A Cultural Mix-Up That Made Everyone Smile
In a humorously heartwarming moment captured on video, two tourists in Malaysia recently removed their shoes before entering a local grocery store — not out of obligation, but from what they believed was cultural etiquette.
The store owner shared a clip on social media showing the visitors cheerfully going barefoot, thinking they had to remove their shoes before entering the store.
This wasn’t an isolated incident either. The shopkeeper noted it has happened several times before, leaving her puzzled until another tourist explained the likely reason: the doormats at the entrance resembled those typically found outside homes, leading them to believe the store followed the same “no-shoes inside” rule common in Asian households.
Why Do Asians Remove Their Shoes Indoors?
Many Asian cultures, including Malaysian, Japanese, Korean, and Thai, teach people from a young age to remove their shoes before entering a home, showing both respect and a commitment to cleanliness. People view shoes as carriers of dirt, germs, and outside energy, making it inappropriate to wear them indoors.
This custom often extends to places of worship, certain restaurants, and other indoor spaces where hygiene or cultural respect is important. It reflects a deeply rooted cultural value of keeping living environments clean and harmonious.
East Meets West: Different Shoe Rules at the Door
In contrast, many Western countries — particularly in the U.S. and parts of Europe — do not emphasize shoe removal indoors. While some households do ask guests to take off their shoes, it is typically based on personal preference rather than a cultural expectation.
In some Western settings, especially in formal gatherings or parties, removing shoes might even be considered impolite or overly casual. This difference in norms often leads to light-hearted confusion when cultures intersect, as illustrated by the well-meaning tourists in Malaysia.
What Viewers Had to Say
Viewers found the two tourists to be respectful.
Others drew similarities to Thailand customs.
Overall, most people found the incident endearing.
A Lesson in Good Intentions
While the tourists may have been mistaken, their actions were praised by many for being respectful and thoughtful. It’s a small but meaningful example of cultural awareness, and how even a minor misunderstanding can result in a moment of shared humanity.
After all, when in doubt it’s never a bad idea to look for the shoes at the door.
Watch the video here:
@yunuyui 😌 ada juga minah saleh yang jenis jaga adap masuk rumah buka selipar 🤭
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
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Cheeky Monkey in Phuket “Steals” Tourist’s Phone, Accidentally Records Itself
Chinese Tourist Falls from Train While Filming and Dangling from Handrails; Miraculously Survived
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