Egyptians are the kindest people you can ever meet, known for their great sense of humor and hospitality. Visiting Egypt is not limited to discovering new places, it extends to having amusing cultural exchanges with spontaneous people. However, you have to be aware of what to do and what not to do in Egypt as a tourist and this is what we will discuss in this blog.
What Not to Wear: Dress Code Tips for Tourists in Egypt
Egypt is an Islamic country, its people are super tolerant. For women, you have to dress modestly, as this is a part of showing respect to Egyptian customs. While being in a religious site, you need to cover your knees and shoulders and it’s better for women to keep a scarf and a gown with them when visiting these places. Otherwise, If you are going out anywhere else, you can wear whatever you want without concerns.
Avoid Taking Photos of Restricted or Sensitive Sites
You don’t need permits for personal street photography. Photography by tourists with their digital cameras, as well as video cameras, is allowed without the need to pay fees. Hence, any traveller is allowed to take pictures in public places without permits. However, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities provided that you should not use any equipment that requires a permit, such as heavy lighting units, shades or large objects that could prove obstructive to the street. There are certain sites that you can’t take photos in, such as strategic locations, military, government buildings, police stations, ministries, and Egyptian border areas. Take a look at: What is the best tour company for Egypt?
Beware of Tourist Scams and How to Avoid Them
Like any place in the world, you find good people and bad ones. Unfortunately, you may be exposed to a scam, that’s why you should be aware of the most common tourists’ scams in Egypt, like:
- Offering someone unsolicited help, like describing a place or giving direction, after that asking you for a tip.
- If the taxi driver refuses to use the meter, claiming it’s broken or defective to charge you in foreign currencies rather than Egyptian pounds, it’s better to refuse this ride and get out of the taxi. Ensure the driver uses the meter or determine the fare price before starting the ride.
- Camel handlers at the Pyramids of Giza offer rides that seem like a bargain price. But they often want extra money to let you off.
Egyptians are genuinely kind, but it doesn’t stop scammers from doing their tricks. Preferably, be cautious and proactively prepare how you can handle this.
Avoid Unofficial or Unauthorized Tour Guides and Touts
You may come across scammers pretending they are official tour guides near popular sites like the Egyptian Museum or the Pyramids. They regularly offer to accompany and guide you on your trip until the end to charge you a high cost for their services. You can avoid falling into this trap by just dealing with authentic agencies and platforms with reviews that can help you find a trusted tour guide with proper credentials before starting a tour.
Avoid Drinking Tap Water and Eating Unsafe Street Food
Egypt’s tap water can be unsafe for tourists, leading to serious stomach issues, which is commonly referred to as “Pharaoh’s Revenge.” It’s better to buy bottled water, which can be found in any market at a cheap price. Also, use bottled water for different uses like brushing your teeth or putting the cubes of ice from it. It’s better to avoid any risks and keep yourself healthy and enjoy your trip without any unpleasant interruptions, specifically, it costs you nothing. Changing from place to another plays a crucial role and affects many aspects, while Egyptians drink tap water, it can be risky for any stranger to drink from it.
Conclusion
Being aware of the nature of the country you travel to and its people is always the best solution to have a hassle-free experience. If something feels off or too good to be true, believe your instincts and stay away from suspicious people. Rely on SmileVoyage for a safe and engaging trip without falling for common tourist scams!