Local Customs & Etiquette in Suez, As Suways, Egypt

1. Mosque Etiquette

Respect local customs by dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering mosques.

Modesty: Cover arms, legs, and head for women. Men should wear long trousers.
Removal of Shoes: Remove shoes before entering a mosque to show respect.
Prayer Times: Be aware of prayer times and avoid visiting mosques during these periods.

Observe market rules by asking permission before touching camels and negotiate prices politely.

Asking Permission: Always ask the owner's permission before approaching or touching a camel.
Negotiation: Be prepared to haggle but maintain a friendly and respectful tone.
Animal Welfare: Ensure you are not contributing to poor treatment of animals.

Haggle politely in Suez's bustling bazaars for the best prices, but be mindful of local customs and fairness.

Politeness: Be polite and friendly during negotiations to foster a good relationship.
Fairness: Aim for a fair price, not the lowest possible one.
Respectful Gestures: Use hand gestures like shaking hands or nodding to show agreement and respect.

Leave a tip of around 10% in restaurants as it is customary but round up the bill to make it easier.

Rounding Up: Round up the bill to the nearest LE (Egyptian pound) to simplify tip calculation.
Service Charge: Check if a service charge is already included in your bill.
Appreciation: Leave a tip to show appreciation for good service.

Tip guides and drivers at the end of your tour based on their services' quality.

Quality of Service: Consider the quality of service provided when deciding the tip amount.
Customary Amount: Around 10% of the total cost is a customary amount for tips.
Appropriate Currency: Tip in Egyptian pounds (LE) or US dollars, whichever is more convenient.

Use a friendly 'Salaam Aleikum' for greetings; respond with 'Wa Aleikum Salaam.'

Friendly Greeting: Greet locals warmly to show respect and friendliness.
Proper Response: Respond appropriately with 'Wa Aleikum Salaam' when greeted.
Contextual Use: Use this greeting in casual, everyday conversations.

Respect local customs by avoiding public displays of affection and dress modestly.

Modesty: Cover arms, legs, and head for women. Men should wear long trousers.
Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Keep physical affection private to respect local norms.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of the conservative nature of Egyptian society.

Ask permission before taking pictures of locals and respect their wishes if they decline.

Permission: Always ask for permission to take a picture.
Respectful Attitude: Maintain a respectful and friendly attitude when asking for permission.
Consideration of Privacy: Respect people's privacy by not taking pictures without their consent.

Haggle politely for souvenirs but be mindful of fair prices and the shop owner's livelihood.

Politeness: Be polite during negotiations to maintain a good relationship.
Fairness: Aim for a fair price, not the lowest possible one.
Respect for Small Businesses: Remember that every sale helps small businesses survive.

Accept invitations graciously and bring a small gift if asked.

Graciousness: Accept invitations with appreciation and respect.
Gift-giving: Bring a small gift if asked, such as sweets or flowers.
Respect for Hosts: Treat your host with kindness and respect during your visit.

Expect warm hospitality from locals but be mindful of local customs when visiting homes.

Warm Welcome: Locals will welcome you warmly and may offer tea or coffee.
Modest Dressing: Dress modestly when visiting homes to show respect.
Gift-giving: Bring a small gift as a token of appreciation if invited to someone's home.

Respect local customs by waiting in line and giving up your seat for the elderly or pregnant women.

Waiting in Line: Patience is key when waiting for a public transport.
Giving Up Seats: Offer your seat to the elderly or pregnant women if standing.
Respectful Attitude: Maintain a respectful attitude towards other passengers.

Eat with your right hand (or utensils) and avoid eating in public during Ramadan.

Right Hand or Utensils: Use your right hand or utensils to eat, as left is considered unclean.
Avoid Eating in Public During Ramadan: Respect local customs by not eating or drinking publicly during Ramadan.
Food Sharing: Sharing food is a common gesture of hospitality in Egypt.

Enjoy the local cuisine and customs when dining with locals but remember to be mindful of their preferences.

Respect for Local Preferences: Be open to trying new dishes but avoid forcing your dietary habits.
Appreciation: Express gratitude for the meal and hospitality.
Patience: Be patient as meals may take longer than expected due to multiple courses.

Respect local customs during festivals like Sham El-Nessim by participating in traditional activities.

Participation: Join in the celebrations to immerse yourself in local culture.
Respect for Local Traditions: Respect local traditions and customs during festivals.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of the cultural significance of each festival and celebrate with sensitivity.