Local Customs & Etiquette in Lahore, Pakistan

1. Shalwar Kameez Etiquette

Learn the proper way to wear and remove this traditional Pakistani attire. Respect local culture by dressing appropriately.

Dress Code: Understand the acceptable colors, designs, and fabrics for different occasions.
Modesty: Cover your shoulders and legs modestly to avoid causing offense.
Handling: Know the correct way to tuck in the shirt and adjust the pants' cuffs.

Learn the traditional Pakistani handshake or namaste greeting to show respect.

Handshake vs Namaste: Understand when and with whom each greeting is appropriate.
Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact during the greeting to show respect and sincerity.
Timing: Greet others upon meeting, leaving, or during important conversations.

Embrace the warm hospitality by offering food and drinks to guests. Be prepared to accept refusals graciously.

Food Offering: Understand that food is a significant part of Pakistani hospitality.
Acceptance: Be gracious when offered food and drinks, even if you don't intend to partake.
Politeness: Express gratitude for the hospitality shown to you.

Familiarize yourself with appropriate tipping practices in restaurants, cafes, and taxi services.

Service Charge: Determine if a service charge is already included in the bill.
Amount: Understand the expected tipping range for various services based on quality and affordability.
Gratitude: Express your appreciation for good service, even if you don't tip.

Respect people's privacy by asking permission before taking their photograph.

Permission: Ask for consent before taking someone's picture, especially in crowded places.
Modesty: Respect local customs and dress codes when photographing women or religious sites.
Etiquette: Be polite, patient, and considerate during the photography process.

Plan your travel around major Islamic holidays to ensure minimal disruptions.

Holiday Duration: Understand the duration and significance of each holiday.
Restrictions: Know any restrictions on business hours, transportation, or public gatherings during holidays.
Celebrations: Participate in local festivities to gain a deeper cultural understanding.

Respect local customs by dressing modestly and conservatively as a woman traveler.

Coverage: Cover your hair, shoulders, and legs to avoid causing offense.
Colors: Choose muted or darker colors to blend in with the local culture.
Accessories: Opt for traditional Pakistani jewelry and scarves to show respect.

Learn the local dining customs, such as eating with your right hand or using cutlery.

Hand vs Cutlery: Determine if you should eat with your hands or use utensils at a particular restaurant.
Food Sharing: Understand if it's customary to share food with others during meals.
Table Manners: Follow basic table manners, such as not speaking with your mouth full and waiting for everyone to be served.

Adapt your business behavior to local customs, such as greeting with a firm handshake and dressing conservatively.

Dress Code: Wear conservative clothing and avoid flashy accessories in the workplace.
Greeting: Offer a firm handshake while maintaining eye contact during business introductions.
Punctuality: Arrive on time for appointments to show respect and professionalism.

Learn the proper way to give and receive gifts in Lahore's local culture.

Gift Type: Choose a gift that reflects the recipient's interests or traditions.
Presentation: Wrap your gift in colorful, traditional paper and accompany it with a personal note.
Timing: Give or receive gifts during appropriate occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, or religious festivals.

Respect local customs and traditions when visiting religious sites in Lahore.

Dress Code: Cover your head, arms, and legs while visiting religious sites.
Behavior: Remove shoes, speak softly, and maintain a respectful demeanor at all times.
Photography: Ask for permission before taking photographs inside religious sites.

Learn the art of bargaining in Lahore's markets and souks to secure the best deal.

Starting Price: Begin negotiations at a price lower than your maximum offer.
Patience: Remain patient and friendly during the bargaining process.
Politeness: Express gratitude for the seller's time and effort, even if you don't make a purchase.

Navigate Lahore's public transportation system with ease and respect for local customs.

Space: Respect personal space when riding in crowded vehicles.
Gender Segregation: Follow any gender segregation rules on public transportation.
Punctuality: Arrive at the designated stop or station before the scheduled departure time.

Understand and follow local customs when visiting a friend's or host's home.

Respect local customs during funeral ceremonies in Lahore.

Dress Code: Wear black or other subdued colors to show mourning.
Silence: Speak softly and maintain a quiet demeanor during the ceremony.
Offerings: Bring small offerings such as flowers or food for the family of the deceased.