What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in El Salvador?
We asked people in El Salvador 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 respectful of El Salvador's culture and customs when visiting. It is considered rude to show up late to social gatherings, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress modestly, as El Salvador is a conservative country. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and the civil war. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to be respectful of them. For example, it is considered rude to point with your index finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to use it when possible," remarked another expat who made the move to El Salvador.
"Many, when I got angry or stressed out I often became rude to locals and hurt their feelings, also even though I speak spanish well made many mistakes in pronunciation at first resulting in many misunderstandings, my mentors then told me never to show anger in public," explained one expat living in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Connect
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to El Salvador?
- Where should I setup a bank account in El Salvador?
- Will I be able to find a job in El Salvador?
- What is life like in El Salvador?
- What do expats in El Salvador appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in El Salvador?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in El Salvador accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in El Salvador like?
- What are healthcare services like in El Salvador?
- What are medical services in El Salvador like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in El Salvador?
- What are emergency services like in El Salvador?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in El Salvador?
- How are local medical facilities in El Salvador?
- As a foreigner living in El Salvador, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in El Salvador?
If you live in El Salvador, newcomers to El Salvador would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.