How to be culturally aware when travelling abroad
Be wary of your gestures and manners
Another thing to be aware of when traveling abroad are common gestures and manners. For example, although something as simple as making the “OK” sign with your hand is completely normal in the UK, this same gesture would cause offense in Brazil as it has a vulgar meaning.
Other gestures that convey different meanings from country to country include giving the thumbs up sign, as well as nodding and shaking your head.
Similarly, while finishing the food on your plate is commonly done in the UK, in China this would cause great offence to your host by implying you’re still hungry and haven’t been provided with enough food to eat. However, in Japan it’s considered rude to leave food on your plate.
Dress codes (and what is considered acceptable dress) also varies wildly from country to country. As an example, men are not allowed to wear shorts when out in public in Saudi Arabia, while women are required to wear an abaya over their clothes. In Thailand, women should cover their cleavage, though skirts and shorts are generally acceptable.
Suzanne Robinson, a Travel Consultant at Travel Counsellors.co.uk says: “Being culturally aware when travelling is just about being prepared and doing some research on your chosen destination. Having knowledge of local customs before you arrive will save you the embarrassment of upsetting your host country and make for a much more enjoyable trip.”
“Some countries are more used to dealing with tourists and corporate clients from other parts of the world, and often when staying in a hotel, there can be a more relaxed approach to local customs.”
“Dressing appropriately is one of my clients’ main queries, and with a little research this can be easily planned for. Some destinations have local standards of dress including the covering of shoulders, legs, and heads. These rules do often apply to women instead of men, and whilst we may not be used to these restrictions on what women wear, ensuring they are adhered to can avoid unwanted attention or upset.”
“Gestures that we may be used to can often have completely different meanings in other parts of the world. For example, beckoning someone by crooking your finger at them can be an insult in Asia and The Middle East. This all may appear to be a mine field of dos and don’ts, but it should not put you off travelling and seeing different cultures. There are some amazing places to visit.”
https://www.alchemyglobal.co.uk/culturally-aware-working-abroad/