Nepali Customs, Etiquette & Tipping
Nepal is a country where politeness and formality are revered, but so too is a sense acceptance. If you make a cultural misstep, no one will be offended. Here are a few quick customs to fold into your Nepali interactions.
GREETINGS - NAMASTE
The common greeting in Nepal is, “Namaste.” The translation is complex, but it is a recognition of someone’s soul, individuality, and place in the universe. The common custom is to pair the verbal greeting with hands clapped under your chin.
THANK YOU - DANYAVAAD
The phrase “thank you” in Nepali translates to Danyabaad (dahn-yah-bahd).
SHAKING HANDS
Nepalis in general do not shake hands. They may extend a hand to a foreign traveler. Just make sure not to squeeze tightly, or shake too much! A light grasp is a sign of respect.
GIVING AND RECEIVING
When handing money to someone, or when receiving something from another person, it is polite to do it with your right hand, and by placing your left hand on your right arm.
TIPPING
Gratuities in Nepal are most common in areas frequented by foreign visitors. At restaurants it is common to leave a 5% gratuity, sometimes as high as 10%. If someone helps you with luggage at an airport or hotel, a small tip of 100-200 rupees ($1) is sufficient.
For guides and travel staff, a general guideline is again 5% of the trip cost, or perhaps $15-20 per day. This is the tip amount to be shared amongst the entire staff. For most Far Xplorer trips, that often translates to $200-250 for the entire trip.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
You will get this question periodically. Do your best not to answer, “Clarkville, just five miles south of Akron.” Just say your country of residence. Nepalis strive to relate to guests in many ways. If you say “USA,” they will instantly connect and know where you are from.
TAKING PHOTOS OF LOCALS
Nepalis love photos and will likely want to take a photo of you, but they will ask first. It’s polite to do the same. Always ask before taking someone’s photo. It will always create a more fun interaction, anyway.
TABOOS
There are only a few things to avoid if possible including:
Swearing - Nepalis speak enough English to know when someone is swearing. To most Nepalis it is a sign of anger or aggression. Your casual placement of a swear word will likely sound as if you are upset and will definitely put most locals on edge. They will likely feel as if they have displeased you in some way, even if they did not interact with you directly.
Whistling - Many cultures in Nepal think it is impolite to whistle as it could summon the attention of demons.
Public urination - Everyone eventually visits a bush, just do so discreetly and as far out of sight as possible.
Appropriate Attire for Holy Places - It is very important to dress appropriately when visiting temples, shrines, and holy places. It is best to not wear short pants. Women should have their arms and legs as covered as possible.
Flashing cash - Nepal is a poor nation. When paying for goods and services, it is polite to not display more cash than necessary. Peeling off $1 from a wad of $100 bills is simply not the thing to do.
HAGGLING FOR PURCHASES
The average person in Nepal makes less than $200 each month. Street vendors and shop keepers often make far less. Foreign travelers have a reputation for dickering over the most insignificant sums. Asking for a $1 disount on a $3 item is not well accepted in Nepal. If the price is too high, move along. You will find a better price. If you decide to haggle, be sure not to flash a wad of cash as you pay the transaction.
