I am always fascinated by the different traditions and behaviours we encounter as we travel.

And if you are not careful, innocuous actions can be anything but. Just meeting someone for dinner can all too easily go awry if you are unwary…

For example, if like me you try to always be on time take note. In Venezuela, it’s not only unnecessary to show up exactly on time; it’s actually considered uncouth. If you’re in Venezuela and someone tells you to meet them at 7 pm, show up at 7:15pm to avoid giving offence… and to avoid just standing around.

I love to grab a great burger and take a big, big bite. But in Norway almost everything is eaten with utensils, including hamburgers and sandwiches. When you’re done eating, you cross your knife and fork on the plate, making an X. That tells the server that they can take the plate away.

You were probably taught that it is unseemly to slurp when you eat your food. This could not be more untrue in Japan. In fact, if you don’t slurp when eating your udon or noodles, people may think you don’t like the food! If someone invites you to come eat at their house in France, you can expect them to offer a cheese course. However, there won’t be a second. Serving extra helpings of cheese is socially unacceptable; asking for seconds even more so.

Although some cultures have unusual practices that perhaps we should adopt…

In Aboriginal Australian cultures, men are forbidden from ever speaking directly to their mothers-in-law. It’s tough to say whether this is intended to be a mark of respect for her position or just a way to avoid family fights. Either way, I’m sure there are many men reading this who wish this custom could be imported!

Despite these many cultural differences, international sporting events never fail to unite people from across boundaries and cultures. The Olympic Games, in particular, has always had that unique power to bring humanity – in all its diversity – together.

Speaking ahead of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, IOC President, Thomas Bach, said: “At the Olympic Games, the athletes set aside all the differences that divide the world. They compete fiercely against each other, while living peacefully together under one roof in the Olympic Village. This makes the Olympic Games such a powerful symbol of peace.”

I have to agree.

There’s something incredibly special about the way athletes, judges and trainers – not to mention the countless other people involved – collaborate seamlessly to put on the greatest show on Earth. Perhaps the rest of society could learn a thing or two…

As I sit here writing, I’ve just finished the first page of my Chinese visa application. It’s only taken most of the day! It’s staggering how involved the whole process is. The level of detail they require is extraordinary. And it’s not just about you; it’s your family members too. Hence, why I found myself frantically messaging the family WhatsApp group to confirm my mum’s date o birth – almost as elusive as Lord Lucan’s forwarding address

As time-consuming as the paperwork might be, I respect the thoroughness of the Chinese authorities. And that’s the key to international collaboration. To work successfully with global companies, you need to be prepared to adapt. That means being flexible, respecting local customs and embracing new experiences. It’s a philosophy we certainly subscribe to at All-Tag. Thanks to our international footprint and expertise in global trade, we’ve been able to iron out the wrinkles and create effective partnerships with all stakeholders – wherever they’re based.

Lengthy visa applications? No problem! A late night call to New Zealand? I’m on it! Navigating unique dining etiquettes? Piece of cake (mostly!).

Whilst it might not always be plain sailing, much like the athletes at the Olympics, we at All-Tag recognise that dedication, hard work and collaboration lead to the best results…