10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Nepal

Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with the challenge of navigating a different culture. Nepal, with its rich heritage and diverse customs, is no exception. As an expat, understanding and respecting local traditions is crucial to integrating into Nepali society and avoiding cultural faux pas. Here are 10 tips to help you adapt to life in Nepal and build positive relationships with the locals.

1. Learn Basic Nepali Greetings

Communication is key in any culture, and in Nepal, greeting someone with 'Namaste' while joining your hands together is a sign of respect. It's a simple gesture that goes a long way in showing your willingness to embrace Nepali customs. Additionally, try to learn a few basic phrases in Nepali; this effort is often appreciated and can open doors to more meaningful interactions with locals.

2. Dress Conservatively

Nepal is generally conservative when it comes to clothing. It's advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and rural areas. For women, this means avoiding revealing clothes, and for men, wearing shorts can sometimes be frowned upon. Observing and emulating how locals dress can be a good guide to avoiding any cultural insensitivity.

3. Understand the Concept of 'Jutho'

'Jutho' refers to the idea of impurity, particularly in relation to food. It's considered impolite to touch someone else's plate or to share utensils. Also, once your lips have touched a food item or utensil, it should not touch a communal dish. Be mindful of this when dining with Nepali friends to avoid causing offense.

4. Respect Religious Customs

Nepal is a country with deep religious roots, predominantly Hinduism and Buddhism. Always walk clockwise around temples and stupas, and remove your shoes before entering sacred places. Additionally, some Hindu temples do not allow non-Hindus to enter, so always check before entering any religious site.

5. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

Body language can convey respect or disrespect, often without words. In Nepal, it's disrespectful to point your feet at people or religious icons, as feet are considered impure. Similarly, using your left hand to give or receive items is also seen as impolite, as the left hand is associated with cleaning oneself after using the toilet.

6. Show Respect to Elders

Elders are highly respected in Nepali culture. Always greet them first and show deference in social situations. For example, it's customary to give up your seat to an elder if there are no other seats available. Such gestures are noticed and appreciated in Nepali society.

7. Be Cautious with Public Displays of Affection

Public displays of affection, such as kissing and hugging, are not common in Nepal and can make locals uncomfortable. It's best to be discreet and reserve such expressions for private settings to avoid any cultural discomfort.

8. Take Off Your Shoes Indoors

When entering a Nepali home, it's customary to remove your shoes. This practice helps keep the indoors clean and is a sign of respect for the host's space. Always look for a shoe rack or a line of shoes at the entrance as an indication of this custom.

9. Be Patient and Flexible

Time perception in Nepal may differ from what you're used to. Meetings and events often start later than scheduled, and plans can change with little notice. Embrace the local pace of life and be patient; showing frustration can be seen as disrespectful.

10. Learn About Local Festivals and Participate

Nepal has a plethora of festivals throughout the year, and participating in them can be a great way to understand and appreciate the culture. Ask locals about the significance of the festivals and if it's appropriate for you to join in the celebrations. This can be a fun and immersive way to connect with your new community.

Adapting to a new culture is a continuous learning process. By being observant and respectful of the local customs, you can avoid making cultural faux pas and enrich your experience as an expat in Nepal. Share your experiences and seek advice on Expat Exchange's Nepal forum to learn from fellow expats and contribute to the community.

Expats Confess Their Cultural Faux Pas in Nepal

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Nepal. Avoid touching someone on the head, as this is considered disrespectful. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Refrain from taking photographs of people without their permission, and be aware that public displays of affection are generally not accepted. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the local language and to be respectful when speaking to people," commented an expat living in Nepal.