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

We asked people in Liege 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 Liege, it is considered rude to not greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. It's also important to remember to say "please" and "thank you" as Belgians place a high value on politeness. Belgians are known for their love of food, so refusing food or drink offered to you can be seen as impolite. It's also considered bad manners to leave food on your plate, as it implies you didn't enjoy the meal. Belgians are generally private people, so avoid asking personal questions unless you know the person well. It's also considered impolite to interrupt someone while they're speaking. In Belgium, punctuality is highly valued. Arriving late to an appointment or meeting can be seen as disrespectful. Belgians are proud of their languages and culture, so making derogatory comments or jokes about their country, language or culture is considered highly offensive. It's also important to remember that tipping is not customary in Belgium. Service charge is usually included in the bill, so tipping is not expected unless you received exceptional service. Lastly, avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and the linguistic divide between the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking regions of Belgium. These topics can lead to heated debates and are best avoided unless you are well-informed about them," explained one expat living in Liege, Belgium.

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