#1 2008-11-20 11:17:46
- expat blog
- Your favourite team

- From: small earth
- Registered: 2008-06-01
- Posts: 3204

Do and don't in Burundi
Are you living in Burundi? We need you to share your experience of the local customs 
Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in Burundi?
Could you please share with us a list of the do's and don't's in Burundi?
Thanks!
The expat blog team
Share your expat experience!
Offline
2008-11-20 11:17:46
- AdBot
#2 2009-07-02 16:37:19
- Farangrakthai
- Active member

- From: Bangkok
- Registered: 2009-07-02
- Posts: 33

Re: Do and don't in Burundi
You pretty much can do whatever you want.
At the time I was there anyway, which is 25 years ago... 
Last edited by Farangrakthai (2009-07-02 16:37:39)
Offline
#3 2009-09-10 11:22:58
- marcimpala
- New member

- From: Bujumbura
- Registered: 2009-09-05
- Posts: 4

Re: Do and don't in Burundi
Ok, even after 2 weeks I know some do's and don'ts:
Don't:
1. Never ever ever ever mention the ethnic groups here and if someone tries to guide you into such a conversation, the best reply is to say you know nothing about it.
2. Don't walk around at night, most of the town is off the roads by 11pm for good reason (robberies)
3. Many expats will tell you things are safe in the country side but that's simply not true. Don't travel in rural areas without informing several people of your journey and when you expect to return.
4. Don't take the motorbike taxis, you are asking for trouble.
Do's
1. Return greetings even from strangers as many people here enjoy simply saying hello
2. Visit a ceremony where the drummers are playing as it's awesome to see
3. Enjoy a sunset on the beach and try to see the Congo mountains in the background
4. Come with a healthy knowledge of French (or Kirundu) as English is still not very widely spoken
5. Be prepared for the mosquitos as they are very aggressive and malaria is common here
6. Enjoy the wonderful and rustic areas of the city and for the most part, Western culture is not seen as too bizarre here so you can jog, swim etc without any worries.
Offline
Recommended links
Join the community and participate!
The expat network Burundi helps you to make contacts in Burundi.
Find out more about living in Burundi with the Burundi blogs.
Have a look to the Burundi pictures.
Free advice and quotes to choose an expatriate health insurance Burundi.
A few tips about movers in Burundi.
Expats' advice: how to work in Burundi and how to find an accomodation in Burundi.

