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Cultural Customs

Knowing the following customs may save you embarrassment or grief during your next trip abroad because things are done differently in different parts of the world..

The unthinking or insignificant gesture or act may be meaningless to you because you live in North America. But abroad it may be a rude or offensive display. Or worse, illegal. Here are a few cultural do's and don'ts. If you know of or have experienced others, send them to: update@onthegopublishing.com. They will regularly be added to the list.

Saudi Arabia:

  • Observance of any other religion is forbidden.
  • Non-Muslim services are illegal.
  • Displays of bibles and crosses are forbidden.
  • Non-Muslims cannot travel to Mecca and Medina, sites of two holy mosques of Islam.
  • Do not take photographs of religious processions or women.
  • Don't pack alcohol in your luggage, chances are it will be confiscated.
  • Smoking cigarettes in the street is in bad taste -- especially during Ramadan when the practice is illegal.
  • Religious police, known as mutawwa'iin, enforce standards.
  • The religious police harass, accost or arrest foreigners for improper dress and drinking alcohol.
  • Women should wear ankle-length dresses with long sleeves, an abaya head covering or headscarf.
  • Women should not wear trousers in public.
  • Women must be met by their sponsor to enter the country.
  • Women can't drive vehicles or ride bicycles on public roads.
  • Women not accompanied by a male relative may not be served at restaurants.
  • Women who socialize with a man who is not a relative may be charged with prostitution.
  • Dancing, music and movies are forbidden in public.
  • Men and women may not mingle in public, unless they are family or close relatives.
  • Homosexual activity is a criminal offense. Those convicted may be sentenced to lashing and/or a prison sentence.
  • Private Saudi citizens may harass, pursue or assault foreigners they think violate conservative customs.
  • The penalty for the possession or consumption of alcohol is severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, fines, public flogging and/or deportation.
  • The penalty for drug trafficking is capital punishment. Saudi officials make no exceptions.

India

  • While dining in India, always use your right hand to accept or pass food, even if you are left-handed.
  • Before eating, wash your hands and rinse your mouth.
  • Most Hindus are vegetarian and many do not drink alcohol.
  • Sikhs and Parsees do not smoke.
  • Muslims do not eat pork and orthodox Muslims do not drink alcohol.
  • Remove shoes before entering any temple and ask permission before you photograph people and places.

Singapore

  • Remove your shoes when entering a temple of mosque.
  • Smoking is prohibited in public places, including taxis. Offenders may be fined up to $500 in Singapore money.
  • Singapore has strict laws and penalties for a variety of offenses that might be considered minor in the United States or Canada.
  • Jaywalking, littering, spitting plus importing and selling chewing gum can result in fines or other penalties.
  • Singapore imposes a mandatory caning sentence on males for vandalism offenses. Caning may also be imposed for immigration violations and other offenses.

Customs and Culture for the Business Traveler

Yasuhiro Uetani, president of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts, North America states that the first step in business relationships is to develop respect and trust with your associates. Take time to learn the customs and culture of your Pacific Rim business destination. The possibilities are limitless when strong relationships are forged. Respecting the local customs shows a sincere interest in developing a meaningful business relationship and can result in greater success.

The First Impression

  • Asian cultures tend to honor formality as a sign of respect, so addressing your host correctly will enhance a first impression.
  • Call the host by his or her surname, together with a title such as "Director Wang," or " Chairman Cheng." Avoid the Western tendency to become too friendly too soon.
  • Asians generally accept the western custom of shaking hands, but do not mistake a weak handshake or lack of eye contact as a lack of assertiveness.
  • The Chinese greet one another with a nod or slight bow.
  • Rank is important and highly valued. The first person to enter the room is the head of the group. Americans should follow this protocol to avoid confusion.
  • Do not interrupt your Chinese host during a presentation. Wait until he/she is finished before posing questions.

Gift Giving

Gift giving shows good manners and respect in many Asian cultures. Gifts indicate that you are interested in building a relationship.

  • In Malaysia or Hong Kong, a business contact does not expect a gift. In China gifts are exchanged once a relationship is established.
  • Despite the transition from British to Chinese rule in July 1997, Hong Kong's business customs are not expected to change.
  • The wrong gift or gift wrap can insult the recipient. A bottle of premium liquor is appreciated in China and Thailand but disfavored by Muslim cultures and religions as in Malaysia or Indonesia.
  • A clock wrapped in elegant white paper is a thoughtful gift in America. In Hong Kong or Malaysia, clocks symbolize the passing of time (i.e. death) and black and white indicate mourning.
  • Do give knives as they represent the severing of relationships, this is especially true in Singapore.
  • Always give and receive gifts with both hands and do not expect gifts to be opened in your presence.

Small Talk

While Americans enjoy a lively political debate, discussing politics is a sign of poor taste in most Asian cultures.

Small talk is a common way to launch successful business meetings and is customary in many Asian countries. Topics include family, health and the local cuisine. Discussing television and sports is also a good way to break the ice.

Body Language

  • In most of Asia, shoes and feet are considered "unclean."
  • In Malaysia, as in many Asian countries, it is offensive to sit cross-legged pointing the soles of your feet toward your hosts. To be safe, always sit with your feet on the floor.
  • Avoid pointing with your index finger. Instead, gesture with your whole hand, palm down.
  • Never touch your hosts head, or pass objects over it, particularly in Thailand, where gesture taboos abound.

Know before you go. Get the latest worldwide weather forecasts.

Get the latest health updates for foreign travel by country and region from the Centers for Disease Control.

Check before you travel the rules and regulations of entering countries and the specifics on what you can bring back from U.S. Customs.

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