Egyptian Social Guidelines—for Enjoying Your Trip to
Egypt!
If you are planning to visit Egypt, please allow me to give
you some advice about Egyptian social behaviour. As a professional tour guide with many years of experience, I can help you
present yourself to the people of Egypt so that your visit will be smooth and you will make many Egyptian friends.
Egypt has a unique culture. We also have a different style
of life. Our differences are not far from Western cultures, but they are important differences.
1. Modest clothing is worn in Egypt by both men and women,
although this is especially true for women. Most women in Egypt now wear long clothing that covers their entire bodies, showing
only their hands. Some women even wear gloves. Equally important, women wrap colourful and beautiful scarves around their
heads. They cover their hair, ears, and throat, showing only their faces. Some women even cover their faces with a veil.
If you are a women travelling to Egypt, please wear
clothing that covers most of your body. If you wear shorts, or you show your shoulders, not only will you be the only woman
on the street doing so, but you are likely to receive unpleasant comments from Egyptian men. You may even experience some
hassles in restaurants or shops. In seaside resorts, such as Hurgadah and Sharm el Sheik, it is easier to wear less modest
clothing. However, wearing more modest clothing will bring a big welcome from Egyptians.
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2. Please avoiding drinking alcohol front of local people.
In Islam, we believe that it is a sin to drink alcohol. Although some Egyptians do drink alcohol, they do so mostly in
private.
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3-If you are travelling as a man and woman couple, and you
are walking in the streets of Cairo, Alexandria, or other places in Egypt, please avoid kissing or putting your arms
around each other. Public displays of affection between women and men are not part of Egyptian culture.
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4-If you are a man travelling in Egypt, and you meet an Egyptian
women, please greet her in words. Do not try to kiss her face or hands, or touch her. In Egyptian culture, only men in
her family may use such intimate gestures. A father, brother, husband, or uncle can do so with no problem. But if any other
man attempts any greeting except words, it can be very bad for a woman’s reputation.
If you are a woman travelling in Egypt, please know that you
should not allow an Egyptian man to kiss or even touch you. He can only express his feelings in words.
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As a professional tour guide, I know from my experience
that this advice will help you enjoy your stay in Egypt. Using these simple keys of behaviour will bring you to our hearts.
If you have any other questions about Egyptian social behaviour,
please feel free to email me. I welcome your questions.
From Egypt, with love,
Soha, Egypt Tour Guide
