In India, as in several other Asian countries and many parts of the Muslim world, it is insulting to show the soles of your feet. A casual way of sitting that would be perfectly acceptable in many Western countries would offend an Indian: for example stretching your legs out in front of you reveals too much of the soles of your feet to other people. Keep your feet flat on the floor or, when crossing your legs, make sure to keep the soles of your feet pointing towards yourself.

If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, you must show respect, usually by touching your heart and your forehead with the right hand, or with both hands as in namaste. You should not point at things with your foot (or your hand!) but with your chin. You should take your shoes off when you enter temples, some people’s homes, and certain shops. Do as your host does.

When young people in India wish to give greatest respect to their elders, they will kneel down and touch the elder’s feet.

In many European countries you are asked to take off your shoes before entering someone’s house. In the Czech Republic children take off their shoes and wear slippers at school.