9 Things That Will Surprise You About Travelling To Egypt

13 December

Here is our blog talking about facts about Egypt. So, If you were looking for facts about Egypt and to travel to it in the near future, you have no doubt looked up all the monuments and temples you need to visit, what museums to visit in Cairo, and which city has the best coffee. However, having an itinerary won’t do you much good if you don’t know the ins and out’s of the culture itself. Keep reading to learn about 9 things that will surprise you about traveling to Egypt.

1 . Even Egyptian Food Has a History

One of our facts about Egypt is that food is a very important part of Egyptian culture, and they put much more historical emphasis on it than other cultures might. They have dishes that are common throughout the region such as gyro, falafel, and hummus. However, they also have dishes like kushari that are uniquely Egyptian and have their own spiritual and cultural significance.

Most dishes are also prepared differently depending on what holiday is being celebrated. Whenever you visit Egypt, be sure to sit down at the dinner table with a curious mind and an empty stomach!

2. Using Travel Agencies

Number 2 of our facts about Egypt is that experienced travelers often think that using a travel agency to book their trips is a waste of money and won’t give them a well-rounded experience at their intended destination.

However, in Egypt, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While you might be able to find a glamorous resort in Hurghada by yourself or use Google to find cool coffee shops in Cairo, no amount of research can replace an educated tour guide. Since most of your trip will be visiting old ruins and ancient temples, you want someone with you who has extensive knowledge of the history and culture of the time.

Enjoy the local cuisine & Tour Cairo, Luxor & Aswan with our Egypt Tours

3. Safety

Time to introduce our third fact about Egypt, Many travelers assume that Egypt is a dangerous part of the Middle East, but it might surprise you to learn that this isn’t the case. Compared to other countries in the region, Egypt is heavily guarded and very safe for travelers.

Occasionally, you will see metal detectors, armed guards, and bag checks. However, these security practices should be embraced rather than feared. It means that the Egyptian government is doing everything in its power to make sure you have a safe and peaceful stay in their country.

Discover the Beauty of The Nile with Abu Simbel

4. Visiting During Ramadan

Although the holy month of Ramadan is viewed as very restrictive, it may surprise travelers to learn that Egypt is still open for business. In fact, you will likely find restaurants with seasonal special menus, vibrant festivals, and colorful, welcoming vendors while you are out in the streets of Cairo or Aswan.

If you wander off the beaten path into smaller village, you do run the risk of more conservative restrictions. However, if you stick to tourist areas, businesses are much more likely to remain open. They might simply have slightly different operating hours than normal and won’t be selling alcohol.

5. Be Prepared to Tip Wherever You Go

Much like countries in the west, customer service workers in Egypt will expect a tip for their services. The term for the tip there is “baksheesh”. Locals don’t make high wages there, and they will expect a tip for everything from carrying your luggage to your hotel to giving you a towel in the bathroom.

One scam to watch out for is grifters who loiter in tourist areas and demand tips for services travelers didn’t ask for. If you are using a taxi or other service, make sure you have negotiated a price in advance, so you aren’t by extra obligatory fees and tips.

6. Egyptian Traffic is Insanity

If you’re a westerner, you may have heard about how hectic traffic can be in cities in the Middle East and Asia. In that department, Egypt does not disappoint. Large cities like Cairo are a chaotic whirlwind of cars, buses, bikes, and even donkey carts all sharing the same roads.

People will hop in and out of taxis as they see fit, and pedestrians rarely stick to the sidewalks. If you aren’t used to the honking horns and shouting locals and vendors, it an be a bit overwhelming. However, if you come prepared and ready for the rush on the senses, you can appreciate the vibrancy of modern life that goes on right next to some of the oldest mosques and cathedrals in the world.

7. Men and Women Have Equal Rights

Many foreigners will lump Egypt in with other countries in the Middle Eastern region and assume women don’t have equal rights. However, it would surprise them to learn that men and women have had equal rights since the times of the pharaohs. Many pharaohs even were women, one of the most prominent being the queen regent Hatshepsut, who ruled in the name of her young son.

In ancient times, people were expected to hold equal and complimentary roles in marriage. Women could even raise their own children after being divorced or widowed, compared to other parts of the world where her children would be legally given to her late husband’s family.

8. Most of Egypt is Empty

We didn't end up here with our facts about Egypt because it is similar to Australia in that most of it is uninhabited, and most of the country’s population lives near water. One of the reasons the Nile River was seen as a spiritual place to the ancient Egyptians was that it brought life to a people that otherwise would never have survived. Other than the occasional tropical oasis, 95% of the land in Egypt is hot and dry desert sand.

9. Football is Egypt’s Most Popular Sport

With the end of our facts about Egypt, many people in the west underestimate the impact that football (soccer) has on the rest of the world. In fact, football is by far the most popular sport in Egypt. Locals love to play it in the streets, and “Al Ahli” is the highest-achieving club team on the entire continent.

Even ancient Egypt was very invested in sports. Boxing, rowing, fishing, weightlifting, and gymnastics were only a few that have been enjoyed for thousands of years