Aside from certain behavioral frameworks that we discussed in the previous part of the segment dedicated to flirting, the cultural norms of different countries also declare certain rules with regard to such common communicative detail as touching.

To avoid unnecessary fines and unjustified prison time, we’ll review some of the most notable non-tactile countries that have strict restrictions, and the consequences in may lead to.

China

In most of the places too firm handshake is reasonably considered as passive-aggressive move of arrogance. However, in China, it can be construed as a sign of active-aggression.

You have to also look out for is touching someone’s head. China belongs to the list of countries with large Buddhist populations (along with Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia), touching someone’s head will be an incredibly invasive and provocative.

Touching a person’s head is considered very disrespectful is most parts of Asia. In Buddhist culture the head is believed to be the highest part of the body and for that reason, it is considered to be sacred. The feet, on the other hand, are the lowest part of the body and considered dirty.

Consequences: people will consider you an impolite and rude person. But if you touch someone’s head with your feet, you might get in some serious trouble.

India

The people of India have a special attitude to expressing and showing feelings in public and touching. If the first can cause only indignation, the second is the equivalent of the serious insult and will cause a corresponding reaction. Especially if it’s a woman

When meeting you should not shake hands at all. In India, this gesture is replaced by folded hands at the chin. You are strongly not advised to touch the Indians with your left hand: touching the other person or food is possible only with the right hand. According to Indian culture, the right hand is for eating food and the left hand is for wiping.

Consequences:  if a person makes physical contact or demand sexual favours against any woman’s consent is also a crime under this act. The man faces 1-3 years of jail, fine or both.

United Arab Emirates

Touching someone of the opposite or the same gender that you don’t know in UAE can lead to severe penalties, even if you had no intention to touch anyone.

In 2017, Scot Jamie Harron was arrested for 3 months for “indecent behavior in a public place.” He received this sentence after he touched another visitor by the hip in a bar. According to Harron, it all happened by accident: he tried to maintain his balance so as not to spill beer. Arab businessman Emad Tabaza complained about Harron, which led to his arrest in the bar.

Consequences: for Jamie’s attempt to not pour a drink on a person, he was facing a 3-year prison sentence in a UAE jail. Luckily, he was released, but only after 8 days in prison. According to various sources, he would spend over $50,000.

Singapore

You should always avoid groundlessly touching strangers in Singapore at all times in spite of the situation. Singapore law does not explicitly interpret a good reason for touching. The legal practice testifies: sufficient reason for touching would be if you were helping to detain a dangerous criminal. In this case, the act of touching will be considered as justified.

The government of Singapore also wants to make public transport as comfortable as possible. So, you have to be extra careful in the subway. For instance, let’s say you’re in the carriage of the subway. There’s a bunch of people standing in front of the exit door and you need to ask a passenger in front of you whether he gets off at the next stop, so that he could move and let you walk out. In that case you have to restrain even from patting him on the shoulder. At least you will be misunderstood and looked at as a suspicious person. In the worst case, it may lead to legal issues, since your gesture of politeness may be interpreted as attack or harassment.

Consequences: any attempt to touch a stranger can be perceived as sexual harassment or the act of violence. Violation of this prohibition may result in two years in prison, beating with sticks or a fine. Even accidental touching of the head may be especially severe: this part of the body is considered sacred.

P.S. In spite of average temperature around 31º C, you are also not allowed to drink in public transport. Even a quick sip of water can result in a fine. The ban is imposed because food and drinks can stain seats and other passengers.

COVID-19 note: due to continuous spread of coronavirus pandemic, people’s reaction to all above mentioned types of contacts may be to 3 times stricter.

About the Author: Zack Hargrove is a remote editor. His teammates from Resume Writing Services are willing to provide you professional help in case you need a remarkable CV that fits the highest standards.