Liberia Rules & Etiquette

Rules & Etiquette

Liberians are inherently very friendly and sociable. However, they do not take kindly to being ignored and will call you "rude". Make sure that you greet as many people as possible and smile when you do so. Make friends with any guard, cleaner etc that you come across, introduce yourself and remember their names. Your security will also improve as the locals will warn you of security threats if they know you and know that they can talk to you. Handshaking is the norm, usually followed by a finger snap. Shake hands with people you meet, even fruitsellers. As Liberia is incredibly poor, you will inevitably be asked for money or help of somekind. Usually the most persistant beggers are former combattants. Giving a little bit of money to the elderly or physically disabled will not go amiss. However, with most children and others, it's best to spend a little time with them, play a game, take digital photos (loved here) and then possibly give something. School fees are expensive (up to a $100/year) so often foreigners are asked to pay for school, but this can also be used as a ploy. Most people in Monrovia, with the exception of internally displaced people, are relatively well-off in Liberian terms. The worst conditions are in the countryside, where help is also most needed. Rather than saying "no" to the requests, considered rude here, say "later" or "tomorrow" or "I will see what I can do". Do not ignore people. It is advisable to bring some business cards. They are given out at every function.