Manners in Marshall Islands
Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country
Greetings
- Handshake
- Call 'Yokwe'
- Smile with light eyebrow raise signal
Etiquette
- Generally remove shoes when entering homes
- Yield seating to elders and chiefs, add honorific 'Ixs' when addressing
- Always ask permission when taking photos, refrain at sacred sites and cemeteries
- Avoid excessive skin exposure at beaches or in villages, wear T-shirt and knee-length pants
- Considered rude to pass items with left hand only, use both hands or right hand
- When invited to meal, show gratitude by tasting even a small amount of food
- For inter-island travel, providing snacks or fuel money preferred over tipping canoe/boat captains
- Water conservation is life basic, refrain from long showers with precious fresh water
- Sundays reserved for worship and family time, most shops and offices closed
- When indicating objects, habit of pointing direction with lips; pointing considered childish