ÐßÐßÊÓƵ

Basic Etiquette

• It is polite to remove your shoes before entering a room.
• People are expected to remove their hats or caps when entering a church.
• The East Timorese approach towards time is sometimes referred to as ‘rubber time’. Most East Timorese view interpersonal relationships as more important than maintaining strict adherence to time. As such, time is seen as flexible, and punctuality is not always stressed.
• It is common for people to arrive late in social situations, but being on time for business appointments is generally expected.
• Attempting to rush through or end a social interaction early can be perceived as rude and disrespectful.
• Spitting in public is somewhat common in Timor-Leste, especially if consuming a wad of betel (consisting of betel nut, lime powder and spices, which produces a red liquid that is spat out).

Visiting

• East Timorese are quite hospitable and often enjoy visiting friends and family. Indeed, visits are rarely planned, unless for a specific occasion such as a funeral or wedding. Nonetheless, some people may call ahead to arrange a visit.
• Visitors are not normally expected to bring a gift, though some may bring food products or produce.
• Hosts typically offer their guests refreshments such as tea or coffee and a light snack. Refusing this offer is seen as impolite and a rejection of the host’s hospitality.
• While it is necessary to accept refreshments, you do not need to finish drinking or eating them – leaving some is allowable
• Hosts may also offer the ingredients for making a wad of betel (betel nut, lime powder and spices wrapped in a betel leaf). It is acceptable to decline such an offer.
• Offering sincere compliments about the home or hospitality of the host are welcome and can help build rapport.

Eating

• It is common for people to pray together before beginning their meal.
• Food is usually served from larger dishes in the middle of the table.
• Guests are usually encouraged to select their food and begin eating first. Usually, the eldest male guest will be the first.
• In some instances, the host may serve the guests at the first serving, but generally guests serve themselves thereafter.
• The host is often the last person to begin eating, as a sign of respect towards their guests.
• Adults often sit at a dining table, while children take their serving and sit at a separate table.
• East Timorese typically eat three meals a day. Breakfast and dinner is usually a light meal, whereas lunch is the main meal.
• People commonly eat meals with a spoon in the right hand and fork in the left.
• In rural areas of East Timor, people may follow a more traditional eating style on certain occasions. People will typically sit on the floor in a circle, with the food presented in the centre. People will usually use their hands to eat their meal.
• The cuisine of Timor-Leste has both Southeast Asian and Portuguese influences.
• A typical meal varies depending on the region. For example, in more urban areas, people may eat bread for breakfast, while those in rural areas may eat bananas and root vegetables.
• Meats, such as pork, chicken, beef and goat, are not always included in daily meals due to the cost.
• Rice is an important staple in Timor-Leste cuisine, as well as root vegetables such as cassava, potato, sweet potato, yams, taro and corn.
• Popular meals for lunch and dinner include rice with stir-fried vegetables (modo-fila) and a salad, or a soup made of red kidney beans (known as feijoada or °ì´Ç³Ù´Ç-»å²¹â€™a²Ô).
• Excessive drunkenness is generally frowned upon, particularly for women.

Gift Giving

• Gifts are typically given with the right hand or with both hands. Rarely are gifts passed with just the left hand.
• Gifts are typically given for specific occasions, such as birthdays and weddings.
• Gifts and cards are also often exchanged during the Christmas and New Year festive season.
• Common gifts include food products and local handicrafts.
• When a gift is received, the recipient acknowledges the gift and shows appreciation.
• A particularly special gift that may be given is a tais (also known as salendang), which is a colourful handwoven textile. They are often presented by being draped around the recipient’s neck. Nonetheless, the textile can be used for both home decoration or personal apparel.