Millions of tourists head to Sharm el Sheikh every year to take advantage of their sun, sea and sand. But all visitors to the Egyptian are just that, guests, and should remember and respect the local customs and etiquette of the local people. With one in seven Egyptians reliant on the tourist trade, Sharm el Sheikh is very friendly and accepting of their foreign guests, so it pays to respect these following customs and etiquette tips for Sharm el Sheikh.
One of the most important things to remember about Egypt and therefore Sharm el Sheikh is that they are a Muslim country. Therefore you are advised not to show public displays of affection such as petting a kissing. Although not illegal, these actions are frowned upon.
Women, too, must not go topless at any point and in public areas should wear moderately covered up clothes. If you are going to be visiting the resort during Ramadan, then remember not to eat, drink or smoke in public as this would be highly disrespectful to the local Muslims.
Many tourists worry about shopping abroad and being heckled by shop keepers and tricked into buying overpriced goods. However, Sharm el Sheikh is much more laid back and so a simple 'no thanks' usually does the trick if you're not interested. Try not to, however, enter local shops if you really are not interested in buying anything. Haggling is a common custom in Egypt so if you can't get the price lower, try somewhere else. There are a lot of tourists and therefore a lot of competition.
Also be aware that Egyptians do not really have the same concept of personal space as Westerners, so don't be alarmed in you find a local talking very closely to you, even grabbing your arm or shoulder during mid-conversation. And finally, if you get invited into a local's home, remember to dress conservatively, take off your shoes, compliment them on their house and try and remember their names.
One of the most important things to remember about Egypt and therefore Sharm el Sheikh is that they are a Muslim country. Therefore you are advised not to show public displays of affection such as petting a kissing. Although not illegal, these actions are frowned upon.
Women, too, must not go topless at any point and in public areas should wear moderately covered up clothes. If you are going to be visiting the resort during Ramadan, then remember not to eat, drink or smoke in public as this would be highly disrespectful to the local Muslims.
Many tourists worry about shopping abroad and being heckled by shop keepers and tricked into buying overpriced goods. However, Sharm el Sheikh is much more laid back and so a simple 'no thanks' usually does the trick if you're not interested. Try not to, however, enter local shops if you really are not interested in buying anything. Haggling is a common custom in Egypt so if you can't get the price lower, try somewhere else. There are a lot of tourists and therefore a lot of competition.
Also be aware that Egyptians do not really have the same concept of personal space as Westerners, so don't be alarmed in you find a local talking very closely to you, even grabbing your arm or shoulder during mid-conversation. And finally, if you get invited into a local's home, remember to dress conservatively, take off your shoes, compliment them on their house and try and remember their names.