Local Customs & Etiquette in Port Said, Būr Sa‘īd, Egypt

Port Said, Egypt, Port Said, Local Insights & Practical Info, Local Customs & Etiquette

Local Customs & Etiquette in Port Said, Būr Sa‘īd, Egypt

1. Mosque etiquette

Respect local customs by dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering mosques.
  • Modesty: Covering arms, legs, and head is required for women.
  • Shoe Removal: Leaving shoes outside the mosque is a common practice.
  • Prayer Times: Adjust your schedule to avoid disturbing prayer times.

2. Market Bargaining

Haggle for fair prices when shopping at local markets.
  • Persistence: Be prepared to negotiate firmly but politely.
  • Price Range: Aim for around 50% of the initial price.
  • Patience: Don't get frustrated if it takes some time to reach an agreement.

3. Greeting etiquette

Use a firm handshake and maintain eye contact when greeting Egyptians.
  • Handshake Firmness: A firm but not overly strong handshake is appreciated.
  • Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact during the greeting to show respect.
  • Reciprocity: Respond in kind when offered a handshake.

4. Dining etiquette

Wait to be seated and serve yourself from shared dishes.
  • Patience: Be patient as you may have to wait for a seat.
  • Shared Dishes: Serve yourself from shared dishes, starting with the eldest or most respected person present.
  • No Rush: Enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace; rushing through your food is considered rude.

5. Public Beach Etiquette

Keep beaches clean and respect local rules while enjoying the sea.
  • Respecting Nature: Use bins for trash and avoid damaging the environment.
  • Local Rules: Follow any posted rules or guidelines at beaches.
  • Coexistence: Share space with other beachgoers in a considerate manner.

6. Taxis and Car Services

Negotiate prices before getting into taxis or car services.
  • Agreement: Always agree on the price before starting your journey.
  • Currency: Egyptian pounds are usually preferred over other currencies.
  • Knowledgeable Driver: Ask your driver for directions or recommendations if needed.

7. Coffee Shop Etiquette

Sit down and let the barista serve you coffee in a traditional coffee shop.
  • Respect: Take your time to enjoy your coffee and engage in conversation.
  • Coffee Preparation: Patience is required as the coffee may take some time to prepare.
  • Traditional Practice: Admire the traditional decor and atmosphere of the coffee shop.

8. Eid Celebrations

Join in local celebrations during Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha.
  • Respect for Religion: Understand and respect the religious significance of these holidays.
  • Family and Community: Join community gatherings or spend time with local families during Eid.
  • Gifts and Charity: Consider giving small gifts or participating in charitable activities during these holidays.

9. Visiting a Local Home

Remove shoes at the door and bring a small gift when visiting someone's home.
  • Respect for Home: Take off your shoes to preserve the cleanliness of their home.
  • Small Gift: A small gift like sweets, flowers or chocolates is a thoughtful gesture.
  • Patience and Respect: Show patience and respect when visiting someone's home.

10. Bus Travel Etiquette

Offer your seat to elderly or pregnant women on public buses.
  • Respect for Elders: Give up your seat if an elderly or pregnant woman needs it.
  • Shared Space: Share armrests with fellow passengers to maximize seating space.
  • Patience: Be patient when waiting for a bus or during crowded rides.

11. Avoid pointing at people with your index finger.

Instead, use your whole hand or thumb to gesture when pointing.
  • Respect: Avoid offending local sensibilities by not pointing with the index finger.
  • Alternative Gestures: Use alternative gestures such as the whole hand or thumb to point.
  • Adaptation: Adapt quickly to this local custom for a smooth travel experience.

12. Local Dress Code

Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or conservative areas.
  • Modesty: Respect local customs by dressing modestly.
  • Availability of Cover-ups: If you don't have appropriate clothing, cover-ups may be available at the entrance to religious sites.
  • Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt your clothing to respect local customs.

13. Tipping at Restaurants

Leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants.
  • Appreciation: Show your appreciation for good service by leaving a tip.
  • Cash or Card: Tips can be given in cash or added to the card payment, depending on the restaurant's policy.
  • Grateful Response: A grateful response from your server is a sign that they have received your tip.

14. Local Cuisine

Sample traditional Egyptian dishes like Koshari, Falafel, and Shawarma.
  • Adventurous Eating: Be open to trying new and flavorful local dishes.
  • Local Markets: Visit local markets for fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
  • Culinary Experience: Enjoy a unique culinary experience through these traditional dishes.

15. Local Festivals and Events

Participate in local festivals like Sham el-Nessim or the Port Said Carnival.
  • Cultural Understanding: Learn about and appreciate local customs and traditions.
  • Community Engagement: Engage with locals and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
  • Respectful Participation: Participate in a respectful and considerate manner during the festival or event.