1. The Republic of South Africa is a developing country, and the quality of the water is far from ideal here. Tourists in South Africa must avoid drinking tap water. Even when brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with bottled water, take a shower so that water does not get into your mouth, order drinks without ice in cafes and restaurants. In ponds, rivers, and lakes, one can catch a parasitic disease, so swimming is not allowed.
2. One shouldn't eat dairy products without ensuring that they were kept at the proper temperature.
3. South African friends should always be greeted with respect and warmth, in a group you need to greet each person separately. This applies to both the first meeting and subsequent ones. Locals often greet their friends with a handshake, hugs, patting on the shoulders and back. One should not try to avoid these gestures, as this may be regarded as unforgivable rudeness.
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5. When entering the house, shoes must be removed immediately.
6. It wouldn't be superfluous to offer the owners help with serving food, washing dishes and so on - this is always appreciated.
8. It should be remembered that Muslims don't eat pork and don't drink alcohol, and Hindus are mostly vegetarians. Although there are not so many representatives of these faiths as Christians in South Africa, they still can be met. Therefore, if the tourist knows that new friends are Muslims and Hindus, it is important to avoid eating and drinking something they do not accept in front of them. It is also worth remembering about the month of Ramadan (May-June) when Muslims keep the fast during the daytime and eat food only at night, so avoid eating in their presence during the day. Tourists invited to Muslims' houses should expect women and men to eat separately.
9. While talking with South Africans, it is important to be face to face and maintain eye contact, as well as to show interest in the conversation. If the interlocutor notices indifference to the topic of conversation, this may cause offense. If the interlocutor approaches or moves closer, this shouldn't be perceived as a threat. In South Africa, people usually stand close to each other during the conversation, and trying to avoid this proximity can offend a person.
10. It is not recommended to criticize the Republic of South Africa, its culture, politics, etc. It is important to avoid talking about apartheid, discrimination, racism and so on. If the interlocutor starts talking about it, it is better to just listen carefully. If the interlocutor talks about the difficult situation in the country, one should listen with participation and express sympathy - that's how you get in good with a local resident.
11. Eating on the street is not accepted unless it is ice cream.
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13. Do not keep your hands in pockets when talking - this is regarded as disrespect. The V gesture meaning "peace" (index and middle fingers) with the palm turned backward is rudeness akin to the middle finger in Western culture. It is better to avoid gesticulating with your left hand, as many South Africans find this rude. You should always cover your mouth while yawning. Taking something, use both hands.
14. Admiring something that belongs to the South African, for example, at his home, it is important to know where to stop, otherwise the owner will feel obliged to present it. Light praise, on the contrary, is welcome.