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

We asked people in South Africa 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 South Africa. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to be aware of any potential cultural faux pas. It is important to be aware of the country's history and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as insensitive or offensive. It is also important to be aware of the country's language and to avoid using any language that could be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the country's religious beliefs and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as offensive or disrespectful. Finally, it is important to be aware of the country's social norms and to avoid making any comments that could be seen as inappropriate or offensive," explained one expat living in South Africa.

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

If you live in South Africa, newcomers to South Africa would love to hear your answer to this question.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.