What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Belize?
We asked people in Belize 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!...
"Losing patience at the only 3 international banks when the Teller Machine was out of service for some malfunctioning and I needed to take out some money to go out and eat," remarked another expat who made the move to Belmopan, Belize.
"In Belize, it is important to respect the diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions. In your interactions with local people, be aware of any sensitive topics such as politics or racial issues. To show respect, you should also be aware of clothing etiquette. Men and women should dress conservatively in public, women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, and the use of profanity should be avoided. Additionally, during social gatherings and conversations, avoid making loud or offensive gestures. Lastly, show respect to local elders by addressing them with respectful titles like “Sir”, “Madam”, or “Ma’am”," explained one expat living in Belize.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Belize?
- How do I meet people in Belize?
- What is life like in Belize?
- Is there a lot of crime in Belize?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Belize accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Belize like?
- Is the cost of living in Belize high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belize?
- What are healthcare services like in Belize?
- Is the cost of living in Belize high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Belize?
- What is the weather like in Belize?
- Are there good restaurants in Belize?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Belize?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Belize?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belize?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Belize?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Belize?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Belize?
If you live in Belize, newcomers to Belize 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.
