PROPLAN VISION TRAVEL

• Do know that Islam is practised by majority of Egyptians 

• Do know that the family is most valued

• Do hold kinship as an important role in social relations

• Do know that honour/respect is held an important right and Egyptians as such show hospitality to friends and guests

• Do greet with a handshake or kiss on both cheeks for man to man or woman to woman, with a hug and back slapping for men. With man to woman most commonly a slight bow of the head and greeting of 'salaam aleikum' with a rely of 'waaleikum us salam'. Greeting is an important aspect of culture

• Do be aware and respect when choosing topics as most Egyptians are religious

• Do avoid saying 'no' in business. People tend to be indirect when speaking and beat around the bush 

• Do know that direct eye contact is acceptable but with the opposite sex it may mean imposing which is not norm

• Do whistle, clap or 'pssssst' to call someone from a distance

• Do gesture to calm down or tell someone to wait by touching all four fingers to the thumb with the palm facing inwards and shaking it up and down

• Do know decisions take long with business negotiations and usually come top-down

• Do bring a gift of bake goods or sweets if you are a first time guest

• Do take second helping of food at dinners and leave some on the plate when finish

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• Do not touch the opposite sex when talking if you are a religious person

• Do not go back on your word which is your bond. To do so brings dishonour

• Do not be offended if small talk and pleasantries interrupt conversation

• Do not worry about time socially as punctuality is not valued or expected

• Do not tap or rub the two index finger side by side, it is a rude sex gesture 

• Do not wear sleeveless tops,mini skirts shorts in public,it is not the culture 

• Do not offer alcohol or pork(Muslims)to your guests when hosting.

• Do not drink, show emotions in public, Egyptians tend to be very conservative 

• Do not point the toe/heel at any person. Showing your shoe sole is impolite.

• Do not eat communal food with left hand, it is used for personal hygiene

• Do not hard-sell however Egyptians are emotional and bargaining is expected

• Do not give over expensive gifts in business it can be seen as a bribe

• Do not open gifts upon receipt