Basics
Is your nation considered "socially conservative"? not really
Which of these behaviours are acceptable in public?
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[x] Breastfeeding
[x] Burping
[x] Displays of affection
[o] Dressing provocatively (though not promoted)
[o] Eating
[x] Intoxication
[x] Passing gas
[x] Ranting about personal issues
[o] Smoking
[o] Swearing
[x] Taking photos of other people
[x] Wearing beach attire (unless you are at the beach)
[o] Wearing sport attire
[x] Wearing pyjamas
[o] Yawning without covering mouth
Interactions
How do people say "hello" and "goodbye"? “Greetings”, “Farewell”. But there are several other ways too
What do people usually do when greeting each other? Most Xeloncaresians aren’t fond of handshakes, or any other physical contact. If two people who aren’t friends greet each other, it’s usually verbal or by body communication (like bowing). Xeloncaresians only make physical contact when greeting when they are meeting with family or close friends.
Is it expected to greet the owner when entering and leaving a store? Yes
Is it expected to greet the driver when boarding and leaving a bus? It’s expected to thank the bus driver
Are titles (Mr/Mrs/Miss) used? Yes. Children are expected to call adults who aren’t their family members “Mr [insert name here]” or “Miss [insert name here]”.
Does the national language have familiar and polite forms of "you"? Yes, like “sir” and “madam”
Table manners
Are good table manners considered important in your nation? yes, especially in formal settings
How are utensils supposed to be used? Like how they were made. Don’t use a fork or spoon to cut your food, as it is seen as informal.
When is it acceptable to begin eating? After the host has started
(At restaurants) Who pays for the meal? It depends. Usually the highest order person
How much is the tip/service charge? 5% of meal cost. Though the percentage is much higher in fancy restaurants.
Which of these behaviours are acceptable during meals?
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[o] Asking for seconds
[x] Checking an electronic device
[x] Chewing with mouth open
[x] Discussing politics or religion
[o] Food left over on plate
[x] Eating before everyone is served
[x] Elbows on table
[x] Hands below table
[x] Leaving the table to use the toilet
[x] Not tipping
[x] Over-tipping
[o] Refusing to try a dish
[o] Separating the bill
[x] Slurping or smacking sounds
[x] Speaking on mobile phone
[x] Speaking with mouth full
[x] Spilling food or drinks on other people
[x] Taking photos of the food
Business
What is the dress code for most businesses? clean and casual, or classy dress uniforms
Is punctuality considered important in your nation? it is expected.
What language is business conducted in? English
How should bosses and coworkers be addressed? By their surname. For bosses, include their title. It is actually very unacceptable to call people by their first name.
Is hierarchy a strong part of your nation's business culture? yes
Giving gifts
Are gifts expected when visiting someone's home? yes
Are gifts expected between business associates? No
Are students expected to bring gifts to their teachers? No
When are gifts supposed to be opened? wait until you get home to open them. Don’t open it in front of the person who gave it to you. Gifts are supposed to be an awaited surprise.
What are some gifts to avoid? underwear, candles (though it’s ok to give to someone you’re not close to), a house, a expensive vehicle, anything that cost many thousands of dollars.
Rules of the road
Which of these behaviours are acceptable on roads?
([o] for acceptable, [x] for unacceptable)
[o] Cyclist disobeying red light
[x] Driving too fast
[x] Driving too slow
[o] Flashing the headlights
[x] Hitchhiking
[x] Honking the horn
[o] Jaywalking (As long as the coast is clear)
[x] Not signalling a turn
[x] Playing loud music
[x] Speaking on mobile phone
[x] Taking up more than one lane (Unless there are hardly any other cars on the road)
[x] Taking up more than one parking space (Unless you have a large vehicle or a trailer attachment)
[o] Tailgating
[x] Texting on mobile phone
