Etiquette in Foreign Countries

Etiquette in Foreign Countries

 

In my previous blog about travelling to Your Next Destination I outlined some key things to take into consideration before going somewhere foreign. One of the first things and probably the most undermined thing by most travelers is being aware of the customs and traditions in another country.

Living in Canada, we are a land of many different cultures, races, traditions, religious views/ ways of life which make us more open to things we see every day. We should however, think about the impression we give to people in a place filled with individuals that mostly follow the same traditions and customs.

The handshake we would consider standard would be considered disrespectful in places such as China where their way of greeting would be with a bow (most times hand over fist).

In some countries upon greeting emotion should not be displayed. Some places find blowing one’s nose in public disrespectful just the same with having hands in your pocket. While other places in the world are accepting to humorous conversations, small talk and laughing readily.

Whenever you are planning to travel to somewhere new, always do your research to ensure you are up to speed with all the customs and traditions.