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Thailand Travel Tips – Important Customs and Traditions

December 1, 2014

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Thailand Travel Tips – Important Customs and Traditions

Thailand is perhaps, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Food, rolling hills, beaches, ancient sites, places to explore, and more. This is one place I wish I had more time to spend in honestly.

Thailand is rich and diverse in its culture and customs and many of them differ from those in the West. So, it’s really important to keep these Thailand travel tips in mind. Oh and also check out my article on incredible museums to see while visiting Bangkok.

Here are a few Thailand Travel Tips to stimulate your craving to find out more about the amazing country, and to put into practice reverentially, while you journey all the way through Thailand.

Thailand Travel Tips – Respect the Royals at All Times

The regal family unit of Thailand is held in extremely elevated esteem. Making disparaging comments on the subject of any of the majestic family members is not in favor of the law. The punishment is 3 to 15 years of custody, which depends on the harshness of the comments.

Thailand Travel Tips – Greet the Right Way

The customary salutation is with the two hands in a prayer like stance with palms pressed together recognized as a wâi. If a Chinese person grants a wâi to you, to be courteous, it is pleasant to wâi back. A wâi is appreciated at all times. Believe me!,

Thailand Travel Tips – Ensure that You Maintain the Dress Code

The majority of Thailand’s points of attraction are of great cultural importance. Places, for instance palaces and temples, are extremely valued by the Thai people because of their religious standards.

Furthermore, there are specific traditions and manners you have to value when you visit these places. For example, you have to be dressed in a “civil dress” while visiting bureaucratic buildings as well as palaces. This indicates no flip-flops, no shorts, and no skirt over their knee for the ladies, also no sleeveless shirts.

Sukhothai historical park, the old town of Thailand

Thailand Travel Tips – Be Wary of Taking off Your Shoes When Needed

Throughout Thailand, if you become aware of a heap of shoes near or at an entry door to a house, supermarket or hotel, you should first take off your shoes prior to entry it is thought to be rude if you do not do so.

Thailand Travel Tips – Books Are of Great Importance

Books and the various other print materials are given a unique rank above all other worldly items. You should not skim books or papers across a bench top; neither should you put items like these on the floor. Make use of the chair or any stand if it is available.,

Thailand Travel Tips – Significance of the Human Body

Thai civilization places definite spiritual significance to numerous parts of the human body. You are not supposed to tip your feet at anyone, touch anyone by means of your feet, prop up your foot up on chairs or desks or stride over citizens who are seated on the floor.

The head, on the contrary, has superior significance. Do not touch any person on their head because this is believed to be extremely rude. In addition, you ought to steer clear of sitting on the cushions meant for the head.

In a number of rural regions, food is frequently served whilst sitting on the floor. Striding over provisions on the floor is an very rude action and will certainly humiliate the Thai host.

Thailand is a remarkable place to visit. Be sure to check with your local government’s about travel to Thailand as from time to time the government has shut down, making travel out of the country difficult. But there is just so much to see and do, explore and enjoy.

Have fun!

Hong Kong Etiquette – 5 Critical Things Not To Do

November 25, 2014

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Hong Kong Etiquette – 5 Critical Things Not To Do

While there are many things you can do in Hong Kong, there are certain things that are absolutely not allowed there. The inhabitants of Hong Kong have different norms and values that are very important to them and respect their Hong Kong Etiquette. You must abide by those rules while you are there, so that you don’t hurt the feelings of the people of Hong Kong and have a good time there.

Take a look at five things you simply cannot do in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Spit

Though it is acceptable to randomly spit in different places in the People’s Republic of China, as it is considered to be a good way of warding off the evil spirits, this practice has become quite intolerable in Hong Kong.,

After the SARS virus became common in Hong Kong, the various authorities of the state started banning this practice. Spit can help this disease spread like wild fire and is not healthy for the residents of the state, which is why you are not allowed to spit at all in many places in Hong Kong. In certain places, you can be charged with a humongous fine of around HK five thousand dollars for spitting. So, you must avoid indulging in this behavior while you are in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Go Anywhere in Hurry

Interior of Subway (Mass Transit Railway) train. Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is a modern city like New York or Tokyo. But as much, it is jammed packed with people, buses, cars, trains, and just the life of the city. This creates its own style of Hong Kong Etiquette.

If you’re leaving for anywhere it is good to plan out your route before going. All buses are in English and so are the routes. Taxi drivers speak okay English. The subways (called MTR in Hong Kong) are usually the quickly way to travel.

I don’t think I ever went a day without riding in the MTR. Fast, clean, spacious, always on time. It goes to most of the major destinations in Hong Kong and if not, there are usually buses waiting to take you the last leg of your journey.,

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Eat Pizza???

Well… not exactly… it really depends upon where you’re living and wanting to eat. As Pizza is a western staple food it is not to be expected to find a pizza place on every corner in Hong Kong. However, if you’re looking for a great slice, be sure to visit Central and parts of Tsim Tsa Tsui. You’ll find great tasting pizza and salads.

Typical Store in Wet Markets in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Get Clothes of Your Exact Size

A horse of a different color? This one brings back some really fond and well funny memories when I first arrived there in 2003. Imagine my surprise when I bought a medium t-shirt and found it to be too small?

Clothes are sized differently in Hong Kong for sure. A small in Hong Kong may be a large children’s size. So when heading out to do some shopping, and there is literally endless amounts of it, make sure to try on your clothes before buying.

Hong Kong Etiquette – You Cannot Eat in the MTR

In Hong Kong, you cannot eat or drink any beverage while travelling on the MTR. These acts are strongly prohibited as they end up dirtying the train, so make sure to avoid eating while you are using the MTR.

But as I said before, Hong Kong is a modern city. Filled with a mix of East and West. Cantonese and English, double decker buses from London, and all the local items one expects to find in a city in the Far East.

Enjoy!

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Know The Basics

November 15, 2014

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Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Know The Basics

Ever since I had moved to Hong Kong back in 2003, one of my best friends was from Singapore. Without fail, every story of life, food, language, culture, fascinated me to the point that I needed to go. Go to simply experience the city – country of Singapore. It was great that my friend offered some incredible insights for cultural etiquettes in Singapore.

Singapore is a multi-ethnic country with 76 percent Chinese, 15 percent Malay, and 6 percent Indian inhabitants. These ethnic groups enjoy racial harmony and national unity. The younger generation of Singapore considers themselves as Singaporean first and believes in building a common national culture that is beyond individual ethnic differences. Here is a look at some common etiquettes and norms of Singapore.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Meeting

Greetings usually follow a strict protocol. If you are meeting people with Chinese ethnic background, you may offer a hand shake with a slight bow. Malay men and women do not offer a hand shake to each other due to Islamic traditions while two men and two women can shake hands. Similarly, ethnic Indians shake hands with members of same sex only. Upon meeting the person of opposite sex, nodding with a smile is usually appreciated.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Non Verbal Cues

Singaporeans pay close attention to non-verbal cues including tone of voice, posture, and facial expression. They tend to be subtle and implicit in their communication to maintain the respect of the other person. Silence is a significant part of their communication as it indicates that you are giving enough consideration before speaking.

The head is considered sacred; therefore, touching someone’s head is impolite and offensive while foot is thought to be the lowest and unclean part and showing the bottom of the feet may offend your Singaporean host.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Food and Dining

Food and dining is the most common way of interaction among people that gives the best chance to build relationship with your Singaporean host. In Singapore, food is the basis of entertainment. Food is usually served on the table in dishes to be shared by all.

Appetizers and drinks are uncommon and the dinner is usually served immediately without entrée upon arrival of the guests. You are expected to wash your hands before the meal in both Indian and Malay homes. They use the right hand to eat, and some dishes are consumed directly in hand without the involvement of a fork or a spoon. After a meal with an Indian host, you are expected to stay for an hour for conversation.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Gift Giving Etiquettes

Gift giving etiquettes vary across ethnic groups of Singapore. If you are giving gifts to ethnic Chinese, make sure to wrap it in colorful wrapping papers like red, pink, and yellow. Giving scissors, knives or any cutting object should be avoided as it indicates that you are severing your relation with the receiver.

Your gift may be refused three times before it is accepted. This is done to show that the receiver is not greedy. The gift of flower is not taken well as they are associated with sickness and funerals.

When you are giving gifts to ethnic Malays, avoid giving alcohol, toy dogs, or anything made of pigskin. Wrap the gift in red or green paper while white should be avoided as it is a sign of death or mourning.

If you are presenting something to ethnic Indians, offer the gift with your right hand. Avoid black and white wrapping papers; rather use bright colors as these are thought to bring good fortune.

Due to the ethnic diversity in Singapore, it is important for you to know the ethnic background of your host to follow the protocols properly. The people of Singapore are generally warm and welcoming and would show great hospitality if you respect their customs well.

However, for all cultural etiquettes in Singapore, I always make the recommendation to ask your host or friend for some advice.

Most of the time, people from Singapore are a real pleasure, very kind, and more than willing to share.

Enjoy!

South Korea Basic Tips – An Intro into Etiquette

November 14, 2014

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South Korea Basic Tips – An Intro into Etiquette

I was fortunate to have a very good friend, he’s American but teaching in Korea, give me some pointers on things to consider when visiting South Korea.

If you are planning a visit to South Korea, it is best to learn a few things about the culture and norms of the country not just to strengthen your relationship with your South Korean host but to win new friends as well.

Besides, there are numerous ways in which you can enjoy your trip and make it memorable for yourself as well as your host. Here is what you should do and what is expected of you to avoid when traveling to South Korea.

South Korea Basic Tips – Food and Dining

When traveling to South Korea, do try the local food. Though it may be argued that South Koreans are not as food driven as say, Italians, the street food on food stalls, makeshift restaurants or wagons, and carts can be commonly found by the side of many streets. These can be very tasty. And if you like Kimchi, I would definitely check out my article on the Kimchi Museum.

However, the formal food is usually served in dishes for guests to pick from each. It is impolite to turn down the offer of food or drink. You are expected to accept everything you are offered at the table especially by the elderly.

Koreans like to serve their guests well and would never leave your rice bowl or glass empty. If you are full or don’t want to eat or drink something, take a small bite or sip and leave the rest in your glass or bowl. Sometimes even a tiny bite means more than finishing everything on your plate.

South Korea Basic Tips – Meet New People

South Korea is a classic mixture of thoughts and beliefs. They reflect a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern ideals and values.

In addition, you would find Koreans quite kindhearted and friendly. They find pleasure in helping people learn about their food and customs. On the other hand, some may not like communicating in English, therefore learning a few basic sentences might help you get through.

South Koreans like discussing their economic conditions, international achievements, personal hobbies, health issues, and sports, while national matters like socialism, Korean War, and communism are not the right things to discuss when socializing.

However, from my own experience, if you feel that the situation is relaxed, ask if it is okay to talk about these matters. You may be pleasantly surprised that your host wants to talk about these topics as well.

South Korea Basic Tips – Visiting a Korean Friend

Being on time is considered a polite gesture among Koreans. It is good to present flowers, fruits, or chocolate to your host.

If you bring a gift, make sure that it is not too expensive, especially if your host cannot reciprocate it, as returning the favor is part of their culture. You should avoid gifts in the multiple of four as they are considered unlucky.

Additionally, your gift should be wrapped nicely in red, pink, or yellow paper. While green, black, and white make the worst choice when exchanging gifts. Conversely, if you are offered a gift by your Korean friend, you are expected to accept the gift. It’s nice to give something in return later.

Moreover, it is customary to bid farewell to everyone individually with a bow when leaving. It is good to send a thank you note to your host the following day.

These are just a few but South Korea basic tips, but they’re important. But feel free to ask your host what is okay to talk about. If you really can not eat something, let your host know. They are equally concerned about dishonoring you as well.

Enjoy!

Italian Business Etiquette – The Essentials

October 28, 2014

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Italian Business Etiquette – The Essentials

The first time I had to fly to Italy on business I had completely lost track of time (enjoying the sites) and ended up being over 30 minutes late! Being an American I was so worried, that my business deal wasn’t going to go through or all the work we started on would have to start over. Fortunately, when I arrived, no one seemed overly alarmed! I was certainly taken by surprise.

Every country has its own set of customs and etiquette that may leave visitors taken aback. If you are traveling to Italy on business, you will need to be sure you’re not feeling over-sensitive. Don’t take everything too personally, and you should be fine. I know from personal recommendations that this language software was insanely helpful for friends of mine when they needed to learn Italian.

There are still things to watch out for, to make sure you make the best professional impression. Here is a list of Italian business etiquettes that can certainly come in handy when having a business meeting.

Doing Business – Italian Etiquette

Courtesy and good manners are much prized in Italy. Be polite and formal when introducing yourself and shaking hands is considered courteous.

Your conduct when doing business in Italy should be polished. Being considerate will win you points even if you are not familiar with all the behaviors of their business people.

When you meet and depart, shake hands. This is as applicable for individuals as it is for groups. If you have built a business relationship with an Italian, don’t be shocked if you are embraced when met. This is a good sign, and means that your relationship is at a level that is more intimate.

Italians do not leave much personal space between people when they interact. They are tactile, so do not insult them by keeping your distance or moving away. This will not make a good impression on your Italian hosts.

If you happen to know some Italian, even a little bit, before a relationship is fully established, use the polite ‘lei’ form. Then once the relationship has been built, feel free use the more informal ‘tu’ form.

Addressing people by there titles is well regarded in Italy. When addressing people, use ‘Signor’ (m) or ‘Signora’ (f) followed by their surname. ‘Dottore’ (m) or ‘Dottoressa’ (f) is used for those who have graduated.

Italian Business Etiquette – Hospitality

Hospitality is important in the business culture of Italy. Expect to be invited to lunch or dinner when you do business there. Small and exclusive groups are usually present. Each person attending has an interest in the reason for your visit. If you want to host a business meal, check with the most senior Italian contact to find out who should be invited.

Dining has its protocol when you are in Italy. However, you can worry so much about it that you don’t have a chance to enjoy the meal. Honored guests sit near the center of the table, and the host will always pay. You should not answer cell phone calls while you are eating with business associates.

Dress to Impress in Italy

Do the names Prada, Gucci and Versace sound familiar to you? It should come as no surprise that one dresses properly in Italy for business meetings and meals. Make an impression with your clothing, and be sure it’s a good impression – not a humorous one. The clothes you wear in Italy speak much about what type of person you are.

Italian Business Etiquette – Punctuality

Some business sites will tell you that Italians are very punctual, while others state that they are not as concerned about punctuality as people in other European countries. If you are consistently late, it is considered rude. There’s nothing wrong with being early and having to wait. It will make a better impression.

As my story above, I was very fortunate that my business partners were willing to forgive and it didn’t happen again. If you are late, but sure to give the real reason and almost ways your Italian counterparts will understand.

Meetings and Negotiations

Use networks and contacts to introduce yourself to the business people with whom you will be working. Italians would rather do business with people they know.

Negotiations in Italy can be quite slow. Do not show urgency, as we frequently do in the United States. It works well here, but is seen as being too rushed in Italy and can potentially backfire all your hard work. Avoid business talk when the meeting first starts, and begin with small talk. Safe topics include culture, wine and soccer (remember, they call it football).

Italian business people take proposals away and analyze them well. Give them as much information as you can. Stay firm in any area of business that is important to you. Italians sometimes like to make dramatic demand changes late in negotiations to test you.

These are some good guidelines to help understand Italian business etiquette. Italians love to learn about you, they can show a great interest in your own interests, so don’t be afraid to share or ask. And remember, you’re in Italy! There is great food, culture, history, and sites! Here’s a list of top 5 things to do if you’re short on time in Rome.

Enjoy!