What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Jamaica?
We asked people in Jamaica 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 local customs and respect Jamaican culture and religious traditions when visiting the country. Avoid using offensive language or making any kind of joke that could be seen as a mockery of the local culture or people. It is also important to be mindful of conserversation topics and to be respectful to local people and not to discuss any sensitive subjects such as race, class or politics. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and to be respectful to religious sites, such as churches and temples. Finally, it is polite to address people by their last names, unless given express permission to do otherwise," remarked another expat in Jamaica.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Jamaica?
- How do I meet people in Jamaica?
- What is life like in Jamaica?
- Is there a lot of crime in Jamaica?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Jamaica accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Jamaica like?
- Is the cost of living in Jamaica high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Jamaica?
- What are healthcare services like in Jamaica?
- Is the cost of living in Jamaica high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Jamaica?
- What is the weather like in Jamaica?
- Are there good restaurants in Jamaica?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Jamaica?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Jamaica?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Jamaica?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Jamaica?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Jamaica?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Jamaica?
If you live in Jamaica, newcomers to Jamaica 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.