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Can you show your shoulders in Egypt?

As a rule of thumb, especially for women, chest, shoulders, and knees should be covered at all times when not at beach resorts. You can still stay relatively cool by taking a tip from the ancient Egyptians and wearing light, breathable fabrics like linen.



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A good rule of thumb for the dress code in Egypt for tourists is to cover your arms and legs, especially in mosques or more conservative areas.

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It is best to not show much skin unless you are on a specific tour or Nile river cruise where shorts are allowed. Tank tops and crop tops – Unless you are by the pool or beach, these shouldn't be worn. Heavy jackets – you will rarely ever need any heavy clothing in Egypt.

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The majority of local women you meet in Egypt will be wearing a hijab covering their head and hair. It is also common to see local Egyptian wearing niqabs which cover the woman's head, hair, and face except for the eyes. As a visitor, you are not required or pressured to wear either.

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“General Rule of Thumb” Tips for What to Wear in Egypt as a Woman: Tops: Avoid tops that show cleavage or your stomach. Sorry, no crop tops! When wearing a tank top, bring a thin chambray shirt, linen shirt or long scarf with you in case you need to cover up to feel comfortable or get out of the sun.

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Do not kiss or embrace someone of the opposite sex in public. You will see Egyptian couples holding hands in the cities, but these will be married, engaged or courting.

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Respecting the local customs (which includes dressing the part!) is important on any trip to Egypt. As a rule of thumb, especially for women, chest, shoulders, and knees should be covered at all times when not at beach resorts.

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The looser your clothes are, the better. Form-fitting clothing can be just as poorly received as exposed skin. Packing a couple of tunics and long-sleeved shirts that you can slip over the top of your outfits is also a good idea for easy layering in more conservative areas.

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Egyptian men do not often wear shorts, but they are perfectly fine for a male tourist to wear. Aside from beachside resort cities, it is not recommended for female tourists to ever wear shorts in Egypt. Before traveling to Egypt for the first time, many travelers ask us what clothes to bring.

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While it's a must in some countries, this restriction does not apply to Egypt. No, you don't have to cover your ankles, or yourself from head to toe.

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Regarding Egypt in particular, it is common for criminals and people who been prisoned to have them, so that will be the first impression. The answer in that question was meant for a person who wants to blend in and look like Egyptian. But for a tourist it is totally fine to show them.

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Egypt is a country that is largely influenced by Islamic culture. We recommend that you respect local traditions, follow the local people, and not be too flashy when traveling: do not wear shorts, mini-skirts, or clothing that may appear provocative (such as bikinis, low-cut blouses, crop tops, etc.).

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But, as Egypt is an Islamic country it is to be expected. Remember, everyone is in the same boat. Wearing shorts, strappy tops, mini skirts, clothing that reveals too much flesh is a big NO. It will draw a lot of attention and, most importantly, it's seen as disrespectful to locals.

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Prohibited Items
  • Medical drugs that cannot be dispensed without a prescription such as Tramadol, Xanax, Librax and other medicines.
  • Real and toy arms, ammunition and explosives and any other substances containing explosive materials such as firearms and crackers.
  • All kinds of artifacts.
  • All kinds of narcotics.


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You do not have to wear baggy clothing in Egypt, but balance things out. If you wear skinny jeans or tighter pants, pair them with a looser (long) top. Layers will help in the evening, but lightweight and breathable clothing is best for the daytime.

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Too many tourists do, and end up making little contact with an extraordinarily friendly people. Even in response to insistent offers or demands, try to avoid being rude or aggressive in refusing. Intimate behaviour in public (kissing and cuddling) is a no-no, and even holding hands is disapproved of.

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2. Sharing an apartment or hotel room with an Egyptian of the opposite sex if you're not married. Egyptian regulations require that any Egyptian man or woman sharing a room or apartment with a member of the opposite sex have a marriage certificate.

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