Manners in Myanmar

Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country

Asia / Southeast Asia

Greetings

  • Mingalaba
  • Palms together greeting
  • Handshake

Etiquette

  • Remove shoes and socks when entering temples or homes.
  • Do not hand objects to monks from above their head level.
  • Women should not touch monks' bodies as a matter of courtesy.
  • Pointing the soles of feet toward people or Buddha images is considered disrespectful.
  • During meals, wait for elders to pick up their chopsticks first at a round table.
  • The left hand is considered unclean; give and receive with the right hand.
  • The head is sacred; avoid patting even children's heads casually.
  • At pagodas, dress to cover shoulders and knees.
  • Using honorifics (U, Daw) with names is polite during business card exchanges.
  • Dates are commonly written with both the Burmese calendar and Gregorian calendar.

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