Comments about ‘Avoid cultural blunders when working abroad’

It is amazing to me that with all the cultural differences that exist worldwide, people are more alike than they are different. We all want to be treated with respect.

Excellent article, we can all improve our social skills. Thanks

Thanks to articles like this one, big blunders are a lot less common nowadays. I have worked with some of the resources mentioned and can only recommend them.
And yet common sense and intuition should guide us, too. I remember that at the beginning of my international career I didn't give a fellow student a hug when I saw her, just because she was Japanese. She would have probably even appreciated it. I often think back when I need to make similar decisions today.

As a traveler who has made it to 39 countries, articles like this help tremendously. Its easier to learn by reading first, rather than being embarrassed later!

So true. I had heard about the business cards from a family member who travels often to Japan - definitely something I would not have thought of on my own. Always good to prepare a bit ahead of time!

Excellent tips, Adam! These hints are really important for situations where the faux pas is not obvious to an outsider (i.e. the thumbs-up sign in Brazil). When I went to Thailand, we were warned not to step on, tear, crumple or otherwise disrespect Thai money because it has the king's picture on it. It really takes an insider to spread the word about these types of things, and they make a huge difference in the business world!

I so wish that I had found the sites you linked to before we took a big trip to Europe this summer. Steve Ricks is great for travel guiding, but I wanted more on gestures and the like.

Excellent article!!!