Helpful Travel Information:
Listed below are numerous topics about Egypt and travel in the country. It ranges from
temperature to customs. There is a lot of information gathered from several sources. Most
important is to dress conservatively, not wear flashy jewelry or wave money around, and act
moderately. In February and March the weather will be pleasant but can range from high
80s during the day to low 50s at night. Be prepared and layer up.
I have been blessed to travel in Egypt three times before and my experiences were magical.
The people are friendly and the shopping is grand. We have private time for our group in
several sacred sites and will have plenty of time for rituals, ceremonies, meditations and
reflections at all the sacred sites. What a mystical journey we are embarking on. Mighty Isis I
Humbly Pray Protect Our Souls Sacred Journey!
Exchange Rate and Banking:
Egyptian currency is in Egyptian Pounds (LE). The approximate exchange rate is about
5.75 Egyptian Pounds to 1 US Dollar. In Egypt most of the banks open from Sunday to
Thursday, working hours are 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, however banks at the airport and the
majors entry ports are open 24 hours daily. You will find plenty of banks at the airport and
foreign currency exchange offices every where. Your duty free goods must be purchased
within 48 hours after arrival.
Note: most the major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, and VISA are
widely accepted in various hotels and shops. ATM machines mostly accept Visa, Master
Card and Cirrus cards, if you don't find an ATM machine in your hotel’s vicinity you can still
obtain cash if you go to any Misr branches. Banks are unwillingly to accept US $100 notes
issued before 1992. You can use US$ and English sterling or Euros to exchange, as they
are accepted in many places and banks.
If you at any point during your tour, you run out of money and your credit cards are not
accepted anymore you still can get money wired to you from abroad. In Egypt there are
plenty of western union branches; it is few minutes to get any sum of money sent you from
abroad.
Appliances:
The electricity current is 220 volts , 50 MHz; North American travelers are advised to bring a
converter as sockets are designed for round pronged plugs. The power plugs used in Egypt
are 220 volts, if you are coming from a country using 110 please don't forget to bring you
converter-- the socket pins in the wall are the two holes type!
Calling Home:
To call any countries outside Egypt, dial your country code and then your city code and
number. If you have family or friends calling you from the United States tell them to dial 011
before they put the country code and the city code.
The best and the cheapest time to place your call is after 8:00 PM. If you wish to make an
international call simply buy a Mena-tel card. It should give you around 3 minutes to any
place in the world and there usually are plenty of locations around your hotel where you will
find a yellow phone box to dial your call.
Weather and General Travel Information:
Peak travel season in Egypt runs from mid October to May. After May for the rest of the
year it is fairly hot, especially at Luxor and further south. Temperatures during the summer
time are fairly high, but yet summer offers a time to see Egypt in relative peace and quite.
The tourist season in Egypt is winter and spring, but in that high season prices go up.
Sun protection is a most important consideration for an Egypt trip especially for the fair-
skinned. Wearing a sun-hat is essential. Cheap and pure cotton Sun hats are made locally
and available everywhere. Travel clothing should be light and comfortable, 100% cotton
clothing is the best. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must. The climate of Egypt is
characterized by a hot season from May to September and a cool season from November to
March. Extreme temperatures during both seasons are moderated by the prevailing
northern winds.
• In the coastal region average annual temperatures range from a maximum of 37° C
(99° F) to a minimum of 14° C (57° F). Wide variations of temperature occur in the deserts,
ranging from a maximum of 46° C (114° F) during daylight hours to a minimum of 6° C (42°
F) after sunset. During the winter season desert temperatures often drop to 0° C (32° F).
• The most humid area is along the Mediterranean coast, where the average annual
rainfall is about 200 mm. Precipitation decreases rapidly to the south; Cairo receives on
average only about 29 mm of rain every year, and in many desert locations it may rain only
once in several years !
Winter weather is colder than most people anticipate and cold winds blow over the desert at
sunrise and sunset. Even when it is worm outside in winter, it can be surprisingly cold inside
the massive stone temples. In winter showers fall everywhere between October and April, so
bring a few items of light but warm clothing, to cope with the early mornings and the
occasional and unseasonable winter cold snap.
Bring one or two dressy outfits along for the evenings out and specially for parties and
special occasions and just to get out of your tour outfit. When staying in a 5 Star hotel or a
cruise, know that luxury hotels and all the Nile Cruises have efficient but surprisingly pricey
laundry services. If you object to paying for laundry, you can wash out your clothing-- just
bring some detergent along with a few yards of clothing line.
Bring a swimsuit since the hotels and cruise ships have nice warm swimming pools. If you
are going to the desert you will get dry quickly, so cover your head all times.
Make sure that you have a good stock of water with you. Egyptian mineral water is
available everywhere.
Cruise Information:
Accommodation aboard the cruise boat is on full board basis. In other words all meals
included, often buffet style; these meals are basically served with a fixed time table. Tea and
coffee are offered while on the move every day at 5:00 pm. Other drinks are offered in the
bar area.
Every day there is a an entertainment program which vary from one boat the other. In most
of the cruise trips, usually the fist day is a cocktail party run by the boat where they offer
free drinks and introduce the staff on board. This party also called manger’s party where he
introduces his crew to the guests on board; don’t forget to wear nice clothing during this
party.
Another night there is a Galabeya party , where you will be encouraged to get Egyptian out
fit and wear the local Galabeya, during such party some entertainment games are
conducted and the tour guides on board will be running the party. It is so much fun!! To buy
a Galabeya it will cost you around 50 LE, if you wish not to buy one you can hire one from
the bazaar shop located on board. There are many local bazaars outside the temples that
you will be visiting during your cruise journey. Don’t forget to haggle hard! Another night
might be a Nubian show, where you will see Nubian dancers and singers in their local outfit.
The last evening entertainment usually is a belly dancing show, a jugglers show and local
singers and local band.
During the day time while touring wear what ever you really like. Due to the exposure to the
extreme heat it is recommended you wear light clothing such as loose cotton pants, skirts or
walking shorts. You can attend breakfast and lunch wearing such clothing. But for dinner
you will need to dress in more dressy dinner attire.
All extras such as drinks bills, laundry, bills, telephones bills, will be settled at the last day of
the cruise at check out time. Payment can be made with credit cards, travelers check, or
cash. All cruise boats don’t accept personal checks! Make sure you have enough cash, just
in case your card is not working probably.
Upon checking in on the cruise boat, it is advisable to leave your valuables in safe deposit
box that will be available whether in the reception or a private safe into your cabin. If you
wish to buy any items from the shops on board the cruise, the opportunity for shopping is
generally limited due to the small sizes of these shop, but on the other hand you will get
enough time to check what you get and haggle the price!
If you wish you to call home, most of the cruise boats offer telephone facilities on board. But
the quality is not as good as offshore.
If you get sick while being on board , some cruise boats have a resident doctor on board, if
not they have doctors assigned in each town where they call in case of emergency.
I would recommend visiting a bank to change your money before cruising, as most of the
cruise boats charge steep exchange rates. You will not get access to banks during the
cruise journey.
Health Concerns:
Many tourists have health concerns when traveling in other countries and these usually
revolve around the cleanliness of the water, the safety of the food, potential illnesses and
the standard of hospital care. In Egypt, everything is quite safe, except the tap water, which
you may choose not to drink as the water in Egypt is highly chlorinated. This actually
doesn't mean that the tap water is polluted. It simply means that you are not used to this
water. It is much better to stick with the bottled water (including brushing your teeth) and is
much safer and easier for your system during your trip. Tourists are often advised not to
eat fresh fruits or vegetables. But this means missing out on the best fresh food and some
of the best taste sensations. In Egypt, it is safe to eat fruits and vegetables, as long as the
food has been washed and you remove peels. You will find any good hotel or cruise boat
will wash it before they cook it, so don't worry! Don't eat from cheap local places, if you wish
to eat local food then stick with Falafel or Tamia, preferably from a known place such as the
restaurants on the streets of Downtown.
It is always a good idea to bring mosquitoes repellent for open-air night events, just to
minimize the annoyance factor. To cure any type of diarrhea, there are excellent
medications which work very fast on removing the worst of the symptoms and putting you
back on your feet in a hurry. I would advise you to bring a supply of any medicines that you
take regularly and bring the prescription too. But feel safe in the knowledge that in the
unlikely event of serious trouble, your hotel or cruise boat staff will find and provide a doctor
for you instantly.
Culture and Tradition:
Egypt is country of cultural mix. In every major city in Egypt you will find traditions that
remained from the pharaohs times, and in other parts you will find pure tribal customs, which
were brought by many invaders throughout the centuries. In that contradiction and
contrast between areas of Egypt, when you compare it with other middle eastern countries,
you will find Egypt is considered advanced among others, yet here you will find that the
customs and mentality tends to be full of warmth towards visitors and foreigners. I guess
this is the secret why Egypt is considered the most attractive country in the region for
travelers. The pure nature of the local Egyptians when they are always there when you need
help, or when they invite you into their houses and they hardly know you, or when they
smile in your face, makes a visit to Egypt a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
Egypt’s population consists of 67 million 57 million of them are Sunni Muslims and about 10
Million are Coptic Christians (Christian Egyptians). Although public statistics indicate that
they are not more than 7 million. Whether Muslim or Coptic, the Egyptians are moderately
religious and religious principles is quite noticed in their daily lives. Here each family member
is responsible for the integrity of family and for the behavior of other members, creating an
environment that would be envied by many people in the West. Here they are so close to
each others, family ties are far stronger than in the west, hence you will find any major city in
Egypt, is more safer than any western metropolis. Yet when travelers come to Egypt they
are often apprehensive. Their views of Egyptians and Arabs, fomented by unkind and
untrue media stories, often bear no relation to reality. Travelers when they meet Egyptians
are often surprised by their friendly, hospitable reception and take home with them good
feelings about Egypt and its population.
Egyptians form a society of a mixture of Middle Eastern family standards, taken from the
different religious rules whether in Islam or Christianity, it created a sort of background that
can color their decision-making in a way difficult for foreigners to understand. Yet it is
precisely this training that makes Egyptians some of the most charming and helpful of
hosts. By understanding the culture and with consideration for your hosts, you can be a
welcome guest in Egypt.
In general, Egyptians are most accommodating and they will go out of their way to help you
and respond to any questions you have. Most Egyptians require little personal space and
will stand within inches of you to talk! You will find that whenever you start talking with an
Egyptian, you will inevitably draw a crowd, and often the Egyptians will start discussing
among themselves over the correct answer to a question. Although most of the Moslems in
Egypt do not drink alcohol they don’t object to others drinking, but imbibing in reasonable
amounts. In Egypt people don't eat pork, and rarely will you find a place that offers pork
choice on their menu.
In Egypt there are hardly any restrictions on foreign women. Ticket lines, for example, are
occasionally segregated. Women line up with other women (especially since the lines are
usually shorter). On the underground lines, the first car is usually reserved for women,
especially elderly ones. For men, speaking to an unknown Egyptian woman is a breach of
etiquette. Take care in any liaisons you form because some families still follow ancient
traditions. Crime in Egypt is nearly nonexistent, and violence is usually limited to family
feuds. However, in tourism areas some pickpockets and petty thieves may exist, so be
careful and remember that the ever helpful tourism police are usually nearby. Women must
be cautious, especially in out-lying areas. Stay completely away from drugs and leave yours
at home.
Egyptians, if offered anything, will refuse the first invitation which is customary. Therefore
(unless you're dealing with Egyptians used to Western frankness) you should do the same.
If the offer is from the heart and not just politeness, it will be repeated. If you're invited into a
home, especially in small villages, and have to refuse, the householder will often press for a
promise from you to visit in the future, usually for a meal. If you make such a promise, keep
it, for having foreign guests is often considered a social coup. If you fail to arrive, your
would-be host will be humiliated. To repay invitations, you may host a dinner in a restaurant,
a common practice.
Tipping (Baksheesh):
Tipping is way of life in Egypt. If someone does something you would consider as an extra
effort, they are expecting to be tipped. You only tip if you feel you want to do it, there is no
pressure, but of course it would leave a good impression, and many people are surviving on
very little. Don't give small amounts of notes or coins as tips to people who helped you all
the way throughout your trip such as drivers, tour leaders, tour escorts as it would be an
insult for them so tip appropriately. And please, do not offer tips to professionals,
businessmen, or others who would consider themselves your equals. You may seriously
offend them by your act.
Women in Egypt:
The Egyptian woman is well educated. She will spent a great part of her life cherished and
being looked after by her parents until she gets married. In Egypt 85% of the girls keep
themselves virgins till they get married, this is a common choice in the middle east, as men
usually believe that this is a sign of morality and good karma. Yet 90% of men prefer virgin
women to marry.
Here you will find plenty of girls are wearing the veil, it is common these days among many
families. Nowadays in Egypt, many women wear the veil demonstrating either modesty or
Muslim piety. One reason this is favored by many young professional women, is that it tends
to discourage male advances, physical or verbal.
It is very important in Islam that the woman be less seductive to a stranger and to show
modesty. You may find it difficult not to impose your western concepts of feminism on such
an inherent part of life. From the 1930s onwards, Egyptian women began to enter into
business and many professions. Thus by 1965, thanks in part to social changes affected in
the course of the July Revolution, Egypt could boast a far higher proportion of women
working as doctors, dentists, lawyers, professors, diplomats, ministers, or high officials than
might have been found in the US or in any European country outside of Scandinavia.
Entering Places of Worship:
Major famous mosques are open to the public unless services are in progress (the main
service is on Friday at noon). Keep in mind that a mosque differs from a western church in
that Christian churches are considered houses of God, while mosques are more a gathering
place for the faithful of Islam. All visitors to mosques, mausoleums, and Madrasas (religious
schools) must remove their shoes. Most Muslims walk around in their stockings, yet
sometimes in those mosques that are major tourist attractions canvas overshoes available;
a tip of 50 PT to 1 LE, is in order for the people who put them on for you. Women must
cover bare arms. There is no need to wear a hat, or to cover hair. Men and women should
wear a long shirt and long trousers when you visiting a mosque.
Major Holidays:
The business and secular community in Egypt operates under the Western (Gregorian)
calendar (BC/AD). But other calendars have official status in Egypt. The Islamic calendar
(AH) is used to fix religious observances and is based on a lunar cycle of 12 months of 29 or
30 days. The Muslim year is thus 11 days shorter than the year according to the Gregorian
calendar and months move forward accordingly. In the Gregorian calendar, for example,
April is always in the spring, but in the Muslim calendar all months move through all seasons
in a 33-year cycle. The Coptic calendar (AM) is based on a solar cycle and consists of 12
months of 30 days and one month of 5 days. Every four years a sixth day is added to the
shorter month. An adaptation of the Coptic calendar is used by many farmers for planting
and harvesting crops. It is used by the authorities of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Listed below are numerous topics about Egypt and travel in the country. It ranges from
temperature to customs. There is a lot of information gathered from several sources. Most
important is to dress conservatively, not wear flashy jewelry or wave money around, and act
moderately. In February and March the weather will be pleasant but can range from high
80s during the day to low 50s at night. Be prepared and layer up.
I have been blessed to travel in Egypt three times before and my experiences were magical.
The people are friendly and the shopping is grand. We have private time for our group in
several sacred sites and will have plenty of time for rituals, ceremonies, meditations and
reflections at all the sacred sites. What a mystical journey we are embarking on. Mighty Isis I
Humbly Pray Protect Our Souls Sacred Journey!
Exchange Rate and Banking:
Egyptian currency is in Egyptian Pounds (LE). The approximate exchange rate is about
5.75 Egyptian Pounds to 1 US Dollar. In Egypt most of the banks open from Sunday to
Thursday, working hours are 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, however banks at the airport and the
majors entry ports are open 24 hours daily. You will find plenty of banks at the airport and
foreign currency exchange offices every where. Your duty free goods must be purchased
within 48 hours after arrival.
Note: most the major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, and VISA are
widely accepted in various hotels and shops. ATM machines mostly accept Visa, Master
Card and Cirrus cards, if you don't find an ATM machine in your hotel’s vicinity you can still
obtain cash if you go to any Misr branches. Banks are unwillingly to accept US $100 notes
issued before 1992. You can use US$ and English sterling or Euros to exchange, as they
are accepted in many places and banks.
If you at any point during your tour, you run out of money and your credit cards are not
accepted anymore you still can get money wired to you from abroad. In Egypt there are
plenty of western union branches; it is few minutes to get any sum of money sent you from
abroad.
Appliances:
The electricity current is 220 volts , 50 MHz; North American travelers are advised to bring a
converter as sockets are designed for round pronged plugs. The power plugs used in Egypt
are 220 volts, if you are coming from a country using 110 please don't forget to bring you
converter-- the socket pins in the wall are the two holes type!
Calling Home:
To call any countries outside Egypt, dial your country code and then your city code and
number. If you have family or friends calling you from the United States tell them to dial 011
before they put the country code and the city code.
The best and the cheapest time to place your call is after 8:00 PM. If you wish to make an
international call simply buy a Mena-tel card. It should give you around 3 minutes to any
place in the world and there usually are plenty of locations around your hotel where you will
find a yellow phone box to dial your call.
Weather and General Travel Information:
Peak travel season in Egypt runs from mid October to May. After May for the rest of the
year it is fairly hot, especially at Luxor and further south. Temperatures during the summer
time are fairly high, but yet summer offers a time to see Egypt in relative peace and quite.
The tourist season in Egypt is winter and spring, but in that high season prices go up.
Sun protection is a most important consideration for an Egypt trip especially for the fair-
skinned. Wearing a sun-hat is essential. Cheap and pure cotton Sun hats are made locally
and available everywhere. Travel clothing should be light and comfortable, 100% cotton
clothing is the best. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must. The climate of Egypt is
characterized by a hot season from May to September and a cool season from November to
March. Extreme temperatures during both seasons are moderated by the prevailing
northern winds.
• In the coastal region average annual temperatures range from a maximum of 37° C
(99° F) to a minimum of 14° C (57° F). Wide variations of temperature occur in the deserts,
ranging from a maximum of 46° C (114° F) during daylight hours to a minimum of 6° C (42°
F) after sunset. During the winter season desert temperatures often drop to 0° C (32° F).
• The most humid area is along the Mediterranean coast, where the average annual
rainfall is about 200 mm. Precipitation decreases rapidly to the south; Cairo receives on
average only about 29 mm of rain every year, and in many desert locations it may rain only
once in several years !
Winter weather is colder than most people anticipate and cold winds blow over the desert at
sunrise and sunset. Even when it is worm outside in winter, it can be surprisingly cold inside
the massive stone temples. In winter showers fall everywhere between October and April, so
bring a few items of light but warm clothing, to cope with the early mornings and the
occasional and unseasonable winter cold snap.
Bring one or two dressy outfits along for the evenings out and specially for parties and
special occasions and just to get out of your tour outfit. When staying in a 5 Star hotel or a
cruise, know that luxury hotels and all the Nile Cruises have efficient but surprisingly pricey
laundry services. If you object to paying for laundry, you can wash out your clothing-- just
bring some detergent along with a few yards of clothing line.
Bring a swimsuit since the hotels and cruise ships have nice warm swimming pools. If you
are going to the desert you will get dry quickly, so cover your head all times.
Make sure that you have a good stock of water with you. Egyptian mineral water is
available everywhere.
Cruise Information:
Accommodation aboard the cruise boat is on full board basis. In other words all meals
included, often buffet style; these meals are basically served with a fixed time table. Tea and
coffee are offered while on the move every day at 5:00 pm. Other drinks are offered in the
bar area.
Every day there is a an entertainment program which vary from one boat the other. In most
of the cruise trips, usually the fist day is a cocktail party run by the boat where they offer
free drinks and introduce the staff on board. This party also called manger’s party where he
introduces his crew to the guests on board; don’t forget to wear nice clothing during this
party.
Another night there is a Galabeya party , where you will be encouraged to get Egyptian out
fit and wear the local Galabeya, during such party some entertainment games are
conducted and the tour guides on board will be running the party. It is so much fun!! To buy
a Galabeya it will cost you around 50 LE, if you wish not to buy one you can hire one from
the bazaar shop located on board. There are many local bazaars outside the temples that
you will be visiting during your cruise journey. Don’t forget to haggle hard! Another night
might be a Nubian show, where you will see Nubian dancers and singers in their local outfit.
The last evening entertainment usually is a belly dancing show, a jugglers show and local
singers and local band.
During the day time while touring wear what ever you really like. Due to the exposure to the
extreme heat it is recommended you wear light clothing such as loose cotton pants, skirts or
walking shorts. You can attend breakfast and lunch wearing such clothing. But for dinner
you will need to dress in more dressy dinner attire.
All extras such as drinks bills, laundry, bills, telephones bills, will be settled at the last day of
the cruise at check out time. Payment can be made with credit cards, travelers check, or
cash. All cruise boats don’t accept personal checks! Make sure you have enough cash, just
in case your card is not working probably.
Upon checking in on the cruise boat, it is advisable to leave your valuables in safe deposit
box that will be available whether in the reception or a private safe into your cabin. If you
wish to buy any items from the shops on board the cruise, the opportunity for shopping is
generally limited due to the small sizes of these shop, but on the other hand you will get
enough time to check what you get and haggle the price!
If you wish you to call home, most of the cruise boats offer telephone facilities on board. But
the quality is not as good as offshore.
If you get sick while being on board , some cruise boats have a resident doctor on board, if
not they have doctors assigned in each town where they call in case of emergency.
I would recommend visiting a bank to change your money before cruising, as most of the
cruise boats charge steep exchange rates. You will not get access to banks during the
cruise journey.
Health Concerns:
Many tourists have health concerns when traveling in other countries and these usually
revolve around the cleanliness of the water, the safety of the food, potential illnesses and
the standard of hospital care. In Egypt, everything is quite safe, except the tap water, which
you may choose not to drink as the water in Egypt is highly chlorinated. This actually
doesn't mean that the tap water is polluted. It simply means that you are not used to this
water. It is much better to stick with the bottled water (including brushing your teeth) and is
much safer and easier for your system during your trip. Tourists are often advised not to
eat fresh fruits or vegetables. But this means missing out on the best fresh food and some
of the best taste sensations. In Egypt, it is safe to eat fruits and vegetables, as long as the
food has been washed and you remove peels. You will find any good hotel or cruise boat
will wash it before they cook it, so don't worry! Don't eat from cheap local places, if you wish
to eat local food then stick with Falafel or Tamia, preferably from a known place such as the
restaurants on the streets of Downtown.
It is always a good idea to bring mosquitoes repellent for open-air night events, just to
minimize the annoyance factor. To cure any type of diarrhea, there are excellent
medications which work very fast on removing the worst of the symptoms and putting you
back on your feet in a hurry. I would advise you to bring a supply of any medicines that you
take regularly and bring the prescription too. But feel safe in the knowledge that in the
unlikely event of serious trouble, your hotel or cruise boat staff will find and provide a doctor
for you instantly.
Culture and Tradition:
Egypt is country of cultural mix. In every major city in Egypt you will find traditions that
remained from the pharaohs times, and in other parts you will find pure tribal customs, which
were brought by many invaders throughout the centuries. In that contradiction and
contrast between areas of Egypt, when you compare it with other middle eastern countries,
you will find Egypt is considered advanced among others, yet here you will find that the
customs and mentality tends to be full of warmth towards visitors and foreigners. I guess
this is the secret why Egypt is considered the most attractive country in the region for
travelers. The pure nature of the local Egyptians when they are always there when you need
help, or when they invite you into their houses and they hardly know you, or when they
smile in your face, makes a visit to Egypt a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
Egypt’s population consists of 67 million 57 million of them are Sunni Muslims and about 10
Million are Coptic Christians (Christian Egyptians). Although public statistics indicate that
they are not more than 7 million. Whether Muslim or Coptic, the Egyptians are moderately
religious and religious principles is quite noticed in their daily lives. Here each family member
is responsible for the integrity of family and for the behavior of other members, creating an
environment that would be envied by many people in the West. Here they are so close to
each others, family ties are far stronger than in the west, hence you will find any major city in
Egypt, is more safer than any western metropolis. Yet when travelers come to Egypt they
are often apprehensive. Their views of Egyptians and Arabs, fomented by unkind and
untrue media stories, often bear no relation to reality. Travelers when they meet Egyptians
are often surprised by their friendly, hospitable reception and take home with them good
feelings about Egypt and its population.
Egyptians form a society of a mixture of Middle Eastern family standards, taken from the
different religious rules whether in Islam or Christianity, it created a sort of background that
can color their decision-making in a way difficult for foreigners to understand. Yet it is
precisely this training that makes Egyptians some of the most charming and helpful of
hosts. By understanding the culture and with consideration for your hosts, you can be a
welcome guest in Egypt.
In general, Egyptians are most accommodating and they will go out of their way to help you
and respond to any questions you have. Most Egyptians require little personal space and
will stand within inches of you to talk! You will find that whenever you start talking with an
Egyptian, you will inevitably draw a crowd, and often the Egyptians will start discussing
among themselves over the correct answer to a question. Although most of the Moslems in
Egypt do not drink alcohol they don’t object to others drinking, but imbibing in reasonable
amounts. In Egypt people don't eat pork, and rarely will you find a place that offers pork
choice on their menu.
In Egypt there are hardly any restrictions on foreign women. Ticket lines, for example, are
occasionally segregated. Women line up with other women (especially since the lines are
usually shorter). On the underground lines, the first car is usually reserved for women,
especially elderly ones. For men, speaking to an unknown Egyptian woman is a breach of
etiquette. Take care in any liaisons you form because some families still follow ancient
traditions. Crime in Egypt is nearly nonexistent, and violence is usually limited to family
feuds. However, in tourism areas some pickpockets and petty thieves may exist, so be
careful and remember that the ever helpful tourism police are usually nearby. Women must
be cautious, especially in out-lying areas. Stay completely away from drugs and leave yours
at home.
Egyptians, if offered anything, will refuse the first invitation which is customary. Therefore
(unless you're dealing with Egyptians used to Western frankness) you should do the same.
If the offer is from the heart and not just politeness, it will be repeated. If you're invited into a
home, especially in small villages, and have to refuse, the householder will often press for a
promise from you to visit in the future, usually for a meal. If you make such a promise, keep
it, for having foreign guests is often considered a social coup. If you fail to arrive, your
would-be host will be humiliated. To repay invitations, you may host a dinner in a restaurant,
a common practice.
Tipping (Baksheesh):
Tipping is way of life in Egypt. If someone does something you would consider as an extra
effort, they are expecting to be tipped. You only tip if you feel you want to do it, there is no
pressure, but of course it would leave a good impression, and many people are surviving on
very little. Don't give small amounts of notes or coins as tips to people who helped you all
the way throughout your trip such as drivers, tour leaders, tour escorts as it would be an
insult for them so tip appropriately. And please, do not offer tips to professionals,
businessmen, or others who would consider themselves your equals. You may seriously
offend them by your act.
Women in Egypt:
The Egyptian woman is well educated. She will spent a great part of her life cherished and
being looked after by her parents until she gets married. In Egypt 85% of the girls keep
themselves virgins till they get married, this is a common choice in the middle east, as men
usually believe that this is a sign of morality and good karma. Yet 90% of men prefer virgin
women to marry.
Here you will find plenty of girls are wearing the veil, it is common these days among many
families. Nowadays in Egypt, many women wear the veil demonstrating either modesty or
Muslim piety. One reason this is favored by many young professional women, is that it tends
to discourage male advances, physical or verbal.
It is very important in Islam that the woman be less seductive to a stranger and to show
modesty. You may find it difficult not to impose your western concepts of feminism on such
an inherent part of life. From the 1930s onwards, Egyptian women began to enter into
business and many professions. Thus by 1965, thanks in part to social changes affected in
the course of the July Revolution, Egypt could boast a far higher proportion of women
working as doctors, dentists, lawyers, professors, diplomats, ministers, or high officials than
might have been found in the US or in any European country outside of Scandinavia.
Entering Places of Worship:
Major famous mosques are open to the public unless services are in progress (the main
service is on Friday at noon). Keep in mind that a mosque differs from a western church in
that Christian churches are considered houses of God, while mosques are more a gathering
place for the faithful of Islam. All visitors to mosques, mausoleums, and Madrasas (religious
schools) must remove their shoes. Most Muslims walk around in their stockings, yet
sometimes in those mosques that are major tourist attractions canvas overshoes available;
a tip of 50 PT to 1 LE, is in order for the people who put them on for you. Women must
cover bare arms. There is no need to wear a hat, or to cover hair. Men and women should
wear a long shirt and long trousers when you visiting a mosque.
Major Holidays:
The business and secular community in Egypt operates under the Western (Gregorian)
calendar (BC/AD). But other calendars have official status in Egypt. The Islamic calendar
(AH) is used to fix religious observances and is based on a lunar cycle of 12 months of 29 or
30 days. The Muslim year is thus 11 days shorter than the year according to the Gregorian
calendar and months move forward accordingly. In the Gregorian calendar, for example,
April is always in the spring, but in the Muslim calendar all months move through all seasons
in a 33-year cycle. The Coptic calendar (AM) is based on a solar cycle and consists of 12
months of 30 days and one month of 5 days. Every four years a sixth day is added to the
shorter month. An adaptation of the Coptic calendar is used by many farmers for planting
and harvesting crops. It is used by the authorities of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Travel Information
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