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Understanding Customs and Differences Abroad

As the famous American writer once said,

“The gentle reader will never, never know what a
consummate ass he can become, until he goes abroad.”
-Mark Twain

Americans citizens have become better world travelers since Mark Twain’s time, but we still have a long way to go. Many of us have learned that the U.S. is not the center of the universe, no matter what our map at home shows.

When traveling aboard, it never hurts to learn some of the more pronounced customs of the country you are visiting in order to show respect and appreciation for the culture and people you are visiting.

Fact- Americans are known for their lack of speaking languages other than English.

In some cases we do not do that very well either. We just do not “Hablo” very well.

Tip- Take the time to learn a few key phases of the country you will be visiting.

It will help you maneuver around and make your experience more enjoyable. The locals you come in contact with will really appreciate your efforts and in most cultures will go out of their way to communicate with you. Take a phase book or electronic translator. Both can be helpful. Muchas gracias for trying.

Fact- Many cultures have distinct styles of acceptable attire.

Travelers should become familiar with any special forms of dress or customs of the countries they are visiting.

Tip- When visiting Mosque, shorts or cutoffs are not appropriate.

In Muslim countries, women should take note about covering their heads and shoulders when in public and not wear tight fitting clothes. In many European Countries, people are judged by the quality and appearance of their attire. Well tailored suits can have a dramatic difference on how one is received in a business meeting. In Egypt, men should avoid wearing jewelry as it is considered feminine. Color is also important. In Hong Kong, men should avoid wearing blue or white suites at social events as they are associated with death and morning. In almost all cases, one should remove their shoes when visiting the home of a local person. Even within the United States, different forms of attire have special meanings. Wearing an Aloha shirt in Hawaii may be acceptable business practice, but not so on Wall Street in New York.

Fact- Americans generally greet each other with a “Hello” or “How are you”.

In the United States, the tradition when greeting someone is to firmly shake their hand and possible touch them with the other hand on the shoulder or side. In many countries this is considered rude or tradition has established other forms of greeting. It is important to learn these prior to ones visit.

Tip- In Asian countries, the art of bowing has been practiced for centuries.

The lower the bow, the more respect one shows in his/her greeting for the other. Being punctual for meetings is also very important in most countries. Conversely, in some countries like Australia or Brazil, the practice of being late for an appointment is commonplace and almost every day. This is also important to learn for the areas you may be visiting. In Muslim countries, particular attention should be noted when people of the opposite sex greet each other. Men should not touch women in any way unless they are related by blood. It is important to show respect and acknowledge other customs and traditions. Reading up on the local customs can greatly enhance your visit. Once such book is Behave Yourself!, The essential guide to international etiquette, by Michael Powell. You will be surprised once you start studying the other cultures what you did not know.

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as
a young man,then wherever you go for the rest of your
life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
-Ernest Hemmingway

Fact- Many cultures have radically different dining habits than what Americans are accustom to.

I can find no better way to start off this discussion but to quote from the Traveler’s Tool Kit By Rob Sangster. In his chapter on Eating & Drinking, he writes…

“Pleased to see a sign advertising a Mexican restaurant, I dropped in for a meal. The first clue I wasn’t in Acapulco came when the waiter urged me to “Try the enchilada with our special monkey gland sauce.” That restaurant, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, was owned by a Maltese and South African, neither of whom had been within 4,000 miles of Mexico.”

Tip- This is where the use of your own guide can really pay off.

If you have trouble with the language it sometimes becomes even more difficult to order in a local restaurant. Who wants to travel 5,000 miles but with no ability in the local language, the only place you feel comfortable ordering is a McDonald’s restaurant. A local guide can enhance your dining options as well as take you where the locals eat. You will not fall prey to the places where they lie in wait for the tourist.

Dine out, but dine out smart.

Remember that in other cultures, what the locals eat may be fine for us Americans but also some foods just don’t agree with us. We may naturally not have the microbes for dealing with some of the local delicacies. Your guide can offer good advice and also help you navigate through the variety of dining choices. Take the opportunity to get outside the tourist areas and eat where the locals eat…just be smart about it and keep an open mind. In certain cultures, how you eat is as important as what you eat. Be aware than in many cultures, it is important to use your right hand for eating and touching food, your left hand is reserved for unclean uses such as going to the restroom.

Should I eat everything on the plate?

Depends where you are. In some cultures, cleaning your plate like you were taught as a child is a signal to your host that you were not provided enough food. In Hong Kong, leaving a small amount of food untouched indicates that you were satisfied.

How should I eat?

In Japan, slurping your noodles is acceptable and expected; in Italy slurping your spaghetti is a no-no. When using chopsticks, use the large end of the chopsticks to retrieve food from the communal bowl or plate. In Japan, don’t rest your chopsticks by sticking them in your rice bowl or use them to pass food to another, both are associated with funerals.

Fact-Some cultures are very hesitant about including any conversation of a personal nature or being critical of the local government or challenging the local religion.

Tip- Be aware of the customs regarding speaking in contradiction to the government or established religion. In Denmark, the tax system is very high but the Danish are proud of their social welfare system and social infrastructure which is provided for by the taxes. In Egypt, don’t bring up questions regarding other people’s families or wives. While you may be quizzed on your particular situation, it is better not to retaliate with similar questions. In many countries, it is not proper to blow your nose in public, including restaurants. In China, one should avoid talking about Taiwan and never refer to it as a separate country. It should be referred to as the Taiwan Province.

Fact- In the United States, we live in a relatively free and “reasonable” society. Other countries have developed their own set of rules which may be in direct conflict with what we are used to.

Tip- One of the most well known international rules revolves around the fact that chewing gum is illegal in Singapore. It is even illegal to bring gum into the country. In Switzerland, littering is not tolerated. The Swiss are proud of the clean country and aim to keep it that way, including their public restrooms. In Thailand, never criticize members of the Thai royal family, even in fun. Any disrespect shown against them is a criminal offence and carries a severe punishment. Given the current political climate in the United States, with similar laws as Thailand, many folks would be in prison given our current elected officials.

Big Picture… There is no way to list all of the hints, do’s and dont’s and customs associated with the many distinct and exciting cultures found around the globe. We have noted some books above that can help and there are many others available, including country specific guides written by the major travel book publishers. What is important is that you take a little time to familiarize yourself with the customs of the country you are planning to visit.

Enjoy your travels.

Merci

Ciao