What NOT to Do in Egypt: Avoid These 10 Tourist Mistakes! | Super Easy Egyptian Arabic

Summary

In this video, the host and Mariam share ten essential tips for tourists visiting Egypt. These tips highlight cultural norms and practical advice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Key points include avoiding physical greetings like hugs or kisses, using small cameras instead of large digital ones, and being aware that not all Egyptians speak fluent English. It also covers negotiation tactics in markets, respecting local traditions around religion and politics, and the importance of agreeing on taxi fares in advance. Lastly, the video encourages trying popular Egyptian street food while being mindful of local customs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't greet Egyptian women with a hug or kiss. It's culturally inappropriate, and shaking hands is the proper way to greet.
• 😀 Not all places in Egypt allow the use of large digital cameras. It's better to use a small camera or a mobile phone camera.
• 😀 Don't assume Egyptians speak English fluently. Learning basic Egyptian Arabic will help you communicate more easily.
• 😀 Avoid relying on Google Maps 100%. Some shortcuts and side streets aren't listed, and it's better to ask locals for directions.
• 😀 Never accept the first price when bargaining. Haggling is a cultural norm in Egypt, and you can get better deals.
• 😀 Avoid discussing politics and religion. Egyptians are generally open-minded, but these topics can lead to sensitive discussions.
• 😀 Always agree on the taxi fare before getting in to avoid conflicts. It's safer to use apps like Uber, Careem, or Bolt for fixed prices.
• 😀 Don’t break traffic rules. Many Egyptians may ignore them, but following traffic laws is essential for safety.
• 😀 Avoid wearing revealing clothes in traditional areas. While not everyone wears a hijab, it’s important to dress modestly in local communities.
• 😀 Don’t miss out on trying local Egyptian food. Dishes like falafel, koshary, and stuffed grape leaves are a must-try for vegetarians, while others can enjoy meat dishes like shawarma and fattah.

Q & A

What is the cultural etiquette when greeting a woman in Egypt?

In Egypt, it is not appropriate to greet a woman with a hug or kiss. Women typically shake hands with others, except for close family members such as their father, husband, son, or brother.

Are large digital cameras commonly used in Egypt for taking photos?

No, in Egypt, it is more common to use small cameras or mobile phones for taking photos. Large digital cameras are not frequently used in public.

Do all Egyptians speak fluent English?

No, not all Egyptians speak fluent English. While some do, many people may have difficulty communicating in English, so it is advisable to learn basic Egyptian Arabic phrases to help with communication.

What is the importance of knowing basic Egyptian Arabic for visitors?

Knowing basic Egyptian Arabic can significantly improve communication and ease your visit. It helps to bridge language gaps, especially when engaging with locals who may not speak English fluently.

Why should visitors avoid relying entirely on Google Maps in Egypt?

Google Maps may not show all the shortcuts and side streets that locals know. Asking Egyptians for directions is often more reliable when navigating through the streets.

What is the cultural practice regarding bargaining in Egypt?

Bargaining or 'fessal' is a common practice in Egypt, especially in local markets. Visitors should not accept the first price offered by vendors, as they can often negotiate a better deal.

Is it advisable to discuss politics and religion in Egypt?

It is generally advisable to avoid discussing politics and religion in Egypt, as both topics can be sensitive and may lead to uncomfortable situations. Respecting people's beliefs and values is important.

What should visitors know about taking taxis in Egypt?

When using taxis in Egypt, it is essential to agree on the fare before starting the ride to avoid potential misunderstandings. Using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem is a safer and more transparent option.

Are traffic rules strictly followed in Egypt?

Traffic rules in Egypt are often not strictly followed, with many drivers ignoring them. For safety, it is advisable to adhere to traffic regulations and follow the rules of the road.

What type of clothing should visitors avoid wearing in Egypt's popular areas?

Visitors should avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing in popular or conservative areas. However, it is not necessary to wear a hijab, as many Egyptian women do not wear it. The key is to dress modestly.

What types of Egyptian food should visitors try?

Visitors should try traditional Egyptian foods such as ta'ameya (falafel), koshari, and mahshi (stuffed vegetables) for vegetarians. Non-vegetarians can enjoy dishes like dama'a (lamb stew) and fata (a rice and meat dish).