10 Taboo or Offensive Things to Avoid Doing in Egypt
10 Taboo or Offensive Things to Avoid Doing in Egypt 🇪🇬🚫🌍
Egypt is a country of rich history, breathtaking monuments, and warm hospitality, yet it also has deep-rooted traditions and customs that visitors should respect to avoid misunderstandings. 🎭🏺✨
To ensure a more respectful and enriching experience while traveling, here are 10 things NOT to do in Egypt, helping you avoid uncomfortable situations and fostering positive interactions with locals. ✈️🗺️🌞
1. Don’t Assume Egypt Is All Desert & Pyramids 🏜️🚫🕌
Sure, the Pyramids of Giza are incredible, but Egypt is so much more than just deserts and ancient ruins! Many visitors are surprised to find bustling cities, modern resorts, and lush farmlands along the Nile. 🌆🌴🚢
Egypt is home to high-tech business districts like Smart Village in Cairo, vibrant cultural hubs such as Downtown Cairo’s arts scene, and stunning coastlines along the Red Sea, attracting divers and beach lovers worldwide. The country also has fertile agricultural lands that supply food to the region. Understanding this diversity can enhance your experience and appreciation of the country. 🌊🌇🌿
💡 What to do instead: Explore beyond Cairo and the pyramids! Plan at least a few days to visit Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, the Red Sea, and Siwa Oasis, as each location offers unique experiences that require time to fully appreciate. 🚤🎭🏖️
2. Don’t Dress Inappropriately (Especially in Religious Sites) 👗🚫🕌
Egypt is a conservative country, and showing too much skin—especially in mosques, rural areas, or local markets—can be seen as disrespectful. While some urban areas and Red Sea resorts are more relaxed, the general expectation is to dress modestly. 🏙️🧕🛍️
💡 What to do instead: Dress modestly, especially outside touristy areas. Women should cover shoulders and knees, and men should avoid tank tops and shorts in mosques. A scarf can be handy for covering up when needed. In some mosques, robes are available for visitors. 🧣🕌✅
If visiting the beach or pool areas, wearing swimwear is perfectly fine for both men and women, but bringing a cover-up for outside the beach is recommended, especially in public spaces away from the water. 🩱🏖️☀️
3. Don’t Drink Tap Water 💦🚫🥤
Egypt’s tap water is not safe for tourists—it can cause stomach issues due to different bacteria and purification methods. Many locals boil or filter their water before drinking it. 🚰⚠️🤢
💡 What to do instead: Stick to bottled water, which is cheap and widely available. Avoid ice in drinks unless you know it’s made from filtered water! Many higher-end restaurants use purified ice, but it’s best to ask. Brushing your teeth with bottled water is also recommended for sensitive travelers. 🛒🧴🚱
4. Don’t Forget to Tip (Baksheesh) 💰🤲📉
Tipping, or “baksheesh”, is deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture, and not tipping can come across as rude, especially in tourist-heavy areas and service industries. Many workers rely on tips as part of their income, and even small gestures of gratitude are appreciated. 💵🙌😊
💡 What to do instead: Always carry small change for tipping. Expect to tip waiters, hotel staff, drivers, and even restroom attendants—usually around 5-20 Egyptian pounds per service. In upscale restaurants, tipping 10%–15% on top of the service charge is a good practice. 🏨🚕🍽️
5. Don’t Display Affection in Public 💏🚫👀
Egypt is a conservative society, and public displays of affection—kissing, hugging, or even holding hands in some areas—can make people uncomfortable. What’s acceptable in resorts might not be in downtown Cairo or a local market. 🏝️🏙️👫
💡 What to do instead: Keep affection low-key. Holding hands is usually fine, but save kissing and cuddling for private spaces. When in doubt, observe how locals behave and adjust accordingly. 👀🙅♂️🤝
6. Don’t Ignore Ramadan Customs 🌙🍽️🙏
If you’re visiting during Ramadan, be aware that Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. While tourists are not legally required to follow these customs, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours can be seen as disrespectful. Some restaurants remain open but may have discreet areas for non-fasters. 🍲🚫☀️
💡 What to do instead: If you’re not fasting, eat in private or at designated tourist spots. At sunset, try Iftar (the meal to break the fast)—it’s a great cultural experience, and many places offer traditional meals. 🌅🍽️🎊
7. Don’t Take Photos of People Without Permission 📸🚫🙅♀️
In Egypt, taking photos of strangers—especially women, police, or military buildings—can cause issues. Photography laws can be strict, especially regarding government and security-related locations. 🏛️🔍📵
💡 What to do instead: Always ask before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas. Be careful near government buildings, airports, and military sites—photography is strictly forbidden in these places! 🚔🛃⚠️
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Egypt Like a Local! 🇪🇬✨🌍
Egypt is a fascinating and welcoming country, but cultural awareness is key to ensuring respectful and meaningful interactions with locals. While many Egyptians are understanding when tourists make cultural mistakes, being mindful of local customs can foster better interactions and deeper appreciation of the country. 🗺️🌞🤗
💬 What did you find most useful from this guide? Have you ever encountered cultural differences while traveling? Share your experiences in the comments! 👇💡📢
