Manners in Mongolia

Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country

Asia / Eastern Asia

Greetings

  • Handshake
  • Extending right hand
  • Offering süütei tsai (milk tea)

Etiquette

  • Do not step on threshold or hearth when entering homes.
  • Do not touch central poles or altars inside ger.
  • Pass objects with right hand or both hands.
  • Pointing feet toward others is rude.
  • Never step over horse or person's head.
  • Do not point knife blade toward people.
  • Offer food and drink to elders first.
  • Bow slightly when presenting khadag.
  • Lift hat slightly when greeting.
  • Throwing garbage into fire is taboo.
  • Pointing with left ring finger is rude.
  • Do not lean against ger support poles.
  • Arrange slaughtered animal bones in prescribed direction.

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