What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Yasawa Islands?
We asked people in Yasawa Islands 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 the Yasawa Islands in Fiji, it's important to respect the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and it's considered disrespectful to wear hats or touch someone's head. Always ask for permission before taking photographs, especially in villages or of people. It's considered rude to take pictures without consent. When visiting a village, it's customary to present a gift, known as a 'sevusevu', to the village chief. This is usually a bundle of kava root, a traditional Fijian drink. Avoid walking through villages during church services, as this is considered disrespectful. Religion is very important in Fijian culture, and Sunday is a day of rest and worship. Do not step over food, people or their belongings as it is considered disrespectful. Always walk around. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially in villages. It's best to keep affectionate behavior private. Avoid raising your voice or showing anger in public. Fijians value respect and humility, and public displays of anger are seen as a loss of self-control. Remember to always use your right hand when giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean. Finally, respect the environment. The Yasawa Islands are a beautiful, pristine area, and it's important to keep them that way by not littering or damaging the natural surroundings," said a member in Yasawa Islands, Fiji.
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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 Yasawa Islands?
If you live in Yasawa Islands, newcomers to Yasawa Islands would love to hear your answer to this question.