Tips For A Fun Visit To An Islamic Country

A trip to Saudi Arabia can be a great way to visit a different culture and learn more about a very different culture than most experience in the USA. Before boarding the plane, it is best to know some of the local customs in the country where you will be visiting. Not observing these customs can be considered rude, but in some cases can lead to arrest or expulsion from the country.

While the typical English greeting when entering an office or room is hello, in Saudi, the typical greeting extends peace to the person being greeted. The response extends peace back to the first person to offer a greeting. It is best to learn these greetings in the local language if possible.

Any time one visits a home, living room or holy place it is customary to remove the shoes. If the host tells you to leave your shoes on, then follow the instructions. Always observe the hosts and others in a home when visiting a home and follow their pattern. Avoid visits to a homes between the hours of 2 and 4 in the afternoon since this is the local siesta time for most.