What To Wear In Egypt
To sum it up - Dress respectfully
- Egypt is a Muslim country and while its cities are modern and local women may wear makeup now, they always dress conservatively.
- Egyptians find it very inappropriate to reveal even the slightest amount of stomach or hips, so short tops, short skirts / shorts, or tight clothes should be avoided completely.
- Although the dress code is more relaxed in hotels and resorts like Sharm el Sheikh than in public places, you will find that you will get more respect if you dress modestly
- No topless sunbathing even at your resort hotel, the locals really do not like it.
- Cotton or other natural fibre long sleeved shirts or T-shirts, worn with long trousers or ankle length skirts are a good choice and keep your shoulders covered too. Keep clothing loose - it will keep you cooler and you'll get less unwanted attention.
- For men, long trousers and a shirt are best. Keep your shorts for the beach and resort areas.
- Local people like to dress up in the evening, so if you're going out to dinner, it's a great opportunity to dress with more care than usual.
- Also on cruise boats it's nice to have something smart to wear in the evening.
- In the summer it can be as hot as a furnace, so natural breathable fabrics are best.
- In the winter wear layers that can be taken off during the heat of the day and put back on for cool evenings.
- At the Taba Heights a chill breeze quite frequently blows off the sea during the day throughout March. A light wrap or long sleeved beach top is useful for those times when you are not flat out on your sun bed.
- In February Petra can be colder than you might expect .. perhaps even snow.
- and in Cairo be prepared for some rain. Pack a light weight raincoat.
- If you're going to visit any religious sites then be sure to cover your shoulders, stomach and bare legs.
- This is a culture of tipping and we suggest you take small denomination coins with you. It is difficult to get small notes outside of Egypt and if you have coins with you regardless of the currency it will smooth things along.
- Remember too that this is a country of bargaining so expect to haggle. A sense of humour, a smile and being polite will carry you through.
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