Guatemala
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Guatemala?
We asked people in Guatemala 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!...
"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," said a member in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
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"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Guatemala. It is considered rude to point with your finger, so it is best to use an open hand when gesturing. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English loudly in public. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, as it is considered inappropriate to touch someone without their permission. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making jokes or comments that could be seen as offensive," remarked another expat who made the move to Guatemala.
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Other Questions:
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- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Guatemala?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Guatemala?
If you live in Guatemala, newcomers to Guatemala would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.