Tunisia: local customs and traditions

Visiting another country gives us the opportunity to learn more about that country and the different traditions. In Tunisia we have discovered the etiquette in business situations.

It is important for our group to know how to react and behave in business meetings. The meeting etiquette is very formal. In Tunisia it is usual that people take time to talk about their family, friends,.. When you meet someone of the same gender you give a handshake. When a men greets a women it is important he waits to shake hands till the moment the women extends her hand. At the end of a meeting you have to greet and say goodbye to each member individually.

When you eat in Tunisia, food is traditionally served at a low table , it is at knee-high. This is the tradition but in a lot of places it is adapted to the European traditions and they have a table and chairs. You can’t start eating until the host blessed the food. The food will be served from a communal bowl and you can eat from it in another bowl that is in front of you. When you eat with your hands, you have to eat with your right hand and it is a sign of respect to taste a bit of everything. These traditions at table are different from our

table manners and it is a little strange but when you know the rules it is easy to follow them.

It is important to know that Tunisia is a Muslim country and when you visit Tunisia you should respect the local sensibilities. This is very important during the month of Ramadan. Woman should dress in a descent way, especially outside the beach resorts. Homosexuality is illegal and as tourist it is unacceptable to hold hands with someone of the same sex.

When you know these tips it will be a pleasure to visit Tunisia. It is just important you take all these traditions and local customs into account. We found it a real experience to discover the differences with Belgium. I am curious to discover the traditions in Italy.

Sources

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/tunisia-country-profile.html

http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Tunisia/Basics