Egyptian Culture and Etiquette: Customs, Greetings and Tipping

A culture wey build on hospitality

Egyptians dey famous for warmth, and hospitality (karam) na serious matter for dem. Expect say dem go offer you tea or soft drink almost everywhere, from Cairo shop to Nubian house for Aswan. To refuse outright fit look cold, so accept small sip even if belle full.

Greetings

Di standard greeting na As-salamu alaykum (peace dey on you), dem go answer with wa alaykum as-salam. Sabah el-kheir mean good morning; shukran na thank you. Men dey shake hand well, dem dey hold di grip pass wetin Westerners expect. With opposite sex, wait make dem lead. Plenty religious women and some men no like shake hand with opposite sex, so to put hand for chest na respectful alternative.

Dress and behaviour

Egypt na conservative, majority-Muslim kontri.

• Cover your shoulder and knee, especially away from beach resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
• Women fit carry light scarf for mosque like Al-Azhar or Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
• Comot shoe before you enter mosque or person house.
• Use your right hand to chop, greet, and give money; dem see left hand as unclean.

Ramadan and religion

During Ramadan, no chop, drink or smoke for public during daylight, e be respect thing. Call to prayer go ring five times a day; no waka pass front of people wey dey pray or snap dem without asking.

Tipping (baksheesh)

Baksheesh dey woven inside everyday life, e no be just luxury, e be small economy.

• Restaurants: 10 to 15 percent, even if service charge already dey inside bill.
• Hotel housekeeping: 20 to 50 EGP per day.
• Bag porters and bathroom attendants: 5 to 10 EGP.
• Felucca captains and Nile guides: tip well if service good.

Carry small notes because dem no dey easily give change for tip.

Dos and don'ts

• Do bargain politely for bazaars like Khan el-Khalili; start around half di asking price and stay jolly.
• Do ask before you snap people, especially women.
• Don't show sole of your foot or point am towards person.
• Don't talk politics or criticize religion with people wey you just meet.
• Don't show public affection pass holding hand.

Stay connected for Egypt

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