Egypt
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Egypt?
We asked people in Egypt if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Egypt. It is considered rude to show too much skin in public, so it is best to dress modestly. It is also important to be aware of religious customs, such as avoiding eating pork or drinking alcohol in public. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of local religious sites, such as mosques, and to avoid taking photographs without permission. Finally, it is important to be aware of local taboos, such as avoiding discussing politics or religion in public," said another expat in Egypt.
"I was in the mobile shop and after arranging our cellphone airtime etc. was asked for the visa, whereupon I pulled out my husband's passport and pointed to our visa. Much to the shop assistant's amusement he pointed out that he wanted the Visa credit card," wrote a member who made the move to Alexandria, Egypt.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Egypt?
- How do I meet people in Egypt?
- What is life like in Egypt?
- Is there a lot of crime in Egypt?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Egypt accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Egypt like?
- Is the cost of living in Egypt high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Egypt?
- What are healthcare services like in Egypt?
- Is the cost of living in Egypt high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Egypt?
- What is the weather like in Egypt?
- Are there good restaurants in Egypt?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Egypt?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Egypt?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Egypt?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Egypt?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Egypt?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Egypt?
If you live in Egypt, newcomers to Egypt would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
