Tanzania Culture

In rural areas and in Zanzibar women should dress modestly. No shorts or tank tops. Even in some parts pants are also deemed unacceptable. Women should wear skirts below the knee and shirts with long sleeves. For men shorts are also unacceptable. Always wear long pants that completely cover the legs.

It is also considered rude to point the bottom of your foot/shoe at anyone. Feet should never be propped up on tables or chairs.

Tanzanians never use their left hand when eating or touching another person. Always eat with your right hand. When handing someone something use your right hand. Also when greeting someone extent your right hand never your left. Also while shopping in markets use your right hand to point or to touch anything.

When two people of the same sex are talking it is ok to touch. It is common for during conversation to reach out and touch hands, legs and shoulders during conversation. When to member of the opposite sex talk there is to be very little to no touching, only a handshake is deemed appropriate in this situation.

Eye contact:

With elders most people look down as a sign of respect

Between colleagues or friends direct eye contact is ok

Direct eye contact with a member of the opposite sex is interpreted as an intrusion of privacy or being rude. Women who use direct eye contact with a man is seen as flirting.