Cultural Etiquette & Local Customs in Egypt: Respect & Enjoy

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / User Nevit Dilmen

Understanding Egyptian customs deepens your travel experience. Follow these etiquette tips on dress, greetings, religious observances and social norms.

1. Dress Code & Modesty

• Men: Long trousers and shirts preferred in mosques and rural areas.
• Women: Cover shoulders and knees; carry a scarf for head covering.
• Beachwear: Swimwear only at tourist beaches or hotel pools.

2. Greetings & Hospitality

• Handshake: Gentle, right hand; wait for a woman to offer first.
• Salam Alaykum: Use “As‑salaamu ʿalaykum”; reply “Wa ʿalaykum as‑salaam.”
• Hosting: Accept tea or coffee; compliment host and use right hand.

3. Ramadan Do’s & Don’ts

• Fasting hours: Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public.
• If breaking fast: Join Iftar in restaurants or with local families.
• Respect quiet: Many shops close mid‑day or open late at night.

4. Photography & Personal Space

• Always ask before photographing locals—especially women and religious sites.
• Avoid pointing soles of shoes or feet at people or holy objects.

5. Tipping & Politeness

• Use “Shukran” (شكراً) to say thank you.
• Tip service staff in small amounts (E£ 5–10) even if service charge included.

Learn more: Egyptian Etiquette (Wikipedia)

Tags: Egypt Etiquette, Cultural Tips Egypt, Ramadan Egypt, Egyptian Customs, Travel Etiquette