Canada
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Canada?
We asked people in Canada 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!...
"It is important to be mindful of cultural customs and taboos when interacting with people in Canada. For example, it is polite to address people by Mr., Mrs., or Miss, or another formal title, rather than only using first names. Additionally, it is important to respect customs like not discussing politics or religion in public or being overly loud in conversation. When eating with others, it is important to wait to be served before beginning to eat. Finally, as a visitor, it is important to be aware of Canadian holidays and not assume holidays celebrated in other countries are celebrated in Canada," said another expat in Canada.
"The "embarrassing" blunder we committed is actually leaving our dandelions in the garden because we like them. It's one of the few flowers children are actually allowed to pick in abundance. However, according to several of my friends, it is actually "asocial" to have dandelions in your garden because you "contaminate" the gardens around you and trouble your neighbours who will therefore have to work harder getting rid of theirs. I am still in culture shock and feel sad about this desire to eradicate innocent natural plants (including forget-me-nots, lilies of the valley, and many other beautiful wildflowers which don't cause any harm.)," wrote a member who made the move to Toronto, Canada.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Canada?
- How do I meet people in Canada?
- What is life like in Canada?
- Is there a lot of crime in Canada?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Canada accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Canada like?
- Is the cost of living in Canada high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Canada?
- What are healthcare services like in Canada?
- Is the cost of living in Canada high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Canada?
- What is the weather like in Canada?
- Are there good restaurants in Canada?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Canada?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Canada?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Canada?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Canada?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Canada?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Canada?
If you live in Canada, newcomers to Canada would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.
