Students from all over the world choose Canada as their top study destination because of its many options and diverse, multicultural society.
Learning more about significant topics like cultural taboos is beneficial if you’ve been considering moving to the Great White North to further your education. You don’t want to put yourself in unnecessary difficulties, after all.
Here is a list of cultural taboos you should be aware of before you arrive, from remembering to tip your waiter 15% to avoiding discussion subjects!
1. Avoid Pointing & Staring At Strangers
You may occasionally point at objects with your index finger. However, exercise caution when using it and refrain from pointing and looking at others. The reason for this is that it is regarded as impolite and a type of leering.
Additionally, making a “V” with your index and middle fingers is not considered “peace” in Canada, despite the fact that it is in several other nations.
Even while you’re posing for pictures, remember that making this sign could insult people!
2. Do Not Forget To Tip At Least 15%
After receiving the bill, it may become second nature to leave the restaurant without leaving a tip, particularly if you’re used to living in Singapore.
But it’s important to remember to tip your waiter at least 15% of the bill while you’re in Canada. Tipping too little or not at all is regarded as exceedingly impolite and will be picked up on right away. Over-tipping is preferable to under-tipping when in doubt.
In addition to restaurant employees, other occupations that anticipate gratuities include bellhops, cab drivers, pizza delivery men, and hairdressers.
3. Avoid Talking About Politics, Religion Or Sex
First of all, politics is a very personal subject in Canada.
Canadians find it insensitive to openly express strong ideas on issues like taxes, gun ownership, drug legalization, and other government policies and initiatives since doing so is seen as an invitation to debate.
Similar to politics, sex is seen as extremely private, and in certain situations, having a sexually suggestive chat might be unlawful and subject to legal action! Therefore, refrain from talking about your own or other people’s interests and bedroom habits.
Because of the vast differences in beliefs and perspectives on life and society, religious views are rarely publicly articulated in Canada. However, when it comes to publicly identifying as a member of a particular faith, Canadians are generally acceptable.
However, it is considered self-righteous and annoying to try to explain your religious beliefs in any unwelcome situation.
4. Do Not Be Rude Or Confrontational
Nobody likes dealing with a nasty or combative person, and we’re pretty confident that includes you as well.
Take a deep breath and refrain from getting angry or disrespectful if you are triggered for whatever reason.
Canadians are more inclined to interact with you and show you respect if you approach the subject calmly and openly.
5. Do Not Be Late
When attending social events or business meetings, it is almost usual to arrive on time or even a little early. This implies that you value other people’s time, after all.
This is also true in Canada. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that being more than fifteen minutes early is regarded as presumptuous because they are very strict about time and schedules, meaning that when they say 5:00 pm, they really mean it.
Giving advance notice and arriving no more than fifteen minutes late is helpful if you are going to be late. Anything more than that without an apology or explanation is deemed impolite.
6. Do Not Publicly Display Anger
In the majority of nations, private dispute resolution is preferable to public dispute resolution. After all, making a scene can interfere with people’s ability to go about their daily lives.
This is also true in Canada, where most people refrain from sobbing or raising their voices in public. It is therefore beneficial to do the same and refrain from expressing rage or any other emotion in public as this could be a social distraction.
7. Do Not Be Stingy When It Comes To Gift Giving
Gifts are typically given by Canadians on special occasions like Christmas and birthdays.
Be sure to bring flowers, a box of chocolates, or a bottle of wine if you are invited to someone’s house for dinner.
Knowing that you should send flowers ahead of time for the dinner party is helpful if you’re in Quebec. Additionally, if you decide to offer wine, make sure it’s the best you can afford.
White lilies and money are two things you should never give.
