What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Iceland?
We asked people in Iceland 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 of cultural differences when visiting Iceland. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to respect the Icelandic language and not to speak loudly in public. Additionally, it is important to respect the Icelandic nature and not to litter or leave any trace of your presence. It is also important to respect the privacy of others and not to take pictures of people without their permission. Finally, it is important to dress appropriately and not to wear revealing clothing in public," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Iceland.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Iceland?
- How do I meet people in Iceland?
- What is life like in Iceland?
- Is there a lot of crime in Iceland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Iceland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Iceland like?
- Is the cost of living in Iceland high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Iceland?
- What are healthcare services like in Iceland?
- Is the cost of living in Iceland high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Iceland?
- What is the weather like in Iceland?
- Are there good restaurants in Iceland?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Iceland?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Iceland?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Iceland?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Iceland?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Iceland?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Iceland?
If you live in Iceland, newcomers to Iceland 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.