Manners in Mozambique
Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country
Greetings
- Handshake
- Light touch on cheek
- Handshake with right hand only
Etiquette
- Address elders with honorific "Senhor/Senhora"
- Omitting greetings considered rude
- Avoid passing items with left hand only
- Tolerant of time with "African time" existing
- Intense arguments or shouting in public disliked
- Begin eating after host offers seat
- Small gifts appreciated when visiting homes
- Always obtain permission for photography
- Women avoid highly revealing clothing
- Refrain from noise during Friday prayer times in Muslim areas
- Business card exchange common at meetings, bilingual English-Portuguese preferred
- Street money exchange or unofficial transactions cause trouble