When you travel to a foreign land it is always advised that you are well versed in the everyday courtesies.  This is especially true when you travel to regions that have entirely different cultures and customs that are foreign to your own way of living. This is true in Indonesia, and before you take your long dreamed of trip to this exotic country, brush up on some of the do and don’ts so that you don’t make any faux pas.

When in Indonesia, handshakes are typical greetings for men and even some women. But there are Muslim women that only acknowledge an introduction to a male with just a nod and a smile.

When meeting a woman in Indonesia, let the lady initiate a handshake. The typical greeting or in the native tongue, “salam,” bears a resemblence to a traditional handshake, but both hands are used and no grasping is involved.

When a man offers his two hands, he typically touches the friend who has his hands outstretched. He then will bring his hands to his chest to indicate “I greet you from my heart.” Tourists when presented with this greeting should respond to the “salam” with the same.

If you are going to visit a native at their home, it is expected that you call before arriving to be polite. Whenever you enter an Indonesian’s home, your shoes should always be removed. If a drink is offered to you it is the custom to accept it.

Whenever you are eating, giving or receiving an object, it is customary that the right hand is used. The forefinger on the right hand is never used to point at any person, place or thing. You should instead use the right hand thumb with your four fingers folded.

If you are going to enter a mosque, temple or other place of worship, it is customary to again remove your shoes. It may be required that robes and scarves cover women, so do not reject the offering. If you want to take a picture when you are visiting a holy place, be sure that you ask permission before you click your camera.

Though many cultures use a toast to bring about fellowship and commaraderie, the Muslim people do not drink alcohol, so refrain from raising a toast no matter how comfortable you are feeling.

It is always a plus to visitors to understand the ways of a culture that is different from their own. It will allow the traveler to have a richer experience without the chance to insult the hosts.