Job Discussion Forums

[mcloo7]

Hi, I don't drink and am wondering what countries you can get away with not drinking and not be thought of as ani-social or anything. I'm guessing in Korea it would be pretty hard not to drink because it seems to be ingrained in their culture. I'm thinking maybe some of the Buddhist Southeast Asian countries are more accepting of non drinkers, like Thailand and Taiwan. Or, instead of being more accepting its actually more the norm not to drink. Also, I'm assuming in Latin America you can do your own thing and not have anybody think you strange, like Costa Rica.

[Justin Trullinger]

I don't know Costa Rica, but in Ecuador, not drinking would be thought of as medium strange. Most people wouldn't object to it though. (By the way, are you a man or a woman? Women who don't drink are considered refined and proper...)

In Korea, though I do drink, I didn't drink a lot. It seems to be a social activity, but I didn't find it to be a social requirement. Dinners out with colleagues were usually booze free.

Best,
Justin

[dharma86]

I reckon an Islamic state would be your best bet.

Mainly the middle east...

Or also Malaysia or Indonesia.

Thailand is good too, firstly due to the large Buddhist influence, but it also has a Muslim minority so depending on what region your in the country accommodates for everyone from the non-drinker all the way to the binge drinker party animal.

China would be pretty safe for you because I reckon the tea culture would be just as big as the drinking culture. So you don't necessarily have to be drinking to socialise with the many people there.

[mcloo7]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not conservative or anything, I just don't drink for personal reasons. I don't think Middle Eastern countries would interest me too much. I read that alcohol is a huge part of the culture in South Korea, that its like the only way they loosen up. That could be way off though. I'm a man by the way. I love green tea.

[rusmeister]

My condolences on your attitude towards good things like beer and wine.

You want to stay far away from cold northern places like Russia and Scandinavia.

[naturegirl321]

I don't see how you can exclude any country simply because you don't drink. I mean, seriously, go to any country and if peopel off you a drink, just say no. If they push you lie, religious reasons, you're pregnant, a recovering alcoholic, have liver probs, etc. Not drinking really isn't an issue in picking a country. I've lived in Caech Rep, Scotland, Spain, China, Korea, and Peru and rarely drink. If I say no, people respect my decision. I don't think they'll think you'll be anti social, just order a coke. Being a woman, maybe I'm not pressured as much as men, but if peopel ask, I just say religious reasons.

BTW, China, has a strong drinking culture among the men, same with smoking. But religion is highly respect and if you say you don't drink becuase of it, things will be fine.

[Glenski]

I'm with naturegirl here. Drink or don't drink. To heck with people who put you down for not drinking.

I don't drink and have NEVER EVER had a problem with that here in Japan (or my home country).

[denise]

[dirimini]

[khmerhit]

yeah, I would not recommend Cambodia to you.

Then again, recommending Cambodia is my raison d'etre!!
















C A M B O D I A


try it and see

hic!

[dharma86]

Well it seems that it's not about what country you go to, it's about who you associate with.

Which is pretty good news for you!
(but doesn't exactly narrow anywhere down)

[Chancellor]

[Justin Trullinger]

[mcloo7]

Thanks for your responses. I have the same attitude that you all do in regards to refusing drinks in the states, but didn't know if there are some countries where its down right insulting to refuse a drink. Thanks again.

[denise]