Greetings are extended in a warm and affectionate manner and you will notice that everyone greets everyone, even if they don’t know you. Local people generally stand close together and are physically affectionate. They do not like being shouted at or any form of extreme conflict (unless it is amongst themselves). They are humble nation and always show respect for people. An expat should always be gentle and clear in communicating requirements, or in disagreements. Any form of exaltation is considered an offense.

Women in Mozambique are also affectionately called “Mamana” (Mother-sister). An entire chapter could actually be dedicated to them when talking about Mozambique, as she plays an important role in the society. It is the woman who keeps the family together, looks after the children, and keeps the home for the ”Pai” (Father) and she is viewed as a symbolic part of the family dynamic. A public holiday, and a very important date - 7th of April,  pays homage to the Mozambican Woman.

“Capulana” is the name given in Mozambique to a  brightly coloured traditional cloth that is used in a variety of ways. Women use it to drape the body and the head, and  it is used as a baby carrier. Equally, it is  worn as everyday casual-wear, carrying heavy loads, as well as carefully tailored for special events. Capulana’s are often offered as gifts to women, and couples make matching capulana outfits for special events, or for a significant reason such as a traditional marriage. Capulanas are seen everywhere in Mozambique and as a tourist, visitor or an expat, no one will leave Mozambique without a few capulanas.

Mozambicans are artistically very talented people. Their art takes many forms including wood carvings, pottery, paintings, locally made and dyed fabrics - Batiks, as well as bead and shell jewelry. In and around the city you will find lots of artists selling their art work. FEIMA – the open-air arts & crafts market has lots of stalls with various traders offering their hand-made art, and you will always find something for your taste and to offer as souvenirs .

In order to deal with the multitude of vendors it is best to to say thank you and move on. Mozambicans are the best sales people in the world. It is in their blood to get coins off of you as you are the source of their survival. You will hear them calling you and they will refer to you as “Friend, Father, Mother or Doctor”. It is not meant as an offense, simply as a sign of kindness and respect.

Loosely translated means: “Soft Drink”.  It is the well-known gratuity (Tip) system in Mozambique. If someone does a small favour for you, assists in parking your car (even if you did not ask them), assists you in any form or other, a soft-drink is expected. No one does anything for free, “soft drinks” are the norm!