7 Cultural Taboos To Avoid Living While Living In Canada

Once in a while, you may use your index finger to point at objects. However, be careful to not use it all the time and definitely avoid pointing and staring at people. This is because it is considered rude and a form of leering.

Also, even though in some countries it is considered “peace” to make a “V” sign with your index and middle fingers, this isn’t the case in Canada.

Doing this sign might offend people so be sure to keep this in mind even when you’re posing for photos!

It might be a habit to leave the restaurant without tipping after getting the bill, especially if you’re accustomed to life in Singapore.

However, during your stay in Canada, it is crucial to remember to tip your waiter at least 15% of the bill. Failing to tip or under-tipping is considered extremely rude and will be noticed immediately. When in doubt, it is better to over-tip than under-tip.

Apart from restaurant staff, other professions that expect tips include taxi drivers, bellhops, pizza delivery men and hairdressers, among others.

For starters, Canadians consider politics a very private matter.

With varying views on government principles and programs such as taxes, gun ownership, drug legalisation and more, sharing strong opinions on such topics publicly is perceived as an invitation for argument, which Canadians find insensitive.

Like politics, sex is also considered very private and in some contexts, sexually explicit conversation is actually illegal and can be grounds for a lawsuit! Hence, avoid engaging in discussions of your own or others’ bedroom habits and interests.

Religious views are rarely discussed openly in Canada due to the widely different beliefs and opinions on life and society. Having said that, Canadians are usually fine when it comes to openly self-identifying as a member of a certain faith.

However, attempting to explain your religious belief in any uninvited setting is deemed irritating and self-righteous.

No one (we’re pretty sure that includes you too) likes to deal with a rude or confrontational person.

In the event you’re triggered for whatever reason, take a deep breath and avoid becoming argumentative or rude.

When you approach the conversation with openness and calmness, Canadians are more likely to engage with you and remain respectful.

It is pretty much universal to be punctual or even a little early when showing up for social gatherings or business meetings. After all, this suggests that you respect others’ time.

In Canada, this is no exception. However, one thing to take note of is that being early for more than 15 minutes is considered presumptuous as they are very much literal about time and schedules – so they truly mean 5:00 pm on the dot when they say 5:00pm.

If you happen to be running late, it helps to give a head’s up and show up 15 minutes late at the maximum. Anything beyond that without an explanation or apology is considered rude.

In most countries, it is better to settle disputes in private rather than in a public space. After all, causing a scene can be disruptive to those trying to go about their day.

Canada is no exception to this, with Canadians mostly not raising their voices or crying in public. Thus, it helps to follow suit and avoid public displays of anger or any other emotions that might cause a social distraction.

In general, Canadians give gifts on occasions such as birthdays and Christmas.

In the event you’re invited to someone’s home for a meal, make sure you bring along flowers, a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine.

If you’re in Quebec, it helps to know that you should send flowers before the dinner party in advance. Also, if you’re opting to give wine, it should be of the highest quality you can afford.

Two things to absolutely avoid giving are white lilies and cash.

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