A handshake greeting is normal, but a limp wrist may be offered instead of a hand if the hand is dirty or wet. Kissing each cheek is traditionally done to show a hearty welcome, but simply nudging right shoulder together is more common, nowadays. The public display of certain emotions is regarded to be in poor taste, most obviously any informal public show of affection- such as holding hands, kissing or embracing-between males and females.

It is also considered bad to show anger publicly, and losing your temper will almost certainly be counter productive when dealing with obtuse officials, dopey waiters and hotel employees, or uncooperative drivers. Male and Female homosexuality is not only unacceptable to most Ethiopians, but strictly illegal and punishable. Shoes should be removed when entering Ethiopian Orthodox churches and mosques. There are also some churches in which only men are allowed to enter.