Home Considerations
- The family unit is the cornerstone of Algerian society, it takes priority over the individual
- Elders hold significant authority and are always greeted and deferred to first
- Showing respect to parents and older relatives is a deeply held value, not just a custom
- Always greet the eldest person in the room first, then move around to your right, greeting each person individually
- Handshakes between men are standard — they may linger or be accompanied by a hand on the arm, which is a sign of warmth, not awkwardness
- With female guests, wait to see if they extend their hand first — never initiate a handshake with a woman
- Among close friends and family, cheek kisses are common — two to four depending on the region. Follow their lead
- Always use your right hand to give and receive things — food, gifts, objects Give gifts with the right hand or both hands — never the left
- Avoid prolonged direct eye contact with female guests — it can feel intrusive