Dos and Don’ts When Abroad

Have you ever wanted the Earth to open nad swallow you up?

I had that feeling when I was in the Netherlands on business five ago. I tried to make a good impression on my business partner, but I made a fool of myself , instead!

I all went wrong from the moment we shook hands. I held out my right hand, but kept my left hand in my pocket. From my business partner’s reaction I could tell the Dutch find that very rude. I tried to make things better, so I said: ” What a beautiful country Holland is! ” . My business partner wasn’t pleased with my compliment. He made it very clear that they never call the Netherlands Holland. Holland is just one of the regions in the Netherlands.

Try not to make a similar mistake in Brazil. You see Brazilians consider themselves to be Americans. That’s why it’s not a good idea to use the phrase ‘in America’ when you’re talking about the United States.

In South Korea, keep your voice down. It’s rude to talk or laugh loudly. Koreans, especially women, cover their mounths when they laugh; it’s rude to show your teeth!

In Arab countries, it’s not a good idea to admire something too much; the owner will probably give it to you as a  present. Just imagine going back home with a real live camel!

Real live camel