Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Dar es Salaam?
We asked people in Dar es Salaam if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"I had diarrhea on a bus ride to a rural village. My husband had to get the bus to stop in the middle of the bush and went on top of the bus to grab my toilet paper, passed it to me in full view of everyone then I went into the bush to go to the bathroom while everyone had to wait. (Tanzanians view the use of toilet paper to be unclean). I confused the word AIDS with AUNTY in kiswahili, in front of all my Tanzanian in-laws..," said another expat in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
"When visiting Dar es Salaam, it is important to dress modestly, especially for women, by covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees. Avoid public displays of affection, as they are considered disrespectful. Greet people with a handshake and use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean. Be respectful of religious customs, particularly during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Do not take photographs of people without their permission, and avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and other sensitive locations. Be patient and polite when dealing with locals, as Tanzanians value politeness and may consider directness or impatience as rude. Finally, avoid discussing politics or making negative comments about the government, as this can be seen as disrespectful," wrote a member who made the move to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Dar es Salaam?
If you live in Dar es Salaam, newcomers to Dar es Salaam would love to hear your answer to this question.
