What are the dos and don'ts of traveling in a foreign country? When you plan to travel to a foreign country, there are many aspects you have to think of beforehand.

My aim in this article is to present certain actions you should take before going to a foreign country, referring to the different aspects, including culture, customs, and laws.

Firstly, to better understand your destination and prepare yourself for this trip, you should study the culture, customs, and laws in advance.

This will help you learn about different aspects and be more informed about what to expect while living there. Meanwhile, I advise you to learn the basics of that country's language, such as ” Hi', “Hello', “Where is …', and ‘How much is … '.

By doing that, you will know how to pronounce the local languages and, ultimately, communicate with the residents overseas more fluently. This will help you show respect to their culture as well.

Notify your bank and your phone carrier that you are traveling. Ask to have your credit or debit card statements suspended. Keep your phone active and your phone number the same while away (though check with your phone carrier for international coverage).

Always carry your passport and any visas you may need, with you, and keep photocopies separately, as well as at home.

The Dos and Don'ts of traveling in a foreign country

Things You Should Do When Interacting With Locals

When mixing with locals, there are some dos to adhere to in order to have a pleasant and non-offensive intercultural exchange. Be polite and respectful: greet and bow accordingly; use please and thank you.

Speak their local language at least a little bit. Even if you know just a few words, it can help you with communication and locals will appreciate that you are respecting their culture.

If you also find yourself in a predicament where you cannot speak a word in the local language, either do the best you can with a translation app if you have a modern smartphone or go old school and find someone who speaks your native language.

Find locals who can help you. Even knowing the right questions to ask locals is half the fight.

Pay attention to local customs regarding gratuities and bargaining. In some cultures, there are expected tips for certain services, for example, while in other cultures these tipping customs may be seen as rude.

Bargaining customs fall into the same category: it is acceptable in some cultures while it would be frowned upon in others.

Things You Can Do During Your Stay in a Foreign Country

There are a few dos you should stick to when you're away in another country to make sure your trip is safe and fun. First, follow the local customs and traditions.

For example, people might have a different way of dressing, greeting someone, or eating at a table. If you aren't used to behaving like that, do it anyway to avoid offending someone.

Do wear appropriate attire for the culture and climate. This implies clothing that is respectful and appropriate for the weather, with extra consideration given to conserving resources during your stay.

Pack layers – you'll not only want to be warm in the evening but may also start off chilly in the morning.

Be mindful of safety precautions. This includes being aware of your surroundings and keeping a close check on your belongings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables and try to keep them secured in a money belt or neck pouch.

Things You Should Avoid During Your Stay in a Foreign Country

There are a few obvious things to avoid on the road to avoid misunderstandings, or what might be culturally perceived as faux pas. Do not insult relevant local customs, traditions, or religions, obviously.

This might mean not touching sacred objects or monuments without permission, not washing before entering a clean water source accessed by local people, not eating with the elbow on the table, or not dressing improperly because you are scared of offending.

Don't do anything illegal, which can include using drugs or smuggling stuff, especially in a country where you aren't aware of the laws. Remember, you are accountable for yourself.

Things You Shouldn't Do When Interacting With Locals

Besides this simple ‘do', observing several don'ts when interacting with locals in a foreign country is essential to avoid misunderstandings or committing a faux pas.

Do not assume that everybody understands English or your mother tongue. Be patient and polite if someone is trying to communicate with you in a language you do not understand.

Don't touch people without asking. Touching without permission can be considered aggression, and in many cultures, it is.

Also, people keep different distances from each other. The Zen saying is: ‘Every keen Manson brush must come to the experience of drawing back its sword.'

One of the biggest amateur errors is assuming that you know the local culture before you go. All cultures are different.

Hopefully, you'll encounter something that might seem a bit unusual at first, but approaching it with an open mind and willingness to learn is crucial to having a great trip.

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