Dos and Don'ts of Life in Afghanistan
Do...
Learn by observing what Afghans do
Greet people properly (i.e., inquire
about health, family, etc.)
Remove your shoes upon entering a home
(or by the door)
Greet everyone when entering a room
Sit at the “lower” place, closest
to the door
Dress nicely when visiting, and dress
modestly at all times
Reciprocate hospitality
Go visiting at Eids and invite people
for your Eids if you can
Give guests an opportunity to wash
their hands before they eat
Serve tea/meal on a dastarkhan, not
directly on the floor
Serve at least 2 or 3 kinds of dishes
in a meal, or a variety of sweets with tea
Practice hospitality joyfully, in a way
that works for you and your family
Walk your guests to the gate
Learn to laugh at yourself
Don’t...
Blow your nose or pass gas in public,
especially not at the table
Stretch out your legs or point your
feet at people
Talk or laugh loudly in public (women)
Confront people directly over a problem
Ask about your colleague’s female
family members unless you know each other well (men)
Turn away an unexpected guest unless
you absolutely have to
Be easily offended by
questions/comments about weight, marital status, etc.
Receive guests of the opposite sex if
you are alone
Eat in front of people without offering
to share
Be so afraid of making mistakes you
don’t invite people to your home
