Cover Story: Continued
Thani Talk ~September 2012
4. TIPS ON CULTURAL ETIQUETTE Many of you may have already figured out by the cluster of shoes outside homes here in Thailand, that it is customary to remove one's shoes before entering someone's home. There are a myriad of other cultural do's and don'ts, but I‘ll mention just a few of the most common ones that have gotten foreigners into trouble. Of the many cultural taboos you may already have learned about, the top two are probably: 1) Do not touch another person's head, and 2) Do not point your feet at someone. The first rule applies even to children's heads, though I've seen exceptions to that. As for the second one about not pointing one's feet at another person, it's one of the reasons why Thais prefer to kneel sitting on their heels or with their legs and feet politely folded behind them. The feet rule actually got a friend of mine in trouble when, in order to be more comfortable during a car ride, she propped her feet up on the arm rest between the driver's and front passenger's seats. There they were: massive toes and feet just inches away from her driver's body. Her driver, usually a gentle, quiet man, was so distraught by this flagrant affront that he actually spoke up and asked that she put her feet down on the floor. Care should also be taken if you want to display Buddha and other temple images in your home. I once placed a Buddha head on a side table, much to the consternation and discomfort of a visiting Thai friend. She explained to me that the image should have been placed on a higher and more honored spot. Other etiquette rules that you may encounter include wearing closed-toe shoes at temples, taking one's shoes off before entering a temple, and covering one's shoulders and legs when visiting a temple (sarongs and shoes can be borrowed or rented at many temples)
5. TIPS ON TIPS In general, tips are not expected, but appreciated. In a small noodle shop where the bowl of wonton noodles cost 35 baht, there's no need to tip. At a medium sized sit-down family restaurant, Thais typically round up the total amount or leave a modest percentage, depending on service. At fancy restaurants or major hotels, a 10% tip, plus 7% Value Added Tax, are automatically tagged on. Diners may supplement that if they choose to reward exceptional service. Massages and other personal care services are tipped based on percentage, depending on the quality of the service provided. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but if you round up the total fare or add an extra 20 baht for good driving, you make their day. COMING NEXT MONTH: MORE TIPS AND IDEAS FOR SETTLING IN! Learn about book clubs, women's and other national clubs, sports clubs, volunteer opportunities, and much more!! Liz Lu 7