Good To Know, General Tips, Customs To Observe And Understand
In Egypt, tipping is cordially accepted and often expected. Tipping should be spontaneous and it is considered offensive otherwise. Also, it is important to understand that tips are received with gratitude, but Egyptians seldom display this gratitude but will take the tip quietly and immediately depart. Please do not be offended by the lack of gratitude displayed.
Try the famous Egyptians like fuel and Ta’meya.
Buy a local SIM card.
Sun Protection: Egypt can have a hot and sunny climate, so it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Currency: The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). It’s advisable to carry some local currency for small purchases, as not all places may accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Transportation: Cairo and other major cities in Egypt have various transportation options such as taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. It’s advisable to agree on the fare or use the meter before starting your taxi ride.
Language: Arabic is the official language of Egypt, but many people in tourist areas and hotels speak English. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful and appreciated.
Local Customs: Respect the local customs and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas. It’s also polite to ask before entering someone’s home or private property.
Time to Visit: Consider the best time to visit Egypt, as the summer months can be extremely hot. The spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons are generally more comfortable for sightseeing.
If invited to a meal, do not try and finish all the food you have been given, thinking that to leave food would be an insult. Egyptians have the opposite view and if you finish what was initially given, they will feel they have not fed you enough and will insist on giving you more of the food you finished. Eat plenty and enjoy but leave some food so your Egyptian host knows they have not left you hungry.
Places of worship are sacred places for Egyptians and therefore tourists from abroad should demonstrate respect at all times. Both men and women should ensure they are respectful in the clothing worn and that the body is covered including the head when advised. The removal of shoes etc may also be required when entering, places of worship. Friday is considered the most sacred day of the week.
It is also considered very disrespectful to play music at the start of the call to prayer, which you will hear 5 times daily. The exact times will vary throughout the year but will be around 5 am for Fajr, 12 pm for Dhuhr, 3 pm for Asr, 5:30 pm for Maghrib, and 7 pm for Isha.
In general, Egyptians will invite you several times, for example, to join them for tea, or accept a small gift, etc. It is viewed as polite to refuse the initial invitation and this custom should be followed. If an Egyptian decides that he/she will invite you with real spirit, he/she will repeat the invitation again. Please do not feel the Egyptian is ignoring your decline as it is the custom to ask several times. If you can’t honor the request, always promise that you’ll visit them next time. The repeated request should be seen with the kindness it is meant and please do not view it as a hassle.
Both Business and religious communities in Egypt run on a Western/Gregorian calendar but other calendars are widely honored in Egypt. The Islamic calendar is based on viewing religious formalities and the lunar cycle of 12 months of 29 or 30 days. The Muslim year is thus almost 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. This is why the Holy month of Ramadan moves earlier each year. Muslims will not eat or drink during daylight hours and although it is acceptable for non-Muslims not to fast, it is courteous not to deliberately drink, eat or smoke directly in front of someone fasting.
Major Public holidays that are useful to know: 1st day of Spring (2nd Monday after the Coptic Easter day) It is called Sham El-Nessim day. 25th April Sinai Liberation Day 1st May Workers’ day 23rd July 1952 Revolution Day 6th October Armed Forces Day, Victory Day 1973 13th October Suez Liberation Day 23rd December Victory Day Eid El-Adha (Sacrifice feast ) Comes right after the pilgrimage season, it lasts for four days Eid El-Fitr (Breakfast feast) Comes right after the Holy fasting month of Ramadan
