Cultural shocks

[Lord Roco]

When travelling to different countries, we have had many types of cultural shocks. What was the experience that you still have imprinted in your memory?

For me, it was when I went to Malaysia. I found that many places of adoration submit non vegetarian food such as sausages and alcohol as offerings to their deities. Now that I think of it, it is not really that strange, but at that point I was young and has had the greatest cultural shock of my life.

What are yours?

 

[Blueflame]

I travelled to a neighboring African country some years ago and I was surprised to see that they usually give tip for every service rendered. Like you can buy meat in the market and be expected to give something extra to the seller as a form of thanks.
Like who does that?

 

[Lord Roco]

I travelled to a neighboring African country some years ago and I was surprised to see that they usually give tip for every service rendered. Like you can buy meat in the market and be expected to give something extra to the seller as a form of thanks.
Like who does that?

Did you see tourists giving tips?

In most of the international tours that I have visited, the travelling agency specifies that we should give tip when we buy goods or services from local vendors because their economy depends on it.

So in some cases, tips are considered to be an insult on a person's dignity, but in low income countries, that is not the case.

 

[Blueflame]

Did you see tourists giving tips?

In most of the international tours that I have visited, the travelling agency specifies that we should give tip when we buy goods or services from local vendors because their economy depends on it.

So in some cases, tips are considered to be an insult on a person's dignity, but in low income countries, that is not the case.

I was just surprised coming across the culture. Normally tips are mostly given in the hospitality sector (hotels and restaurants), not a regular market.