Somalia Social Life

Food Drink:
In peacetime, restaurants in the major cities serve Chinese, European, Italian and Somali food. Local food includes lobster, prawn, squid, crab, fresh tuna, Somali bananas, mangoes and papaya. A traditional Somali meal is roast kid and spiced rice.

Nightlife:
Local bands playing African and European music perform at nightclubs. There are frequent traditional feasts with ritualistic and recreational dance, music and folk songs.

Shopping:
Traditional crafts include gold, silver jewellery, woven cloth and baskets from the Benadir region, meerschaum and woodcarvings.
Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-1230 and 1630-1900.

Social Conventions:
Traditional dance, music, song and craftsmanship flourish despite gradual modern development. Informal wear is acceptable and there is no objection to bikinis on the beach. Visitors should respect local customs.
Tipping: 10 to 15 per cent is normal in hotels and restaurants.

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