Somaliland Etiquette: A Friendly Guide to Local Customs
A warm greeting, a cup of spiced tea and a little modesty go a long way. Here is a friendly guide to Somaliland etiquette: how to feel at home, and how to make your hosts feel the same.
CULTURE · CUSTOMS
Visitors to Somaliland often say the same thing: people are curious, generous and quick to welcome a stranger. You do not need to know every custom to be a good guest, but a few basics of Somaliland etiquette will help you start every conversation on the right foot. This guide covers greetings, dress, tea and meals, religion and the small gestures that matter. For the older traditions behind Somali community life, read The Unwritten Laws That Guided Generations.
Greetings: where Somaliland etiquette begins
Almost every conversation begins with Assalamu alaikum, “peace be upon you”. The reply is Wa alaikum assalam, “and peace be upon you”. After that, people often ask Iska warran?, “how are you?”, and the usual answer is Nabad: “I’m fine”, or literally “peace”. Here are a few more phrases that will also earn you a smile:
- Subax wanaagsan: good morning
- Galab wanaagsan: good afternoon
- Habeen wanaagsan: good night
Handshakes are the normal greeting between men, and between women. Many people avoid shaking hands with the opposite sex, so the simplest rule is to let the other person lead. If no hand is offered, a smile and a nod are a friendly alternative.
Somali is the official language and Arabic is the second language, but English is spoken and taught in schools, so in Hargeisa you will often find someone happy to help in English.
What to wear
Somaliland etiquette on dress is simple: modest and comfortable. Everyday dress mixes Western and Islamic styles, and women in Somaliland wear a headscarf in public. So for visitors, a few easy choices work well:
- Men: long trousers and a shirt. Many local men wear the macawiis, a sarong-like wrap, often with an embroidered cap called a koofiyad.
- Women: loose clothing that covers the arms and legs, and a light scarf to cover your hair, especially when visiting mosques, markets or family homes.
You may also see the bright, flowing dirac dresses that women wear for weddings and Eid. They are among the most beautiful sights of a festival day. If you are invited to a wedding, our guide to a traditional Somaliland wedding explains what to expect.
Tea, meals and hospitality
If you are invited for tea, say yes. Shaah, Somaliland’s spiced tea, is flavoured with cardamom and cinnamon, and sharing a cup is how friendships begin. Locally grown coffee is also popular.
The main meal of the day is traditionally lunch, often rice or noodles with meat and sauce. If you eat in someone’s home, expect generous portions and a host who keeps offering more. When you have had enough, simply say so with a smile and a thank you. After the meal, many homes burn frankincense or other incense to perfume the room, a custom with roots in the ancient trade that made this coast famous. For what to order in restaurants, see our guide to Somaliland food.
Religion, Friday and Ramadan
Almost all Somalilanders are Sunni Muslims, and faith shapes the rhythm of the week. On Friday afternoons, worshippers gather for a sermon and group prayer, so expect a quieter city for a few hours.
During Ramadan, life slows down by day and comes alive after sunset. UK government travel advice asks visitors not to eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public during daylight hours, to avoid loud music and to check opening hours, which often change. In return, you may be invited to share an iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast. It is often one of the warmest experiences of a visit. Our guide to the best time to visit Somaliland has the expected Ramadan dates for 2027.
Alcohol is banned under Somaliland law, so do not bring any with you. Instead, try a fresh juice, a cup of spiced tea or, if you are curious, camel milk.
The small gestures of Somaliland etiquette
However, a few habits that are harmless at home can be misread here. According to the Culture of Somaliland overview:
- Avoid the thumbs-up. That is because most Somalis consider it rude.
- Do not beckon with one finger. It is the gesture used for calling dogs. Use your whole hand instead.
- Keep the soles of your feet down. Pointing the sole of your foot or shoe at someone is impolite, so take care when you sit cross-legged.
Photos and personal space
Always ask before taking someone’s photo, especially women and families; most people will tell you straight away. It is also wise to ask before photographing police, soldiers or official buildings. Somaliland is a conservative society, so keep hugs and kisses for private moments. LGBT+ travellers should read the UK travel advice before they go.
Somaliland etiquette at a glance: dos and don’ts
The essentials in one place: five things to do and five to avoid.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Greet with Assalamu alaikum | The thumbs-up gesture |
| Let the other person offer a handshake | Beckoning with one finger |
| Dress modestly; women carry a scarf | Eating in public by day in Ramadan |
| Accept tea when it is offered | Bringing alcohol |
| Say thank you when you have had enough | Photographing people without asking |
In the end, good Somaliland etiquette comes down to small courtesies, and they are noticed and remembered. Arrive with a greeting, accept the tea, and you will leave with more friends than you expected. Before you go, read our Hargeisa travel guide and our guide Is Somaliland safe?. For paying your way, see our guide to money in Somaliland.
Sources
- Culture of Somaliland, Wikipedia (accessed 26 October 2026).
- Culture of Somalia, Wikipedia (accessed 26 October 2026).
- Somalia travel advice: safety and security, laws and cultural differences, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (accessed 26 October 2026).
- As-salamu alaykum, Wikipedia (accessed 27 October 2026).
- Hargeisa Provincial Court demolishes 886 liters of alcohol, Somaliland Standard, 18 December 2019.
Last checked 26 October 2026. Found an error or something out of date? Tell us.
