Rwandan Culture
Rwandans like to shake hands when greeting one another. Even after a hug or even if you were together in the morning and you meet again in the afternoon!
In Rwanda it is quite normal to hug someone that you have never met before; it shows that you are pleased to meet them. Do not be shy to hug!
While shaking hands with you, Rwandans may tend to hold their right arm with their left hand. It is a general practice of respect but not expected every time.
Eating in public: Drinking and eating in the streets and in public is not a general practice in Rwanda, advisably, do it when you know others you are with are not hungry or that you can share if needed!
Attitudes towards homosexuality in Rwanda are individual and church-based. Sometimes it can be referred to as ‘shameful. However #BeThePeaceWalk welcomes anyone with no discrimination whatsoever. Given this consideration, any gay visitor would need to exercise discretion. Yet, it is possible to talk openly and in a supportive environment with friends in Rwanda.
In Rwandan society, kissing in public is not a respectable practice! Taking this into account, it is of no social surprise for people of the same/opposite sex to be physically warm with each other in public – holding hands, for example.
Corruption/Bribes are ZEROTOLARATED in Rwanda.
Plastic bags have been banned in Rwanda for environmental reasons.
A large majority of Rwandans is religious.
In Rwanda, women largely don’t show much bare skin above the knee!
Photography of government buildings and armed forces may be prohibited. If you want to, please ask before.
Umuzungu is a word that means ‘white person’ or ‘non-black person’. Although you may hear this a lot, generally it is not a negative term!