Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country — dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) when visiting mosques, markets, and non-resort areas
Remove your shoes before entering mosques and many traditional homes
The left hand is considered unclean in Egyptian tradition — use your right hand for eating, passing objects, and greetings
Photographing military installations, bridges, government buildings, and police is illegal and can result in detention
Egyptian hospitality is deeply important — accepting tea or coffee when offered is polite; refusing repeatedly can cause offense
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet Egyptians with 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) — the response is 'Wa alaykum as-salam'
- Accept offers of tea or mint coffee in shops even if you don't plan to buy — it's a social ritual
- Dress modestly outside beach and resort areas — women should cover shoulders and knees in cities and villages
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and in rural areas
- Bargain respectfully and with good humor at markets — it's expected and part of the social interaction
- Tip service staff generously — baksheesh is an important part of the local economy
Don't
- Don't photograph military facilities, police stations, bridges, or government buildings — this is illegal
- Don't raise your voice or show anger publicly — Egyptians value composure and this can escalate situations
- Don't point the sole of your foot at someone — it is deeply offensive in Egyptian culture
- Don't walk into a mosque during prayer time unless invited — wait respectfully outside
- Don't publicly display romantic affection outside hotel premises — this is culturally inappropriate and technically illegal
- Don't discuss political topics, particularly regarding the current government or the Muslim Brotherhood
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Baksheesh
The custom of baksheesh encompasses tipping, gratuities, and alms-giving and is deeply embedded in Egyptian social life. Small tips are expected for almost all services from toilet attendants to hotel staff to site guards who point out special features.
Friday Prayers
Friday is the Islamic holy day and mosques become full for midday prayers. Many shops close briefly around 12:30-2:00 PM on Fridays. The call to prayer five times daily from mosques is an important part of Egyptian daily rhythm.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and the social calendar inverts — cities come alive after dark with lavish iftar (fast-breaking) meals, streets decorated with lanterns, and special Ramadan sweets. Non-Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Hospitality Culture
Egyptian hospitality (known as karam) is legendary — guests are treated with extraordinary generosity and often offered food, tea, and gifts. Visiting an Egyptian home typically means being served multiple dishes regardless of your hunger. Refusing food multiple times is necessary to genuinely decline.
Sham El Nessim
One of Egypt's oldest festivals dating back 4,500 years to pharaonic times, Sham El Nessim is a national spring holiday celebrated by all Egyptians regardless of religion. Families picnic by the Nile eating traditional salted fish (feseekh), colored eggs, and green onions.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake common between men; Egyptian men may embrace and kiss cheeks. Women wait to see if a man extends his hand first. Adding 'Inshallah' (God willing) to plans and 'Alhamdulillah' (thanks to God) for good news is appreciated.
- Dining
- Wait for the host to seat you; the most honored guest sits furthest from the door. Accept everything offered initially; refuse by saying 'Alhamdulillah' when genuinely full. Eating with the right hand only.
- Dress
- Smart casual in restaurants and public spaces; conservative (covered shoulders, knees) in residential neighborhoods and markets; beach attire only in designated resort areas
- Gifts
- Bringing sweets, fruit, or pastries when visiting an Egyptian home is customary. Gifts are often not opened immediately in front of the giver. Alcohol is inappropriate as a gift unless you know the person well.
- Business
- Exchange business cards respectfully with both hands; address senior people formally. Meetings often start with extended social conversation — moving directly to business is considered rude. Punctuality is appreciated though not always practiced.
- Tipping
- 10-15% at restaurants if no service charge included; EGP 10-20 for porters, guides, and site guards; EGP 5-10 for toilet attendants. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but rounding up is appreciated.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum)
Hello / Peace be upon you
as-SA-la-mu A-lay-kum
وعليكم السلام (Wa alaykum as-salam)
And upon you peace (reply)
wa A-lay-kum as-SA-lam
شكراً (Shukran)
Thank you
SHUK-ran
عفواً (Afwan)
You're welcome
AF-wan
من فضلك (Min fadlak/fadlik)
Please
min FAD-lak (m) / min FAD-lik (f)
نعم (Naam) / أيوه (Aywa)
Yes
NA-am / EYE-wah
لا (La)
No
lah
بكام ده؟ (Bikam dah?)
How much does this cost?
bi-KAM dah
فين...؟ (Feen...?)
Where is...?
feen
مش فاهم (Mesh fahim)
I don't understand
mesh FA-him
بتتكلم إنجليزي؟ (Bititkallem Inglizi?)
Do you speak English?
bi-tit-KAL-lem in-gli-ZI
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Egypt.
Main: Islam is the state religion with approximately 90% of Egyptians being Sunni Muslim. Coptic Christianity accounts for approximately 10% of the population — Egypt's Copts are one of the world's oldest Christian communities.
Sites: Al-Azhar Mosque (Cairo's oldest mosque and the world's oldest university), Coptic Cairo with the Hanging Church and St. Sergius Basilica, Monastery of St. Catherine (Sinai), and hundreds of ancient Islamic monuments throughout Islamic Cairo
Holy Days: Friday is the Islamic holy day. Major Islamic holidays include Eid Al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid Al-Adha (feast of sacrifice), and Mawlid Al-Nabi (Prophet's birthday). Coptic Christmas (January 7) and Coptic Easter are national holidays.
Conversations: Avoid discussing criticisms of Islam, comparisons between religions, or sensitive political-religious issues. The relationship between the state and religion is a particularly sensitive topic.