Travel Cloud

Market Etiquette 

When travelling anywhere in the world, a smile and good manners can do wonders in helping you have a perfect holiday.  One of the most refreshing aspects of travel is seeing how people do things differently. Manners are considered very important in most parts of the world and it is truly surprising how different we can all be. My daughter was aghast when she realised her shorts were causing much consternation in Venice's St Mark's Basilica. The sarong she then purchased to cover her legs became one of her most useful travel items.  I always loved being personally greeted by the shopkeepers in the local boulangeries and patisseries when we rented an apartment in inner Paris. It truly made my shopping a memorable experience. It is these experiences that make you feel like a part of the local community.  Below are a few tips that will enable you to connect with people all over the world.

BALI

Bargaining in a Balinese market is not considered impolite. Be pleasant and do not get uptight. Keep your cool, smile and insist on the price you want to pay. If they refuse your price, smile and say thank you (terimah kasih) and walk away. It is rude to point with the index finger. Always use your thumb of the right hand. Always use your right hand to eat, receive and pass as the left hand is considered impure. 

INDIA

Dress modestly and keep your shoulders covered at all times. Women should wear below knee skirts.  Sandals are easier to take off than sneakers but don't wear anything you are not prepared to lose when visiting temples and homes. Negotiate prices first.  This is especially goes for cabs and rickshaws, even writing down the price in a notebook to show the driver you have got a record of the fee. Most small businesses run on cell phones.  It is better to text first than call direct.  Eat the street food but make sure it is freshly made and the stall has a high turnover.  Be careful of water-based dishes in the monsoon season.

CHINA

Say hello with a nod or a handshake. Use the polite Mr or Miss rather than a given name. The Chinese eat at very set hours.  Lunch is at noon and dinner at six. Don't expect much deviation from these hours when making social arrangements with Chinese colleagues. You are expected to show your appreciation of the Chinese cuisine and try every dish offered. Always leave a little on your plate to show your host that there was more than enough and keep your mouth closed when eating. 

FRANCE

Etiquette is a french word so this is a country where good manners matter. Always say 'Bonjour ' and acknowledge staff when entering a shop. Never use someones first name until you are invited to do so and if invited to dinner, give your host a leeway of 15 minutes. Flowers should be given in odd numbers avoiding white or yellow flowers and red carnations. If invited to a large dinner party, it is better to have the flowers delivered in the morning so that the host can display them that evening. Never bring wine as it may imply your host's wine is not good enough. Gifts are usually opened as soon as they are received. 

GREECE

Greeks take great pride in their heritage but it is best not to bring up Cyprus and the Greek Civil War. Family is important to Greeks along with honor. Greek's like to meet face-to-face but it is best to stay polite and low key and show respect to elders.  Shake hands with everyone present, man, woman and child, and shake hands again when you leave. Feel free to share food on your plate, it is considered good manners. Join in the dancing and be happy to be hugged and kissed and be part of the family. Greeks are very generous hosts. If you have been invited to dinner at a restaurant, do not attempt to pay. The host always pays. Cab sharing is common but if the cab driver isn't going where you are, he may refuse the fare. Expect a lot of interest in your marital status and how much you earn!

Cultural information was sourced from information sites. Acknowledgement also to Catherine Smith, Editor, Weekend Life, NZ Herald.