Live Life Team
If you are visiting a Muslim country during the holy month of Ramadan, it is extremely important that you respect the local customs. Although you may not be required to follow the laws of the fast – only eating between sunset and sunrise – you could encounter problems finding restaurants or bars that will be open before it gets dark. In fact, many businesses will not be keeping to regular hours. However, hotels will be open as usual. If you are staying in an international hotel, their restaurants will be open during the day but will be out of view from Muslim guests.
The locals will not expect you to fast, but eating, drinking or smoking in public will cause offence and it can be against the law to eat during fasting hours in some countries. It is also important to know how the fasting time is structured. The breaking of the fast, which is known as Iftar, is the time of the day when everyone will be looking to return home to their friends or family to share a meal. Public transport around this time will be heavily congested and taxis will be harder to come by.
At the end of the fast, which is known as Eid, there is widespread celebration that will last for three days. If you are planning to travel around this time, it will be worth waiting until the festival period is over, as there will be plenty of disruption to travel and transport.
