Cell Phone Etiquette

My cell phone- a far cry from my iPhone!

In Tanzania, everyone has a cell phone.  It’s not really different from the U.S. where it’s become the main way for people to communicate with one another.  Of course in another culture, even communication and technology has its differences.

For the most part, cell phones are pretty much the same here as they are in the U.S.  They range from the very basic (which I have myself since I’m only here for a year) to the same smart phones (blackberry, etc) that are more common back home.  Smart phones aren’t as common since people don’t really use them for e-mail or Internet, like people in America are increasingly addicted to on their phones.  Usually you’ll see younger people with smart phones, and mostly so that they can play music loaded on to it. 

What has been most interesting to see from people using their cell phones in Tanzania is that there doesn’t seem to be any appropriate etiquette for using your phone.  Not only do most people seem to use the loudest and wackiest ring tones possible, but I’m not sure if people have discovered a silent mode on their phones.  There really isn’t an inappropriate time for someone to answer their phones.  Often you’ll hear a phone ring and answered during class (not students, but teachers), in staff meetings, even in public libraries and other public areas.  You might even be in mid conversation with someone and they won't hesitate to use their phones!  One reason for this is because most cell phones don’t have voicemail, so usually it’s acceptable to take a call if you get one.  I think it’s been a funny observation while I’ve been here only because cell phone manners (keeping your phone silent, not taking calls in meetings, etc) are pretty important in the U.S.  If anything, it’s always funny to hear a ridiculous ring tone during a serious moment, and also I guess it’s just another part of the very social culture of Tanzania.