better than predicted just three months ago. But stronger revenues will provide only a partial offset to higher costs. Profits will be cut in half compared to last year and margins are a pathetic 1.4%,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

Although the strong growth of international passenger demand, the unrest of the middle east caused high oil price could be a big factor to global travel industry. But more interestingly, just as what Bisignani said “As if the rising price of oil was not challenging enough, governments are increasing the cost of mobility with a growing contagion of taxes. In 2010 the industry was hit with billions of dollars of new or increased taxes in the UK, Austria and Germany. Now we see South Africa and Iceland planning increases. Governments need to improve their finances and restart their economies. Mobility is a catalyst for economic growth. Governments must understand that taxing air transport out of the range of price sensitive travellers and businesses makes very little economic sense”. We all could well expect what the global travellers would suffer as the end consumers.

Welcome to Chile!

 Chile is a beautiful country with rich culture, largely influenced by the European heritage. Chileans have remained relatively homogenous with predominance of the Spanish language and the strong influence of Roman Catholicism. The inhabitants of the country are a combination of both indigenous groups and Spanish. The natives are culturally rich and their culture and customs are officially protected by the Indigenous Peoples Law.  Chileans in general, are more formal than others in South America. They are usually well-educated and quite sophisticated. Courtesy and respect are the guiding principles of good etiquette. The following Chile travel tips, taboo, dos and donts will help you to have a safe and wonderful trip to Chile! 

Chile Travel Taboo 

Abortion is illegal.

Chile Travel Donts

• Do not say “no” in Chile. Chileans dislike saying “no,” particularly in business dealings. Diplomacy is essential.
• Do not be offended by Chileans asking personal questions. Be willing to devote a fair amount of time talking about family, friends and your background.
• Do not go empty-handed to anyone’s home. Gift-giving is a popular custom in all of Latin America. Do not give scissors or knives as a gift which indicates severing the relationship. Open a gift upon receipt. Gifts for children are greatly appreciated.
• Do not sit until told where to sit. Do not begin eating until the hostess invites everyone to start. Do not begin drinking until a toast has been made.
• Do not get upset if you’re called a “gringo”. Chileans tend to call all foreigners that.
• Do not photograph Native American people without permission.
• Do not beckon with the hand which is considered bad form. Yawns should be stifled or covered by the hand.
• Do not pour wine with the left hand while grasping the neck of the bottle which is a big no-no in Chile. 
• Do not hold your fist upright and level to your head which is considered a communist sign and should be avoided.
• Do not make a fist and slapping it against the other hand, or hold the hand as if holding a round object. Both would be misinterpreted as “screw you.”
• Do not be offended if a Chilean stands too close. Like other Latin Americans, Chileans tend to stand much closer to one another than in Europe and North America when conversing.  

Chile Travel Dos

• Do shake hands with eye contact. Handshaking is the customary form of greeting between men and sometimes embellished with a kiss on the right cheek for women.
• Do learn a few Spanish. Many Chileans do not speak English. Common greetings are: “Qui’ubo?”/What’s up?”, “Como esta?/How are you?”, “Gusto de verte/Nice to see you.” 
• Do dress neat and conservatively. Women will usually wear modest skirts or dresses and men will usually wear pants.
• Do be friendly and humble, behave conservatively whenever possible. Chileans by nature are friendly, they dislike arrogance.
• Do bring a gift of a bouquet of flowers or wine for the hostess when invited to a Chilean home, but do not give yellow roses which indicate disrespect, purple and black flowers which used for mourning.
• Do keep both hands above the table throughout the meal and finish everything on your plate. It is considered impolite to ask for or accept second helpings of food. 
• Do understand the habit of using two surnames in Chile. As in other Latin American countries, it is customary to give a child the family names of both parents, and the mother is also known officially retains her maiden name in addition to her husband’s name.
• Do develop personal relationship and understand the phenomenon importance of contacts. In Chile, as in most of Latin America, the personal relationships are the key to success.
• Do avoid talking politics and religion. Center on families, children, history and the arts. Easter Island is a very interesting subject for all. 
• Do tipping. It is customary to tip 10-15% in restaurants. A tip of 20 percent is customary in bars where service has not been added to the bill. 
• Do wear a hat and using sunscreen. Southern Chile lies in a significant ozone hole, the sun rays can be hazardous, also bring warm clothing and rain gear to the south, the weather here is very changeable.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Cyprus! 

Cyprus is an odd mixture with its cultural influenced by Western Europe, but its geographic proximity to the East. There are two major ethnic groups that inhabit the island: the Greek-speaking Greek Orthodox community (78%) and the Turkish-speaking Muslims (18%), which make this small island its own definite and beguiling character. Cypriots are laid-back and friendly, but extremely polite and somehow formal when interacting with the elderly or speaking in a professional environment. As a foreigner, respect Cypriot culture, knowing their taboo, dos and donts will help you to make the most of your holiday in Cyprus.

Cyprus Travel Taboo 

The “moutza”, which consists of extending all five fingers, palm out, towards a person in a forward motion. The closer the hand is to the other person’s face the more offensive it’s considered. Similar to the American “talk to hand” gesture.

Cyprus Travel Donts

• Do not give white lilies as a gift, as it’s used for funerals. Traditionally, give something edible, such as pastries, which make a wonderful host gift. Gifts are not opened when received until later.
• Do not enter a mosque without removing your shoes. Do not walk in front of someone who is praying.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
• Do not sit until told to sit down. Do not begin eating until after the host does. Do not pass dishes with your left hand. Finish everything on your plate and lay your knife and fork parallel on the right side of your plate to indicate that you are done eating.
• Do not refuse an offer of Greek coffee or a cold drink which is considered impolite.
• Do not pre-book your hire car. You can always get a much cheaper rental car locally when you arrive.
• Do not cross hierarchy rank. Cypriots are extremely respectful of hierarchy. People are respected for their age and position. Older people are served and introduced first.
• Do not open displays of affection if you are a gay. There is not wide social acceptance of gay people in Cyprus, and recognised gay venues are scarce.  

Cyprus Travel Dos 

• Do shake hands, smile, and maintain direct eye contact during the greeting. Very religious Muslims do not shake hands with women.
• Do respect elders. The family is the centre of the social structure of Cyprus. Elders are respected and children expect to take care of their parents when as they become old and or infirmed.
• Do learn a few Cypriot Greek words to help you get to know the locals. Cypriot Greek is quite different from mainland Greek due to the strong dialect spoken by many of the locals especially in the more remote mountain villages.
• Do develop personal relationship and trust, which form the cornerstone of business. Cypriots prefer face to face meetings rather than by telephone or in writing. It is imperative to show deference and respect to those in positions of authority.
• Do avoid confrontation. Cypriots do not like publicly admitting they are incorrect.
• Do be punctuate, although you should be prepared to be kept waiting. Avoid hyperbole and making exaggerated claims about your products or services.
• Do dress conservatively if going to a monastery or church. Men should wear pants and shirts. Women should wear pants or long skirts and cover their arms.
• Do bring good walking shoes, a swimsuit and some sunscreen in your bag.  
• Do try something different in Cyprus. Diving, mountain biking, rock climbing, water-skiing or paragliding can all be enjoyed on the island.
• Do make sure your jeep has air conditioning while taking jeep safaris to see the more remote parts of the island.
• Do wear casual for most occasions. Beachwear is confined to the beach or poolside and more formal wear is required for business and exclusive social functions.
• Do take caution for photograph. Photography is strictly prohibited in the areas surrounding military facilities and security zones.
• Do tipping a little. Although a 10% service charge is included in the prices listed on every menu, it is customary to leave the waiter a little something extra.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Cuba!

Cuba is the biggest island and the most populous island nation in the Caribbean. Its people, culture, and customs draw from diverse sources, such as the aboriginal Taíno and Ciboney peoples, the period of Spanish colonialism, the introduction of African slaves, Cuban Revolution, and its proximity to the United States. The Culture of Cuba enjoys an international reputation as being one of the richest cultures in the world and is a meeting point of European, African and continental North American cultures. Cuban enjoys a rich heritage in the field of art, music and literature. Religion holds an important place in the life of Cuban with the main religions being Catholic and Santeria. The best time to go to Cuba is between December and April. Please also bear in mind the following useful Cuba travel tips, taboo, dos and donts for a safe enjoyable trip to Cuba.

Cuba Travel Taboo

Every kind of device which is capable of receiving signals from satellites is strictly prohibited on the island.

Cuba Travel Donts

• Do not drink tap water though it is drinkable. Drink bottled water to avoid tropical illnesses.
• Do not carry excessive amounts of cash. Bag snatching and pickpockets are common, especially in the area of Old Havana.
• Do not get involved with drugs. Penalties are very severe in Cuban law. Do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.
• Do not bring credit cards or traveller’s cheques from American-based banks, including AMEX, which are not accepted in Cuba. Visa, Mastercard, Cabel and Visa Electron are all accepted credit cards.
• Do not take photographs/videos of military or police personnel or installations. You may well be arrested for spying.
• Do not draw attention to yourself as a tourist, especially if you are with Cuban friends of the opposite sex as the police will be quick to ask your friends for identification.
• Do not take urban transportation, such as the “camel” as they are always crowded and unreliable. Cuba has an excellent taxi services as well as car, van and motorcycle rentals.
• Do not travel alone at night. Do not stay out late at night in unfamiliar parts of town or in areas of Old Havana.
• Do not spit and blow your nose in public.
• Do not littering which is against the law.
• Do not speak anything against the government.

Cuba Travel Dos

• Do learn a few Spanish which is official language in Cuba.
• Do shake hands upon greeting someone and farewelling. It is common to greet friends and family with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Informalities like addressing a stranger with ‘mi corazón’ (my heart), ‘mi vida’ (my life), or ‘cariño’ (dear) are common.
• Do bring sunglasses, hats and enough sunscreen. Sun in Cuba is quite hot and the ultraviolet rays can burn you.
• Do dress casual. Cuba is a warm, tropical island, so cotton and other light fabrics and flat comfortable shoes are ideal for outdoor activities. Shorts are not needed.
• Do wash your hands before eating especially after being on the beach to prevent sickness and flu bugs.
• Do make sure you have medical insurance cover before travelling. And do bring some anti-diarrhea medicines and antibiotics.
• Do take good care of your wallet and passport in crowded places; keep them in your front pocket, and leave valuables, important documents and the money in the hotel safe. Keep a photocopy of your main passport page.
• Do watch out for money exchangers, count your change, short giving is a plague in Cuba. Only exchange in official places such as hotel, bank or Cadeca (official Governmental exchange bureau).
• Do take the necessary adapters/converters for any appliances you bring, and enough batteries and a charger for your camera/recorder. Cuba’s electricity is 110 volts, 60Hz, but most hotels and resorts have 220 volts. Electrical outlets take flat plug prongs.
• Do be aware of customs restrictions of Cuba. Check Cuban customs website: www.aduana.co.cu for restricted items.
• Do take extra care when driving in Cuba. Traffic accidents that result in the injury or death of third parties are treated as a crime. You are unlikely to be allowed to return home until you have been cleared by police investigation, a process that may take several months.
• Do beware of those offering an unsolicited and unofficial guide service, they may be part of a team of thieves preying on tourists.
• Do bring enough funds for your stay and your return journey. Obtaining additional funds through local banking channels can be frustrating, difficult, and not always successful.
• Do make sure to save $25 CUC (Cuban Convertible pesos) in cash for your departure tax at the airport. The tax of 25 CUC for all visitors, including infants on departure must be paid in cash.
• Do aware that homosexuality is frowned upon by Cuban society and law enforcement agencies. However, violence towards homosexuals is null.

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