Tips can help you avoid missteps on foreign trips

By Libby Martin and Lila Putney
for Virginia Business
August 2006

Etiquette is the international language of respect and courtesy. Whether traveling in the United States or in another country, it is important to understand the culture and traditions of the area you are visiting.

People traveling to foreign countries should do some research before a trip. There are many Internet sites and travel books that make this an interesting and easy-to-do assignment. At the very least, here are a few tips to help travelers demonstrate appropriate behavior while abroad:

• Learn and be prepared to use a few key phrases in the language of the country. As a starter, know how to say “please,” “thank you,” “no, thank you,” “hello,” “goodbye” and “good morning.” A few emergency phrases can also be helpful, such as “bathroom” or “hospital.”

• Be familiar with the currency and try to carry some of the local money for ease of travel and smaller purchases.

• Understand some of the dietary issues related to the area. Is it safe to drink the water? What are the local delicacies?

• Know the country’s holidays so that you can avoid not only crowds, but also closings and travel difficulties.

By being prepared for some of these basic issues, you show respect and consideration of others.

The greeting
A positive first impression is the key to getting along well with others in all circumstances. When you travel, this continues to be important. Your greeting offers a strong message to those whom you meet. While the handshake has become more of a universal greeting, you need to fine-tune your handshake for different cultures.

• In North America and in many parts of Europe, a firm handshake is expected.

• In some Asian and Middle Eastern countries, handshakes are much gentler.

• Latin Americans and Southern Europeans add lots of touching to their handshakes.

• There are Muslim countries where one would not offer a hand to a woman.

• In Japan, a bow is an accepted greeting with the person of lesser rank bowing first to a person of higher status.

• The French are known for kissing as part of a greeting.
When in doubt, we recommend that you follow the lead of someone fromyour host country.

What to wear
People around the world have become more casual about their dress. In many respects that is a good thing, but this trend has led to ambiguous guidelines about attire that can often cause problems.

When you travel, it is important to dress conservatively to respect other cultures. Many travel experts recommend that you not wear loud colors and bold prints. Certain ways we dress can give off messages of disrespect in other cultures and they are to be avoided.

• In the Far East, white means mourning.

• When visiting cathedrals and churches, men and women should not wear shorts.

• In China, open-toed sandals are considered unclean.

• When traveling on business, research the attire that is appropriate for men and women in business. Many countries have guidelines very different from those typical in the United States.

We encourage travelers to err on the side of dressing “up” rather than “down.” You will be taken more seriously; you will make a better first impression. You also will be extending to others the courtesy of respect that you would like for them to extend to you.

As you head off on your trip, keep in mind that, as an American, you are representing our country. Others will form an opinion or validate an existing opinion by their interaction with you. Mind your manners.

Remember etiquette is showing respect and courtesy to others, no matter what the circumstances.

Bon voyage!

Elizabeth Marth and Lila Putney are the founders and directors of The Protocol School of Virginia LLC, a corporate etiquette and international protocol services firm.