Understanding Egyptian Culture and Customs
Egypt has a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. Understanding local customs and etiquette will help you have a more respectful and enjoyable visit.
Greetings and Social Interaction
Egyptians are generally warm and friendly. A handshake is the standard greeting. In more traditional settings, you might see men greeting each other with a kiss on each cheek. When greeting someone of the opposite gender, wait for them to extend their hand first, or simply nod and smile.
Dress Code
While Egypt is relatively liberal compared to some Middle Eastern countries, modest dress is appreciated, especially in religious areas and smaller towns.
- Women: Cover shoulders and knees. Loose-fitting clothing is best. A scarf is useful for visiting mosques.
- Men: Avoid shorts in mosques and religious sites. Long pants are preferred.
- At resorts: Beachwear is acceptable at Red Sea resorts, but cover up when leaving the resort area.
Religious Sites
When visiting mosques:
- Remove your shoes before entering
- Women should cover their hair with a scarf
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered)
- Be quiet and respectful
- Don't take photos during prayer times
Tipping (Baksheesh)
Tipping is an important part of Egyptian culture. It's expected for various services:
- Tour guides: 50-100 EGP per day (or $5-10 USD)
- Drivers: 30-50 EGP per day
- Hotel staff: 20-50 EGP for porters, housekeeping
- Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill
- Bathroom attendants: 5-10 EGP
- Photography: If someone helps you take a photo, a small tip is appreciated
Always carry small bills for tipping. It's better to tip in Egyptian Pounds, though USD is sometimes accepted.
Bargaining
Bargaining is expected in markets (souks) and with street vendors. Start at about 50% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Be friendly and good-humored about it. In fixed-price shops and restaurants, prices are usually set.
Photography
Always ask permission before taking photos of local people, especially women. Some sites charge extra for photography permits (cameras vs. phones). Flash photography is often prohibited in museums and tombs to protect artifacts.
Food and Dining
Egyptian cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Common dishes include:
- Koshari - Rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas with spicy tomato sauce
- Ful medames - Slow-cooked fava beans, a traditional breakfast
- Ta'ameya - Egyptian falafel made from fava beans
- Shawarma - Spiced meat in pita bread
When dining, it's polite to try a bit of everything if offered. Use your right hand for eating if not using utensils. Always wash hands before meals.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases is appreciated:
- As-salamu alaykum - Peace be upon you (greeting)
- Shukran - Thank you
- Afwan - You're welcome
- La shukran - No thank you
- Inshallah - God willing (used frequently in conversation)
Business Hours
Many businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon (around 1-4 PM). During Ramadan, hours may be adjusted. Friday is the Muslim holy day, so some services may be limited.
Public Behavior
Public displays of affection should be kept minimal. Holding hands is generally acceptable, but more intimate gestures should be avoided. Be respectful when discussing religion or politics.
Respecting Local Customs
Remember that you're a guest in Egypt. Being respectful, patient, and open-minded will go a long way. Egyptians are generally very hospitable and will appreciate your efforts to understand their culture. If you're unsure about something, observe how locals behave or ask your guide.