Cultural Etiquette for Expats & International Movers

No two countries and cultures are the same. When expats take the plunge and set their sights on a new country, they usually experience some culture shock as they adjust to a new culture. 

Cultural etiquette refers to the customs, traditions and social norms considered acceptable or appropriate in a culture. Since so many countries have their own values, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to being respectful in foreign countries other than learning to adjust your behavior to conform. That means you need to do some significant research on your destination before you arrive.  

This guide covers common cultural etiquette around the world, from gift-giving to time management. The following tips can help you integrate smoothly.

Why Is Cultural Etiquette Important?

Cultural etiquette reflects a country's values, traditions and social norms, so it should be followed when relocating to a new country. It's easy to unintentionally offend people by not following local etiquette. While people tend to be forgiving of expat or foreigner faux pas, it's best to embrace the culture of your new destination. 

As you adopt cultural etiquette, you make it easier to improve relationships with locals and avoid misunderstandings. Some faux pas that might not seem like a big deal to you can also be a crime in other nations.

Common Cultural Etiquette Examples Across the World

All around the world, cultures develop their own practices. What may be embraced in one nation can be a serious offense to citizens of another. Consider these examples:

• Greetings and introductions: Many Western countries rely on a firm handshake during an introduction or business meeting. Some East Asian countries, such as Japan and South Korea, prefer bows. In China, bowing is relatively common in more formal settings, but handshakes are also common.
• Dining: Dining practices can vary by country. In India, it's considered rude to eat with your left hand. Many Asian countries rely heavily on chopsticks, but some countries have their own practices regarding them. For example, making your chopsticks stand up in a bowl of rice is considered highly disrespectful in Japan.
• Gift giving: Giving gifts is a tradition in most cultures, but the rules dictating them vary. Many Asian countries traditionally refuse a gift at least once before accepting it. It's considered impolite to accept or offer gifts with one hand in Japan. In China, it's rude to give someone white flowers. Giving an umbrella to someone in China symbolizes the end of a relationship.
• Body language and personal space: Some cultures are more comfortable getting up close and personal than others. In many Latin American cultures, it's considered acceptable to hug and kiss the cheek of acquaintances. Other cultures prefer a more polite distance. In many areas in the Middle East, smiling is saved for people you're close to and a neutral expression is preferred for others.
• Dress codes and modesty: Some cultures have rules surrounding modesty and dress codes. For example, women are expected to remain covered in public in many Islamic countries. Many Asian nations expect people to take their shoes off before entering homes.
• Punctuality and time management: Some countries, such as Germany, Japan and the US, expect strict adherence to punctuality. Other cultures are more flexible. For example, many Latin European and Latin American cultures tend to be more relaxed toward lateness. However, Scandinavian countries tend to be stricter on punctuality, expecting people to arrive several minutes early. 

How to Navigate & Master Cultural Etiquette

You should start studying the culture in your new destination country as soon as you decide to move there. Even with extensive studying and learning what to expect, it may be different than expected. If you're not sure what to research or where to start, consider these tips:

Things to Do 

• Research culture and customs early. Start learning about cultural norms in advance. You can often find guides tailored specifically to the nation where you're relocating that can provide the essential information. 
• Learn the basics of the local language. English may be widely spoken worldwide, but you should never assume you can get by without learning the local language. Taking the time to learn shows you respect the culture. Consider practicing with language apps or taking language classes.
• Dress appropriately. Research standards on dress codes in your destination country before you pack. Some countries may not mind short shorts and crop tops, but others may have expectations, or even strict laws, about how someone should dress. 
• Respect religious and cultural practices. Even if you don't believe in your destination country's religious and cultural practices, it's important to respect them. 
• Participate in local customs. If you're invited to local festivals or celebrations, join whenever possible. Not only does this give you more insight and context into the culture, but it's also a great way to make friends. 
• Avoid sensitive topics or criticism. Some countries embrace speaking your mind, but others are not as welcoming. It's generally good practice to avoid discussing sensitive topics, such as mental health, finances, religion and politics. You should also avoid criticizing opinions or values you disagree with.
• Pay attention to how locals interact. Watching locals interact can help you learn about nonverbal communication, personal space standards and other cultural values. Consider spending time observing how people interact.
• Research tip etiquette. While tipping is expected in the US, the vast majority of the world sees it as optional or taboo. Tips are considered insulting in Japan because Japanese workers are expected to provide excellent service for their base wage. Leaving a tip can be seen as embarrassing.
• Respect local business hours. In some countries, businesses close at certain times. For example, in Spain, many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon for a siesta. In some Asian countries, businesses might stay open well into the night. Research local business hours, and plan your shopping and interactions around that. 

Thing to Avoid

• Assume your home country's etiquette applies. When in Rome, do as the Romans. Pretend everything about your home country's etiquette disappears when you arrive in your destination country. Choosing to stick to your culture and ignoring local etiquette and norms can make it difficult to adjust.
• Engage in inappropriate public displays of affection. While kissing your spouse or significant other in public might not seem like a big deal, some countries have strict expectations or laws about public displays of affection. For example, many Middle Eastern countries have strict laws against PDA, and a kiss can result in legal trouble.
• Criticize or mock customs or beliefs. The customs and beliefs held in your destination country are just as valid as yours, even if you don't believe in them. Be respectful and avoid criticizing them.
• Use your left hand. Many countries consider using the left hand to be unclean. Whenever possible, use your right hand to avoid unwanted attention until you learn local expectations.
• Point or use hand gestures. Many hand gestures that might be common or polite in your home country could have alternative meanings in other nations. A thumbs-up might be great in many Western countries, but it's considered rude in Iraq, Iran and Russia. Likewise, pointing with your index finger is acceptable in the US, but many cultures see it as disrespectful.

Embrace the Adventure: Successful Relocation With Atlas International

As an expat, you may feel out of your element when arriving in your new country. Whether you intend to live there forever or for several months or years, the best thing you can do is adopt the local cultural etiquette. This can be an exercise in open-mindedness, patience and adaptability, and it's all part of the overarching journey. Get to know the nation through its culture, language and people, and don't be afraid to find other expats in your location for support.

The right relocation service can also help. At Atlas International, we support expats and international movers beyond getting their belongings into their new homes. We help you enjoy a seamless relocation process, from handling the logistics to helping with cultural integration. Reach out to Atlas International to get your free quote.