International Shopping Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts in Different Cultures

Shopping around the world can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it's important to be mindful of the customs and etiquette specific to each country. Here are insights into shopping dos and don'ts in various cultures to help travelers navigate shopping experiences with respect and confidence:

Team Bulletiny

November 25, 2021

1 minute

63.8K

Lifestyle

1. Japan:

Do: Always greet the shopkeeper upon entering and leaving the store. Take your shoes off before entering a traditional Japanese shop. It's common to bow as a sign of respect.
Don't: Bargaining is not a common practice in Japan, so avoid haggling over prices.

2. India:

Do: Feel free to haggle at local markets and street vendors. Bargaining is expected in many places.
Don't: Avoid touching someone's head, as it's considered sacred. Also, don't point your feet at religious items or people.

3. Italy:

Do: Be polite and greet shopkeepers with "buongiorno" (good morning) or "buonasera" (good evening). Italians appreciate good manners.
Don't: Avoid touching items unnecessarily, and refrain from trying to haggle in high-end boutiques.

4. China:

Do: Bargaining is common in street markets. Be prepared to negotiate, but do so with a smile and respect.
Don't: Avoid touching or pointing at someone with your index finger. Use your whole hand if needed. Also, avoid giving clocks or umbrellas as gifts, as they are associated with death and separation.

5. Turkey:

Do: Haggle when shopping in bazaars and markets. It's expected, and a friendly approach can go a long way.
Don't: Avoid showing the soles of your shoes, as it's considered disrespectful. Also, don't touch someone's head, as it's considered impolite.

6. France:

Do: Politeness is key. Greet shopkeepers with a "bonjour" and say "au revoir" when leaving.
Don't: Avoid asking for substitutions or changes in restaurants. French cuisine is highly regarded, and altering a dish may be seen as disrespectful.

7. Thailand:

Do: Bargaining is common in markets, but do so with a smile and respect. It's part of the shopping experience.
Don't: Avoid public displays of affection, as they are generally considered inappropriate. Also, avoid touching someone's head.

8. Mexico:

Do: Bargaining is expected in markets. Start with a polite haggle and be prepared for a friendly back-and-forth.
Don't: Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or making negative comments about Mexico. This can be seen as disrespectful.

9. South Korea:

Do: Use both hands when giving or receiving money or items. It's a sign of respect.
Don't: Avoid speaking loudly in public places, as it can be considered impolite. Also, don't tip in restaurants, as it's not customary.

10. Egypt: - Do: Be prepared to haggle in bazaars and markets. Bargaining is an integral part of the shopping experience. - Don't: Avoid showing the soles of your feet or pointing your feet at people or religious objects, as it's considered disrespectful.

These dos and don'ts provide a starting point for respectful and enjoyable shopping experiences in different countries. When in doubt, observing local customs and being polite and considerate will go a long way in making your shopping interactions positive and memorable.

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