Hospitality is profound
Egyptians will invite you to tea, meals, and their homes with staggering generosity. Accept when appropriate. Bringing a small gift (sweets, fruit) is appreciated.
🤝 Etiquette in Egypt
Etiquette in Egypt is mostly invisible until you break it. Greetings, gestures, dining manners and the social cues locals expect are worth learning before you arrive.
In Egypt, etiquette comes down to a few things: hospitality is profound, dress modestly away from resorts, and greetings are warm and lengthy.
Dress modestly away from resorts
In Cairo, Alexandria, and rural areas, cover shoulders and knees. In Sharm el-Sheikh and resort areas, beach attire is fine. Read the room.
Greetings are warm and lengthy
'Salaam aleikum' (peace be upon you) followed by 'how are you, how is your family, praise God.' Don't rush through it — the greeting IS the conversation.