I'm going to egypt, what should I wear?

Question

I am an author, and I'm going to Egypt to research for my next book. However, I want to blend in with the locals and not a be a tourist. I want to be treated as an Egyptian. What should I wear? How should I act? How much Arabic is it neccesary for me to learn? I will be there for a total of one month.

Answer 1

Egypt is a mix of many different classes of people, you really don't have to wear anything different, just dress a bit modest if you are in poorer areas! thats about it!

but if you are in Cairo for example Zamalek or Mohandeseen ect...most people dress very fashionable!

Answer 2

You should wear cotton as it's very hot at this time of the year & Don't reveal too much, but it's hard to learn how to act like an egyptian in such a short period because everyone will figure out from your look that you are a foriegner, you have to learn the basic greetings, how to ask for a price, & the simple things like that.

Just be yourself & Good luch with your research

Answer 3

Wear anything that u feel comfortable in just dont wear shorts or reaveling tops. u dont have to wear a robe or anything like that. if ur going to cairo or something wear jeans and a tshirt. be sure to wear something that wont make u hot because egypt is HOT!!! Just act friendly because most egyptians are friendly. they wont treat u diffrently even if u are a tourist because they are used to tourists. just learn basic arabic like..

hi= ahlan

bye= masalama

where is ...= fean .....

where is the bathroom= fean el hamam

how much is this= becam dah

stuff like that.

there isnt really a specific way to act just dont do anything crazy that will draw attention to you. people dont treat u diffrently really everyone is treated well in egypt.

Answer 4

you are soooooooooooooo lucky to go there!!! wear just like a white robe lol

Answer 5

wear light cotton clothes that do not reveal too much .

do you know how the Greeks or the Italians dress or behave in movies ?the Egyptians are very much like them.

we are warm, easy going , helpful, talkative , etc .

you dont have to speak in Arabic , we will understand you .

have a nice stay .

Answer 6

I don't think you can blend in too fast, not only in Egypt, but in any new culture. It's not about what you'd wear or about a few lessons how to act, it's much more than that. It takes pretty much time to really understand a way of life and thinking of an average Egyptian (or member of any other culture, society...). I finally believe I can say I understand that since I get surprised by almost nothing now and I can foresee reactions easily, but it took me more than just a visit to Egypt. My advice to you is to interact with local people as much as possible (which you obviously intend to do) and to stay in touch with them after you leave. You could also visit this section at Y!A from time to time, you'll find here many discussions that might be interesting to you.

As for what you should wear, I can only tell you that I wore normal Western clothes and never had a single problem.

Have a nice and productive trip!