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Staying in touch with family and friends has never been easier. With the rise of the internet and messaging apps, you can send and receive a message in seconds. Combined with travel, you can now meet new people anywhere in the world and continue the conversation at your next destination.
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But chat apps can be tricky, especially with people you aren’t familiar with. After all, there are cultural differences you must consider. Text can lack tone and expression you might otherwise rely on to build a relationship.
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So, how can a traveler take advantage of the opportunities that chat apps offer? How can you make a great impression through your smartphone? And what things should you avoid doing with people you’re only getting to know?
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Let’s explore the standard Dos and Don’ts of chat apps while traveling. Discover simple but effective ways to nurture your new connections through text.
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The Do’s and Don’ts of text messaging with people worldwide
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The simple truth is chat apps are the future of communication. They allow people to stay in touch in real time, regardless of their location. What’s not to love about that?
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It’s estimated that 3.51 billion people will use messaging apps by 2026. As they grow in popularity, let’s take a look at things to be aware of when communicating with people you’ve met when traveling:
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1. Do pay attention to a person’s culture and background
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When chatting with people via chat apps, context is everything. This means you consider their background, language, and what they are comfortable with. Why? You can adapt your approach to communicating and foster a stronger relationship.
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Research from the University of Twente found that attitudes toward messaging apps can differ depending on cultural boundaries. It found evidence that some communities can feel more comfortable using instant messaging than others. As such, a person’s setting can be key to how comfortable they feel using chat apps.
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If you’re trying to chat with someone, it’s important to consider their circumstances. You should also recognize any potential societal norms that may impact using chat apps. What might seem easy for you could be a challenge for them.
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2. Don’t use confusing slang, jargon, or offensive words
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First impressions are an important part of making new connections. And when messaging in chat apps, you want to appear friendly and easy to understand. Unfortunately, many travelers fall into the trap of being too informal.
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Slang and well-known local phrases can be easily misinterpreted. The result? Things you say get lost in translation. And your contact can feel alienated by the conversation. The same can be said for abbreviations like LOL, LMAO, or GTG. These phrases often vary in different countries and dialects.
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Moreover, people have different ideas of “textiquette,” i.e., polite behavior via text. Research from Dr. Robert Shuter found that cultures can have different views on acceptable “bad language.” When in doubt, opt for clean, respectful, and simple words that aren’t likely to offend.
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3. Do use an eSIM for seamless connectivity
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Connectivity is one of the most important aspects of communicating through chat apps. Especially when traveling, you need a definite way to use your smartphone and go online.
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But when abroad, your smartphone may be unable to connect to local networks in your area. With your smartphone offline, staying in touch can feel almost impossible. Thankfully, there is a simple, cost-effective solution to your connectivity woes.
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eSIMs help bridge the communication gap between travelers abroad. Think of them as digital versions of a traditional SIM card, which are embedded within many modern smartphones.
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An eSIM’s goal is simple—to help you stay connected abroad. With their help, you can switch to brand-new network operators in your area, all within a simple app on your device. From this, you can connect to the internet and check in on all your chat apps.
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Best of all, you can select plans for different destinations. If you’re visiting the United States, for example, finding the best eSIM for the USA grants you access to the best networks across all fifty states.
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4. Don’t forget about time zones and work-life balance
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Messaging tools mean that you can reach anyone anytime, no matter where they are. This makes it an amazing way to stay in touch with people you meet throughout your travels.
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But being able to message whenever you fancy doesn’t mean you should. Remember to observe time zones when jetting off to a new destination. The recipient may be in a different stage of their day when you try to spark up a conversation.
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It’s always important to respect work-life balance and cultural norms. Are you messaging at a good time? Have they just finished work and are off the clock? Or worse, are they fast asleep? The last thing you want to do is disturb someone and become a bother.
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5. Do use emojis when the need arises
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Emojis are a complex phenomenon. We often think they can be used only with close friends and family. Especially when on business, travelers might think emojis are too informal and immature. But did you know that emoji can bridge language barriers and improve communication?
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This is because many emoji are universally understood. It’s hard to confuse a thumbs-up with anything but approval. Or if a smiley face means you’re happy about something. In many instances, an emoji can help you express tone and mood more effectively than text can.
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Breaking down cultural barriers with text messaging
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Chat apps have revolutionized how we connect to people worldwide. Now, you can make new friends on your travels and stay in touch with them in real time. Anytime. Anywhere.
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However, communicating through text can be challenging. Not everyone will have English as their first language and cultural differences can be involved. As such, it’s important to keep language simple and respectful.
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Avoid any language that could be mistaken as offensive or misconstrued. Finally, remember to adopt new technology like an eSIM. It can help ensure constant connectivity while moving so you can always reply to messages when they arrive.
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