Cultural Etiquette to Keep in Mind When Travelling to?Mauritius

The charming island of Mauritius is always an interesting country to visit. It is a true cultural melting pot, presenting a rich blend of traditions, customs and languages. If you plan to take a trip to this entrancing nation, it will undoubtedly be helpful to have a basic knowledge of the local etiquette and customs so that you can forge strong relationships with those you meet. Some of these useful behavioural guidelines are provided below.?

Social etiquette and greetings?

You will find that in this country, greetings happen to be an important component of social relations. Generally, a handshake is the most popular greeting, although family members and close friends will often kiss both cheeks when they meet. When greeting senior citizens, it is appropriate to call them ‘Uncle’ or ‘Auntie’. In this country, the official language is English, although Creole, Bhojpuri and French are also commonly spoken. Mastering a few simple phrases in French or Creole would demonstrate respect and create a favourable impression.?

Attire?

It is generally advisable to dress modestly in Mauritius, particularly at places of worship. It is inadvisable to wear revealing clothes. On the other hand, in beach settings, it is acceptable to wear swimwear, though, you should cover yourself when you leave these areas. At?Mauritius resorts,?the accepted attire is understandably much more relaxed with properties like?Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas located beside the beach, being an ideal option to consider.?If you desire to visit temples, churches or mosques, it is important to attire yourself conservatively. Accordingly, women must cover their knees and shoulders, whilst men must not wear shorts. You should also take care to take off your footwear when entering a mosque or temple.?

Etiquette for dining?

If you happen to be invited to a local home, you may take a simple gift like sweets, wine or flowers. Additionally, it is polite to first greet elders as you enter a home. When dining, you may wait for your host to show you where you ought to sit. For the sake of politeness, you should try a little of all the dishes served and finish off everything on your plate. When passing or handling food, it is thought proper to use the right hand (since the left hand is considered 'unclean').

Religion and traditions?

Several religions are practised in this country, including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. Naturally, you should demonstrate respect for religious observances and rituals. In the course of religious festivals such as Eid, Diwali and Christmas, you must be respectful of the relevant customs as well. Also, if you desire to photograph local people it is considered proper to first request permission, particularly at religious ceremonies and in rural regions.

Behaviour and communication?

Generally, it is recommended to avoid making use of the left hand when giving things to others or gesturing. Meanwhile, maintaining firm eye contact will be construed as demonstrating attentiveness and honesty. In this nation, public displays of affection typically are considered inappropriate, particularly in rural settings. Similarly, boisterous or loud behaviour is regarded as being rude. These useful tips should help you to make a positive impression during your interactions in Mauritius.