Culture Shock! Books

Culture Shock! Philippines: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Alfredo Roces, Grace Roces

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $8.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Customs & Traditions
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Philippines
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Southeast

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Extemely valuable for anyone interested in the Philippines 5 out of 5 stars.
31 of 31 people found this review helpful.

I found this book to be extremely informative. It is centered on western ex-pats living in the Philippines, but it is highly useful for anyone traveling there. It is nicely written and also includes some Tagalog phrases/translations that are not well known among non-Filipino. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a general overview of Filipino culture, society, and history.

This book is an excellent reference if you are going to visit the Philippines and a MUST read if you are going to live there.

Editorial Review:

CultureShock! Philippines is a survival guide for anyone living, working, or wanting to discover life in the Philippines. Settling into a foreign land is never easy but with this book, you will learn to understand the importance of amor-propio, appreciate the Filipino ways, and learn about the history and culture of this diverse country. Find out the importance of family to the FIlipinos, how to communicate with the locals, and learn the appropriate business etiquette. Packed with a resource guide, glossary, contact numbers, and useful advice, CultureShock! Philippines is essential for anyone wanting to fit in and enjoy life in the Philippines.

Culture Shock! Ecuador: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides)

Nicholas Crowder

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $9.49

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Customs & Traditions
Subjects -> Travel -> Guidebook Series -> Culture Shock!
Subjects -> Travel -> Latin America -> South America -> Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Going to Ecuador 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

If you're planning on going to Ecuador this is the book for you. The author writes in a very lively way to keep you interested all the way to the end. Having lived there for over 20 years he has authoritatve views and accurate histories to really get you prepared to interact with the people of Ecuador. The author also has a helpful list of do's and don'ts to help keep you out of trouble. Check it out.

Editorial Review:

CultureShock! Ecuador is a must for anyone wishing to visit or settle in Ecuador. Packed with essential information, resource guides, and language tips, this book covers every practicality, and provides an in-depth understanding of the people and culture of this diverse country which is also known for its Panama hats and many species of turtles. Become accustomed to Ecuadorian etiquette and understand the concept of asi es la vida (life is so). Be aware of the differences between the Quechua, Huaorani, and Cayapas peoples and be fully prepared should you fall ill to Chagas disease or malaria. CultureShock! Ecuador is the comprehensive guide that will lead you through the ups and downs of settling into life in this fascinating country and help you to appreciate what it truly means to be in Ecuador.

Culture Shock! Morocco: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides)

Orin Hargraves

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $9.94

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> General
Subjects -> History -> Africa -> General AAS
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Customs & Traditions

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Morocco: "Knock for Something Completely Different" 5 out of 5 stars.
15 of 16 people found this review helpful.

This book provides a detailed description of modern Moroccan culture for those from Western backgrounds trying to make sense of Moroccan values, behavior, and daily life. The content is explained well and easy to read, although the type face is rather small.

Editorial Review:

CultureShock! Morocco contains all the essential information to help you settle comfortably in this unique but often bewildering country. Offering a different perspective from the romanticized place portrayed in the film Casablanca, the book explores the realities of Morocco and gives important insights into the lives and customs of the Moroccans. Understand their world view and how religion and the concept of fatalism and hshuma (shame) affects everyday actions and activities. Find out how to communicate with the locals and how to conduct your work effectively and painlessly in this foreign land. The book also highlights several wonderful things about Morocco, such as the delicious cous-cous dish, and even guides you on what to do in a hemmam (public bath)! Filled with practical information and written in an easy-to-read style, CultureShock! Morocco will help you to navigate through the Moroccan maze and pave the way for a pleasant and meaningful stay.

Culture Shock! China: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Angela Eagan, Rebecca Weiner

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $8.96

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> China -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> China -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Read BEFORE you make a single travel arrangement 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Cultureshock covers most if not all the content of about 3 other books I've read on traveling to china. Had I read this first I would have not made some of my initial mistakes in arranging travel.

Editorial Review:

With over three million copies in print, CultureShock! is a bestselling series of culture and etiquette guides covering countless destinations around the world. For anyone at risk of culture shock, whether a tourist or a longterm resident, CultureShock! provides a sympathetic and fun-filled crash course on the do's and don'ts in foreign cultures. Fully updated and sporting a fresh new look, the revised editions of these books enlighten and inform through such topics as language, food and entertaining, social customs, festivals, relationships, and business tips. CultureShock! books are packed with useful details on transportation, taxes, finances, accommodation, health, food and drink, clothes, shopping, festivals, and much, much more.

Culture Shock! Brazil: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides)

Volker Poelzl

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $9.57

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Customs & Traditions
Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General
Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

An essential read for those that are going to live in, or seek to understand Brazil. 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I have read and reread this excellent ethonography. I read Culture Shock! Brazil before coming to Brazil, then again while traveling in Brazil. Volker Poelzl has done his homework. He has given readers brilliant profile of Brazil. This is no easy task, as Brazil is as large as the continental United States and equally as diverse.

Culture Shock! will give you everything that you need for a primer education on Brazil. It will specially be valuable to those who are coming to live for a while and for along with a travel guide like Frommer's (Strongly Recommended - see my review) will open the country up to you. I especially appreciated his sections on synergistic religions: Candomble, Kardecism, Umbanda, Shamanism, Feticaria (witchcraft) etc. Excellent.

Brazil is as dynamic as its Carnivals. It is also contradictory and contrasting, as seen in its wealth and poverty. The towering new high-rise buildings, that look down on the sprawling slums point to a country with the world's 12th largest economy, yet 1/3 of the people live in abject poverty. Volker is not Pollyannaish in his writing about Brazil. He is critical of the antiquated social elitism, cronyism, corruption, police violence, gross injustice and dysfunctional socials systems that continues to foster the widespread poverty - "Brazil is a democracy. But what I see here is a wretched, sad situation where there is no justice." Yet, he also shows how the people of Brazil, in spite of poverty, have their family, friends, love, sexuality, music and dance.

NOTE: Volker Poelzl's guide should get a five star rating, BUT there is a serious flaw: the binding gives out after one use and the pages fall out. This shoddy workmanship is the responsibility of the publisher (Marshall Cavendish - Singapore). However, if you can hold it together with rubber bands, this is a valuable and 'Strongly Recommended' guide.

Editorial Review:

CultureShock! Brazil dispels the preconceptions about this diverse dynamic country and reveals the beauty and character that is Brazil. Written in a personable style, the book touches on all aspects of Brazilian life presenting the reader with a balanced, realistic and useful guide. This book leads you through the economic power house that is São Paulo to the beach life of Rio de Janeiro, to the lush and abundant vegetation of the rainforest. There is invaluable information about how to acquire a visa, rent a property, obtain a driving licence together with details on dining etiquette and the Brazilian work environment. Be introduced to the friendly and outgoing Brazilian character and understand how to speak Brazilian. Socialising is key to life in Brazil, which is why CultureShock! Brazil is packed with information and advice on dealing with crowds, noise and learning to not only survive but enjoy the experience that is Brazil.

Culture Shock! Chile: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides)

Susan Roraff, Laura Camacho

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 21 new & used starting at $9.40

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Business Life -> Etiquette
Subjects -> History -> Americas -> South America -> General
Subjects -> History -> Americas -> South America -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Culture Shock! Chile 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I bought similar books in the past, but found this book to be the most informative on Chilean culture. Also, it is enjoyable to read.

Editorial Review:

With over three million copies in print, CultureShock! is a dynamic and indispensable range of guides covering countless destinations around the world. The series is especially intended for travellers who are looking to truly understand the countries they are visiting and who might even consider residing there. Each title contains invaluable advice for the traveller to adapt seamlessly into the local environment and is packed with useful details on transportation, taxes, accommodation, health, shopping and festivals. Additionally, each book provides concise insights into the history, language, cuisine and business practises of each country, as well as explaining the customs, traditions and social etiquette in a lively and informative style.

Culture Shock! Saudi Arabia: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides)

Peter North, Harvey Tripp

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $9.54

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Customs & Traditions
Subjects -> Travel -> Guidebook Series -> Culture Shock!
Subjects -> Travel -> Middle East -> Saudi Arabia

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Culture Shock! Saudi Arabia 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Very very current and informative for the area. Quite useful for someone that may be spending time there on business. Easy to read and understand.

One of the better references for general readers 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a useful and detailed reference.

Most other works on the cultures, culturally-influenced national dress, and customs in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf region re superficial dreck by comparison.

Hope this helps.

Stephen H. Franke
San Pedro, California
[Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2006-2007,
1990-1991, and 1970-1971]

Culture Shock! Russia: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides)

Anna Pavlovskaya

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 6 new & used starting at $10.85

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Russia -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Russia -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Europe -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Informative and fun 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

While I dont think it is possible to write a book about every aspect of a country's culture, I think this one does give a lot of info in a format that is easy to understand. This book includes some general information about culture and customs but also gives specific examples in a humorous and illustrative way. It is a quick read and does a great job of explaining why things are a certain way while giving good background information.

fine, but not the last word 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

It's one of a number of books which should be read to better understand the culture. Another that I highly recommend, but which is not available on amazon is Jack Vosmerkin - The American. [...]

Enlightening! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is funny in the meantime perfect before a trip to Russia. After reading it you will appreciate the Russian LACK OF SMILE!

Excellent! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

A wonderful insight into Russian culture both historical and current day. All very informative indeed. The best part of all being that it is written by a Russian (not a westerner) and therefore is free of preconceived notions which can colour the Anglo/American perspective of this interesting and very 'unwestern' culture.

Culture Shock! Argentina: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides)

Fiona Adams

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $9.52

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Travel -> Reference & Tips -> Guidebooks
Subjects -> Travel -> Guidebook Series -> Culture Shock!
Subjects -> Travel -> Latin America -> South America -> Argentina -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great Read 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book reads extremely smoothly and is not a dull travel guide. The book starts with a brief history on the country then breaks up Argentine culture into different parts. The author constantly reinforces important aspects and repeatedly uses key Argentine words or phrases to help remember. It also contains a good list of words and phrases used in Buenos Aires.

This book is less of a travel guide and more of an essay on modern culture and is a great supplement to a more specific travel guide.

Editorial Review:

With over three million copies in print, CultureShock! is a dynamic and indispensable range of guides covering countless destinations around the world. The series is especially intended for travellers who are looking to truly understand the countries they are visiting and who might even consider residing there. Each title contains invaluable advice for the traveller to adapt seamlessly into the local environment and is packed with useful details on transportation, taxes, accommodation, health, shopping and festivals. Additionally, each book provides concise insights into the history, language, cuisine and business practises of each country, as well as explaining the customs, traditions and social etiquette in a lively and informative style.

Culture Shock! Egypt: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! Guides)

Susan L. Wilson

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Marshall Cavendish Corporation Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $9.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Social Sciences -> Customs & Traditions
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> Egypt -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Africa -> Egypt -> General AAS

Editorial Review:

CultureShock! Egypt is invaluable to anyone who wants to blend into life in the country whose existence revolves around the River Nile. Containing much insight about the Egyptian people the class system, the importance of family, their sense of honor - this guide also provides useful information and advice for settling into your new home and getting along with the locals. For example, learn about their notion of space and eye contact, and how the men may perceive foreign women who smile at them. On the business front, be aware of the necessity of having business cards as well as how to handle uniquely Egyptian business meetings. CultureShock! Egypt is all you need to settle effortlessly into and enjoy your new life in the Land of the Great Pharoahs and magnificent pyramids.