Customs of different countries can trip you up, if you are not prepared.
Customs of different countries can trip you up, if you are not prepared.
In the US the guide to manners is Emily Post. In the rest of the world there are different rules that locals follow.
Norma and Robert Chase were delighted to be invited to dinner at the home of people they had just met while visiting Berlin, Germany. They showed up at 7:30 pm, half an hour after the appointed time, as they might have done in the United States, where arriving “fashionably late” is usually acceptable.
Charles Costa was strolling down a crowded sidewalk in London when he accidentally bumped into another man heading in the other direction. Before Charles could say he was sorry, the other gentleman apologized.
Plan to be polite when traveling
These are examples of behavior that differ from what’s expected in the United States but can be perplexing or even insulting to residents of other countries. That’s why it can be helpful when planning a trip to a foreign destination for the first time to learn what is acceptable and polite there – and what is not.
If the Chases had done their homework, they would have known that punctuality is essential to people in Germany. Leaving folks waiting there may indicate that you believe your time is more valuable than theirs.
Good manners are alive and well in Great Britain
Visitors to Great Britain should know that good manners are alive and well there. When two people accidentally bump into each other when walking, they often say they are sorry for the unexpected encounter.
Planning to avoid travel faux pas can and should begin well before a trip gets underway. That includes packing clothes that will be adequate for the weather in the destination or places you will be visiting but also are appropriate.
It’s OK to take casual, comfortable attire suitable for most sightseeing experiences, but some cultures call for dressing a bit more conservatively. For example, if planning to visit a place of worship in a number of countries, women should wear a skirt and cover their shoulders.
Kiss, handshake, or hug — that is the question
Meeting people also can call for correct protocol procedures. In France, it’s customary to greet someone you have encountered before with a kiss, or even two, from the left to right cheek. But the French don’t have a monopoly on friendly bussing. A kiss on each cheek is also typical in Spain and Italy.
The more formal Germans generally prefer a handshake or, if it’s not the first encounter, perhaps a hug. When entering a room in that country, it’s considered polite to shake hands with everyone there, including children.
Handshakes or hugs are common in the Scandinavian countries, although a verbal greeting is preferred if you haven’t met the person before.
Bowing continues to be practiced in Japan when meeting or thanking someone. It’s considered polite to bend lower if the other person is older or has a higher social status as a sign of respect.
Communicate with others in different countries.
How to communicate with people in other countries also has its list of do’s and don’ts. For starters, use your library voice. Many folks who live elsewhere speak in more harmonious tones. Sometimes – if the person with whom you’re talking does not know English well – the temptation is to speak more loudly in the belief that will make what you say more understandable.
Also, remember that while Americans often communicate directly, that is not comfortable for people in some other countries. Questions that seem natural at home may appear too direct and delving.
The British are known for their reserve and tactfulness, and questions you might ask a person you just met in the United States may appear aggressive. Canadians can be very tactful. Even if they disagree with someone, they’re likely to do so with diplomacy.
Dinner table etiquette
Dinner table manners also can come into play. In Norway, leaving any food on your plate may be interpreted as that you did not like it. If a guest in Finland who is dieting says “No thanks” when offered dessert, it could be taken as a rude response. The advice provided by Linda Nye, a travel education specialist, is to accept the sweet as a courtesy, even if you only take a nibble of it.
If invited to a German’s house for dinner, a handwritten thank you note sent the following day is considered a polite gesture. So is taking flowers for the hostess in Mexico. (But, don’t bring roses for the lady of the house in Germany.)
And the list of do’s and don’ts continues. In some Asian countries, where the head can be considered sacred, patting a child on top of the skull may be seen as offensive.
Taking photographs can be seen as irritating.
Taking photographs of people can present many cultural challenges. Doing so without permission may be considered an invasion of privacy and a personal affront. Some photographers seek to avoid this situation by using a long lens to snap pictures from a distance. The safest practice is to ask permission before pointing your camera.
[xyz-ihs snippet="Join-Ad-1"]Whether planning a trip for pleasure or business, doing some advanced research into the culture and customs at the destination can add to your enjoyment and avoid embarrassing mishaps. One good source of helpful information is the Commisceo Global Consultancy company. Its website – www.commisceo-global.com/resources – offers detailed reports about traditions and behavior in more than 80 countries.
Victor Block
Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He believes travel is the best possible education and claims he still has much to learn. He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won many writing awards.
