Local Customs & Etiquette in Giza, Egypt
1. Photographing Locals
Respect privacy while taking photos of locals. Ask for permission first.
- Privacy Respect: Avoid causing discomfort to locals by intruding on their personal space.
- Permission Requirement: Respect for individual's decisions regarding the use of their image.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding that not everyone may be comfortable with being photographed.
2. Bargaining in Markets
Expect to bargain when shopping at local markets. Start with a lower price and work towards a mutually agreed value.
- Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate prices effectively.
- Market Knowledge: Understanding the typical starting and final prices of items in local markets.
- Patience: Being patient during the negotiation process.
3. Dress Code in Mosques
Women should wear modest clothing and cover their hair when visiting mosques. Men should also dress modestly.
- Respect for Religious Sites: Demonstrating respect for religious customs and sites.
- Modesty Requirements: Understanding the importance of modesty in local culture.
- Proper Attire: Having appropriate clothing for visiting religious sites.
4. Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is customary in Egypt and expected in restaurants, cafes, and taxis. A common tip is around 10%.
- Customary Practice: Recognizing that tipping is a common practice in Egyptian culture.
- Appropriate Amount: Understanding the standard amount for tipping in various situations.
- Service Quality: Evaluating service quality and tipping accordingly.
5. Egyptian Greetings
Use the traditional greeting of 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) when meeting locals. Respond with 'Wa-alaykum as-salam' (and upon you be peace).
- Cultural Respect: Demonstrating respect for local customs and traditions.
- Appropriate Greeting: Knowing the traditional greeting used in Egypt.
- Two-Way Exchange: Understanding that the greeting is a two-way exchange.
6. Accepting Invitations
If invited to someone's home, it is important to accept the invitation and bring a small gift such as sweets or flowers.
- Gift-Giving Custom: Understanding that gift-giving is a common practice when invited to someone's home.
- Appreciation of Hospitality: Recognizing and appreciating the hospitality extended by local hosts.
- Respect for Local Customs: Demonstrating respect for local customs and traditions.
7. Drinking & Dining Etiquette
When eating with locals, use your right hand and avoid pointing with fingers. It is also customary to decline offers of food multiple times before accepting.
- Hand Use: Using the right hand when eating or drinking.
- Politeness: Understanding and respecting local customs around refusing food and drink offers.
- Table Manners: Knowing proper table manners for dining with locals.
8. Public Demonstrations of Affection
Public displays of affection are not common in Egypt. It is important to be discreet in public places.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting local customs around public displays of affection.
- Discretion: Being discreet when showing affection in public places.
- Respect for Local Values: Demonstrating respect for local values and traditions.
9. Giving the Right Hand
Offer your right hand when greeting someone or accepting something. The left hand is considered unclean.
- Hand Use: Understanding and respecting the significance of the right hand in local culture.
- Politeness: Demonstrating politeness by offering your right hand for shaking hands or receiving items.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting local customs around hand use.
10. Visiting a Bedouin Camp
When visiting a Bedouin camp, show respect for their lifestyle and traditions. Avoid taking photos without permission.
- Respect for Local Culture: Demonstrating respect for the unique culture of the Bedouin people.
- Permission for Photography: Asking for permission before taking photos in a Bedouin camp.
- Openness and Understanding: Being open to learning about the lifestyle of the Bedouin people.
11. Egyptian Hospitality
Egyptians are known for their warm hospitality. If invited to someone's home, be prepared to stay for a while and enjoy local food and drink.
- Appreciation of Hospitality: Recognizing and appreciating the hospitality extended by local hosts.
- Patience: Being patient when invited to stay for an extended period.
- Respect for Local Customs: Demonstrating respect for local customs and traditions.
12. Using Taxis in Giza
Taxis in Egypt often don't use meters. Agree on a price before starting your journey.
- Price Negotiation: Knowing that taxis in Egypt usually don't use meters and agreeing on a price before starting the journey.
- Safety Considerations: Ensuring safety by choosing reputable taxi services or negotiating with drivers.
- Flexibility: Being flexible when agreeing on a price, as it may vary based on the destination and time of day.
13. Tipping Guides & Tour Operators
It is customary to tip guides and tour operators at the end of a service. A common tip is around 5-10 USD per day.
- Customary Practice: Recognizing that tipping is a common practice in Egyptian culture.
- Appropriate Amount: Understanding the standard amount for tipping guides and tour operators.
- Service Quality: Evaluating service quality and tipping accordingly.
14. Interacting with Street Children
Avoid giving money to street children as it may encourage begging. Instead, consider donating to a local charity.
- Preventing Encouragement of Begging: Avoiding actions that may encourage begging among street children.
- Supporting Local Charities: Directing any financial support towards established local charities.
- Child Welfare: Recognizing the impact of your actions on the welfare of street children.
15. Smoking in Public Places
Smoking is common in Egypt and allowed in many public places. However, be aware of no-smoking signs and respect local regulations.
- Cultural Acceptance: Understanding that smoking is a common practice in Egyptian culture.
- Regulatory Compliance: Respecting local regulations regarding smoking in public places.
- Courtesy: Being courteous and mindful of others who may be sensitive to smoke.