Travelling abroad can be an exciting adventure. For many Nigerians, it is a dream come true. However, it is one thing to travel abroad, it is another to conduct yourself to the standard when you get there.
It is common knowledge that many immigrants make a lot of mistakes when they arrive in their host country. It does not mean that they are bad, in most cases, it is a culture shock factor.
Be that as it may, rules are rules and when you get to Rome, you must act like a Roman. So, whatever customs you have been accustomed to, must be ditched if it clashes with the customs of your host country.
Therefore, here are 10 things not to do when you finally get abroad.
10 things not to do when you finally get abroad
Do not say sorry when you have not done anything wrong
In Nigeria, saying sorry is a normal part of speech. You will hear things like, “Sorry, where can I go and buy a banana,” or “heyaa! Did he serve you spoiled eba? Sorry o.” Avoid doing this when you get abroad. In some countries, especially Western countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, saying sorry may be misinterpreted as admitting you are guilty of something.
Do not be late
In Nigeria, being late for any event, even an important job interview is considered normal. It is called African time. But abroad, being late even for a minute is considered inappropriate and often has consequences that you will not like. A Lin Yutang quote says, “The three great American vices seem to be efficiency, punctuality, and the desire for achievement and success.” In other words, countries like America do not tolerate lateness for any reason. To avoid getting into trouble, make sure you leave your abode very early to get to your destination on time.
Do not litter the environment
In Nigeria, you will see people littering the environment plastics and other things that should be trashed properly. Although some state governments have made efforts to curb this menace, it continues to persist today. Abroad, such behaviour is not tolerated. Every corner has a trash bin where you can throw your trash. Throwing them in the middle of the road or sidewalks will get you into trouble with the law. Avoid doing it for your good and the environment’s.
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Do not date minors
In Nigeria, dating a minor is against the law and often carries a heavy punishment. Yet, many Nigerians do it and even get away with it. For instance, child marriages are rampant in some parts of the country and the government seem to keep a blind eye to it.
However, this is a different case abroad. There are numerous cases of Nigerian men docked by authorities after they were caught trying to have a sexual relationship with underage girls. Do not join the unpleasant statistics. When you get abroad, concentrate on getting a better life for yourself and your family. If you must date, stick to age-appropriate people and leave minors alone.
Avoid fighting on the street
Fighting on the street in Nigeria is usually viewed as entertainment for people who are trying to escape from the harsh realities of living in the country. Abroad, fighting on the street is prohibited. Street fighting is an art, not a nuisance. If you are itching for a fight, there are places to go blow someone’s face with your fists and even get cool cash as a reward.
Do not shout when making calls in public
It is very common to see people talking too loud on their phones, especially if the phones are faulty. You know the type that they used to tie with rubber bands. It can also be a network problem or the place is too noisy for the person on the other end to hear.
Abroad, things are different. Most times, the network is great. So, it is embarrassing to be shouting into your phone when in public abroad. That behaviour is irritating to the people and one can even report you to the authorities for disturbing the peace. Learn to talk softly into your phone, you are not an alaye from Oshodi.
Do not talk down on nudity
Nigerians have their opinion about going nude in public and they are unpleasant. Abroad, especially in Western countries, going nude is an acceptable way of life. Therefore, no one has the right to criticise people choosing to go without their clothes on. Also, many feel relaxed when they are semi-nude especially during summer and at the beach.
Do not become so self-righteous that you go about criticising them for their choices. You may get a black eye and even a court summon for your trouble.
Avoid making fun of people in public
We call that “yabbing” in Nigeria. Nigerians love bantering one another and even foreigners like Ghanaians. However, such behaviour may not be tolerated abroad. People can be very sensitive and you may be accused of trying to cause mental health problems. So, keep your “yabbing” to yourself.
Avoid displaying overt attention in public
This may not be a problem if you are living in a Western country. However, Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and others frown at public displays of affection. Such an act might land you in prison if you are not careful. Even a little display like holding hands might land you in jail. So, limit your affection to your house.
Avoid indecent dressing
Again, countries in Asia, particularly in the Middle East, do not tolerate indecent dressing. Before you travel, do your research about what type of dressing is acceptable in these countries. Conservative dressing is very important. Ladies should not wear skimpy clothes that will show off sensitive parts of their bodies. Men should not wear shorts in public. Do not carry your “wokeness” to these countries otherwise, you will be in serious trouble.
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