What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt: Essential Dos and Don’ts for Your Safety

Egypt is where the Nile whispers secrets of the past in the starry sky, where ancient temples mutter compelling tales of the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt, and where the hearts of female tourists are constantly fascinated, but it is also a place where cultural norms and expectations may differ from what you are used to.

The EgyptaTours team has prepared this article with some useful tips on what not to do as a woman in Egypt to help you enjoy your trip to the fullest. These important tips can help you avoid problems and respect local customs and traditions in Egypt. You will learn how to dress modestly, interact with locals respectfully, and be safe and comfortable throughout your tour, so you can experience the magic of Egypt with confidence.

17 Things you Shouldn’t do in Egypt as a woman Tourist ( what not to do as a woman in Egypt)

Traveling alone to a new country, especially as a woman, requires extra caution and this is especially true while engaging with different cultures and customs. Being cautious rather than bold in such cases is a sensible strategy. It is important for woman travelers who intend to visit Egypt either alone or with other women to have the right knowledge as they need to know the local culture and take proactive steps to protect themselves. 

You can make your trip to Egypt safe and enjoyable by following our tips for traveling to Egypt as a solo woman and benefiting from important experiences. Here are the most important tips on what you should not do as a woman in Egypt:

1. One of What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt is (Avoid Public Displays of Affection) 

 

Public affection, like hugging or kissing, is not acceptable in Egyptian culture, so you should avoid doing these things in public to prevent unwanted attention, especially in religious places. Egyptian culture values ​​the special way of showing affection, so you should respect this custom when you are with your partner in public. Once you make a good impression and build strong relationships with the locals, it will help you by showing your interest in local traditions, and being aware and sensitive to these cultural differences, so it is best to keep your affection hidden when visiting Egypt.

It’s Important to remember that these are just general tips, and there’s no guarantee that if you do everything you do in public displays of affection, however, you can still express your affection to your lover in other ways, such as emphatic words. Just keep in mind that you should keep To respect local traditions.

2. Be Cautious with Eye Contact (One of What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt )

Eye contact is usually a good thing, but you need to be careful about how long you do it. If you stare at an Egyptian person for a long time, he may think that you want to talk to him. To avoid any confusion or embarrassment, you have to strike a balance. If you’re not sure if it’s okay to make eye contact with someone, you should err on the side of caution and avoid it. If you’re shy about making eye contact with someone, you should stand up for yourself by speaking up in a strong voice. Do so. . “Direct eye contact, or turning away from the person as this may make you appear uncomfortable.

3. Avoid Walking Alone at Night

By asking about what not to do as a woman in Egypt? You should avoid walking alone at night in places you do not know as is the case in many other places such as Egypt as this is a good way to be safe and prevent any problems that may occur at night. If you need to go out, it’s best to go with a group or use a reliable transportation service like Uber.

You can tell your close friend or family member about your daily walk and when you expect to return, avoid walking in deserted places and follow your instincts by crossing the street or entering a restaurant, just try to remain calm and move to a safe place as soon as possible. These options can make you feel safer after dark, and it is important to remember that everyone is different, however, you should be aware of the risks and take the necessary measures to protect yourself when in Egypt.

4. Don’t Talk to Someone You Don’t Know ( Another One of What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt )

You should keep some distance when talking to men you don’t know when you are in public places in Egypt because this can help you have respectful conversations and avoid any confusion. Egyptians are very friendly, but it is important to be careful and not break any cultural rules or give the wrong impression when you are anywhere. You should also avoid wearing anything too short, just dress well and respectfully.

You should also avoid discussing sex because it is a sensitive topic to talk about in Egypt, and if you are not sure whether the person is trustworthy or not, just avoid talking to him. If you are confused about how to interact with men in Egypt, you can ask a trusted friend or family member who knows Egyptian culture or has visited Egypt before. Once you follow these tips, you will have positive relationships with Egyptians by being kind but polite.

5. Do Not Do Anything That Violates Egyptian Law (One of What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt )

You must follow local laws in Egypt by avoiding certain actions such as drinking alcohol in public places or doing things that may offend the local culture. Drinking alcohol is only permitted in licensed restaurants and hotels, so do not drink alcohol in public places or in front of religious buildings.

Illicit drug use is a serious problem and can lead to penalties, and some medications that are legal in your country may be viewed as illegal in Egypt, so check your medications first before travelling.

6. Avoid Photographing Restricted Areas and People Without Permission is consider One of What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt 

It is important to obtain prior permission when photographing anyone in Egypt, especially Egyptian women. There are some people who may refuse to be photographed, and you must respect their wishes.

There are still some prohibitions on photography in Egypt. It is illegal to photograph government buildings, police officers, police officers at airports and railway stations, military installations, children (without their parents’ permission), archaeological sites (without a permit), and people without their consent.

If it is permitted to take pictures, it is not permissible to take flash photography inside museums.

7. Do Not Shake Hands When Greeting Men  is consider One of What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt 

Touching men when saying hello is not allowed unless they initiate it first. This way you respect their culture and space. However, you can show your friendliness and openness by nodding or smiling instead of touching them. Be aware that different cultures have different ways of greeting, so be careful to follow local customs.

Gestures and smiles are polite non-communications that are effective in making everyone feel appreciated.

8. Do Not Rent a Private Car One of What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt 

You need an international license to drive legally in Egypt if you are a woman who wants to rent a car because this document is necessary to drive in the country. You can also choose a taxi or Uber service that has the advantage of extra security during your travels, as these alternatives can provide you with a safe way to travel without renting a car.

9. Don’t Wear Short Skirts in the Public Areas

 

Most of Egypt is Islamic, and its Christian population is also conservative, however, you can dress more relaxed when visiting popular beach spots like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, or Marsa Alam. These places are more used to tourists, so wearing beach clothes is generally acceptable just to respect the local culture and traditions outside of beach locations. Therefore, dress more modestly when you see other parts of Egypt such as religious places.

10. It is Not Advisable to Drink Tap Water Directly Another One of What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt 

Tap water is not safe to drink in Egypt because it is not a good choice for your health and safety, so you should always have bottled of water with you when exploring the country. You can avoid getting sick during your trip this way, and it can help you have a more enjoyable and relaxed time in Egypt, just remember to drink enough water to stay hydrated and enjoy your time!

11. Don’t take a taxi before negotiating the price

You should agree on the price of the taxi before you ride and work out the price in advance with the driver to avoid paying too much. A travel company in Egypt suggests using Uber to avoid any problems in Egypt as this safe app is an easy and affordable transportation option. This app lets you focus solely on reaching your destination without worrying about haggling.

12. Avoid Visiting Religious Sites During Prayer One of What Not to do as a Woman in Egypt 

You must be careful and do not enter mosques or churches while visiting religious places and during prayer unless you want to pray with them as a Muslim or Christian. Women should cover their heads and shoulders before entering these places to show respect, and this shows your interest in the culture and religious traditions of the place you are visiting. If you are not sure how to proceed, you can ask local guides for help because a little respect can make your interactions more meaningful.

13.Don’t buy gold without doing your research

You need to do a lot of research before buying gold in Egypt, to find out the current price of gold to see if the prices are fair, and you also need to find well-known jewelry stores to get good products. You should beware of common scams and fake deals in the gold market to avoid being cheated by dishonest sellers. You also need to familiarize yourself with local rules, taxes on gold purchases to avoid any surprises, and familiarize yourself with the different types of gold jewelry and their purity to make the best choice and get your money’s worth.

14. Don’t Forgetting Pack Your Required Medicines one of what Not to do as a Woman in Egypt 

Don’t forget your medication when you travel to Egypt as a woman. The different environments, food and water can make you sick because the hot weather in the country can cause you to become dehydrated, plus language problems may make it difficult to tell you. Medical needs. You will feel comfortable by having your medicine with you as it will allow you to enjoy your daily walks without worrying about your health.

15. Don’t Forget for Researching Safe Attractions to Visit one of what Not to do as a Woman in Egypt 

It is an important step for your safety as a traveler by doing your research about the sites you want to visit in Egypt. If you do research about the local culture and customs before traveling, you will be able to appreciate and understand them better. You will experience the best of Egypt by researching in advance as it allows you to arrange your schedule and make the most of your time in Egypt to enhance your holiday experience.

16. Do Not Go to Egypt in Bad Weather another one of what Not to do as a Woman in Egypt 

It is important to plan for the weather before traveling to Egypt, as the climate is hot and dry, so you should pack light, well-ventilated clothing for your comfort. You also need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from the sun.

You should dress modestly to respect local traditions and avoid unwanted attention as a woman. You also need to drink plenty of water and carry a bottle to stay hydrated and energized during your daily hike.

17. Is It Safe For Women To Travel to Egypt?

Traveling to Egypt is safe for women, however, you need to be careful and take some precautions to enjoy your trip more. Egypt has improved the safety of the country’s main destinations for travelers, especially women in Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, and Sharm El-Sheikh, which are safe and popular destinations among tourists.

There are things to think about, such as dressing respectfully and following local customs which is very important as this helps you blend in and avoid unwanted attention.

It is best to avoid traveling alone at night or in less crowded areas. Traveling with others or with trusted tour operators can make you safer. By being careful, using good transportation options, and staying in safe areas, you can reduce your risks and have fun. Egyptian culture.

You should check current travel warnings and be prepared with emergency contacts and embassy information, and talking to other women who have recently visited Egypt can provide you with useful information about their experiences and tips for a more enjoyable trip.

How Can Women Travelers Stay Safe in Egypt?

Your safety is very important when traveling to Egypt, especially if you are a woman. You should be careful and take some precautions to protect yourself. You should also follow local customs and rules through your search about what not to do as a woman in Egypt such as:

Research local customs: We highly recommend learning about local customs and social norms before traveling as this will help you integrate into the community and avoid cultural misunderstandings.

Choose your accommodation wisely: You should choose good hotels with good reviews in safe areas when you choose your accommodation, and always check online reviews and tips from previous female travelers to make the most of your rest.

Use reliable means of transportation: You should use taxis or Uber services for your transportation needs when traveling as these are safer and more reliable options for transportation. You should also avoid riding with strangers especially at night to keep yourself safe during your trip.

Stay connected: Don’t forget to keep your phone charged when traveling and make sure you have a local SIM card or a good way to use the internet as this will help you communicate with others, get help if you need it, and charge your phone and internet as it is very important for a good travel experience.

Avoid sharing too much: Be careful about what you tell about yourself when you talk to strangers such as where you live and what you do. Stay safe by not sharing this information as it is very important to protect your privacy when you do. They are located in Egypt.

Know the emergency numbers: You should save the emergency numbers on your phone as well as the contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate on your phone. This knowledge allows you to prepare to get help quickly if you need it while traveling to easily contact the relevant emergency agencies to assist you.

Stay informed: You must be aware of the political and social conditions of the areas you wish to visit in order to make informed decisions about your travel plans. By staying informed, you will prevent complications and have a safer vacation.

Secure your belongings: It is important to keep your belongings safe in crowded areas and tourist areas, to avoid theft, use a zippered cross bag, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

Choose reputable guides: When you want to book with a travel agency for your Egyptian trip, make sure that the agency is well-known, has a good reputation, is officially licensed, and is recommended by many guests in order to make your trip to Egypt safe.

Traveling to Egypt as a woman can be an amazing experience, but it also requires some cultural awareness. Just don’t forget that Egypt in general is a safe country for women, but you should always be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to avoid them and be able to enjoy the wonders of Egypt with peace of mind and always remember what not to do as a woman in Egypt.

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What Not to Do as a Woman in Egypt FAQ

 

Navigating social norms and expectations is crucial for anyone traveling or living in a foreign country. For women visiting or residing in Egypt, understanding cultural sensitivities is particularly important to ensure respectful and smooth interactions. This FAQ provides a comprehensive guide on what not to do as a woman in Egypt, addressing cultural norms, legal considerations, and social expectations.

What Not to Do as a Woman in Egypt: Cultural Sensitivities

**1. Avoid Dressing inappropriately:

• Revealing Clothing: In Egypt, conservative dress is highly valued, especially in public and rural areas. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to wear clothing that is too revealing or provocative. It’s advisable to cover the shoulders, cleavage, and knees. Long skirts or trousers and tops with sleeves are appropriate.
• Swimwear: When at the beach or pool, it’s acceptable to wear swimwear. However, cover-ups are recommended when walking around public areas.

**2. Avoid Public Displays of Affection:

• Physical Contact: Public displays of affection, such as holding hands, hugging, or kissing, are generally frowned upon in Egypt. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to engage in these behaviors, as they can attract unwanted attention and be seen as disrespectful.
• Interactions with Men: Physical contact with men, such as shaking hands, should be approached cautiously. It is respectful to wait for a man to extend his hand first.

**3. Avoid Discussing Sensitive Topics:

• Religion and Politics: What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to engage in discussions about sensitive topics like religion, politics, or criticism of the government. These subjects can be contentious and may lead to uncomfortable situations.
• Personal Beliefs: While it is important to respect cultural and religious beliefs, avoid making statements that might be perceived as criticism or disrespect.

**4. Avoid Solo Travel in Certain Areas:

• Remote Locations: What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to travel alone to remote or less frequented areas without adequate planning and local guidance. Solo female travelers might face challenges in isolated areas, so it’s advisable to seek advice and travel in groups or with reputable guides.
• Night Travel: Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or less populated areas.

**5. Avoid Ignoring Local Customs and Traditions:

• Social Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions, and avoid actions that might be considered disrespectful. For example, showing the soles of your feet or touching objects with your left hand can be seen as impolite.
• Religious Practices: During religious events or in religious sites, observe and respect local practices. For instance, it’s customary to remove shoes before entering mosques.

What Not to Do as a Woman in Egypt: Legal and Social Considerations

**6. Avoid Breaking Local Laws:

• Public Behavior: What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to engage in behavior that might be deemed illegal or inappropriate, such as drinking alcohol in public places outside of licensed venues. Egypt has strict laws regarding public conduct, and adherence to these laws is crucial.
• Drug Use: Avoid involvement with illegal substances. Drug laws in Egypt are stringent, and penalties for drug-related offenses can be severe.

**7. Avoid Overlooking Safety Precautions:

• Personal Safety: What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to overlook personal safety. Be cautious of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuable items like expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash.
• Travel Advisories: Stay informed about current travel advisories and follow recommendations from local authorities or your embassy.

**8. Avoid Using Unregulated Taxis:

• Transport Safety: Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing taxis off the street. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to accept rides from unregulated or unofficial taxis, as this can pose safety risks.

**9. Avoid Ignoring Social Hierarchies:

• Respect for Elders: Show respect to elders and those in positions of authority. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to challenge or disregard social hierarchies or display confrontational behavior.
• Hierarchy in Public Spaces: In some public spaces, there may be informal hierarchies or expectations based on gender and age. Being aware of and respecting these dynamics can help in navigating social interactions.

What Not to Do as a Woman in Egypt: Social Interaction and Public Behavior

**10. Avoid Engaging in Loud or Disruptive Behavior:

• Noise Levels: Maintain a moderate tone when speaking and avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public places. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to create a scene or draw excessive attention to yourself, as this can be perceived as inappropriate.

**11. Avoid Taking Photos in Restricted Areas:

• Photography Rules: Respect photography rules, especially in religious sites, government buildings, and certain public areas. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to take photos in areas where it is prohibited or without permission, as this can lead to legal issues or conflicts.

**12. Avoid Entering Mosques During Prayer Times:

• Respect for Worship: When visiting mosques, ensure that you enter only during designated visitor hours and avoid entering during prayer times unless you are part of a guided tour. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to disrupt religious practices or enter sacred spaces without proper etiquette.

**13. Avoid Speaking Ill of Local Customs or Traditions:

• Cultural Sensitivity: What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to criticize or speak ill of local customs, traditions, or societal norms. Understanding and respecting cultural differences is key to positive interactions.

**14. Avoid Engaging in Unregulated Business Activities:

• Business Conduct: If you are in Egypt for business, ensure that all activities are conducted through official channels and with proper authorization. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to engage in business transactions or activities without the necessary permits or adherence to local regulations.

What Not to Do as a Woman in Egypt: Cultural and Social Etiquette

**15. Avoid Disregarding Local Dining Etiquette:

• Meal Customs: Understand and follow local dining customs. For example, in many traditional settings, meals are shared communally, and it is polite to use the right hand for eating and passing food. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to disregard these customs, as it may be seen as disrespectful.

**16. Avoid Ignoring Hospitality Norms:

• Guest Etiquette: When invited to a local’s home, bring a small gift as a gesture of appreciation. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to decline hospitality or fail to show gratitude, as this can be considered impolite.

**17. Avoid Disrespecting Local Authority Figures:

• Interactions with Officials: When interacting with police or other officials, be respectful and cooperative. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to challenge or argue with authority figures, as this can lead to legal or social complications.

What Not to Do as a Woman in Egypt: General Travel Tips

**18. Avoid Overlooking Language Barriers:

• Communication: While English is widely understood in tourist areas, learning a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful and show respect for the local culture. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to assume that everyone speaks English or to be dismissive of language differences.

**19. Avoid Relying Solely on Guidebooks:

• Local Advice: While guidebooks are helpful, they may not always provide the most current or nuanced information. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to rely solely on guidebooks for advice; instead, seek recommendations from locals or trusted sources.

**20. Avoid Traveling Without Proper Documentation:

• Documentation: Ensure that you have all necessary documentation, including your passport, visa, and any required permits. What not to do as a woman in Egypt is to travel without proper documentation, as this can lead to legal issues and delays.

Conclusion

Understanding what not to do as a woman in Egypt is crucial for ensuring a respectful and enjoyable experience. By adhering to cultural norms, legal requirements, and social expectations, women can navigate daily life in Egypt with confidence and respect. From dressing appropriately and observing local customs to being mindful of safety and legal considerations, awareness and sensitivity play key roles in fostering positive interactions and experiences in this rich and vibrant country.