Is it permissible to look at foreign women with the intention of getting to know them out of necessity or need, or while waiting, or to buy something?

It is permissible to look at the faces of women without lust or fear of temptation, and out of necessity, such as for transactions, giving testimony, teaching, and the like, provided that it is limited to the extent of the necessity. One must lower the gaze and avert the eyes whenever there is fear of temptation.