Product Description

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.

Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include


* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's, don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken


"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #353622 in Books
• Published on: 2006-11-14
• Released on: 2006-11-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 168 pages

Customer Reviews

Quick reference before travelling
The book is small enough to carry around, quick to read, covers almost all the necessary info. It should however also include some 'less positive' facts about living in Panama for foreigners, who are unfortunately often and also quite easily taken advantage of in many ways they would not naturally think of.

A great companion to "Moon's Panama Handbook" & "Living in Panama".
From history to culture; from facts to customs; this "little book" is so well put together. Whether you're a casual tourist or someone planning to retire there, it provides valuable information to help you understand the Panamanian society. Also since it's the only one available of it's kind to date, it makes it even more valuable. Definitely a companion to books like "Moon's Panama Handbook" & "Living In Panama". Easy read & pocket size. Highly recommended!!!

Great (Quick) Cultural Primer for a Trip to Panama
I read this book on the flight down to Panama for our honeymoon. It covered all of the basics of the customs, culture, history, food, etc. for what turned out to be a very charming country. This book is a must read for anyone that is traveling to Panama and wants to go beyond the boundaries of a guided tour or 4 star hotel stay. If you prefer to get to know the people and culture of Panama choose this quick read to get you started.