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

We asked people in Sweden 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!...

"Yes, when I first drove to my boy friends home from the airport, I turned onto a huge bike path. I had no idea it wasn't part of the road. There wasn't a sign or anything painted identifying that area was for bikes only. eeek," remarked another expat who made the move to Karlstad, Sweden.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Sweden. It is important to be respectful of Swedish customs and traditions. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as Swedes tend to dress more formally than in other countries. It is also important to be aware of the Swedish concept of 'lagom', which means 'not too much, not too little', and to be mindful of not being too loud or intrusive in public. It is also important to be aware of the Swedish concept of 'jantelagen', which is a set of unwritten rules that emphasize the importance of equality and modesty. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Swedish concept of 'fika', which is a social coffee break, and to be respectful of this tradition," explained one expat living in Sweden.

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