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

We asked people in Lake Atitlan 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 and respectful of the local culture and customs when visiting Lake Atitlan. It is customary to greet people with a handshake and use polite language when speaking to locals. It is also important to dress modestly, as showing too much skin can be considered disrespectful. Talking loudly or disrespecting religious or cultural sites is also frowned upon. It is important to be aware of the cultural taboos in the region, such as avoiding talking about religion or politics in public. Furthermore, bartering is not appropriate in Lake Atitlan and it is important to be courteous and understand that local prices are reasonable," commented one expat who made the move to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

SJB Global
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

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"I offered to help do the laundry when the woman I hired came to mi casa...not a good idea...the look on her face was...well lets just say I got the impression I was borderline close to offending her... Walking a trail without a lamp... duh... in the rain ...after dark... First and last time I get into a boat without asking if it is public or private! Spent 45 minutes trying to start a fire and giving up...later to meet someone on the trail who casually mentioned it is hard to start a fire here due to the lack of O2 in the air...and so some cooking oil and a few major breathes of my hot air and I had instant fire from that day on...lol," remarked another expat in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.