England
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in UK?
We asked people in UK 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 once stayed with an English couple and offered to wash the dishes after the meal. They were totally amazed that I scrubbed out the tea pot," remarked another expat who made the move to Leeds, UK.
"It is important to be aware of the different norms and etiquette in England when travelling. When dining, it is polite to ask someone if they have finished eating before you start, and it is frowned upon to leave mess on the table. Avoid discussing controversial topics, such as politics and religion, as it can be considered impolite. When introducing yourself, it is necessary to shake hands, unless otherwise stated by the other person. Be aware of your language; for example, using racist, sexist or otherwise offensive language is heavily frowned upon. Additionally, it is courteous to acknowledge people, such as in shops or on public transportation, as they pass or when they serve you. Lastly, try to be punctual and respect other peoples’ time," explained one expat living in UK.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to England?
- Where should I setup a bank account in England?
- Will I be able to find a job in England?
- What is life like in England?
- What do expats in England appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in England?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in England accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in England like?
- What are healthcare services like in England?
- What are medical services in England like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in England?
- What are emergency services like in England?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in England?
- How are local medical facilities in England?
- As a foreigner living in England, 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 UK?
If you live in England, newcomers to England would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
