Cultural Dos and Taboos

1. In general, a handshake is the acceptable form of greeting.

2. Dress is casual but always dress modestly in villages.

3. Never eat while walking in public, especially when visiting the more traditional villages.

4. Except during feasts, unrelated members of a community will rarely eat together.

5. Never walk around in public eating.

6. Within certain homes, men will eat before the women and children.

7. If visiting villages during the planting season, be aware that men and women will work on empty stomachs, as they believe that their ancestral spirits will deny their aid and blessings to gardeners who already have food inside their stomachs.

8. Haggling over goods is not always appreciated.