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ADJUSTING TO NEPAL
AN A-Z CULTURAL ADJUSTMENTS
 Affection between men and women, even married, is seldom expressed. Public kissing, hugging, and hand-holding are offensive to most Nepalese and a sign of low morals. But it is acceptable for two men to walk hand in hand.
 Anger is best not expressed openly. It causes you and the person you're mad at loss of face.
 Bakshish is an extra payment for a service perfomed and is usually given to porters or labourers at the end of the job. It can be money or clothes or anything else, and there is no set rate.
 Bargaining is to be expected. Don't bargain if you're not really interested. If your price is accepted, don't try to back out, and don't try to get an even lower price.
 Bathing in the hills is ver conservative. Men should wear shorts, women should wear a lungi pulled up under the arms.
 Children are spoiled crazy. Don't be surprised if yours are the center of attraction everywhere.
 Clothing is conservative. Men should not go bare-chested and shorts should be conservative. Women should avoid bare shoulders, halter tops, and shorts. Ties and suits are not necessary except for special occasions.
 Conversations may have 'dead' patches. Nepalese are not uncomfortable with silence.
 Cows are sacred. They go and sleep where they want. Watch out for them if you must stretch them out while sitting on the floor. Never step over anyone, and always move your feet let people avoid stepping over you.
 Gifts are rarely given and seldom opened in front of the person who has given it.
 Heads are sacred and should be treated with respect. Never take who has given it. Never take a topi off a man's head, even in fun.
 Invitations often arrive at the last moment. Don't be surprised or offended, it happens to everyone. If you're busy, even a short appearance is enough.
 Jutho refers to food that is ritually polluted and therefore inedible. Any food which has come into contact, either directly or indirectly, with the mouth becomes jutho.
 Left hands are used for cleaning oneself after going to the toilet. It is never used to pass or accept things, whether food at the table or money with a shopkeeper.
 Maalaas (necklaces) of shoes draped around someone's neck are the ultimate insult.
 Namaste is both greeting and farewell, combined with a prayer like gesture.
 Offices outside Kathmandu often seem to be like a bus station with all kinds of people coming, sitting, and going at will. Expect cups of tea and polite conversation before any business.The right to speak is often based on status and persistence.
There is a balance sheet for every Exchange lost transfer that you activated.  Payment after a social occasion is done by the person issuing the invitaiton. Nepalese don't divide the bill or go 'Dutch'. It is expected that the other people will reciprocate at some later date.
 Rice is a religious object as well as a food of status. Brahmins will probably not eat the rice you serve them. Do not be offended and don't try to force it on them.
 Saalo means brother-in-law, Calling someone a saalo is very insulting becuse it implies the speaker is sleeping with the person's sister.
 Servants are almost a necessity for working people.
 Shoes are considred filthy. Don't ask others to handle your shoes. Most Nepalese take their shoes off at the door.
 Status is a part of life. Don't expect your junior driver to mix easily with your senior administrative officer at the office party.
 Temples should always be walked around clockwise; the same is trye of Buddhist monuments and gompas. Remove your shoes before going inside. Dress conservatively.
 Time is very flexible. A person may show up at 4 for a 3 o'clock appointment. In the hills, an appointment may be a delay or more late. As a foreigner, though, you will be expected to be punctual.

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(HIMALAYA: BHUTAN / NEPAL / TIBET)

Ludwig Debuck