Local Customs & Etiquette in Asmara, Eritrea

1. Falafel Street Etiquette

Respecting the line during lunchtime at Falafel Street vendors. Eating with your right hand and avoiding spillage is key.

Patience: Waiting in line without pushing or cutting others off.
Hygiene: Eating with clean hands and not causing a mess during mealtime.
Cultural Respect: Understanding the traditional way of eating as a sign of respect for local customs.

Bargaining prices for goods in bazaars like the Central Market, using a friendly yet firm tone.

Persuasive Skills: Negotiating effectively without being disrespectful.
Understanding Value: Knowing the fair price for goods and starting negotiations accordingly.
Respect: Maintaining a friendly relationship with shopkeepers despite bargaining.

Participating in the traditional Tsebhi coffee ceremony, showing appreciation for hospitality.

Cultural Sensitivity: Respecting the customs and significance of the coffee ceremony.
Patience: Understanding that the process takes time, as it is more about the experience than the coffee itself.
Gratitude: Expressing thanks to the host for sharing this important part of Eritrean culture.

Offering a firm handshake while making eye contact when greeting someone in Asmara.

Courtesy: Being polite and friendly during introductions.
Respect: Maintaining eye contact as a sign of sincerity and attention.
Timeliness: Arriving on time for meetings or appointments to show respect for the other person's time.

Dressing modestly and conservatively, especially in religious or traditional settings.

Respect: Showing respect for local customs and religious beliefs.
Cultural Sensitivity: Avoiding revealing clothing that may be considered inappropriate or disrespectful.
Comfort: Ensuring your clothing is comfortable for exploring the city during the day.

Respecting smoking etiquette by asking permission before lighting up and avoiding public areas where it is prohibited.

Courtesy: Asking for permission before smoking in someone's presence.
Respect for Laws: Complying with local regulations regarding smoking in public spaces.
Common Sense: Avoiding smoking around children, elderly people, or those who are clearly uncomfortable.

Limiting alcohol consumption in public settings and respecting local attitudes towards drinking.

Respect: Understanding that alcohol is less socially accepted compared to other regions.
Cultural Sensitivity: Avoiding public drunkenness and disrespectful behavior.
Moderation: Drinking responsibly, if choosing to consume alcohol.

Leaving a tip of around 5-10% for good service in restaurants, although it is not expected as widely as in other countries.

Generosity: Rewarding good service with a tip to show appreciation.
Gratitude: Expressing thanks for excellent service and good food.
Moderation: Only tipping when the service is truly exceptional, as tips are not usually expected.

Using public transportation politely, giving up your seat to those in need and not engaging in loud conversations.

Respect: Giving way to elderly people, pregnant women, or anyone who needs your seat.
Courtesy: Minding your personal space and not invading others' privacy on public transport.
Patience: Waiting calmly for the bus or taxi to arrive, as schedules may be irregular.

Following traffic rules and being courteous while driving in Asmara's chaotic but orderly streets.

Patience: Remaining calm and patient, as traffic can be unpredictable.
Respect: Yielding to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles when necessary.
Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding local driving habits and adapting accordingly.

Accepting invitations to dine at a host's home with gratitude and bringing small gifts, such as sweets or flowers.

Gratitude: Showing appreciation for the invitation.
Cultural Sensitivity: Bringing appropriate gifts and not overstaying your welcome.
Respect: Adhering to local customs during the meal, such as eating with your right hand or following the host's lead.

Using appropriate phrases to apologize and express remorse when needed.

Empathy: Showing understanding and compassion in your apology.
Honesty: Admitting your mistakes openly and not blaming others.
Respect: Avoiding confrontational tones, as directness may be seen as disrespectful in Eritrean culture.

Offering small gifts, such as sweets or traditional crafts, to friends and acquaintances.

Generosity: Sharing something small as a gesture of friendship.
Appreciation: Expressing thanks for the relationship by giving a small gift.
Moderation: Avoiding extravagant gifts, as Eritreans value modesty and simplicity.

Asking permission before taking photographs of people or sensitive areas, respecting their privacy.

Respect: Avoiding intrusive photography and showing consideration for subjects.
Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding that some people may be uncomfortable with being photographed.
Ethics: Respecting the dignity and privacy of your subjects, especially in sensitive settings.

Dressing conservatively and removing shoes before entering a mosque, as a sign of respect.

Respect: Showing reverence for religious practices by adhering to mosque rules.
Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and following local customs when visiting a mosque.
Modesty: Dressing modestly to show respect for the sanctity of the place of worship.