What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in New Zealand?
We asked people in New Zealand 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 have to make myself not use any "slang" from home. It does not work here nor does some of the humor," explained one expat living in Wellington, New Zealand.
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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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"It is important to be aware of the cultural norms in New Zealand and to respect the local customs. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to be respectful of the Maori culture and to avoid making jokes or comments about it. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local dress code and to dress appropriately for the occasion. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the environment and to avoid littering or leaving rubbish behind," said another expat in New Zealand.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in New Zealand?
- How do I meet people in New Zealand?
- What is life like in New Zealand?
- Is there a lot of crime in New Zealand?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in New Zealand accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in New Zealand like?
- Is the cost of living in New Zealand high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in New Zealand?
- What are healthcare services like in New Zealand?
- Is the cost of living in New Zealand high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in New Zealand?
- What is the weather like in New Zealand?
- Are there good restaurants in New Zealand?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in New Zealand?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in New Zealand?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in New Zealand?
- What do I need to know when buying property in New Zealand?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in New Zealand?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in New Zealand?
If you live in New Zealand, newcomers to New Zealand 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.