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.