Guest blog by Live and Invest Overseas
Every country in the world has cultural quirks—the unspoken norms, behaviors, and practices that govern everyday social interactions. These quirks are usually instilled from birth and come so naturally to people that they’re second nature.
This can pose problems for world travelers who may not be aware of these unspoken social rules. A behavior that is completely innocuous in your culture might be a major faux pas in another.
Trying to navigate cultural differences without being clued in first can land you in some embarrassing situations. Here’s a round of cultural quirks to be aware of before your next trip abroad:
- Keep your left hand to yourself in Indonesia. In Bali and other parts of Indonesia, it’s considered rude to touch someone or pass them something using your left hand, which is considered unclean. You should also avoid touching the top of someone’s head because it’s thought of as a sacred and private area.
- Respect Italy’s cappuccino curfew. Coffee etiquette is a big deal in Italy. Cappuccinos are considered a breakfast drink, and the unspoken cut-off time to order one is 11 a.m. This may be because milk harvested in the morning would spoil by noon in the days before refrigeration. Whatever the reason, know that if you order anything but espresso after 11 a.m. in Italy, you’ll out yourself as a tourist.
- Don’t be surprised if someone hand-feeds you in Ethiopia. Ethiopian cuisine doesn’t typically require utensils, and feeding guests the tastiest parts of the meal is considered an act of friendship. This practice is called gursha. The host may hand-place food into your mouth as a show of respect. As the guest, it’s polite to accept the offering.
- Partying in Mexico is not for the faint of heart. If you get invited to a party in Mexico, know that—whatever the reason for the party—it could very well go all night and into the early hours of the morning. Whether it’s a baptism, a quinceañera (a girl’s 15th birthday party), or a graduation, the reason for the celebration doesn’t matter as much as the opportunity to gather with friends and family. Parties include the whole family, from the baby to the great-grandma, and involve food, drinks, music, and dancing. An invitation to such a party is a friendly gesture. Make sure you have the stamina and bring something (a case of beer, a dessert, etc.) to contribute.
- Be wary of “normal” hand and face gestures. Every culture in the world uses hand and face gestures as part of its communication system, but those gestures don’t always translate as intended. Giving a thumbs up in the Middle East, for example, is considered an insult (akin to saying “up yours”). In Brazil, the “OK” sign has a scatological meaning and is basically the same as flipping the bird. Clenching your fists with your thumbs tucked in means “good luck” in Sweden. And in Nicaragua, puckering your lips is just a way of giving directions, as people use their lips instead of their index fingers to point.
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David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary. The views of David Popowich, Faisal Karmali, and guest author do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc. This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc. The CIBC logo and “CIBC Private Wealth” are trademarks of CIBC, used under license. “Wood Gundy” is a registered trademark of CIBC World Markets Inc.
