What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Leuven?
We asked people in Leuven 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!...
"In Leuven, it's considered rude to not greet shopkeepers, waitstaff, or other service workers when entering or leaving an establishment. It's also important to respect the local language, Dutch, even if most people speak English. Try to learn a few basic phrases. Belgians value punctuality, so it's considered disrespectful to be late for appointments or meetings. If you're invited to someone's home, it's customary to bring a gift, such as chocolates or flowers, but avoid chrysanthemums as they are associated with funerals. When dining, keep your hands on the table (but not your elbows), and wait for the host to start eating or drinking before you do. It's also considered impolite to leave food on your plate. Belgians are generally private people, so avoid asking personal questions unless you know the person well. Also, avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and language disputes between the Flemish and Walloon regions. In public places, keep your voice down and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Belgians are known for their modesty and discretion, so loud or boisterous behavior is generally frowned upon. Finally, tipping is not mandatory in Belgium as service charge is included in the bill. However, it's common to round up the bill to the nearest euro," said another expat in Leuven, Belgium.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Leuven?
- What do I need to know before moving to Leuven?
- How do I find a place to live in Leuven?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Leuven?
- What is the average cost of housing in Leuven?
- How do I meet people in Leuven?
- What should I pack when moving to Leuven?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Leuven?
- Will I be able to find a job in Leuven?
- What is life like in Leuven?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Leuven?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Leuven?
- What is the social scene like in Leuven?
- What advice to expats in Leuven have about housing?
- What are medical services in Leuven like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Leuven?
- Is the cost of living in Leuven high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Leuven?
- Why do people move to Leuven?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Leuven?
If you live in Leuven, newcomers to Leuven would love to hear your answer to this question.