Flyers urged to brush up on foreign customs

Holidaymakers have been advised to ensure they research local customs before jetting off to a foreign country.

According to Holiday Which?, certain mannerisms and gestures that are fine in the UK may be seen in an altogether different light overseas.

Some of the frowned-upon behaviour the consumer group cites includes exposing the soles of feet in Egypt, chewing gum in Singapore and taking photos of locals in Nepal.

Meanwhile, travellers in China should make sure they balance their chopsticks together on the side of their bowl when finishing a meal, as putting the chopsticks vertically in the dish signifies an offering to the dead.

All food in Finland bar bread and shrimp should be consumed with a knife and fork, while holidaymakers in Venezuela should give their shirts to people who say they like them.

"Depending on where you are, something as simple as eating dinner with the wrong hand or drinking cappuccino after breakfast can be seen as a terrible faux pas," commented Holiday Which? editor Lorna Cowan.

"If in doubt, make sure you read up on local customs before you travel, or observe how the locals behave. As the old adage goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Holidaymakers might want to keep an eye out for the famous ads by bank HSBC, which explain customs that are acceptable in some countries but potentially offensive in others.

• British Airways boss underlines Heathrow Airport importance
• Emirates completes move to new terminal in Dubai
• New US airport runways welcomed
• New campaign invites holidaymakers to Paris
• Tokyo 'the world's culinary capital'
• Observation wheel to open in Melbourne
• Visitors offered Christmas bonuses in Brussels
• Stansted Airport eco-certification extended to 2011
• United Airlines to resume flights from London to Denver
• Travellers invited to Australia's cinematic destinations