Cultural Dos and Taboos

1. Do not extend the little finger (pinky) and point it at someone. This is a very disrespectful sign.

2. Good topics of conversation include sports, Mongolian history and culture, family, and international politics.

3. Always uses the right hand or both hands to receive food or gifts.

4. When presenting a Mongolian with a gift, make sure the gift is not wrapped in white or black paper as these colors have negative associations connected to them. Gifts from your home country are excellent gifts.

5. Elders are always given preferential treatment.

6. Do not blow your nose in public.

7. Public drunkenness is not tolerated.

8. Public displays of affection between members of the opposite sex are frowned upon.

9. Negative attitudes are not appreciated in Mongolia. As a general rule refrain from complaints, if you must complain do so in a pleasant and tactful way.

10. Never turn your back on an alter.

11. Do not whistle inside a Mongolian house or ger.

12. It is fine to possess a knife in public but never wave it at anyone. Always leave knives or any other sort of weapon outside the ger.