DO

Do spend time chatting with people. Egyptians are known for their great sense of humour, kindness and hospitality. It is always a fruitful cultural exchange so don't miss out on that.

Do learn some basic Egyptian Arabic during your trip. This will not only help you get around more easily, but locals will also appreciate your effort. Here are some common colloquial Arabic phrases that will come in handy during your time in Egypt:

Do ask when you don't understand something. If you're not sure what something means, just ask. Most Egyptians will be happy to assist you.

Do savour as much Egyptian food as you can. There are delicious dishes to throughout Egypt, and you should try it all! No matter if it is from a street stall or at a formal restaurant, you'll find scrumptious food cooked fresh and served with plenty of the renowned Egyptian hospitality. 

Do make sure you try this food:

• Mahshi: stuffed vine leaves, cabbage, aubergine, sweet peppers and zucchini
• Fiteer Baladi: Egyptian filo pastry with sweet and savoury dips
• Hawawshi: baked minced beef sandwich
• Shawerma: shaved meat with garlic sauce
• Koshary: a rice and pasta mix with spicy red sauce (popular with vegans)
• Falafel: Egyptian ones are very green and crunchy (best falafel you'll ever taste!)
• Foule: Fava beans with vegetables, cumin and oil
• Roz bel Laban: Cream Egyptian rice pudding (try it with ice-cream or fresh cream)
• Om Ali: Egyptian bread pudding with nuts and raisins

Do stay in a central location. Most first time visitors to Cairo usually pick hotels near the Pyramids. That is fine if you don't plan to visit any other district in Cairo, but the area around the Pyramids is pretty far from everything. Ideally, you should pick a more central location like Tahrir or Zamalek for better access to the rest of the city. 

Do dress modestly. Egypt is mostly an Islamic country, and even though they are quite tolerant, you will get looked at, etc. which is not very pleasant. When entering religious sites, you may be required to cover your knees and shoulders. It's a good idea for women to keep a scarf with them when visiting such places. If you are going out at night to one of the posh places you can wear whatever you feel like without a worry. 

Do be careful of public displays of affection. That is looked down upon. Couples kissing on the street, even a kiss on the cheek might be unacceptable in some areas in Egypt. Handholding and shaking hands is ok in general, but strict Muslims don't shake hands with people of the opposite sex to avoid any physical contact. 

Do ask for directions from at least three different people (to be sure you have the right information). Sometimes people will give you directions even if they don't know the place.

Do ask for help when crossing busy streets. Unless you’re very confident, in such situations wait for someone to cross with you, or ask someone to help you. Most Egyptians will be happy to oblige. This doesn't apply for all streets, of course, but in cities like Cairo and Alexandria where traffic is congested and traffic signs may be hard to locate, cars won't stop to let you cross, and you have to find a way between them. To foreigners, Egyptian drivers are suicidal. To Egyptians, leaving more than a few centimetres between cars is wasted space.

Do take taxis rather than public transportation. Especially for women, if you have to travel by public transit, always try to sit next to other women. You can avoid unwanted attention if you, for example, take the first car on the underground train.

Do ask locals the fare for your destination before taking a taxi. Agree with the taxi driver on the fare before getting in. In Cairo they have the metered ("white taxi"), but always check the meter is working. Otherwise leave the taxi and take another. You can leave a three-pound tip at the end of your ride. It is preferable to use Uber or Careem and they are available in most cities in Egypt. 

Do avoid off-road destinations. Unless you are travelling with a guide or someone who knows the area, you should not be there. 

Do carry small change and coins. Many places you'll visit or want to buy something from don't take credit cards. It is advisable to have exact change, especially when you're in a market or buying street food but don't carry a lot of money.

Do leave tips in cafés, restaurants, hairdressers, shops and almost everywhere! Keep in mind that the Egyptian culture revolves around tipping. People will request a tip for simple tasks like holding a door or giving directions. This is expected for both visitors, and locals as well. Sometimes people won't take tips, but usually, they will, as they have small salaries. 

Do bargain in souvenir shops and bazaars. Within reasonable limits, bargaining in souvenir markets is expected and is a good way of starting a conversation.

Do respect Egyptian temples and monuments. When both signs and personnel indicate that photos are not allowed PLEASE just follow the rules and don't take photos in such places. Paintings on the walls of temples, tombs, and statues of Egypt are delicate and taking photos of them, especially using a flashbulb dulls the colours on the paintings, damaging artefacts that are over 5,000 years old.

Do enjoy the country as much as you can. Egypt is unlike any other country, in Arabic, it is called "Om el Donia" which means “the Mother of the World”

DON'T

Don't even think about renting a car unless you have driven in India or Egypt before. You will need an international driving license and nerves of steel! Taking a bus or a taxi will give you the luxury of enjoying the chaos from the safety of your passenger seat. 

Don't get frustrated when someone is late. People in Egypt are quite laid back, so sometimes people will be late or delayed because of traffic and you will have to get used to it during your stay.

Don't wear shorts and vests or tank tops. For men it's ok, but its preferable to wear tshirts instead. Egypt is a predominately Muslim country and even non-Muslims there are quite conservative. Therefore generally revealing clothing are not recommended. This does not apply if you are visiting Red Sea towns like Sharm-El-Sheikh, Dahab, Marsa Alam and Hurghada. In these coastal resorts, wearing this type of clothing is acceptable.

Don't talk to people who approach you in public areas offering services like city tours, special visits to tombs, sites or shops…etc. It's always safer to use registered tour operators and agents.

Don't follow someone trying to "help" you. Egyptians are kind people and most of them are truly helpful. However, at some tourist areas, some people might tell you they're going to show you or bring you into select areas of the attraction. These people tend to allow tourists into areas that are off-limits to get tips and sometimes to rob them.

Don't drink the tap water. This is good advice where you're travelling. Go out and buy bottled water or carry your own reusable bottle, which is better for the environment.

Don't drink alcohol in the street. Make sure you are at a designated bar, disco or at a private residence. Unless you are in a tourist place where this is common it's not socially acceptable, and in some areas, it's forbidden by law but in some eateries, drinking is allowed. If you do drink, you should not do so in excess and avoid drinking brands of hard liquor you are not familiar with. While you may just trying to be friendly, it is considered rude to offer alcohol to someone who is Muslim. 

Don't be intimidated by market vendors. When strolling through markets and tourist attractions you will meet vendors everywhere. It can get a bit overwhelming as they will all be trying to sell you something. However, there is no need to feel intimidated. If you are not interested in what they're peddling, firmly tell them no thank you, and continue walking. In Arabic, no thank you is: "la, shukrun."

Don't take photos of locals without permission. That is a big no-no wherever you're travelling. While people in certain parts of Egypt may dress differently than Westerners that doesn't mean it is ok to take their photos without permission. Keep in mind you may have to give a tip for taking a photo. Even more importantly, taking photos of military or police personnel, buildings and vehicles is strictly forbidden in Egypt.

Don't visit mosques during prayer time. Unless you are a Muslim and are going to pray, wait until the prayer is over before venturing inside. Men and women pray in separate quarters in mosques and when entering, women must cover their heads, arms and legs and make sure you take off your shoes. 

Don't be surprised to see Egyptian men holding hands. Women, too, can hold hands or link arms. It doesn't mean they are gay, it’s just part of the culture. 

Don't put your feet on a table or point the soles of your shoes at others. This behaviour is not acceptable and might offend the people around you.

Don't pet street dogs and cats (unless you have all your vaccines and you're not afraid of being bitten or scratched).

Don't use drones in Egypt. Flying drones is not allowed anywhere in the country of Egypt. According to the Egyptian Aviation Act under Article 46, sentence 8: "No unmanned aircraft is allowed to fly or to work in the territory of the State unless by permission of the Civil Aviation Authority. In all cases, using unmanned aircrafts is prohibited as per the rules of the Air and Air Traffic outlined in this respect."