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what to wear in egypt???
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
I am going to Luxor in July/August and i have read and been told that when out and about you have to cover your legs, arms and shoulders. There are two couples going on the holiday so we will be going out for meals most nights, does the same rules still apply? am i going to have to buy a whole new wardrobe?
(obviously i wont be talking mini skirts etc!!)
(obviously i wont be talking mini skirts etc!!)
Post edited by JustV on
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I was in Egypt for a week last year. I would say it is definitely a good idea to keep yourself as covered as possible, for your own comfort but also out of respect for the local culture. I wore long skirts and light trousers, and always kept my shoulders covered - even though it was 50 degrees! Even then as a woman you will get a lot of attention. It helps to be with a boyfriend but you will still get attention - fairly good natured of course but it does happen, and if you are showing any skin this will exacerbate it. The fact that the sun is so strong means it is sensible to keep yourself covered from a health point of view as well.
It doesn't mean you have to buy yourself a whole new wardrobe though - I got a light wrap which I wore over my shoulders over tops that I normally wear (vest tops, t-shirts etc). I would recommend buying or borrowing a pair of loose fitting linen trousers or some long skirts though. It's just not the done thing to show your legs really. I did see some western girls who were showing a bit of flesh and to be honest it looked out of place and kind of disrespectful. At the big tourist attractions (temples etc), you'll see people wearing all sorts - but when you are in markets etc it's a bit different.
I'd also recommend buying a hat - it really does get stupidly hot and covering your head means you won't suffer so much from dehydration.
Above all, have an amazing time, some of the places you'll see are just unbelievable!
There's no reason why you should "have to buy a whole new wardrobe", just exercise a bit of thought and be respectful - a light top to wear in addition to off-the-shoulder stuff would appease cultural sensibilities whilst allowing you to still feel happy.
It's a dry heat there, some clothing covering is well recommended, but stay well away from anything thick and hot, or you'll bake.
Sorry if you're male it won't apply to you.
One of my friends went to Egypt two years ago, and their boat had a geezer with a machine gun, and their tour guide carried a gun.
There's lots of crazy stuff about it - the street vendors are very, very, very pushy, worse than anywhere I've been, people drive like absolute maniacs (especially in Cairo), but equally there were lots of really welcoming, friendly people who serve you tea, give you little trinkets, and quote random lines out of Fools n Horses to you (slightly surreal!). Out of all the countries I've been to it was probably the hardest work, especially as I took my Mum so felt responsible for her. But I'm very glad I got to see the pyramids, temples, Nile etc. Definitely worth it.
I found the markets in Cairo to be very pushy and, in general, everyone wants to sell you something. They can tell the tourists from a mile off and you can get pestered a fair bit. Of course, for these folk, it is their livelihood, so you have to make some allowances.
If you go, try and make your way to Luxor. Karnak temple is amazing.
least i hope so.