What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Toronto?
We asked people in Toronto 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!...
"The "embarrassing" blunder we committed is actually leaving our dandelions in the garden because we like them. It's one of the few flowers children are actually allowed to pick in abundance. However, according to several of my friends, it is actually "asocial" to have dandelions in your garden because you "contaminate" the gardens around you and trouble your neighbours who will therefore have to work harder getting rid of theirs. I am still in culture shock and feel sad about this desire to eradicate innocent natural plants (including forget-me-nots, lilies of the valley, and many other beautiful wildflowers which don't cause any harm.)," remarked another expat who made the move to Toronto, Canada.
"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Toronto. It is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions, and to be aware of any potential cultural faux pas. For example, it is important to be aware of the local dress code and to dress appropriately for the occasion. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid using offensive language or making jokes that could be seen as offensive. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of the local Indigenous peoples and their culture, and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as insensitive or disrespectful. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette, and to avoid making any gestures or comments that could be seen as rude or inappropriate," explained one expat living in Toronto, Canada.
Connect
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.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
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.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Toronto?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Toronto?
- Will I be able to find a job in Toronto?
- What is life like in Toronto?
- What do expats in Toronto appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Toronto?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Toronto accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Toronto like?
- What are healthcare services like in Toronto?
- What are medical services in Toronto like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Toronto?
- What are emergency services like in Toronto?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Toronto?
- How are local medical facilities in Toronto?
- As a foreigner living in Toronto, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Toronto?
If you live in Toronto, newcomers to Toronto would love to hear your answer to this question.