If you're traveling to a new country, it's a good idea to know how to act around the locals. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Avoid being rude and unprofessional, Dress appropriately, and Practice proper etiquette at meetings.
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Avoiding rudeness
One of the most important things you can do when traveling abroad is to avoid being rude to locals. Depending on your destination, some cultures will take offense to certain words, gestures, and words you use, such as "sorry." Regardless of your purpose for traveling abroad, it's important to be culturally sensitive and pick your words carefully.
Traveling is all about learning and exploring, so make sure you avoid making assumptions that might offend the locals. It's rude to assume you know everything, especially about a subject that you don't understand. Also, many cultures don't take too kindly to people touting their knowledge, so let your knowledge show through your actions, not your words. For example, if you're a soccer fan, showing your local friends how good you are will go a long way.
Dressing appropriately
It is very important to respect local culture and customs when traveling abroad, especially if you are a long-term visitor or an exchange student. It will help you to fit in and relate to the locals better. There are many different fashion and style standards in every country, and dressing appropriately will help you fit in without being distracting or offensive. For example, in the Middle East, men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
While most concert halls in Europe are casual, there are some cultural events that require a more formal dress code. In most cases, however, women can wear a nice pair of pants or a dress.
Practicing proper etiquette in meetings
When attending meetings abroad, it is important to observe etiquette when greeting people. For example, women don't usually shake a man's hand unless he extends his own. Men, however, should make sure to use proper titles and salutations when addressing people. Likewise, it is best to avoid talking about religion, politics, or historical conflicts when you're meeting someone for the first time. It is also best to schedule your meeting at least two weeks ahead of time and confirm your attendance in writing.
When arriving for meetings, remember to be on time. Being on time will improve your productivity, as well as your relationship with other people. It is especially important to arrive early when you're in a business setting. Arriving late will result in problems for the other participants, and it also makes you look unprofessional.
Avoiding blowing nose in public
While we're used to blowing our nose in public, many countries find it offensive and inappropriate. In Japan, China, and Saudi Arabia, it is considered bad manners to sniff your nose in public. Instead, it is considered more polite to use a handkerchief.