Cultural etiquette guide

Egypt Etiquette: What's Polite & What's Rude

Quick verdicts on the gestures and customs travelers ask about most in Egypt. Tap any topic for the full explanation and a local tip.

Tipping Expected but not mandatory Thumbs up Use with care Showing soles of feet Highly offensive gesture Eating with the left hand Left hand is unclean Patting someone's head Avoid head touching Direct eye contact Moderate, not sustained Removing shoes indoors Respectful and expected Pointing with a finger Use with discretion Public displays of affection Minimal PDA expected Arriving late Flexible but not encouraged Refusing offered food Refusing hospitality is offensive The OK hand sign Ambiguous, often negative Slurping noodles Generally impolite, but tolerated Cheek-kiss greeting Common among same gender Beckoning with a finger Offensive hand gesture Giving a gift Generally welcome with care

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