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

We asked people in Indonesia 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 etiquette when visiting a foreign country such as Indonesia. It is important to be respectful of the local customs and remain open-minded to their traditions. It is best to avoid any public displays of affection, such as kissing, hugging, or hand-holding. Refrain from making negative remarks about the country or its culture, as this can be perceived as rude and insulting. Refrain from wearing revealing clothing, as it can be seen as disrespectful. It is also important to remove one’s shoes when entering religious sites like mosques or temples and to avoid eating with one's left hand. Lastly, it is also important to be mindful of the fact that Indonesians tend to use last names to indicate respect," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Indonesia.

"I do not require my household help to cook much during Ramadan since they are fasting. Near the end of Ramadan this month, I had made a new recipe and my helper was in the kitchen drying dishes. She was asking questions about the recipe, when I evidently had brain-fade and said, "Here, taste it and let me know what you think." She just laughed and said, "Mem, it Ramadan!"," commented one expat who made the move to Duri/Simpang Padong, Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia.

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