Guinea-Bissau isn’t the most visited country in West Africa, but it has a rich culture and some key customs you should know before arriving. The locals are friendly, but respecting their norms is essential. Here is everything you need to know to navigate the local customs and avoid any awkward moments.
Greetings
In Guinea-Bissau, greetings are very important; never skip them. A friendly “Olá” (hello) in Portuguese usually works well. Guinea-Bissau is a multilingual country, but Portuguese, the official language, is a safe go-to when meeting someone, especially in formal settings.
If you know that someone is from one of the ethnic groups, like the Balanta or the Fula, learning basic greetings in their language can score you some points with the locals. For example, in the Fula culture, you can say “Salaam Aleikum” (peace be upon you) as a greeting. It is highly appreciated.
Handshakes are common, but they tend to last longer than in Western cultures. It’s not just a brief moment; locals take their time. If you’re on the receiving end of a prolonged handshake, don’t rush to pull your hand away. Keeping the conversation going while shaking hands is normal.
When greeting a group of people, greet the eldest or most important person first. This principle of greeting the eldest shows respect, which is very important in Guinea-Bissau.
Dress Code
Guinea-Bissau is a modest society, so conservative clothing is recommended, especially in rural areas. Women should avoid wearing short skirts or revealing tops. Men typically wear light, loose-fitting clothing, considering the hot climate, but they still remain modest. Shorts are fine in laid-back settings but less common in formal or religious environments.
For formal occasions or visits to religious sites like mosques, it’s essential to dress more conservatively. Women may be required to cover their heads, especially in Muslim-majority areas. Always keep a scarf handy, just in case. For men, avoid sleeveless shirts or anything too flashy in such settings.
If you’re invited to a family event or celebration, wearing a brightly colored traditional outfit is a great way to show respect. You can always ask your host what’s appropriate if you’re unsure. Traditional clothing like “boubous” for men and colorful robes for women are often the go-to for such events.
Behavior in Social Settings
Politeness is essential in Guinea-Bissau, and humility is highly valued. Being boastful or showing off is frowned upon. Conversations are often slow-paced, with plenty of attention paid to formalities.
If you’re invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift. It could be something as simple as fruit or sweets. Gifts are appreciated and signify good manners. Don’t expect the host to open the gift in front of you; it’s usually opened later.
In group settings, wait for formal introductions, especially if you’re the newcomer. Let your host guide the conversation initially. It’s best to observe at first and get a feel for the social dynamics. Small talk is common, and you’ll likely be asked about where you’re from or how you find Guinea-Bissau so far.
Silence during conversations isn’t awkward here—people take their time to think before responding. Interrupting someone is considered rude, so be patient and give each person the space to speak.
Religious Customs
While Guinea-Bissau is religiously diverse, Islam is the most widely practiced religion, with Christianity and traditional animist beliefs playing substantial roles too. In Muslim communities, respecting Islamic customs is important, especially during Ramadan. Avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours if you visit during Ramadan, as it’s considered disrespectful.
If you enter a mosque, always remove your shoes and dress conservatively. Women may need to cover their heads, and everyone should act quietly and respectfully. Avoid taking photos inside unless you have explicit permission.
In Christian communities, Sunday is considered a day of rest and worship. If you visit during a religious service, men should remove their hats before entering the church. Visitors are often welcome, but participate respectfully and quietly.
Local Markets
Markets in Guinea-Bissau are vibrant and full of life. When shopping, it’s common to negotiate prices, but always do so with a smile. Haggling is expected, but excessive haggling over small amounts is considered rude.
Cash is king at local markets, and bartering is a cultural norm. Unlike in some places where haggling can feel aggressive, in Guinea-Bissau it’s more of a polite conversation. Be patient, and even if you don’t make a purchase, thank the vendor.
Avoid touching goods without permission. Whether it’s food or handicrafts, ask before handling any items. It’s also common to say goodbye and thank vendors, even if you don’t buy anything.
Dining Etiquette
If you’re invited to a meal, it’s polite to wait until you’re asked to sit down before going to the table. In some traditional homes, the men might eat separately from the women and children, so wait for cues from the host.
Many local dishes in Guinea-Bissau are eaten with the hands, especially when rice or seafood meals are served. If you’re not comfortable eating with your hands, some restaurants and homes may offer utensils. However, if you’re eating with your hands, always use your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean in many West African cultures.
It’s polite to wait for the host to start eating first. Sharing is a big part of the meal, so don’t be surprised if everyone is dipping into a single large dish. Take small portions to ensure that there’s enough for everyone.
Respect for Elders
Elders hold a place of deep respect in Bissau-Guinean culture. When addressing an elder, always do so with politeness and respect. Standing up when an elder enters a room or when you’re being introduced to them is a sign of respect.
If you are introduced to someone older, a respectful bow or slight nod of the head is often appreciated. When sitting in social settings, it’s respectful to allow elders to sit first. Give up your seat if there are no others available.
Photography
Always ask before taking someone’s photo. In some areas, especially remote villages, people may be uncomfortable with photography. A simple ask will go a long way. Respect their wishes if they say no.
In markets, asking for permission before taking photos is important too. Some vendors are protective of their stalls and belongings, and taking photos without permission could come off as disrespectful. In religious sites, always check if photography is allowed, as many places have specific rules.
Public Displays of Affection
In Guinea-Bissau, public displays of affection are uncommon and should be avoided, especially in rural parts of the country. Holding hands between men and women is generally frowned upon. It’s okay to hold a family member’s or close friend’s hand as a greeting or gesture of support, but anything beyond that is considered inappropriate.
Even among couples, kissing or hugging in public isn’t typical. Be mindful of where you are and try to adapt to local norms to avoid causing offense.
Handling Money and Tipping
Using both hands or only your right hand to hand over items and money is seen as a sign of respect. When giving money, avoid shoving it into someone’s hand. Place it gently and make sure the transaction is smooth.
Tipping is not a widespread practice in Guinea-Bissau, but rounding up your taxi fare or leaving some coins at a restaurant is appreciated. In higher-end hotels or restaurants in the capital, a small tip for good service is becoming more common.
Gestures and Body Language
Touching someone on the head, pointing with your fingers, or beckoning someone with your index finger are all considered rude. If you need to gesture someone towards you, do so with your hand, palm facing down.
Avoid crossing your legs when sitting in formal settings or when speaking to elders. It’s considered disrespectful. Sitting upright and maintaining eye contact shows that you are engaged and respectful in a conversation.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Guinea-Bissau offers an immersive experience into a warm and welcoming culture. With these basic customs and etiquette tips, you’ll find that by following local norms and showing respect, your interactions will be more meaningful. The people here value humility, patience, and politeness, so keep those in mind, and your time in the country will be rewarding.
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