As a travel destination, Egypt is arguably one of the most diverse and intriguing countries in the world. Due to its geographical location, scores of tourists fly here with First Choice to relax and unwind on the Red Sea, as beach resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh provide everything a sun seeker could ask for.
Then again, culture vultures are also spoilt for choice, as a great deal of historical highlights are waiting to be explored. From attractions like the Pyramids of Giza and Valley of the Kings to the cities of Alexandria and Cairo, there is seemingly no end of destinations and landmarks to discover.
However, Egypt is a very religious nation and the majority of citizens practice Islam, which governs certain social, political and economic conventions. As such, there are various tips and etiquettes that every tourist should follow when traveling to Egypt.
Meeting and greeting behaviour
Although handshakes are a customary greeting, it is common for Egyptians to acknowledge friends of the same sex with a kiss on the cheek. But those travelling with a spouse or partner should avoid intimate behaviour in public, such as kissing, cuddling or even holding hands.
If you get invited into an Egyptian’s house, take off your shoes before entering. It is also customary to give the homeowner a gift, such as sweet pastries or chocolate. However, flowers are generally reserved for weddings or the ill.
Dress code
If you’re visiting Egypt on a beach holiday, then bikinis, shorts and swimwear are generally acceptable within the confines of a resort. However, conservative and appropriate attire should be worn at all other times.
For women, skirts should be at least below the knee, while it is recommended that shoulders and the tops of arms are also covered. Men on the other hand generally wear trousers as well as shirts that cover their shoulders too.
Dining and tipping
Egyptians are incredibly hospitable, so the portions and quality of food is impressive. However, you should eat with your right hand only, leave a small amount of food on the plate after finishing and show appreciation for the meal.
When it comes to tipping, you are generally expected to be liberal as a rich khawaga (foreigner). However, the boundaries of tipping can get quite confusing, as anything from looking after your shoes at a mosque to opening the door of a toilet are considered worthy of receiving money. Therefore, don’t get annoyed or upset when somebody requests cash and judge each situation on its own merit.
So, even though Egypt is a hugely popular and desirable travel destination among several tourists, it remains a proud and traditional nation with various conventions and customs that should be adhered to.
Images by David Holt, used under the Creative Commons license. https://www.flickr.com/photos/
