What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Baku?
We asked people in Baku if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"I have been told that being a vegetarian is "Against God". I have been told because I smoke that I am a terrible mother (I have no children). I came to work one day with a cold and was openly asked if I was pregnant, and if I was not, why not? I am too old not to have children. I have been told that there is something wrong with my brain because I do not have children. It is "Against God" that I do not have children. Why doesn't my husband force me to have children? All inappropriate, hurtful, sexist and closed-minded," remarked another expat in Baku, Azerbaijan.
"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Baku. It is considered impolite to show public displays of affection, so it is best to avoid kissing or hugging in public. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious customs, such as avoiding eating pork or drinking alcohol in public. Finally, it is important to be aware of local customs when it comes to greetings, as handshakes are the most common form of greeting," said a member in Baku, Azerbaijan.
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Baku?
If you live in Baku, newcomers to Baku would love to hear your answer to this question.