Respecting the community
Sometimes, digital nomads can get a bad reputation for not trying to be part of the local community and not contributing to the country’s economy, making them a drain on resources.
If you want to defy this trend and respect the community you’re joining, then there are a few things you should do. First of all, you could learn some phrases in your country of choice’s official language to help you get by. Then, you need to research the culture and customs of the country you’re going to live in. For example, in many Southeast Asian countries, it’s respectful to always take your shoes off inside, especially if you’re visiting a temple, so you should bear this in mind to avoid offending people. Additionally, you should always show particular respect to older people.
Although there are some common customs across Southeast Asia, each country has its own unique culture and societal norms. In Thailand, you should never make disrespectful comments about the royal family in public, and in Indonesia, you should never shake someone’s hand or give them something with your left hand. To uphold standards of cleanliness in the streets, chewing gum and littering are banned in Singapore.
In addition to following these customs and becoming part of the community, you should try to contribute to the local economy. You can do this by shopping at local markets and eating at small, independent restaurants.
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