Egyptian Culture and Etiquette: Customs, Greetings and Tipping

A culture built on hospitality

Egyptians are famously warm, and hospitality (karam) is taken seriously. Expect to be offered tea or a soft drink almost everywhere, from a Cairo shop to a Nubian home in Aswan. Refusing outright can feel cold, so accept at least a token sip even if you are full.

Greetings

The standard greeting is As-salamu alaykum (peace be upon you), answered with wa alaykum as-salam. Sabah el-kheir means good morning; shukran is thank you. Men shake hands warmly, often holding the grip a beat longer than Westerners expect. With the opposite sex, wait and follow their lead. Many observant women and some men prefer not to shake hands with the opposite sex, so a hand placed over the heart is a respectful alternative.

Dress and behaviour

Egypt is a conservative, majority-Muslim country.

• Cover shoulders and knees, especially away from beach resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.
• Women may want a light scarf for mosques such as Al-Azhar or the Mosque of Muhammad Ali.
• Remove shoes before entering a mosque or someone's home.
• Use your right hand for eating, greeting and giving money; the left is considered unclean.

Ramadan and religion

During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight out of respect. The call to prayer rings out five times a day; do not walk in front of people praying or photograph them without asking.

Tipping (baksheesh)

Baksheesh is woven into daily life, less a luxury than a small economy.

• Restaurants: 10 to 15 percent, even if a service charge appears.
• Hotel housekeeping: 20 to 50 EGP per day.
• Bag porters and bathroom attendants: 5 to 10 EGP.
• Felucca captains and Nile guides: tip generously for good service.

Keep small notes handy; change is rarely offered for tips.

Dos and don'ts

• Do bargain politely in bazaars like Khan el-Khalili; start around half the asking price and stay good-humoured.
• Do ask before photographing people, especially women.
• Don't show the sole of your foot or point it at someone.
• Don't discuss politics or criticise religion with people you have just met.
• Don't display public affection beyond hand-holding.

Stay connected in Egypt

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