Customs of Afghanistan

According to kwinessentials.com, there are many customs Afghanis follow. While visiting their country be sure not to dishonor them by following the customs.

When greeting someone, keep the following things in mind:
*Shake hands with men
*Place your hand over your heart and slightly nod
*Must ask how they are, how their job is, etc.
*Men and women do not shake hands or make eye contact.

Mixing genders is a very important thing to keep in mind:
*Mixing of genders only takes place with in families
*Foreign females must learn to read rules and to live by them while they are in the country
*If a man speaks to a woman directly, it is dishonoring.
*If-as a woman-you are spoken to on the the street, it is dishonorable.
*Women should avoid looking men in the eye.
*Men and women should never be alone in the same room
*Men and women should never touch each other (unless married)

Some may view it as rediculous, but in Afghanistan, there are specific customs to following when giving gifts to others:
*You must never give alcohol
*If you are invited to lunch or dinner, you should bring either fruit or pastries
*When giving a gift, it must be a subtle delivery. Expamples: leaving on a table in the livingroom or at your place at the dinner table after everyone has cleared.
*No wrapping paper color is specified
*Although green, is good for weddings

By following these customs, it should insure a proper stay and no problems should occur.