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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Hvar?

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We asked people in Hvar 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!...

"When visiting Hvar, it's important to respect the local customs and traditions to avoid any cultural faux pas. One should avoid discussing sensitive topics such as the Yugoslav Wars and the country's communist past, as these can stir up strong emotions. Croatians are very proud of their language, so making an effort to learn a few basic phrases in Croatian is appreciated. However, avoid using Serbian phrases or words, as this can be seen as offensive due to the countries' historical tensions. In Hvar, as in the rest of Croatia, it's considered rude to snap your fingers to get someone's attention, especially in restaurants or bars. It's also considered impolite to point with your finger, especially at people. When visiting churches or other religious sites, dress modestly out of respect. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Croatians value punctuality, so try to be on time for any appointments or social gatherings. However, don't be surprised if your Croatian hosts or friends are a bit late - while they expect punctuality from others, they often don't adhere to it themselves. Avoid making negative comments about Croatian food, wine, or culture. Croatians are very proud of their culinary traditions and local products, and criticism can be taken personally. Finally, tipping is customary in Croatia. In restaurants, it's common to leave a tip of around 10% of the bill. In bars, rounding up the bill is usually sufficient," explained one expat living in Hvar, Croatia.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Hvar?

If you live in Hvar, newcomers to Hvar would love to hear your answer to this question.


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