Egypt etiquette and culture: dos, don'ts and local customs

Etiquette rules do not change by nationality, but the month you travel and how much cash you carry do. Tips and small purchases are the costs most visitors underestimate.

A handshake is the standard greeting between men. With Egyptian women, wait for her to extend a hand first; if she does not, a nod and a smile is fine. A few words of Arabic go a long way: sabah el kheir (good morning), shukran (thank you) and afwan (you're welcome). Egyptians are used to tourists mangling the dialect and generally appreciate the attempt.

Dress is the visible signal. In Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and other cities, cover shoulders and knees; women may find a light scarf useful for mosques and Coptic churches, and shoes come off at both. At Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada, El Gouna and Sharm el-Sheikh, swimwear and shorts are normal inside the resort but not in the town. Loose, light clothing is also the practical choice in the heat.

Use your right hand to eat, give and receive. Public displays of affection are uncommon; a brief hug between friends is fine, but keep it low-key. Alcohol is served in hotels, Nile cruises and licensed restaurants, though many Egyptians do not drink, so do not assume a bar is around the corner.

Ramadan is the month that changes the most. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and outside tourist hotels you should not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight. Many restaurants close by day and reopen for iftar, the sunset meal, which is often a family occasion. Shops and sights run shorter hours, then come alive late at night. If you are invited to iftar, accept; it is a compliment.

Friday is the main prayer day. Expect mosques to be busiest around midday and some shops to open later. The weekend in Egypt is Friday and Saturday, so government offices and some businesses are closed then. During Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, transport and hotels fill up and prices rise; book ahead.

Baksheesh is not only a tip; it is a payment for a small service, a favour or a photo. Keep a stack of EGP 20–50 notes. In restaurants, 10–15% is normal unless a service charge already appears on the bill. Hotel staff, drivers, guides, toilet attendants and the person who opens a gate may all expect something. Refusing is acceptable if no service was given, but arguing over a small amount rarely improves the day.

In markets and with taxi drivers who are not on a meter, haggling is expected. Ask the price, counter lower, and be ready to walk away; that is part of the exchange, not an insult. For taxis, agree the fare before you get in or insist on the meter. For tours and drivers, agree the total and what it includes, including waiting time and entry fees, before you start.

Ask before photographing people, especially women, and accept a no. In tourist areas, some people will pose and then ask for baksheesh; agree the amount first or decline. Do not photograph police, military sites, airports or bridges. Inside museums and tombs, rules vary and change; follow the signs and staff, and never use a flash where it is banned.

Personal space is closer than in northern Europe or North America, and conversation may include questions about your marital status, salary or religion that would be rude at home. They are usually friendly curiosity, not an interrogation. A short answer and a change of subject works.

Prices, tip bands and Ramadan dates are 2026 estimates and can move with the exchange rate. Carry small notes, keep a copy of your passport, and use licensed guides at major sites. If you are travelling with children, the same dress and greeting rules apply, and Egyptians are generally warm to families. For longer stays and work rules, see the long-stay and working visas page.