What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Tanzania?
We asked people in Tanzania 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..," commented one expat who made the move to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Tanzania. Avoid making negative comments about the country or its people, as this can be seen as offensive. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of the local religious beliefs and to be respectful of religious sites. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking in a loud or disrespectful manner," remarked another expat in Tanzania.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Tanzania?
- How do I find a place to live in Tanzania?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Tanzania?
- What is the average cost of housing in Tanzania?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Tanzania?
- What should I pack when moving to Tanzania?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Tanzania?
- Why do people move to Tanzania?
- What are healthcare services like in Tanzania?
- What are medical services in Tanzania like?
- What are typical rents in Tanzania?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Tanzania?
If you live in Tanzania, newcomers to Tanzania would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
