Why These 10 Asian Countries Take Pictures of Black Travelers: Genuine Flattery or Harassment?

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“I have experienced first hand the photo-harassment that happens when I travel through Asia. But…why do they even want to take pictures of Black travelers?”

For travel enthusiasts, social media is a guide book of common travel information, tidbits of knowledge that is either shared via other travelers or learned the hard way first hand. Travel tips like: don’t wear flashy jewelry and clothing if you don’t want to be up-charged, always have a pen in your carry-on to fill out immigration forms in flight, and don’t wear high heels to Machu Picchu. But for Black travelers, the advice goes a little further.

“Is _____ safe for Black travelers?” 

It is a question often searched online while Black travelers plan their trips. As a result of deep rooted anti-Blackness in countries around the world, Black travelers are dealt the unjust hand of having to plan for their own safety because society fails to do so for the community. Black travelers have created their own resources to more comfortably navigate the travel space, from travel groups on social media to even entire publications.

These safe spaces allow Black travelers to share and discuss issues they encounter while traveling. Sine anti-Blackness is a global issue, there are always discussions around racist and prejudice encounters abroad, there is one common topic that reappears time and time again. 

Why do locals in Asian countries take pictures of Black travelers? 

What’s it like?

It is one of the most unusual experiences I’ve had as a Black traveler in Asia. You’re usually just walking along, minding your own business, and randomly you feel a tap on your shoulder. You turn around and find someone gesturing for a selfie with you. Forget the temple, forget the archeological site, forget the historic relic. They want a picture of YOU.

Even eerier, you may be walking along and see people in your peripheral pulling out their phones and snapping photos of you from afar.

Unless you’re some kind of celebrity and used to this treatment, being the subject of multiple strangers taking pictures of Black travelers -aka YOU- can be a jarring experience.

Because…why?

Personally, I’ve had more than my fair share of forced photoshoots in Asia. In fact, it happened so frequently that I even made an album on my phone of instances where residents were a little TOO keen on taking pictures of Black travelers. If they’re gonna have pictures of me, imma have pictures of them!!

Although Asia is one of my favorite continents to visit, you never quite get used to being stopped at a tourist site by someone asking for a selfie…and end up turning into an attraction yourself as people line up to take their own pictures of Black travelers. I’ve pretty much accepted it at face value, but…a nagging feeling still pulls at me. Why do they need a picture? What do they do with the pictures? Is it genuine curiosity and flattery…or is the act of someone taking pictures of Black travelers turning us into a commodity (again??) that can be exploited for others’ intrigue?

Armed with my own encounters, and experiences by other Black traveler bloggers, I have created a list of the top ten Asian countries where locals will stop to take pictures of Black travelers. AND, I’m determined to get to the bottom of this phenomenon.

That said, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit these countries. On the contrary, they are some of the top picks for many Black travelers! I would go back to all of these countries in a HEARTBEAT!

Just…yanno…expect a paparazzi or two. 

10. South Korea

Coming in the number tenth place is South Korea, home of K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty. While you probably won’t get asked to take a selfie with a local in Seoul, South Korea, it still manages to make the list by the amount of stares and pointing, mostly from children and elders. Even for Black Koreans, and Black Asians in general, they find themselves defending their existence in their own culture.

Ms. Rebecca, who grew up as a Black Korean in Seoul, explained to me that in many situations, locals staring or taking pictures of Black travelers is caused by a lack of education around race. “It’s a clear indication that their parents haven’t taught them about other races.” In schools, even the history and impact of the global slave trade is downplayed, and race and ethnic studies are not standard subjects in Korea. 

Even with a notable presence of Americans in Seoul, including Black Americans, the further you get away from the big city, the more frequent these instances might occur. If you’re curious about South Korea, check out my post on common myths and misconceptions about South Korea.

9. Japan

A fan favorite for many travelers, Japan ranks as ninth on the list. While Black travelers likely won’t attract much attention in Tokyo, outside of Tokyo and in rural Japan, the story can be completely different. “I seriously didn’t believe that anyone would want a picture with me,” says Jeffrey Jenkins, the fun-loving travel influencer behind Chubby Diaries. “I couldn’t leave the house and explore the city of Yokosuka without someone stopping me to ask for a photo.” 

That said, I would need an experience equal to waterboarding to keep me from going to Japan. I know, I know, big claims, but Japan is honestly one of my favorite countries in the world. In fact, it is TIED for my favorite. It’s been a minute, but if you’re looking for places to eat in Japan, hopefully a few of my favs are still around Tokyo: breakfast, good eats, affordable meals.

8. Thailand

Thailand manages to sneak onto the list at number 8, although many Black people who visit Thailand may never notice their photo being taken at all. They’re a bit sneakier when taking pictures of Black travelers.

Nam Cheah, the founder and curator behind Laugh Travel Eat, is a Hong Kong local and content creator. While on a tour through Thailand with another Black traveler, she noticed residents opting to shyly snap photos of her friend when she wasn’t looking. “They did want to touch her hair though,” Nam mused, though wondering if that was somehow less invasive than a photo. 

What do you think? Would you rather people go up to you and ask, or stay away but take photos without permission?

Where you visit in Thailand depends on your interests, though Bangkok usually has a balanced mix of activities to appease any traveler, and is usually the perfect start point for backpackers in Thailand. 

7. Vietnam 

Similar to Thailand, locals may be more likely to snap pictures of Black travelers from afar than walk up to you for a selfie. That and of course the staring. In Vietnam, people almost get into motorbike accidents trying to take a longer look at a Black traveler. They will literally TRIP OVER THEMSELVES trying to get pictures of Black travelers, as seen in this reel by Tia from Tia Takes the World. But, again, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit. Tia has a detailed itinerary and Vietnam Travel Guide that is especially helpful to Black travelers.

Speaking of motorbikes, it’s a popular method of transportation to see the country, and not unusual for travelers to rent one during the duration of their stay and hop between Saigon and Hanoi. Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, is the most populous city in Vietnam, and home to some of the cutest cafes in Southeast Asia. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to follow a vegetarian diet in Vietnam, which may come in handy for those with dietary restrictions or traveling with food allergies.

6. Hong Kong 

In 6th place is Hong Kong, which packs a punch of activities for such a small city-state. Though you may not be as keen of residents taking pictures of Black travelers.

Sarah Toyin, a British-Nigerian traveler who helps other women take the leap of living abroad, nearly stopped traffic while in Hong Kong. “I was with my friend and we were taking pictures when a lady came up to me to ask to take a picture with me. However, after I took a picture with this lady, all of a sudden I had a queue of people trying to take pictures of me.” Eventually, after seeing the line was only getting longer after a few pictures, she had to tell the queue no. I had a similar experience in Hong Kong, though I noticed the young woman who asked me had a Russian accent. 

Nam Cheah explained to me that it often isn’t locals who take pictures, but often other tourists to Hong Kong. “[Usually], they are mainland-Chinese tourists. I think it’s the novelty of not having seen Black people [in person] before.” 

Novelty. The word stirs mixed reactions from Black travelers. Toyin remarks that she just attributes the action to lack of exposure to Black people. “If they ask, I don’t mind taking a picture and it makes me feel less of a spectacle [by giving consent].” 

Though not all Black travelers share the same sentiment. Jeneva Burton, creator of Where is Neva, a multifaceted media outlet for the African and African-American diaspora community, muses on the constant expectations placed on Black travelers. “In the beginning, I didn’t mind [people taking pictures of Black travelers]. But as I travel more, overall I do not like it. To be stopped often, stared at, or have a camera in your face without giving permission is disrespectful to me. There are times I want to travel without being seen.”

Cheah, a resident of Hong Kong, explains from the other end of the camera. “When locals take pictures of Black travelers, it’s not malicious, but there are differences in cultural and etiquette here so locals do not perceive their actions as rude.”

Note: the concept of personal space is incredibly varied between Eastern and Western countries. While Cheah was leading a tour in Hong Kong for a Black South African family, an old local woman tried to grab and carry their baby. “She just wanted to marvel at his long eyelashes and compliment them, but the method was highly inappropriate.”

5. Philippines

As we move into the top five countries in the list, we get to the Philippines, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Instead of getting your picture taken from afar, or even blatantly asked for a selfie, Black travelers may instead find themselves approached by locals for conversations about their culture or to get to know them better.

Then after they might ask for a photo together and a follow on social media. “In the Philippines there was more curiosity about my braids, rather than my skin,” Toyin shares.

While it may not be as widely known, Filipinos and Black people have had a long history of solidarity. From as early as 1763 when communities of enslaved Black people and enslaved Filipinos (yes!) would form safe havens together after escaping, to Black Buffalo soldiers defecting during the Philippine-American War to join the Filipino cause, and even today with the Philippines showing overwhelming love for Halle Bailey in the live action Little Mermaid when many were so opposed to her casting solely due to her skin.

4. Russia

Many people may forget that Russia is geographically in Asia, because it extends all the way to Europe as well, but Russia also shares the unique characteristic of Asian countries that take pictures of Black travelers, even in major cities like St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Kazan, who are more used to seeing Asian and white travelers.

Since Russia is, well, the largest country in the world, you can spend a lifetime exploring Russia and still not see all of it. However, if you trying to decide between St. Petersburg and Moscow, Moscow has more of the world-known sites and attractions, while St. Petersburg is a little more affordable. 

Surprisingly though, I am more often stopped and asked for a selfie with Russians OUTSIDE of Russia. If I had a nickel every time a Russian has asked me for a picture outside of Russia…well, I’d have three nickels, but that’s still three whole nickels.

3. Indonesia

Making the list at number three, Indonesia is a country that should not be missed, even if the local residents want to take pictures of Black travelers. However, similar to the Philippines, the reason may be more related to a person’s features rather than just their skin color.

Afrolatina traveler Jenn, from The Curly Traveler, explained that her hair was of specific fascination. “While in Kuta Lombok Indonesia, locals would call my hair mie goreng, after a traditional Indonesian noodle dish.” She emphasized that it wasn’t in a mocking tone, but rather in awe of her curl pattern, and often flatter people’s unique features when they ask for pictures of Black travelers.

2. Taiwan

Taiwan will always hold a special place in my heart, in part because a shop owner in Tainan was so nervous to speak to me because she thought I was “the most beautiful woman she had ever seen.” Which of course was followed up with a photo request. Flattery is the fastest way to my heart. However, I didn’t have the same experience in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan.

Yishyene, the travel creator behind SmallCrazy, was raised in Malaysia and explains the difference between city folk and country folk, and their views on taking pictures of Black travelers. “Even if someone doesn’t have exposure to Black people or culture, they tend not to bother them in big cities. For example, my grandma or even certain aunts or uncles would be super charmed to see a Black person who has chosen to visit their country, but would never actually ask to take a photo.” It takes a certain level of thick skin to boldly ask someone for a photo, one that many country folk have AND ACT ON. 

1. China 

And topping our list of top Asian countries that take pictures of Black travelers is China. Where almost every Black traveler to China has probably been asked for a selfie. Tourist attractions and sites are especially prone to paparazzi moments, often because other Chinese tourists from smaller towns are also traveling there. After getting my picture taken almost every day for two weeks during my time in China, I started to wonder what they were doing with my picture after the fact. 

Did they immediately forget about it after, like every sunset picture I have ever taken? Or do they show their pictures of Black travelers to their friends and families? 

“Yes, sometimes,” Cheah confirms. “Older generations might share it in their Wechat and WhatsApp groups. But they’re more likely to share photos of their lunch in the group,” She laughs, then adds, “Unless they think they met a celebrity. Then you’re definitely getting shared.” So if someone called you Beyonce, Rihanna, Will Smith, or Chris Tucker…you’re in the group chat.

Who are the “guilty” parties?

This piece wasn’t meant to be an absolute truth. Taking pictures of Black travelers certainly isn’t unique to Asian countries, but it also isn’t unique to just Asian people.

Personal space aside, think of it like this for a bit more perspective – western travelers do the same. For example, many folks have heard of the talented geishas of Japan or the Maasai warriors of Kenya, and even make it a priority to see them during a trip to that country. If/when they do see them, tourists often ask for a photo.

It also happens when travelers see objects and people representing notable subcultures from that country (Mexican botas tribaleras, monks, Harajuku girls, or igloos in Artic communities ). Or when western travelers visit Indigenous villages, they may ask for a photo of locals there wearing regalia or traditional clothing…and they’re just minding their own business too.

The impact of Black culture is GLOBAL, but not everyone lives in a place where they have personal interactions with Black people.

So maybe to some extent, taking pictures of and with things and people that we’ve heard a lot about, but don’t experience or see often, is an aspect of human nature in its most neutral form. We likely won’t see it again (at least not frequently), so we want something to capture that moment. Like a photo.

Maybe that’s why we like to take pictures with celebrities too.

At the same time though, let’s be mindful yeah? Just because it’s not a TOTALLY unreasonable line of thought doesn’t mean it’s not uncomfortable for the other person! Humanity WILL survive without someone needing pictures of Black travelers they’ve seen out and about.

At the very least, always politely ask before snapping someone’s photo IN AN APPROPRIATE SETTING! If you are able to communicate, it is also nice to mention why you want to take someone’s photo and accept whatever answer the person gives you. Don’t wait until they turn away to try to sneakily grab a photo anyway.

But also maybe just tell your friends and fam to not line up to take pictures of Black travelers haha. It’ll save everyone the weirdness.

People Taking Pictures of Black Travelers: Conclusion

Disclaimer: I haven’t been to India (yet!), but I have heard locals there are also quite likely to take pictures of Black travelers. After I visit, I’ll definitely report back!

Have you ever had your picture taken while visiting an Asian country? Where was it, and how does it make you feel that residents line up to take pictures of Black travelers? Or just “non Asian” travelers in general? Let me know in the comments below!

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