What goes down badly, and what to do instead
| Subject | Avoid | Do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Politics | Giving opinions on the government or regional conflicts | Talk about football, travel, family |
| Religion | Joking about Islam, criticising practices, discussing conversion | Stay curious and polite if you are asked |
| Photos | Soldiers, police, official buildings and vehicles; people praying | Ask before photographing a person |
| Gestures | The left hand for eating, giving or greeting; showing the sole of your shoe; a palm held up to someone's face | Use the right hand, keep feet flat |
| Affection | Long kisses and hugs in the street | Keep it discreet outside the hotel |
Dress and couples
Swimwear at the hotel and on hotel beaches, shoulders and knees covered in town: see what to wear in Egypt. For unmarried couples in hotels, see unmarried couples in Hurghada. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day: see Ramadan in Hurghada.
Money and bargaining
Bargaining is normal at the bazaar, with a smile and without anger; tips are expected, see money and tipping in Hurghada and common scams.
Understand the city instead of enduring it
A guided tour of Hurghada's main sights gives you a local guide to ask everyday questions; it includes shopping stops, so be ready to decline politely if you do not want to buy.
FAQ
Can you talk politics in Egypt? Better avoided with strangers; guides advise neutral subjects.
Can you photograph people? Ask first; soldiers, police and official buildings must not be photographed.
Why is the left hand a problem? It is considered unclean: use the right to eat, pay and greet.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 30 October 2026.
