| Egypt, a country famous for its ancient history and | | | | you are riding a taxi, do not tip as mostly the fare is |
| fascinating culture, is indeed a very wonderful place | | | | being negotiated by two parties and usually the |
| to visit. Known for its intriguing archaeological riches, | | | | driver incorporates the fare with the tip. However, |
| friendly hospitable customs and artistic traditions, who | | | | some of the people, especially in tourist-populated |
| would not want to visit the country? If you are | | | | areas, may ask baksheesh over a simple service they |
| planning to travel, do not miss out this country and | | | | do to you. You can give these kinds of people |
| its culture. | | | | baksheesh but it is not a requisite. Therefore, you do |
| Religion | | | | not have to tip in every situation and it is also not |
| Egypt's primary religion is Islam, and Muslims have | | | | always considered as a requisite of the social |
| taken the 90% of its population and the rest of the | | | | etiquette in the country. |
| 10% is Christians. Since most of the population is | | | | Women |
| Islam, its culture dominated the country. Businesses, | | | | Working is not discouraged in women Egyptians. In |
| especially those owned by Muslims, regularly close on | | | | fact, you can see some of them in professional |
| a Friday while Christian-owned establishments close | | | | occupations. The women work for the government, |
| on a Sunday. Also, since it is a country dominated | | | | business, higher education, law, medicine and the like. |
| with Muslim, do expect the people to be called five | | | | Just like any Muslim, you will find women wearing |
| times a day for a prayer. That is why, when visiting, | | | | veils and head coverings yet many of them do not. |
| do not be surprised if in a certain time of the day, | | | | Although they are not a bit conservative when it |
| they stop what they're doing and pray. | | | | comes to women joining the work force, it is highly |
| Crime | | | | encouraged that female tourists should not weak |
| Egyptian culture states that each person is | | | | tank tops. They are still a bit conservative to the |
| responsible for the family name they are carrying. | | | | dress code particularly because of the Egyptian |
| That means, reputation is very important in their | | | | culture. Women in Egypt are encouraged to wear |
| family to the point that a mistake of one is a | | | | long skirts or pants, loose-fitting clothing, and shirts |
| mistake of all. No wonder crime is a very rare | | | | that cover the shoulders to avoid unwanted |
| occasion in this country. Also, since it is a very rare | | | | attention from men. Also, do expect that when |
| occurrence, it has been said that the streets of Cairo | | | | taking transportation and traveling, women are |
| is a lot safer than those in Western cities. Yet, do | | | | segregated from men. Take for example when riding |
| not hold on to this fact and believe that nothing will | | | | a bus, usually, women seat in the front while the |
| happen to you. Pickpockets are still present especially | | | | men in the back. |
| in tourist sports, so be careful with your wallets or | | | | Men |
| purses. Do not also try to walk alone on deserted | | | | Egyptian has casual intimacy like kissing the other |
| areas where you are not familiar with. And at most | | | | men on the cheek, so do not be surprised by this |
| times, keep an eye on your belongings. | | | | gesture. This is their way of greeting and they do |
| Alcohol | | | | not usually require a lot of personal space while |
| Egypt is a bit strict when it comes to alcohol drinking. | | | | interacting with fellow men. |
| Egyptians will not mind if you drink but just do not | | | | Though they are close talkers, be extra careful when |
| over do it as they do not permit it. When in social | | | | interacting with the women. It has been in tradition |
| situations, always ask first if it is appropriate to drink | | | | that it is unseemly proper to speak with women |
| or not since the Muslim religion prohibits its members | | | | when you are not related. Even when engaged in |
| from drinking alcohol. As it is to say, it is much safer | | | | professional situations, making eye contact with |
| to ask first so as to prevent any commotion. | | | | women is considered to be forward already. |
| However, you are still allowed to buy alcohol in shops | | | | Moreover, if talking with the Egyptians avoid going |
| and liquors in some stores. Yet, you are prohibited to | | | | into details and asking about their female relatives. |
| bring up to one liter of alcohol with you through | | | | You may be just trying to be friendly but a |
| customs and you might also have trouble ordering | | | | conservative Egyptian may wrongly interpret it. |
| beer or wine especially in Muslim-owned | | | | Therefore, when traveling to Egypt, please do your |
| establishments. | | | | best to accommodate local custom even if it might |
| Baksheesh or Tipping | | | | be a bit difficult for you to adapt its cultural traditions. |
| It is a general rule that tipping professionals is | | | | Just be open-minded and flexible in dealing with them, |
| discouraged. It is highly inappropriate for them. When | | | | and if you do, you will surely have a good time here. |