All Questions
Tagged with cultural-awarness or cultural-awareness
77 questions
14
votes
5
answers
5k
views
Is it true that "in Singapore, you should assume all rules are implemented at all times"?
One user makes the above claim in a comment here. That user also claims:
in Singapore, rules which are elsewhere seen as a formality or unimportant are enforced in Singapore. eg, not eating or ...
user140497
2
votes
0
answers
525
views
What are the rules about interacting with Spanish police?
Good evening!
I am an American, due to travel to Spain sometime next month. This will be my first trip to the country, and I will be travelling with passengers. I'm curious to know, what the ...
- 303
2
votes
1
answer
705
views
Is it appropriate for female tourists in India to wear ball cap style hats?
I will be traveling soon to visit India and I’m wondering if it’s appropriate for female tourists to wear ball cap style hats?
16
votes
3
answers
12k
views
Why do hotels have sanitary bags?
What is the purpose of the bag? Why not just throw hygiene products directly to the garbage can after wrapping it with paper, same as what people do in their home.
Sanitary bags in hotels are usually ...
- 257
4
votes
1
answer
754
views
What is this contraption?
Below is a screenshot captured from a Google Street View scene.
The scene shows a travellers' camp in Norfolk county in the The United Kingdom. It contains a mixture of the old and the new: a bowtop ...
- 12.9k
4
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Are women allowed to have dreadlocks in the Maghreb region?
My friend and I are planning to travel to the Maghreb region once it is safer to do so. She has fairly long (maybe chest length) dreadlocks and we were wondering if we might run into any issues while ...
- 159
11
votes
2
answers
666
views
Should you sit in the back or the front of Swedish taxis?
In most American movies the passengers sit in the back. Is this also the case in Sweden or is it fine to sit in the front passenger seat? Also, the typical London taxi doesn't even have a front ...
2
votes
0
answers
145
views
Is EBM music regularly played anywhere social in South East Asia?
EBM music is an electronic "dark" and "underground" dance music with a few subtypes.
Example: "New School" subtype
Example: Industrial subtype
Example: Anhalt subtype
EBM music originated in Belgium ...
user89343
20
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Male visiting Iran with younger female companion
I am planning for a vacation in Iran. I am a European Union passport holder and would especially like to see the main architectural sites along the Teheran-Kashan-Esfahan-Shiraz corridor. I am ...
- 1,170
27
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Is paying for portrait photos good for the people in the community you're photographing?
Scenario: You go to a remote village in 3rd world country x. You see a photogenic wizened old man, or woman in traditional dress, etc and ask if you could take a photo. They indicate yes, but also ...
- 160k
6
votes
1
answer
212
views
Observing Cultural Norms on 'Local' Islands in the Maldives
My partner and I are looking at going to the Maldives next year, and in an effort to keep the costs down, we are looking at spending time on local islands (some or all of Thoddoo, Rashdoo, Ukulhas and ...
- 3,711
10
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Will having long hair (as a man) cause me problems when travelling in Muslim countries?
I usually have a ponytail, but when my hair is down it's past my shoulders. I have been considering travelling to a few different countries such as Iran or Algeria, but I'd definitely prefer a general ...
- 545
2
votes
3
answers
1k
views
"You look tired!" In which countries is this a compliment? [closed]
In which countries/cultures is "You look tired" a compliment?
A travel for work and I often hear the phrase "You look tired" delivered as a compliment. The underlying message seems to be "You are ...
4
votes
2
answers
380
views
Is wearing a keffiyeh as a scarf in South America inapproriate?
I am planning on taking my keffiyeh (a patterend black-white square scarf, commonly used as head cover in the Middle East) on my trip to Chile, Bolivia and Peru to wear it as a scarf while hiking in ...
- 2,811
9
votes
1
answer
353
views
How to prepare to host a Chinese guest on her first trip to Europe
I will shortly be hosting a female Chinese guest in my home for two days (I’m an Airbnb-er). She is travelling with her daughter, who is studying here in the UK and speaks very good English, so I don’...
- 37.3k
1
vote
1
answer
133
views
Christmas Dinner in Foreign Country
Due to flight mixups I am stranded in a foreign country for Christmas.
How does one get invited to Christmas Dinner in Foreign Countries, specifically in Spanish Cultures since Christmas is ...
- 29.4k
21
votes
2
answers
26k
views
Why do US hotels sandwich the blanket between two sheets instead of putting it inside a duvet cover?
Every US hotel I've stayed in so far sandwiched the blanket between two sheets, instead of putting it inside a duvet cover. To be more specific, hotels have the following layers on the bed:
Layer 1: ...
- 81.6k
14
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Which language is preferable for speaking with Palestinians: Hebrew or English?
Obviously, the best language to use to speak to Palestinians in Palestine is their own language, Arabic. If Arabic is not an option, which would generally be preferable: Hebrew or English? I'm ...
- 7,748
19
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Can person take a toothpick from a restaurant in Japan?
It's kind of strange question but let's give it a try. Several times after paying a bill in a restaurant in Japan, my friend was going to take a toothpick to carry it outside but a waiter said/warned ...
- 1,307
39
votes
5
answers
13k
views
How to deal with other tourists taking pictures of my children?
Recently, my family and I (two parents, two daughters below 3) were in Spain. We had a great time in Barcelona and then in Andalusia. However, I found myself several times annoyed by other tourists ...
- 531
28
votes
5
answers
18k
views
Does wearing imperial beard in the UK attract any ire of general public?
I love Imperial beard, which is also known as Friendly Mutton Chops. Take this for an example:
Source: Maria Ly, via Wikimedia Commons
Here is a another gentleman that more people can relate to:
...
- 33k
5
votes
7
answers
1k
views
Whispering in other cultures
In America, many people will find it rude if you are talking to others in a whisper within a distance at which they would hear conversation at a normal volume. I guess the assumption is that ...
- 253
12
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Are there any laws in Italy about head coverings I should be aware of?
I'm visiting Rome in September with my wife who wears a head scarf.
Are there any rules or customs we should be aware of?
- 346
0
votes
1
answer
264
views
In what scenarios is it beneficial to BYO yukata? [closed]
I'm thinking about whether to pack a yukata for my next trip to Japan, and I'm thinking of scenarios where it's appropriate to wear a yukata, but it isn't already available.
I'm not worried about the ...
- 23k
22
votes
5
answers
6k
views
Are non-Muslims allowed to enter mosques in Malaysia?
When I was in Morocco, I was disappointed to find out non-Muslims, in general, aren't permitted in mosques in the country, but I heard this isn't the case in some other countries. I'm headed to ...
- 6,140
17
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What kind of behaviours must we avoid while staying in Singapore?
This is my first month in Singapore to start working here.
I have heard that this country is very strict with their citizens and even tourists to keep the country clean and proud.
Are there any ...
- 417
-1
votes
3
answers
144
views
What major difficulties are faced while planning an international trip? [closed]
In order to help the clients (travelers) better, we'd like to understand the problems based on the general perceptions as well as personal experiences while traveling abroad.
- 25
13
votes
1
answer
6k
views
Asian ladies and older man grabbing cheeks and slapping butts for children
Ok so my kids are 'suffering' (not really, lol) from elderly people in South East Asian countries (Thailand and Cambodia).
Their cheeks seem to work like magnets for the hands of old ladies and they ...
- 4,891
9
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What does this symbol on a door mean? (福) [closed]
I live in the Czech Republic in an area where many nationalities live.
This year I noticed this strange symbol on multiple doors, although I am sure it has never been there before.
What does it mean?...
- 654
4
votes
0
answers
139
views
Can I expect to be welcome in Pakistan if I'm an Indian? [closed]
I'm an Indian researching The Harappan Civilization of India as my personal interest. Unfortunately after Partition the area is located in Pakistan.
Since India and Pakistan are well-known enemies, ...
- 149
8
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What etiquette, if any, is there for where the knot goes when wearing a yukata or kimono?
When wearing either a yukata or a kimono, what etiquette, if any, is there about where the knot goes? Do only sex workers (whose work is illegal nowadays in Japan) deliberately wear a knot in front of ...
- 23k
46
votes
14
answers
36k
views
Would it be ok to eat rice using a spoon in front of Westerners?
It seems to me that Westerners are willing to learn to use chopsticks in Asian restaurants. However, when spoons are the way the dish is normally eaten within the country of origin, Westerners prefer ...
- 1,158
1
vote
0
answers
200
views
Barefoot World-trip [closed]
I am an avid barefoot walker. In fact did not wear any shoes since 2 years. Did already barefoot travel in parts the western world without any mayor problem. Although in some countries I got more ...
- 19
3
votes
0
answers
156
views
Parenting in the USA [closed]
My company wants me to temporally do some project in the USA (6months). I want to take my family with me. We raise our children quite independent.
For example:
The oldest (7) is allowed to many ...
- 39
10
votes
2
answers
17k
views
Dos and don'ts at a Vietnamese wedding
I'm invited to a wedding in Ho Chi Minh City.
I know virtually nothing about Vietnam, I'll be there for the first time in my life. I know a little about Asian culture, but the only country I've ...
- 482
14
votes
1
answer
2k
views
When traveling in Ukraine, when is it appropriate to wear the traditional Vyshyvanka?
Vyshyvanka (Ukrainian: ″Вишиванка″) is the colloquial name for the
embroidered shirt in Ukrainian national costume.
I have bought this traditional shirt a few years ago and would be traveling to ...
- 81.6k
21
votes
2
answers
876
views
Why are wheelie bins half-buried in parts of Luxembourg?
Walking around a residential area in Luxembourg, I noticed that each home had their wheelie bin for general rubbish in the front yard strangely placed in a neat, concrete-lined pit.
It wasn't ...
- 333
8
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Why do Japanese ATMs dispense money stacked differently to those in the west? [closed]
I recently went to Japan (specifically Osaka and a few other places around Kansai) for the first time in my life, and had an amazing time. One of the many cultural differences I noticed was that ...
- 245
50
votes
3
answers
19k
views
Why is this bathroom symbol in Germany "00"?
I'm sitting in the Hofbräuhaus in Munich and just noticed that the signs for the bathroom are a symbol of a man and woman with a "00".
Why is this the case?
- 804
29
votes
5
answers
10k
views
What headwear are women legally required to wear in Iran?
In Air France cabin crew angered by ruling to wear headscarves in Tehran, it's stated by Air France that women, even people who are presumably non-Iranian and non-Muslim, are required to wear a "veil":...
- 23k
0
votes
1
answer
255
views
Do doctors outside of US routinely shake hands with their patients and staff? [closed]
Researching whether fist-bumps indeed would transmit less bacteria than a handshake, I found that, apparently, shaking hands with your doctor is a thing in the US, and, apparently, is expected by both ...
- 1,871
25
votes
7
answers
17k
views
Travelling as an unmarried Western couple in Indonesia
Basically this question but then for Indonesia.
In the coming year I (male) plan to travel through Indonesia (Java and Sumatra) with my girlfriend. We will probably travel several weeks, aim to stay ...
- 4,003
3
votes
1
answer
198
views
Need visa for brother to travel with me to UK
I am an Indian doctor working in the Gulf. I have applied for a visa to attend a post graduate exam. My employer has provided me with a letter for the UK Consulate for assistance with providing a visa,...
- 31
11
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Abaya standards in Saudi Arabia
My fiance and I have an opportunity to travel from the US to Saudi Arabia (we would get married before going to avoid any problems) but she is trying to determine what type of clothing she will need. ...
- 1,111
-9
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Why are Korean girls camera shy?
I am trying to understand the reason why Korean girls are so camera shy. Whenever they realize a public camera is on them in a situation an American girl would wave or smile or thumbs up, they ...
- 5,936
47
votes
7
answers
13k
views
Is it socially/culturally acceptable for Indian/Sri Lankan people to visit the Oktoberfest?
I will be in Spain by the last few days in September, and since the Munich Oktoberfest ends on October 4th, I have a few days to visit Oktoberfest. I'm a Sri Lankan citizen, and I look obvious for ...
- 5,923
17
votes
6
answers
4k
views
How common is open carry of firearms in the USA? [closed]
This winter, I am planning to go to the USA for the first time. One of my concerns is the presence of weapons in public. I just came back from Paris and the sight of armed soldiers patrolling public ...
- 189
0
votes
1
answer
900
views
How to behave in a museum? [closed]
While travelling, specially in cities, it is common to visit museums. Since tourists come from a lot of countries, you encounter other ways of approaching the museum and the experience.
However, it ...
- 3,415
95
votes
8
answers
35k
views
When someone in India asks for my "Good Name", what are they expecting?
Quite a few times now in India, from hotel staff to taxi staff to in shops, I've had someone ask me for my Good Name. A common form of this question is someone asking me What is your Good Name, Sir?
...
- 63k
23
votes
3
answers
4k
views
What gesture to make when hitchhiking in Iran?
According to Wikitravel, the thumbs up gesture is extremely offensive in Iran. However, it's generally what you use when indicating you wish to hitch a ride in many other countries.
The thumbs up ...
- 160k