Sri Lanka
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Sri Lanka?
We asked people in Sri Lanka 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!...
"Not yet :-) But I have heard, you should never mistake Sri Lankans as Indians which apparently drives them up the wall," wrote a member who made the move to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Sri Lanka. It is considered disrespectful to touch someone on the head, as the head is considered sacred. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be aware of the local customs and traditions, and to be respectful of them. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid using offensive language. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding food and to avoid eating with your hands," explained one expat living in Sri Lanka.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Sri Lanka?
- How do I meet people in Sri Lanka?
- What is life like in Sri Lanka?
- Is there a lot of crime in Sri Lanka?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Sri Lanka accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Sri Lanka like?
- Is the cost of living in Sri Lanka high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Sri Lanka?
- What are healthcare services like in Sri Lanka?
- Is the cost of living in Sri Lanka high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Sri Lanka?
- What is the weather like in Sri Lanka?
- Are there good restaurants in Sri Lanka?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Sri Lanka?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Sri Lanka?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Sri Lanka?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Sri Lanka?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Sri Lanka?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Sri Lanka?
If you live in Sri Lanka, newcomers to Sri Lanka would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
