Fascinating Facts  

• The world’s first prosthetic limb—a toe made of leather, wood and thread—was made in Ancient Egypt between 950 and 710 B.C. 

• The 12-month, 365-day calendar we used today was invented in Egypt. 

• With an estimated population of 22 million, Cairo is the largest city in Africa and the Middle East, and the 6th-largest in the world. 

• Paper and ink were Ancient Egyptian inventions. 

• The Nile runs through Cairo, and there are two large islands in the middle of the city. 

• The Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo will be the largest archeological museum in the world when it’s completed. For the first time, the entire contents of King Tut’s tomb will be exhibited.  

Religion and Ethnic Groups

• Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 90%, Christian (majority Coptic Orthodox, other Christians include Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, Maronite, Orthodox, and Anglican) 10% (2015 est.)  

• Egyptian 99.7%, other 0.3% (2006 est.) 

Greetings 

• Shaking hands with the right hand is a common greeting. They are generally accompanied by a wide smile and direct eye contact.  

• Men greeting men: When meeting for the first time, a light handshake is common. Friends and family kiss on both cheeks. This may be accompanied by a hug and a back slap while shaking hands with the right hand. 

• Women greeting women: When meeting for the first time, a simple nod of acknowledgement or a light handshake is common. Friends and family kiss on both cheeks while shaking hands. 

• Greetings between men and women: A handshake may be acceptable in certain circumstances. The woman must extend her hand first. If she does not, a man should bow his head as a sign of acknowledgement. If they are closely related, kissing on the cheek is acceptable. 

• When greeting someone you commonly say ‘salaam aleikum’ (‘May peace be with you’). The reply to that is ‘Waaleikum us salam’ (‘may peace be with you also’). However, in some areas it is more common to say ‘Sbaa’ el Kher’ (good morning) and ‘Masaa’ el Kher’ (good evening). 

• If you are joining a group, you are expected to greet all those present. 

• Egyptians often use humor in their conversations. When meeting an Egyptian for the first time, it’s common for them to say a joke or two. 

General Social Etiquette 

• It’s considered impolite to point the toe, heel or any part of the foot toward another person or to show the sole of your shoe. 

• Direct eye contact is acceptable in most cases and valued as a sign of respect to the speaker and a sign of honesty and sincerity. However, in accordance to Islamic principles, males and females may be expected to lower their gaze and avoid sustained eye contact with each other.  

• There is little to no public display of affection between opposite genders during conversation or in public places. Married couples may walk arm in arm. 

• Generally, the younger defer to the older through showing respect, not challenging their seniors. 

• It is forbidden to walk in front of someone who is praying or to talk to someone who is currently in prayer. 

• When offered a compliment, you’re expected to show your gratitude by responding with an equally respectful compliment on the same subject or, if the person is Muslim, wishing Allah’s blessings. 

• Strict punctuality is not commonly practiced. 

• When visiting a mosque or someone’s home, you are required to remove your shoes before entering. 

• If you are invited to an Egyptian’s home, bring chocolates or sweets for the hostess as a token of gratitude. 

• Gifts are generally given and received with both hands or only the right hand and tend not to be opened when received. 

• Avoid giving flowers as a gift since they tend to be reserved for weddings, the ill or for periods of mourning. 

• Don’t assume that your Egyptian counterpart identifies himself or herself as Arab. ‘Egyptian’ and ‘Arab’ are distinctive cultures and ethnicities. 

• Egyptians have a tendency to be evocative and verbose by telling stories and using wordplay and jokes. They are generally open and emotive, displaying happiness and gratitude freely. Emotions relating to grief and sorrow are also widely expressed, particularly in the case of death of a loved one. However, public displays of anger are discouraged and may be interpreted as an insult. 

Eating 

• Asking for seconds is considered a compliment. 

• Leave a small amount of food on your plate once you have finished eating, which symbolizes abundance. It also serves as a compliment to the host for providing so well. 

• It’s not common for people to salt their serving of food. 

• If you compliment the food, do so with a statement. Questions such as “How was this prepared?” means you are skeptical of the food.  

• The left hand is reserved for personal hygiene. Only the right hand is used when eating food with one’s hands. 

• Alcohol is generally not offered nor is it consumed with food. Only offer alcohol to your Egyptian counterpart if you know that they consume it. 

• It’s considered offensive to offer pork to Muslims. Pigs and pig products are prohibited in the Islamic religion. 

Getting Around 

Cairo has a good public transportation system that includes metro, buses, trams and trains. However, public transport in Egypt is generally crowded and uncomfortable.  

In cities, taxis are an inexpensive and convenient way to get around. They are painted in special colors so you can easily identify them. In Cairo, taxis are white with black checkerboard on the sides. They are blue and white in Luxor, and in Alexandria yellow and black. 

Buses are also very reasonable and connect most cities, towns and villages. Given that Egypt’s rail system is outdated, buses are often the best, if not the only, option when traveling long distances. Air conditioned ‘deluxe buses’ are more comfortable than standard buses, which can be extremely slow and overcrowded. If you’re traveling two hours or less, minibuses or servees are quicker and quite reasonable. 

There are no rules for pedestrians in Egypt, and cars rarely stop. Before crossing, make sure one or more locals forms a buffer between you and oncoming traffic and then cross with them. Don’t hesitate or turn back, just cross as fast as you can.  

Key Phrases 

Greetings: 

Welcome: marhaba 

 Hello: Is salām ‘alaykum 
(response): Wa ‘alaykum is salām 
 
How are you?: Ez zayyak? (m) / ez zayyek ? (f) 

I’m fine, thanks. And you?: m/f/pl – izayyak/izayyik/izayyuku 

What’s your name?: Esmak eh?/ Ma esmok? 
 
My name is: esmi___ 

Where are you from?: Inta/inti minayn? 

I’m from_____:   ana min____ 

Nice to meet you: Saadot belkak 

Good morning: sabah’ el-kheir 
(response) ṣabā in noor 

Good afternoon/evening: Masaa’ el-kheir 
(response) misa’ in noor 

Good night: Tesbah ala kheir 
(response): winta min ahla 

Goodbye: bai, ma’is salāma/ salam 

Have a nice day: Youm sa’eed 

Please: men fadlak (m)  men fadlik (f) 

I don’t understand: Ana mišh fāhem 

Please speak more slowly: Mumkin titkallim bilrrāha 

Could you repeat that?: Mumkin ti’ool/ee taani? 

Sorry / Excuse Me: Aseef 

Thank you: shukrān / shukrān gazēlan 

You’re welcome:  Ahlan beka 

Can you help me?: Momken tsa’edny 

How much is this?: Bi kam di?