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Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Ho Chi Minh City?

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We asked people in Ho Chi Minh City 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!...

"Cultural errors include: buying flowers for my girlfriend that are intended for dead (yellow daffodils are for the Buddhist lunar shrine, not to show your girl you love her---big faux pas). Not knowing that "good girls" cannot go to play pool (Bida) or sit and watch a band in a bar. Since most girls don't want to say "no" and make you lose face, they will go, but be really embarrassed. Once you are closer, she will give you an earful! Better to know these mistakes first," said another expat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be respectful of religious sites and to avoid taking photographs without permission. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid making negative comments about the country or its people. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and to avoid engaging in activities that are illegal in Vietnam," wrote a member who made the move to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland
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The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online. Teach English Online In Less Than 3 Weeks - Ditch the 9-5 job and start living life on your terms by teaching English online. Whether you want to travel the world or crave the flexibility of working from home, teaching online gives you the freedom you need.
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Other Questions:

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Ho Chi Minh City?

If you live in Ho Chi Minh City, newcomers to Ho Chi Minh City would love to hear your answer to this question.


Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
The TEFL Institute of Ireland
The TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

The TEFL Institute of IrelandThe TEFL Institute of Ireland

Ranked The No. 1 TEFL Provider in Ireland. The TEFL Institute of Ireland operates under European standards of education, which are renowned and respected worldwide. Once you complete the course, you will receive a globally recognised certificate, which is a passport to teaching English worldwide and online.
Learn More

SJB Global
SJB Global

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