Back Pocket Tip 🎒: Say hello before anything else

by Debbie Quain • Updated on April 6, 2026  

This might sound small, but it changes everything.

In many Caribbean cultures, jumping straight into a question without greeting someone first can come off a little… off.

A simple “good morning” or “good afternoon” goes a long way and shifts the entire interaction. Without it, you're walking into unfriendly, cold territory. Like, seriously.

It's one of those things no one tells you, but once you notice it, you can't unsee it. (You're welcome.)

Meet the host

Debbie Quain

Debbie is the creator of Caribbeanist, a series exploring Caribbean culture, travel, and hidden stories.