What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Canada?
We asked people in Canada 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 customs and taboos when interacting with people in Canada. For example, it is polite to address people by Mr., Mrs., or Miss, or another formal title, rather than only using first names. Additionally, it is important to respect customs like not discussing politics or religion in public or being overly loud in conversation. When eating with others, it is important to wait to be served before beginning to eat. Finally, as a visitor, it is important to be aware of Canadian holidays and not assume holidays celebrated in other countries are celebrated in Canada," remarked another expat in Canada.
"Not too many as I grew up in States_Fla. and have been back many times. Mostly just using different terms for everyday thing Pop vs Soda washroom vs restroom and not standing in line until called at Tim Hortons," said a member in Kingston, Canada.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Canada?
- How do I find a place to live in Canada?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Canada?
- What is the average cost of housing in Canada?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Canada?
- What should I pack when moving to Canada?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Canada?
- Why do people move to Canada?
- What are healthcare services like in Canada?
- What are medical services in Canada like?
- What are typical rents in Canada?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Canada?
If you live in Canada, newcomers to Canada would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.