Globally Speaking

Friction often arises in Third-World countries when visitors come from First-World cultures that pride themselves on being prosperous, clean, orderly, time- and safety-conscious. The visitors may have a hard time adjusting to local conditions, and if they express themselves about the situation thoughtlessly, the locals will consider them fussy or bossy.

Cross-cultural tensions are natural because of gaps in wealth and worldview. If you are from a wealthy country, the people you encounter in a poorer county will inevitably consider you rich even if you are traveling on a shoestring. Try to avoid gushing about how cheap souvenirs, clothing, meals, or accommodations are — the prices might be quite expensive compared to the local standard of living.

Mentioning how much money you make, no matter how casually you talk about it, will probably evoke envy. In some cultures, it is common for people to ask strangers their age, marital status, income, etc. If someone asks you how much money you make, it's best to reply with a vague or humorous answer, such as "Not enough."

Global communication requires that we be aware of cultural sensitivities. This is true whether we travel for business, study, or tourism.