Cultural Customs Around the World“When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do”

Your teacher has a friend from America visiting Vietnam in February. It’s her very firsttime traveling abroad!

What are some travel tips you can give herto help her travel in Vietnam and feel safeand comfortable?

In other words, what are some Do’s & Don’ts when traveling to Vietnam.

When you go to someone’s house in Vietnam,you are expected to….

When you go to someone’s house in Vietnam,you are expected to….take off your shoes in the house.

*this is a popular custom all over Asia

When giving or taking money or a business card from someone, remember to use…

When giving or taking money or a business card from someone, remember to use…both hands / two hands.

Be safe with your money! Don’t…

Be safe with your money! Don’t…• carry a lot of money with you.• be flashy with your money.• take out your wallet near the street• keep money in your room. Put it in a safe..

Be sure not to……

Be sure not to……drink tap water. Only bottled or boiled water.

If you take a taxi, remember to....

If you take a taxi, remember to…take a trustworthy taxi company (vinasun, Mailinh)

Be careful when…

Be careful when…you use your mobilephone on the street.

It’s not advisable to….

Make sure to…

Can you think of any othertips to help someone comingto VN for the first time?

• Try to…• Try not to…

• Remember to…• Don’t forget to…

• It’s a good idea to…• It’s common to…

As you know, when you travel… every countryhas different customs and traditions.

Why is it important to know about these customs and follow them when you travel?

It’s important to know and follow a country’s unique customs because they can help…

• Keep you safe• Show respect for that country’s culture• help you avoid embarrassing situations• you make friends from that country• represent your home country in a positive way

Also because… no one likes a

BAD TOURIST

International

Customs Quiz

(these are commonfood customs aroundthe world)

In what country is it considered RUDEto finish all of the food on your plate?

ChinaRussia Ireland

In China, if you finish all of your food is considered rude especially if you’re a guest at someone’s house.

This is because somebody might thing that you’re still hungry / didn’t get enough food.

When people make a toast in Austria,they must look into another person’s eyes…. WHY?a) Because it’s polite to know someone’s eye color.

b) It’s a game to see who can clink their glasses without looking at their cup.

c) They are acknowledging each other and being respectful.

a) Because it’s polite to know someone’s eye color.

b) It’s a game to see who can clink their glasses without looking at their cup.

c) They are acknowledging each other and being respectful.

In India, people will only use 1 hand toeat. Is it the Right or the Left?

In India, people only use their RIGHThand to eat. Using your left hand is considered “gross”, because they usetheir left hand…. only when they go to the bathroom.

If you’re eating at a Tapas restaurant in Spain, what should you do with the food crumbs, dirty napkins, seafood shellsand trash at your table?

a)Put all the trash on 1 plate

b)Just throw all the trash on the floor

c) Use the trash bags that are on every table.

Just throw all the trash on the floor

In Spanish Tapas restaurants, they sweep everything up at the end ofthe night…. so guests are expected to throw trash on the floor!

How do the people of England usuallyeat fried chicken?

a) with their hands…. like everyone else.

b) With a knife and fork.

c) Fried Chicken isn’t popular in England, so most people only eat boiled chicken

With a knife and fork.

In England, it’s common to eat fried chicken with a knife & fork. Handsare only used if there aren’t any utensils.

You’re in a French restaurant enjoyingsome French Fries... but there’s something missing. How do you ask a French Chef for Ketchup (Tomato Sauce)?

a) “Ketchup il vous plait”

b) You should never ask a French chef for ketchup

c) You should ask in English. Most French people speak English and will understand you.

You should never ask a French chef for ketchup

Asking for Ketchup, Salt, Pepper, …. or anything else from the chef would be an insult. It would mean that you do not like the food asthe chef cooked it.

You’re in a fancy (expensive) restaurant in Germany.How should you cut your potatoes?

a) Cut the potatoes with your fork

b) Cut the potatoes with your knife

c) Cut the potatoes with a fork & knife together.

Cut the potatoes with your fork

Germans always use their fork to cut their potatoes… A knife cuts too smooth…. a Fork is perfect to make a rough cut!

You are in Canada and want to tell someone, “Thank you! Your food was delicious!” How do you do that?

a) Ask to speak to the chef, and tell the chef directly that you enjoyed the food.

b) Leave some coins under your plate.

c) Burp!

Burp!

Yes, Indeed! In Canada, burping after your meal is considered a signof thanks! (in America, this would be very rude!)

You’re now in Poland… eating a baked fish. Whyshouldn’t you turn the fish over on the other side?

a) Because you’ll “turn over” a fisherman’s boat.

b) Because the bones will come out and that’s bad luck.

c) Because the cook will get angry you didn’t keep the fish the way they served it.

Because you’ll “turn over” a fisherman’s boat.

It’s an old superstition in Poland, that if you turn your fish over when you’re eating it…. that will turn a fisherman’s boat over in the water(this is called “capsize a boat”

Welcome to Japan… you’re eating a deliciousUdon Soup. How can you show the chef that you’re enjoying your food?

a) Tap your water glass with your fork

b) “Slurp” your noodles loudly.

c) Offer the chef a small gift after dinner (like a chocolate, spoon, or towel)

“Slurp” your noodles loudly

In Japan, when you’re eating noodles, “Slurping” them loudly meansthat you really like them, you cannot wait until they get to your mouth!