One of the great things about traveling is that it offers you the opportunity to explore different cultures and customs. What is acceptable to your own country may not be agreeable to other countries, and what is considered respectable at home may be seen as rude abroad.
So as long as you are visiting a particular country, do observe the customs of their people, no matter how unusual they seem to you. Following and respecting their traditions means that you understand the cultural differences of every country. It is also a gesture of goodwill, whether your goal is to make friends or to establish stronger business connections. Plus, actively observing those customs will enable you to adjust a bit easier when staying or living in a particular country.
Here are some of the unique customs you did not know exist.
1. Giving flowers in Russia
The Russians love their blooms. That is why before sending a bouquet to your friend, beloved, or business associate in Russia, you must study some flower etiquette to avoid risk being labeled as uncouth or embarrassing.
Some of the general rules in flower-giving in Russia:
- Always give an uneven number of flowers unless you are attending a funeral.
- Always give lots of flowers. Enormous bouquets are undoubtedly welcome.
- Avoid giving yellow flowers to your beloved – many people think of yellow flowers as a bad omen and might lead to a relationship break-up.
- Forget giving red carnations to your date, friend, or business partner. These flowers are traditionally placed on the graves of the dead or are connected with Soviet holidays. Red carnations are also offered to surviving war veterans.
2. “Venezuelan time”
If you are the punctual type of person, you can be viewed in a bad light in Venezuela. For instance: if you are invited to dinner at someone’s home, it is okay if you show up 10 to 15 minutes late. If you arrive on time or too early, you could be seen as too eager or too greedy.
3. Giving gifts in China
Like many other nationalities, the Chinese also have their particular ways of gift-giving. So you have to wise when choosing the type of offerings you are about to give to your friend, beloved, or business partner in China.
Do not give the following items as gifts: clocks, straw sandals, handkerchiefs, and certain types of flowers. These things are associated with death, and thus they are appropriate only for funerals. You will risk ruining your relations if you give any of these gifts in China.
Food items may be a great gift idea, but in China, giving food can denote poverty.
Always present your gifts well-wrapped. Avoid using red ink when writing a greeting card, as it is considered bad luck.
There’s also a rule for recipients: always receive your donor’s gifts with both hands. The Chinese do not usually open the gifts immediately in front of the giver, unlike in the West where people open the gifts right away. The Chinese believe that quickly opening the gifts means that you care more about the gifts more than the visit of your guests, and that may come off to them as impolite and offensive.
4. Table etiquette in Norway
Table manners are of extreme importance in this Nordic country. Use utensils in almost every meal – even when eating sandwiches!
5. “Yes” and “No” gestures in Bulgaria
In most countries, nodding your head means “yes” while shaking it means “no.” However, this nonverbal communication is not universally shared. Take Bulgaria, for instance, where nodding your head means “no” and shaking it says “yes.” So you have to be careful in making nonverbal responses whenever the locals ask you a question, or else you’ll get into trouble!
6. Don’t write someone’s name in red ink in South Korea
Did you know writing in someone’s name red ink in South Korea is considered a taboo? Red ink is historically associated with the dead. In the past, deceased people’s names were written in red ink on the family register. Writing a person’s name in red ink meant that the person had died and if that person was still alive, writing his or her name meant that you wished them to die.
Although this is now seen as a bygone superstition, South Koreans still consider writing someone’s name in red ink as rude and egregious. So if you’re thinking of writing a letter or a greeting card to someone while visiting South Korea, avoid using red ink.
7. Chopstick etiquette in Japan
Japan is big on politeness and etiquette, and it is no surprise that these aspects extend to the dining table. The correct usage of chopsticks is essential to them; otherwise, using them in the wrong way is considered offensive. So do not stab your food with your chopsticks or play with them. Also, avoid using the end of the chopsticks in a way that it touches your mouth – it is considered not just rude, but also unhygienic.
8. Avoid business talk over dinner in Bolivia
In Bolivia, occasions such as birthdays and weddings are supposed to be joyous events that are meant to enhance personal relationships. Making business deals during such occasions is considered offensive.
If you’re attending a business lunch or dinner, wait until your Bolivian host initiates the subject of business or work before delving into the topic.
9. Environmental and social customs in Sydney, Australia
When visiting Sydney, Australia, it’s important to embrace local customs for a respectful and enriching experience. Sun safety is paramount. Locals diligently apply sunscreen, wear hats, and seek shade to protect against the high risk of skin cancer.
Tipping isn’t expected due to fair wages, but a 10% gratuity is appreciated for exceptional service. Australians value fair queuing, considering it rude to skip lines. There’s growing recognition of the Traditional Custodians of the land, and while tourists aren’t expected to make formal acknowledgements, respecting Indigenous cultures and sites is essential.
The social atmosphere is informal, with friendly greetings like “mate” common among locals. In some homes, removing shoes before entering is customary. The “Bring Your Own” (BYO) culture allows guests to bring their alcohol to restaurants, often for a small corkage fee.
Environmental consciousness is evident through practices like recycling, minimizing the use of single-use plastics, and conserving water. Embracing these practices, from environmental stewardship to casual social interactions, not only shows respect for local customs but also enhances the travel experience in Sydney’s vibrant, multicultural setting.
Conclusion
Learning about unusual customs before traveling is crucial for respecting local cultures, avoiding offense, enhancing your travel experience, ensuring safety, building global awareness, improving communication, and fostering personal growth. It deepens your engagement with diverse cultures and leads to more meaningful and enriching experiences.