Dos and Don’ts of Egypt

Adesua Emmanuel 1 December
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Dos and Don’ts of Egypt
 

Egypt can be an amazing travel destination, whether you’re looking to visit the pyramids at Giza or tour the ancient monuments of Alexandria and Cairo. As the largest country in the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt offers visitors countless things to see and do. However, it’s important to understand that in many aspects, Egypt still operates under the same set of cultural norms and beliefs as it has since it was first inhabited 6,000 years ago. From ancient ruins to modern metropolises, Egypt has something for everyone — if you know what you’re doing, that is! Here’s a list of dos and don’ts when you travel to Egypt to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
 

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Dos of Egypt

 

1. When you travel to Egypt, Do wear modest clothing. Egypt is mostly an Islamic nation, and despite their tolerance, you will likely face weird looks and other unpleasantries. You might need to cover your shoulders and knees to enter places of worship. When visiting such locations, it is a good idea for women to carry a scarf with them. Wear whatever you want without worrying if you are going out at night to one of the upscale locations.
 

2. Bargain with sellers when making a purchase. In Egypt, haggling is commonplace. Never be afraid to bargain with vendors at the market and in souvenir shops. You can haggle with taxi drivers as well.
 

3. Request permission before taking photos. In this nation, it is against the law to just snap unpermitted photos of the citizens.
 

4. If you don't understand something, do ask. Just inquire if you're unsure about what something implies. The majority of Egyptians will be glad to help you.
 

5. If you made the decision to travel to Egypt, pick up some fundamental Egyptian Arabic. Not only will this make it easier for you to get around, but the locals will also appreciate your effort. 
 

6. Exercise caution when making public shows of affection.  In some parts of Egypt, couples may not even be allowed to kiss on the cheek. In general, handholding and shaking hands are acceptable, but strict Muslims avoid physical contact by refusing to shake hands with those of the opposite gender.
 

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7. Take cabs instead of public transportation. If you must take public transportation, especially if you are a woman, always try to sit next to other women.
 

8. Do carry coins and little change. Many locations you'll go to or where you'll want to make purchases may not accept credit cards. It's a good idea to have exact change on hand, especially if you're in a market or purchasing street food without a lot of cash.

 

9. When you travel to Egypt, Treat Egyptian temples and monuments with respect. Please abide by the rules and refrain from taking photos in areas where signage and security personnel prohibit it. 
 

10. Respect Egypt's cultural heritage and historical legacy. They will probably be impressed if you demonstrate an understanding of Egyptian history and modern culture.
 

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Don’ts of Egypt
 

1. Unless you have prior driving experience in Egypt or India, don't even consider renting a car. You'll need a valid international driver's license and steely nerves! You can enjoy the chaos from the comfort of your passenger seat by taking a bus or a taxi.
 

2. Refrain from petting animals on the street. Likely, those animals may not be vaccinated. If you are not careful enough, getting bitten will require treatments or hospitalization.
 

3. Never take pictures of locals without their consent. Anywhere you travel, that is a big no-no. Even though Egyptians in some areas may dress differently from Westerners, it is still not acceptable to take photos of them without their consent.   More importantly, it is against the law to take pictures of Egyptian military or police personnel, buildings, or vehicles.
 

4.  Egypt forbids the use of drones in any part of the nation. . According to the laws governing air and air traffic, using unmanned aircraft is always prohibited.  No unmanned aircraft is permitted to fly or perform work on state property without the Civil Aviation Authority's permission, states Article 46, paragraph 8 of the Egyptian Aviation Act.
 

5. Refrain from conversing with individuals who approach you in public and offer services such as guided city tours, exclusive visits to tombs, sites, or shops, etc. Using licensed tour guides and agents is always safer.
 

6. Avoid consuming alcohol while driving. Ensure that you are in a permitted bar, club, or private residence. It is not socially acceptable to drink unless you are in a tourist area where it is customary, and in some places, it is against the law. However, in some restaurants, you are permitted to do so.   Although you might be merely trying to be cordial, it is impolite to offer alcohol to a Muslim.
 

7. When you travel to Egypt, Don't openly criticize Egyptian politics because it might be taken as an insult or a sign of scrutiny if it comes from a foreigner. Egyptians generally have a high level of political awareness, and discussion of Egyptian politics is frequently welcomed, but the discussion should be conducted as an open dialogue. 
98. Your Egyptian counterpart might have strong or delicate feelings about specific issues, like Israeli-Palestinian relations or general perceptions of Islam. If these subjects come up in conversation, they should be handled diplomatically. Be careful when sharing your thoughts and criticism, especially when it comes to religion.
 

9. You shouldn't assume that your Egyptian counterpart considers themselves to be Arab. Egyptian and Arab are not the same thing; they are two different cultures and ethnicities.
 

10. Avoid going into mosques when people are praying. Wait until after the prayer has concluded if you are not a Muslim and intend to pray before entering. In mosques, men and women have separate areas for prayer, and when women enter, they are required to cover their heads, arms, and legs as well as remove their shoes.
 

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Conclusion/Final thought 
 

Egypt is an amazing country with a rich culture. It's also very diverse, but it has a lot to offer in every region. To make the most out of your time here, be sure to follow these dos and don'ts. Use your time wisely to make the most out of this incredible country.
 

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