I read a recent furore about a certain someone. The debate which followed the suitability of wearing jeans and going barefoot to greet one's future relatives by marriage.
Years ago, as a teacher of O level and A level I visited homes. If other people removed shoes, I removed mine.
More recently, I visited my daughter in law's parents. The wife had placed enough synthetic Crocs or Clogs by the door for us all to change into clean indoor shoes. You lose the advantage of high heels, unless you have brought a spare pair kept for indoors.
In Asia it is usual to remove shoes when entering homes and special places. Visiting palaces and temples and meeting royalty in other countries involves protocol. How you address them, What you wear. Many events are organized by PR companies which send you a card outlining the dress code and forms of address.
Asia
In many Asian countries, tour operators warn you about the dress code for entering religious buildings, such as temples, In Singapore and many other countries, when entering Indian, Hindu and Muslim temples, you must remove your shoes. If you need to wear shoes to support weak ankles, you might need to carry washable overshoes.
Greece
In Greek Orthodox churches area at the far end are reserved for priests.
Cyprus
Cemeteries in Cyprus.
UK
Traditionally you don't hug The Queen or The King and shake hands at arms length for security reasons. If Prince Andrew had refused to be photographed with his arm around every young lady, he might have protected his reputation.
Asia - China, Singapore, India
On the other hand, some Asians live in crowded places and expect to stand close to you in a queue (Americans say line-up). This is unnerving, especially in a department store with signs warning you against pickpockets. You can hold a big between yourself and another person, but how do you prevent them from stealing from your bag, opening a pocket, or slashing the gag.
You can buy a backpack, which faces the wrong way.
To stop people sneaking up behind me, I carry an umbrella. You could take a second-hand, old and unwanted backpack, filled with expander packing.
Or an empty trolley. You could also use a Zimmer frame.
Removing Shoes
Removing shoes is the custom, and obligatory, in many places of worship. Especially when people sit on the floor, to rest or eat or meditate, or listen to speakers, or prostrate themselves when praying.
In homes shoes are often removed for cleanliness. You are not supposed to walk into the house with cow dung, dog dirt, wet leaves, chewing gum, general dirt.
You could also be bringing into the house insects, such as carpet beetles.
Alcohol
In many Asian and Muslim countries alcohol may not be served to Muslims, and only to others in designated tourist areas and gated compounds. In some restaurants, such as in Malaysia, if a Muslim woman is with a Western man who orders alcohol, the waiter will remove the wine glasses which were on the table in front of the woman.
Korea
Koreans have a rule about how to hold a wine bottle when serving. You hold the bottle in your right hand and support the right arm with the left hand.
Who knew!
Useful Websites
Hugging
Security Backpacks
https://nordace.com/en/product-category/backpacks
Table Etiquette
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_manners
Flag Protocol and Etiquette
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_protocol
Shoes and Removing Shoes In Temples & Homes
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