Cultural Practices to Keep in Mind When Traveling

Maeve McGinn '24
With summer break just around the corner it's important to keep in mind cultural differences while travelling to other countries. Even within the United States there are differences when one travels between states, so it tracks that there would be vast differences culturally between the U.S. and other countries. These differences are important to keep in mind both so that you respect the culture of country you're in and so that you stick out less as a tourist, which will make you safer. Here is a list of travel tips for countries with the highest rates of international tourism.
Tipping Culture:

China- Tipping is uncommon here, and can be seen as rude or embarrassing in certain situations. In certain places leaving gratuity is even illegal.

France- Tipping is not expected in French restaurants and cafes. This is due to gratuity being calculated into your bill, and will be marked as "service compris". However, you can leave a small tip if you so desire.

Spain- At casual restaurants tipping is not required. At fancier restaurants gratuity may be included with your bill and will be marked with the phrases "Servicio incluido" or "Impuesto al Valor Agregado", in which case you do not need to leave a tip. However, if it is not included it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip.

Morocco- Similar to the U.S., tipping is customary in Morocco as tips help make service workers' wages more livable. The amount of tip you leave can vary depending on where you are in the country and what type of establishment you are in. At cafes and small local restaurants a 5-10% tip is fine, and at more upscale restaurants 10-15% is customary.

Mexico- It is customary to tip in Mexico, and a tip is usually 10-15% of the bill at the restaurant. Make sure to tip in Mexican pesos and not foreign currency due to stricter currency exchange laws.
 
Basic Etiquette:

China- Make sure to always show respect and deference to those who are older during any social situation. It is customary to bow one's head and soften one's voice when conversing with an elderly person. Talking back to or refuting an elder is considered very rude, and an elder's advice or opinion should never be challenged. Make sure, especially for any formal meetings, to be punctual. Always give and receive things with both hands.

France- Whenever you enter any establishment, make sure to greet the people working or providing the service with a brief "bonjour", as not doing so is considered very rude. Proper etiquette and manners are very important since people at the establishment may subtly dismiss those acting with improper decorum. Do not sit with your legs spread apart or with your feet resting on any chairs or tables. When you are invited out, it is expected to meet at the designated time, but when you are invited over to someone's house you should arrive 15-20 minutes after the designated time.

Spain- Make sure to say hello and goodbye when entering and leaving any establishment, and greet people when they enter an elevator. Punctuality is not that important in Spain, and people can even show up a half hour late without it seeming impolite. If a person invites others out for a special occasion or expensive place, then it is typical for the host to pay the bill. However, in other social situations it is common, especially amongst young people, to split the bill evenly between all parties. If someone offers to pay for you, do not argue with them even out of politeness as arguing over the bill is seen as bad manners.

Morocco-  It is important to keep displays of affection between opposite sex people to a minimum, and keep in mind that kissing in public is illegal in Morocco and so is homosexuality. If you need to beckon someone do not use your index finger as this can be seen as rude, instead, sweep your whole hand towards yourself with your palm facing downwards. Make sure you don't criticize or speak negatively of the Moroccan monarchy because Morocco has lèse–majesté laws, which make it illegal to mock, criticize, or speak negatively of the Moroccan king and royal family. More than 99% of Moroccans are Muslim, so take care to be respectful of Islam and any Islamic rules and customs within the country. For example, non-Muslims being forbidden from entering areas like shrines, mosques, and graveyards.

Mexico- If it is necessary for you to interrupt a conversation make sure to say, "Con permiso" before speaking. It is common for men to open doors for women, and for men to pay for any meals when dining out, even if a woman originally extended the invitation. Make sure to give proper goodbyes when leaving since a hasty exit could imply that you did not enjoy a person's company. Show the utmost respect to elders when in public. For example, make way for them on streets, allow them to be served first, and give up your seat if needed. If you need to give someone an object, do not toss the object to them, instead hand it to them directly. If someone sneezes, make sure to say "Salud", which is similar to saying "Bless you" here in the U.S.
 
Personal Space:

China- In China, having little to no personal space when in public is very common. A certain degree of pushing and shoving is acceptable in public as well. While this may be uncomfortable for Americans who typically have a greater amount of personal space, it is important to be respectful of this cultural difference.

France- The French are very slow when cultivating a familiarity between people. So while friendly physical affection during a conversation is normal, it does not usually happen unless they are familiar with you. It is common for young people to engage in public displays of affection, like kissing.

Spain- In Spain, people usually keep about a half-meter (about 1.6 feet) between one person and another. Compared to other Western countries, men in Spain are less protective over their personal space. Spaniards are quite tactile people and often express themselves through touch. Public displays of affection between couples are common and accepted. Friends may nudge your arm or leg, put an arm around your shoulders, or help neaten your clothing.

Morocco- In Morocco, it is customary to keep about an arm's length of space between one person and another. When the opposite genders are interacting the space between them should increase, but if close family or friends are together the space may become smaller. Between the same gender it is common for there to be lots of casual touching, but it is taboo for religious men and women to touch the opposite gender.

Mexico- Mexicans are generally very tactile people with displays of affection between couples being common and accepted. Physical affection between friends may include nudging each others arms or legs to reinforce certain points, wrapping their arms around your shoulders as a sign of camaraderie, or placing both of their hands on your shoulders to show a deep a appreciation. It is also not uncommon to touch someone's lapels or neaten their clothing for them. While in conversation, Mexicans tend to stand very close to one another, and standing far away can make you seem standoffish.

Sources:

St. Francis High School

2130 W. Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone (630) 668-5800
Fax (630) 668-5893