A more expensive and common type of baksheesh is for rewarding the bending of rules — many of which seem to have been designed for just that purpose. This should not be confused with bribery, which is a more serious business with its own etiquette and risks — best not entered into.
The last kind of baksheesh is simply alms-giving. For Egyptians, giving money and goods to the needy is a natural act — and a requirement of Islam. The disabled are traditional recipients of such gifts, and it seems right to join locals in giving out small change. Children, however, are a different case, pressing their demands only on tourists.
If someone offers genuine help and asks for an alum pen , it seems fair enough, but to yield to every request encourages a cycle of dependency that Egypt could do without. The full-time khirtiyya who focus on tourists are versatile, touting for hotels , pushing excursions often vastly marked up , steering tourists into shops or travel agencies where their commission will be quietly added to your bill , and even being gigolos.
Remember me? Try to keep your cool and respond politely; intoning la shukran no thanks with your hand on your heart, while briskly moving on, will dissuade most street peddlers.
Do not bring up the Israel topic. Wearing Egyptian traditional clothing may be seen as offensive to the natives. Your counterpart might arrive late for a meeting, but make sure that you arrive on time yourself. Small electronic devices, chocolate and compasses are popular gifts. Make sure to have a selection of non-alcoholic drinks available if you invite them for an event. It is polite to leave a small portion of food — it means you have had enough. It is considered an offence. If an Egyptian holds your hand, accept this as a gesture of friendship.
Unless you are handling something considered dirty, always use the right hand. Avoid gestures with the left hand. Moreover, showing the bottom of your foot is considered offensive. Do enjoy the country as much as you can. Don't even think about renting a car unless you have driven in India or Egypt before. You will need an international driving license and nerves of steel! Taking a bus or a taxi will give you the luxury of enjoying the chaos from the safety of your passenger seat.
Don't get frustrated when someone is late. People in Egypt are quite laid back, so sometimes people will be late or delayed because of traffic and you will have to get used to it during your stay. Don't wear shorts and vests or tank tops. For men it's ok, but its preferable to wear tshirts instead. Egypt is a predominately Muslim country and even non-Muslims there are quite conservative. Therefore generally revealing clothing are not recommended.
In these coastal resorts, wearing this type of clothing is acceptable. Don't talk to people who approach you in public areas offering services like city tours, special visits to tombs, sites or shops…etc. It's always safer to use registered tour operators and agents. Don't follow someone trying to "help" you. Egyptians are kind people and most of them are truly helpful. However, at some tourist areas, some people might tell you they're going to show you or bring you into select areas of the attraction.
These people tend to allow tourists into areas that are off-limits to get tips and sometimes to rob them. Don't drink the tap water. This is good advice where you're travelling. Go out and buy bottled water or carry your own reusable bottle, which is better for the environment.
Don't drink alcohol in the street. Make sure you are at a designated bar, disco or at a private residence. Unless you are in a tourist place where this is common it's not socially acceptable, and in some areas, it's forbidden by law but in some eateries, drinking is allowed. If you do drink, you should not do so in excess and avoid drinking brands of hard liquor you are not familiar with.
While you may just trying to be friendly, it is considered rude to offer alcohol to someone who is Muslim. Don't be intimidated by market vendors. When strolling through markets and tourist attractions you will meet vendors everywhere. It can get a bit overwhelming as they will all be trying to sell you something. However, there is no need to feel intimidated. If you are not interested in what they're peddling, firmly tell them no thank you, and continue walking.
In Arabic, no thank you is: "la, shukrun. Don't take photos of locals without permission. That is a big no-no wherever you're travelling. While people in certain parts of Egypt may dress differently than Westerners that doesn't mean it is ok to take their photos without permission. Expressing negative comments about Egypt, the government, the president, or the security forces can lead to arrest, even if the remarks were made on social media. It is illegal to take part in a demonstration or protest without a permit.
Travelers are advised to steer clear of any sort of civil disturbance, as even being in the vicinity could lead to attention from the Egyptian police. It is permitted to consume alcohol in licensed restaurants and bars , usually found in hotels and tourist facilities, which have been approved by the Minister of Tourism.
It is illegal to drink alcohol in the street or any location apart from these established venues. Even possession or use of small amounts of drugs can result in long prison sentences 25 years , imprisonment for life with no chance of release, or even the death penalty. Smoking is allowed in designated areas in tourist establishments and industrial complexes.
Some medications that can be obtained by prescription or over the counter in other countries are controlled substances in Egypt. These may not be brought into the country without permission from the Ministry of Health. One example is Tramadol. Individuals who require prescription drugs for health reasons may be permitted to bring them to Egypt with a medical certificate from their doctor stating the following:.
Egypt medical device regulations do not affect personal use, but state that foreign nationals providing or marketing medical devices must register them with the Central Administration of Pharmaceutical Affairs CAPA.
Egyptians drive on the right-hand side of the road. There are various laws concerning driving in Egypt that foreign nationals should bear in mind if they intend to hire a car:. However, it is important to note that there are some restrictions on photography.
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