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

We asked people in Hafnarfjordur 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 Hafnarfjordur, it's important to respect the local belief in elves and hidden people, as it's a significant part of their folklore and culture. Avoid making jokes or dismissive comments about these beliefs. Icelanders value punctuality, so try not to be late for appointments or social gatherings. It's considered rude and disrespectful. When visiting someone's home, it's customary to remove your shoes at the door. Walking around indoors with your outdoor shoes on is seen as unclean and disrespectful. Icelanders are generally reserved and appreciate personal space. Avoid touching, hugging, or getting too close to someone unless you know them well. It's considered impolite to interrupt someone while they're speaking. Icelanders value listening skills and consider interruptions as a sign of disrespect. Avoid discussing whaling, as it's a controversial topic in Iceland. Many Icelanders support it for cultural and economic reasons, while others oppose it due to environmental and animal rights concerns. Do not litter or damage the environment in any way. Icelanders are very proud of their natural landscapes and take environmental conservation seriously. Avoid comparing Iceland to other Scandinavian countries or assuming that their culture is the same. Iceland has a unique culture and history that they are very proud of. Do not overtip or tip at all in restaurants. Service charge is usually included in the bill in Iceland, and tipping is not a common practice. Lastly, do not assume everyone speaks English. While many Icelanders are multilingual, it's polite to ask if they speak English before starting a conversation," said a member in Hafnarfjordur, Iceland.

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