What to Wear & Cultural Etiquette
Egypt is a Muslim-majority country but tourist areas โ Pyramids, Luxor, Red Sea resorts โ are used to international visitors. You don't need to wear a hijab. But dressing modestly is respectful, more comfortable in the sun, and avoids unwanted attention.
๐ Women
- Sightseeing: shoulders covered, knees covered. Lightweight long sleeves and loose trousers/skirts are ideal.
- Resorts (Sharm, Hurghada, Marsa Alam): bikinis, shorts and bare shoulders are fine inside the resort.
- Cities and villages: cover shoulders & knees. Skip very short shorts, crop tops, low-cut tops.
- Mosques: long sleeves, long skirt/trousers, and a scarf for your hair. Many big mosques (e.g. Mohammed Ali) provide loaner robes.
- Beach in non-resort towns (e.g. Alexandria): locals swim fully clothed โ a one-piece suit + cover-up is more comfortable.
๐ Men
- Long shorts (knee-length or longer) and t-shirts are fine in cities.
- For mosques: long trousers, no tank tops, shoes off before entering.
- Speedos are out of place outside resorts.
๐งข Practical Layers
- Lightweight, breathable, light colors for daytime sun
- Long sleeves protect from sunburn at the Pyramids
- A scarf or pashmina is endlessly useful (sun, AC, mosque)
- Closed shoes for the Pyramids/Saqqara โ sandy and uneven
- A light jacket in winter, especially for Nile cruise evenings
๐ Mosque Etiquette
- Remove shoes at the door (or use shoe covers)
- Don't enter during prayer time unless invited
- Don't walk in front of people praying
- A small donation or tip for the shoe minder is customary
๐ธ Photography
- People โ always ask first. Some will pose and then ask for baksheesh โ agree the price before clicking.
- Avoid photographing: military, police, bridges, government buildings, airports โ fines are possible.
- Children: ask the parent.
- Inside many tombs and museums: photography is allowed only with a paid camera ticket (or banned entirely in Tutankhamun's tomb, for example).
- Drones โ see Rules.
๐ค Social Etiquette
- Right hand only for eating, giving and receiving.
- Greet with a handshake; wait for a woman to extend her hand first.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon โ even hand-holding draws stares outside resorts.
- During Ramadan, don't eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight.
- "Inshallah" ("God willing") is added to plans โ get used to hearing it.
- It's polite to accept the offered cup of tea โ refusing can seem cold.
๐ณ๏ธโ๐ LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is socially taboo and dating apps are reportedly monitored. Discretion is advised; gay-friendly venues exist quietly but are not openly advertised.