Greetings

Greetings is definitely one of Malawian culture, customs, and etiquette that you should bear in mind before you travel to avoid mistakes. Malawians always extend greetings and it is considered rude not to greet someone, especially an elder. Verbal greetings are accompanied by a handshake. This is done with the right hand, with the left hand gripping the right forearm to show that one is not armed. This can also be accompanied by a slight dip at the knees, accompanied by bowing down the head.

Stopping to talk on the street is customary, and the conversation continues even after the parties go their separate ways. Although residents are gregarious, they respect other people's privacy in a crowded country where private space is at a premium. A person approaching someone's house will often cry Odi, Odi to announce his or her presence. Any visitor almost always is offered a drink and perhaps something to eat. Eating usually is done without utensils, but only with the right hand, because the left hand is considered "dirty." The same goes for handing things. It should be done with the right hand, preferably held with the left hand.