The rise of remote work and digital nomadism has enabled many professionals to travel the world while continuing to work. However, with this newfound freedom comes the responsibility to be respectful, conscientious visitors.
Digital nomads are location independent workers who leverage technology to work remotely while travelling. With more competitive salaries earned in countries like the US and Europe, digital nomads often end up in lower income countries where the cost of living is cheaper. This influx of visitors with greater purchasing power has led to concerns around cultural insensitivity, gentrification, and idealized portrayals of exotic locales.
While technology has made remote work possible, it’s still important not to lose sight of cultural context. When visiting foreign places as a guest, it’s essential to make an effort to integrate, follow local customs, and be considerate of communities. Respecting local cultures will lead to a more authentic experience.
Learn Local Customs
One of the most important things you can do as a digital nomad is to learn about local customs, etiquette, taboos, and laws before visiting a new destination. Make it a habit to do thorough research ahead of time so you can avoid offending locals or breaking rules unintentionally.
Check out the tourism board website and government resources for the country you’ll be staying in. These sites often provide guides on respectful behavior, dress, gestures to avoid, customs around food and dining, visiting religious sites, and other cultural norms. You’ll get a basic overview of do’s and don’ts.
Reading travel blogs and forums can also help identify more nuanced cultural differences or lesser-known taboos that locals find disrespectful. For example, pointing feet at someone may be highly offensive in some Asian cultures. Or snapping your fingers could be rude in parts of Africa and the Middle East. The more insight you have, the better.
Consider downloading a translation app as well so you can understand signs, menus, and local language. Being able to say basic phrases like hello, goodbye, please, and thank you in the local tongue is also appreciated.
The most respectful thing you can do is make an effort to appreciate and follow regional customs. Locals are often welcoming of travelers who show a genuine interest in their culture.
Dress Appropriately
When visiting a new destination, it’s important to dress appropriately and conservatively out of respect for local cultural norms. Some tips:
- Avoid clothing with offensive images or slogans that could be inappropriate or disrespectful. This includes items with profanity, sexual content, etc.
- Dress conservatively. Be sure to cover shoulders, knees, and cleavage as standards tend to be more modest in many cultures. Avoid revealing or tight clothing.
- Ask local contacts for advice if you are unsure about what is appropriate. They can offer guidance on what is considered respectful attire in their culture.
- Research local norms. Some religious sites may require head scarves or other clothing. Be prepared to cover up accordingly.
- Don’t wear camouflage print or military-style clothing, as it can cause unease in some regions.
- If visiting beaches or pools, opt for modest swimwear. Women may need to wear one-piece suits or cover ups.
- Adapt as needed. You may be able to dress more casually/comfortably in some areas than others. Pay attention to how local women dress.
- When in doubt, err on the side of modesty and conservatism. Locals will appreciate your efforts to be culturally sensitive with how you present yourself.
Behave Respectfully
When visiting a new destination, it’s important to observe local norms for polite behavior in public. Some key things to keep in mind:
Avoid public displays of affection. What’s considered normal at home may be frowned upon elsewhere. Kissing, hugging, and other intimate contact in public can be seen as offensive. Follow local customs for appropriate behavior.
Don’t talk loudly or play music aloud. In many cultures, loud conversations and blaring music are seen as disruptive and disrespectful. Speak softly and use headphones if listening to music when in public areas.
Follow photography etiquette. Always ask permission before taking photos of local people, especially at religious sites. Be respectful if denied. Some cultures prohibit photos of certain areas, people, or things.
Don’t argue or lose your temper. Remain patient and calm in public interactions. Yelling or angry outbursts may draw unwanted attention. Diffuse tense situations politely.
Don’t litter. Dispose of trash properly, even if you see others littering. Leaving waste on the ground or out car windows is often considered rude.
Avoid indulging in vices publicly.Heavy drinking, public intoxication, smoking marijuana, gambling, and soliciting prostitution can land travelers in legal trouble. Keep these activities discreet.
With some cultural awareness and common courtesy, travelers can avoid giving offense. Abiding by local standards of etiquette shows respect for one’s host country.
Watch Your Language
When traveling abroad, it’s important to be mindful of the language you use. Avoid using slang, profanity, or vulgar expressions that may be offensive to locals. Even if these expressions seem harmless to you, they can come across as rude or disrespectful in other cultures.
Make an effort to learn some basic words and phrases in the local language. Locals will appreciate that you tried to speak a few words, even if your pronunciation is not perfect. Learning “please,” “thank you,” “hello,” and “goodbye” in the local language shows respect and will help you better interact with residents.
Avoid shouting in English or speaking loudly if locals do not understand you. Raising your voice can come across as aggressive. Instead, speak slowly and clearly while remaining patient. Consider carrying a translation book or using a translation app on your phone to aid communication.
Being thoughtful with your words and making an effort with the local language will help you have more meaningful interactions during your travels. Show locals that you respect their culture by adapting your vocabulary and avoiding potentially offensive slang or profanity that does not translate well across cultures.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping customs vary widely around the world, so it’s important to research the norms in your destination country before traveling there. Nothing will peg you as an rude tourist faster than under-tipping service workers who rely on tips to make a living. At the same time, over-tipping can be seen as showing off. The general rule is “when in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Some key tips:
- Research tipping standards for restaurants, taxis, tour guides, hotel staff, and any other service providers you plan to use. Every country has different expectations.
- Confirm if the tip is already included in bills for meals and services. In some places, like Japan and Australia, tipping is not expected at all.
- Carry small bills to facilitate tipping without rounding too far up or down.
- Tip in the local currency.
- Don’t skimp on tips. The small change that seems insignificant to you could represent a substantial amount to workers in developing countries.
- If you’re unsure about whether/how much to tip in a given situation, discreetly ask a local for guidance.
- When in doubt, err on the side of tipping a bit too much rather than too little. Locals will appreciate your desire to respect their customs.
Shopping/Haggling
When shopping at open-air markets and small shops in some countries, haggling over prices is often expected. However, know when to refrain from haggling. If prices are clearly labeled as fixed, do not try to barter for a lower price as it could be seen as disrespectful. Before taking photos of vendors and their wares, always ask permission first. Snapping photos without consent violates their privacy. Avoid aggressive tactics while negotiating prices. Start with a respectful offer below asking price and be polite if your offer is rejected. Keep in mind that for many vendors, this is their livelihood. Your joy of scoring a bargain should not come at the expense of their dignity or ability to make a living. Shop with humanity and understanding.
Follow Local Laws
When traveling abroad, it’s important to follow all local laws, even if they are not strictly enforced by local authorities. For example, in some places it may seem common to see travelers consuming alcohol or using drugs openly in public. However, these activities can still be illegal. As a traveler, you have a responsibility to obey local laws and avoid engaging in illegal activities out of respect for the local culture.
Be sure to research the legality of common restrictions like drugs, alcohol, and dress codes before your trip. In some cultures, something considered normal at home may be prohibited. Consuming or possessing even small amounts of illegal drugs can carry harsh penalties like heavy fines or jail time in foreign countries. Public drinking and intoxication may also be viewed negatively or illegal. Take time to understand laws around alcohol use, possession, and sales.
In addition, some destinations have conservative dress codes or regulations against public displays of affection. Be aware of bans on wearing certain types of clothing like shorts or tank tops, and avoid offending locals with overt public displays of intimacy. Violating local decency laws could result in fines or detention even if the act seems harmless to you. When visiting sacred sites, be extra cautious to adhere to clothing requirements and rules of behavior. Ignorance of the law is rarely an acceptable excuse.
The bottom line is to avoid illegal activities when traveling abroad. Do your homework before your trip, and don’t assume the rules are the same as at home. Following local laws is a sign of respect for the country you are visiting.
Be Considerate
When traveling as a digital nomad, it’s important to be considerate of those around you, especially in shared spaces like coworking offices, cafes, hostels, and public transportation. Locals are not there to entertain you or enhance your travel experience. They are simply going about their daily lives.
Keep in mind that your standards of “quiet” or “clean” may differ from local sensibilities. Avoid entitled behavior and respect communal spaces.
Keep noise down in public/shared spaces. Don’t have loud conversations on trains or buses. Use headphones or keep your device volume low in cafes. Many shared workspaces have quiet areas – stick to those when you need to make calls or video conferences.
Follow queues. Don’t cut lines or push your way onto crowded metros and buses. Observe if locals are queuing in an orderly fashion and follow suit.
Clean up after yourself. Don’t leave trash behind in cafes, parks or beaches. Dispose waste properly, even if you don’t see locals doing it.
Observe and match noise levels. Pay attention to your surroundings and adjust your volume accordingly. Resist the urge to play loud music or engage in disruptive behavior. If locals are quieter, you should be too.
Be aware of how you use space. Don’t spread out excessively in tight public areas. Take up only as much space as needed so others can also use the shared area comfortably.
Learn basic manners. Use greetings and pleasantries even if locals don’t initiate. Things like “excuse me” and “thank you” go a long way.
With some mindfulness and respect, digital nomads can be considerate travelers who admire new cultures without disrupting them. The locals will be grateful, and you’ll enjoy your travels with a clear conscience.
Respect Religious Sites
When visiting religious sites like temples, mosques, churches, synagogues, etc., it’s important to dress and behave appropriately out of respect. Many religious sites have rules or dress codes that should be followed. For example, some Buddhist temples require shoulders and knees to be covered, and may require removing shoes before entering.
Before entering any religious site, be sure to check for posted rules or ask about expectations for proper etiquette. Avoid speaking loudly, disturbing others in prayer, or taking disrespectful photos. Be mindful of important rituals that may be occurring and avoid interrupting them. Refrain from public displays of affection or other inappropriate behavior while on the grounds.
Religious sites often forbid proselytizing by outside faiths. Discussions about religion may be welcome, but avoid preaching. Be courteous if a local offers to explain the history and significance of the site or share their perspective on faith.
With proper research beforehand and respectful behavior on site, we can admire these cultural treasures in a way that honors local traditions and beliefs. Acting as a thoughtful global citizen encourages religious tolerance and deepens understanding.
