5 FACTS WILL CHANGE YOUR PLANS ABOUT EGYPT
Visiting Egypt is like a dream to every traveler. Egypt indeed deserves visiting, to enjoy the sun, the beach, the pyramids and much more. However, there are many concepts that make visiting Egypt is like a gambling. I came from Egypt and lived in Cairo (the capital of Egypt) for more than 20 years. I will try in this article to answer the most common questions about visiting Egypt.
Dress code
Generally, Egypt is a Muslim conservative country. Cairo is the most crowded city. Most of the people in Cairo are a medium and low socio-economic class. Most of the female citizens are wearing a long dress and cover up hair by scarf ‘Hijab’. However, the options are more flexible for the tourists. Covering your hair is not mandatory. People in Egypt understand the cultural difference very well, so yes, tourists can show up in short, sleeveless dress. On the beaches, you will find some Egyptian women in a swimsuit too.
Food
The Egyptian cuisine is tasty and cooked well. easily you can find the international and fast food restaurants everywhere. Definitely, you must try the different Egyptian dishes. My favorite is ‘Koshari‘, which is a mix of rice, pasta, and lentil with onion rings and tomato sauce. A common tradition in Egypt is to eat 2 dishes of Koshari not only one. ‘Molokhia’ is a cooked green leaves and looks like a green soup, it is very tasty. Don’t miss the Egyptian bread with Molokhia. The mashed fava beans and the well-known Egyptian Falafel are essential in the traditional Egyptian breakfast.
The Weather
Egypt is an African country, so don’t expect a friendly sun. The sun is really hot most of the year, but it is nice and warm in the winter. The cold months are December and January, less cold in November and February. It never snows in Egypt, except parts of Sinai and Saint Catherine’s mountain. Red sea-coast is more hot and moist than the north coast. The weather is very hot in the southern part of Egypt especially Luxor and Aswan (where you can find most of the temples and Pharaonic monuments). But the winter is sunny and warm. April and May are stormy at most of the Egyptian cities. In brief, the best time to visit Cairo is February and November. July and August for the north coast, December and January for Luxor and Aswan.
Safety Concern
Maybe you will not believe me, but Egypt is safe, and one of the safest countries all over the world. However, you should be keen to avoid the over-crowded and dangerous areas. Better to stay near to your tour guide if you are visiting crowded or local areas. Most of the Egyptian cities are alive 24/7. You can go out and roam in the streets freely at any time of the day. However, it is wise to make your walk in the main streets.
Konafa (free license photo from yahoo search engine)
Ramadan
Ramadan is the Muslim’s holy month. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The streets, touristic areas, and beaches are almost abandoned. That is not the only reason you should visit Egypt during the month of Ramadan. Most important, life starts after the sunset till sunrise. All stores are open till very late hours. Special kinds of desserts are common in Ramadan, such as ‘Konafa’ and ‘Qataif’. In Ramadan nights you can attend many cultural cafés, we call it Ramadan’s tent, where you can enjoy food and non-alcoholic drinks, served with music, songs, and dancing. Most of the restaurants are open during the morning time, however, please don’t eat or drink in public areas. Next Ramadan will start on May 6, 2019.
48 Comments
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It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Hanna
Good post about Egypt. I live in Egypt and write a blog about Hurghada. Luckily we have good Koshari available in Hurghada, it’s sooo good!
Traveler78
Thank you so much I hope you enjoy your stay in Hurghada, you are welcome to collaborate, I like to hear from you
Traveler78
Thanks and hope to see you soon in Egypt
Traveler78
yes it is yummy food and different culture
Traveler78
in Egypt we say if u drink from the River Nile, you must come back again
Traveler78
Thanks and welcome at any time
Traveler78
Rice + lentil is one of the secret. also you can join many cooking classes
Traveler78
I wish you happy anniversary, definitely Egypt is good choice, in January it is better to visit Aswan and Luxor or you can enjoy the red sea beach as if you are in the summer
Traveler78
Thanks and welcome hope to see you son in Egypt
Traveler78
That is pleasant to hear< mike cruise? I think u mean Nile Cruise
Traveler78
thanks and you are welcome at any time
amayszingblogs
I’ve never had been in Egypt but sounds like it is a great place to visit great advice the Koshari looks yummy 🙂
Traveler78
you are welcome at any time
knockingonfortysdoor
I got to visit Egypt as a child and I loved every moment mute of that trip! I’m hoping that when my children are a bit older I can take them on a similar trip!
Traveler78
you are welcome and Egypt is reasonable for families also
The Coffee Mom (@Jessi_Sullivan)
I have always thought that Egypt would be a lovely place to visit. The food looks delicious and I think I would personally try to be respectful of the local dress code. While I probably would absolutely look like a tourist, it isn’t a bad thing to show a little restraint when in a different land.
Traveler78
Thanks and you are welcome. I am sure you will enjoy in Egypt
Wander With Ola
Wow, Egypt has been on my bucket list for a long time. Thank you for such an awesome list of tips! I didn’t know that Egypt turns out to be one of the safest countries in the world!
Traveler78
you are welcome and looking forward to hear your stories about Egypt
Annie Cho
I’ve never tried Egyptian food, but I’d love to! Koshari sounds delicious!
xoxo
Annie
Traveler78
indeed it is …and the myths say that u must eat 2 plates of Koshari not only one
Makito
To be honest Egypt has not been on my bucketlist since I am more interested in European countries. But your article made me very interested in visiting Egypt in the future!
Traveler78
so it really changed your plans about Egypt
Traveler78
Welcome, I hope Egypt now is on your list for 2019
Traveler78
Egypt is open and welcoming country. Safety is guaranteed. The weather could be sunny but generally no extremes
Tren B.
Thanks for sharing the information. I would love to visit a joke. I have a few clients that are Muslims and it is always interesting for me to learn more about their culture
Traveler78
Egypt and Egyptians are friendly and open to all cultures and religions. Welcome at any time
Siedah | I Am Love Blog
Hi Yahya, thanks for stopping by my blog. Visiting Egypt is top on my list to do. There is great insight within this article about the cultural do’s and dont’s when visiting. 🙂 I have shared with my friends and family. – Much love <3
Traveler78
You are Welcome dear friend, Hope to see you soon in Egypt with all your family. I wish I can hear from you soon
Explorethe6
Egypt has been on my bucket list for a while. This is a great list, I can’t wait to visit
Traveler78
Ok great, back-up your bags immediately LOL
Ivan Jose
Wonderful tipa and insights. I have always been intrigued by Egypt’s rich culture. Amd the pyramids, of course.
Traveler78
Pyramids is the Pearl of the Egyptian crown LOL
Jennifer Yvonne Gonzales
I’ve always wondered about visiting Egypt. Dress code had been something I’d wondered about. This is a great guide for anyone thinking of heading there! Great post!
Traveler78
Thank you, I hope you have a good idea about Egypt specially customs. hope to see you soon in Egypt
Hollie
Thank you for sharing, especially about safety. I’ve wanted to visit Egypt but safety is always something that worries me with any travel.
Traveler78
Any country can be unsafe, definitely Egypt is one of the most secure countries in the world. hope to see you soon in Egypt
Jessica Lyles, LMSW
Wow what good information. I loved that you covered the topics most would be concerned with (food and attire).
Traveler78
Thank you. I tried to give only general highlights about the most common concerns. more to come, follow us
Scott Gombar
I have always wanted to visit Egypt. I have no problem believing it is safe. When people tell me about “unsafe” countries to travel to I am quick to point out how unsafe the US can be.
Traveler78
Actually any country in the world could be unsafe. you have to take care and avoid dangerous areas
vballangel5
I’m hoping to get the chance to visit Egypt. The culture and food sound amazing
Traveler78
Not only culture and food, but there are more secrets and much more to explore
georginawangui
Thank you for this wonderful post, plus all the tips and advice you’ve given.. traveling to Egypt is definitely on my to-do list, and I am sure this information will come in handy
Traveler78
Welcome, really happy to know that it is on your to do list
Traveler78
That is true, hope to see you soon in Egypt
Traveler78
You are welcome, would love to hear from you about Egypt when you visit