Although most Americans say they want to respect the customs of the countries they visit, a survey by the travel website Vayama found that more than half of travelers (54 percent) stick to U.S. customs when traveling abroad, and nearly half (47 percent) did something when traveling outside the U.S. that they later learned was inappropriate behavior in that country.
When doing business, the importance of knowing and respecting another country’s custom becomes even more important. For Realtors® who pursue business in other countries, inappropriate behavior can kill a deal. Behaviors we consider normal in the United States are considered impolite in some other countries. For example, if you refuse coffee or tea in Egypt, it’s considered rude, even if you don’t drink the beverage at home. In Kenya, it’s inappropriate to drink a beverage while eating.
Likewise, behaviors that we consider rude at home are courteous in other cultures. For example, it’s rude to slurp the noodles in your soup here. But in Japan, slurping the noodles is not only acceptable. It’s considered polite table manners. Even gifts can cause faux pas. Clocks in China and red roses in Latvia, for example, are associated with death.
Body language is another potential problem. In Brazil, never make the “OK” sign with your hand. It’s a very rude gesture. And in Switzerland, don’t point your index finger to your head. It’s considered an insulting gesture.
You can avoid making faux pas by reading up about a country’s customs, traditions, and etiquette before traveling there. Vayama offers quick “dos and don’ts” on food and drink, gift giving, conversation, dress, body language and gestures, greetings and more for 50 countries.
Brian Kinkade is a broker and team lead with Cherry Creek Professionals Realty, a full service Denver real estate firm. His team specializes in Denver luxury homes, equine properties and International sales. Brian invites you to visit his website for more information.
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