Egypt holiday - dress code

brownbabygirl

Hi,

travelling with OH for one week next week to Egypt. What is acceptable over there? I dont wear shorts but concerned that my heels and wearing slippers in public (exposed feet) may cause offence. Anyone been there and had experience? How liberal are they out there?

Pee

When I went to Morocco, which I imagine would be similiar but I await to be stood corrected, I was quite careful about keeping well covered. Because it was a tourist area, there were lots of women that were wearing very little. Clothes I would be embarassed to be seen out in the street in Britain in. To be fair, this didn't seem to be a problem at all. I don't know what the locals were thinking, but the men didn't try bothering the scantily dressed women any more than they were bothering conservatively dressed women like me and my friend. I don't know which part of Egypt you are going to, but my view would be it won't be an issue.

hieveryone

I imagine youre going to a tourist area, built up and designed for people to visit, and so in that case it won't be a problem.

When I went to Egypt I was hounded because I had blonde hair and I have very blue eyes - men were shouting down the street after me and would try following me - very strange!

The only time you need to 'cover up' so to speak is if you visit a Mosque or other religious building, and it's shoulders and knees that need to be covered.

Have a great time!

Fen1

Sandals would not be a problem. Many Egyptian women wear slip-on sandal type things. The thing you have to watch is how stable you are on your feet. I would not recommend high heels anywhere other than in your hotel - the pavements are awful. Sprained ankles are pretty routine, even for the locals. The safest things to wear whilst sightseeing would be trainers. The dust and sand, in the city or out in the beach, let alone the desert, is enormous. Your feet will end up being grimey by the end of the day whatever you wear.

Always carry a scarf or wear a sunhat. When you enter a mosque you will be asked to cover your head. Being bare-headed is otherwise fine.

Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered at all times. Westerners will go around in vest tops and shorts, but it's not really the done thing. You will get more respect the more modestly dressed you are. That goes for both men and women.

rozzy_2

I suppose it depends where you are going, if your staying in the resort you can wear pretty much anything you like without any hassle. However if you decide to venture into the local towns such as Naama Bay, the less you wear the more looks/remarks you will get (99% of people seemed friendly and were just after a bit of banter and get you in their shops). Just wear what you feel comfortable in.

When we went into a mosque in Cairo, we just had to ensure that shoulders and knees were covered. Those who didnt have adequate cover were given robes to put over them. Some people who went on our Cairo trip obviously didn't do any research and turned up in revealing tops, but even they didnt seem to get hassled.

wannaberichbtch

From my experience of Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada I would go with wear what you like in the hotel , and some sturdier footwear for outside (Cairo doesnt even have pavements as we know them, people carry their children, as a pushchair just wouldn't move) Personally wouldn't wear anything above knee length, or cleavage revealing in public in any Muslim country, but that's personal choice, as I'd rather not be a source of amusement for the locals.

worbikeman

I have been to Egypt (Sharm-El-Sheik) a few times, if you plan to stay in the touristy areas or beach you are OK to wear what you want. If on a tour bus (Cairo or Luxor) the guide will advise. I wore shorts and T-shirt cos it's mad hot (OK I'm a bloke). I asked a local taxi driver in Port Said about it and he said it's OK for tourists, they understand we suffer in the heat, but he said he would not be allowed to wear shorts at all - only long trousis. Cover up in religious places, or if you go off the beaten track to the dodgy side of town...

MrsE_2

rozzy wrote: »

When we went into a mosque in Cairo, we just had to ensure that shoulders and knees were covered. Those who didnt have adequate cover were given robes to put over them. Some people who went on our Cairo trip obviously didn't do any research and turned up in revealing tops, but even they didnt seem to get hassled.

Yep, that would be me the first time I went there.....

Vest top & shorts (mid length shorts):o:o:o:o

You live & learn, I didn't make that mistake again.

hayley11

We stayed in Sharm and we didn't have to cover up, bikinis were acceptable in the resort (not in the restaurant but think that's probably standard in all nice hotels) When we went to Cairo, I had to keep my knees and shoulders covered. And if you're going on a coach at all, wrap up warm because the air con is ridiculous!! :rotfl:

Have fun

brownbabygirl

somany helpful replies, thanks. we are going to Hurghada. Staying at Interconti Abu soma resort.