Manners in Niger

Learn about cultural etiquette and manners of this country

Africa / Western Africa

Greetings

  • Handshake
  • Light touch to chest with right hand as greeting
  • Salaam Alaikum

Etiquette

  • In public, use the right hand; the left hand is considered unclean
  • Never fail to greet elders and superiors
  • Always ask permission before taking photographs
  • During the Islamic fasting month, it is considerate to refrain from eating and drinking in public during daylight hours
  • Women should dress modestly, avoiding exposed skin
  • Negotiations and business discussions should begin with casual conversation and not be rushed
  • Remove shoes when entering homes or mosques
  • Meals are shared from a communal dish and eaten with the right hand
  • Gifts should be given with both hands or the right hand
  • Public consumption of alcohol should be kept to a minimum
  • Livestock and water sources are respected as communal resources
  • Time sense is relatively relaxed; delays are not heavily criticized
  • Roadside wells and pumps are open to travelers

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