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

We asked people in Batam 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!...

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Batam. It is considered rude to point with your index finger, so it is best to gesture with your whole hand. It is also important to dress modestly, as showing too much skin is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious customs, such as not eating pork in public or entering a mosque without permission. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and customs, and to be respectful of the local culture," commented one expat who made the move to Batam, Indonesia.

Traveling Mailbox
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

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

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

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