Dos and Don'ts: Public Behavior

Spit Personalities
A non-Czech friend of mine recounted a story of seeing an attractive young girl suddenly stop and, in his words, “hock a loogie” on to the footpath. He told this to a group of us to give an example of supposed Czech acceptance of this habit. This doesn´t, however, appear to be the norm, or acceptable behavior; the Czechs among us were as shocked by this story as the rest.

Pee Free
If the tolerance of one bodily fluid is a matter of debate, another is accepted more, at least if it comes from children. Admittedly, the sight of kids peeing freely in public kind of shocked me the first time I saw it. I would say it still shocks me. So what exactly are the ‘rules’ here?

Where the Nose Blows
With its cool moist air, the Czech Republic is ripe for the sniffles, which is probably why people will blow their nose in public. It is equally true during the hay-fever season. It is considered respectful to turn away when doing so.

Whose Seat is it?
Speaking of trains, a common act of courtesy is to allow elderly people or pregnant women sit down. I’ve also noticed that many people also vacate their seats for very young children, too. It seems that if you’re between the ages of six and sixty, and the metro is full, be prepared to stand.

Hanging on the Telephone
The phone has become so ubiquitous that people in the Czech Republic, like everyone else, seem to tolerate its use. Some of the older generation may frown at your loud recount of last night’s exploits, but you’re unlikely to be told to end the call.

Where you are not permitted to use a telephone is in certain public buildings such as the post office, banks, hospitals and libraries. Usually, there is a sign with a phone and a red circle, if that is the case.

Shouting
Generations will also differ on that more rudimentary form of communication – shouting and whistling to your friends. Older generations aren’t going to be too pleased, and if they know you they might chastise you for it. The young, though, are hardly going to bat an eye-lid. They probably won’t hear you over their iPods anyway.

Other Dos and Don’ts in the Czech Republic:
– Introductions
– Public Behavior

– Some More Behavior

– Czech Pubs

– Fashion
– Visiting
– Dating
– Shopping
– Public Transport
– Kids
– Dogs
– The Road

– Animal Sounds

– Culinary & Medicinal Customs

– Czech Superstitions

– Neighbors

– Visiting the Doctor
– Money
– Small Talk
– Going Out
– Swearing
– Names
– Camping
– Measurement