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DO’S AND DON’TS
I have made so many cultural blunders that I struggle to
determine which belong to the ‘most common’ category.
Here are some you should keep in mind.DO’S
Ask when you don’t understand something
No one will be insulted or think you are dumb if you say,
“Should I think of this like an American or Egyptian?” If
you don’t know what is expected of you, ask, “What am
I expected to do?” or “What am I expected to wear?” or
“What is the proper way to address him/her?” If you don’t
know what something means, just ask. Most Egyptians
will be all too willing to assist you.
Respect your Egyptian hosts and you are more likely to
be respected in return
I feel almost foolish stating something this obvious. But
I have seen many expatriates who look down their noses
at their Egyptian hosts and regard them as somehow
inferior. If you do that, it is little wonder why your hosts
view you with contempt.
Attend to your own personal cultural needs
You can’t, nor should you, renounce your own cultural
values in an effort to fit into the Egyptian milieu. Sure, you
should respect your host’s values, but also remember to
respect your own. In every day practice, you will probably
find some sort of middle ground that accommodates both
world views.
Women, do sit next to women on public transportation.
You are much less likely to get unwanted attention if you,
for example, take the front car on the undergound train.
Do be sensitive when discussing the Egyptian government,
religion, culture and law.
Do wear sunscreen and keep insect repellent available.
Do avoid off-road travel. Unless you are travelling with
a guide or someone who knows the area, you should
not be there. Remember, there are still some unspent