Last year my friend visited me in Hurghada. While she was packing at home, she called me and asked: What should I pack to Hurghada? What kind of clothing should I wear at Hurghada and Egypt? What can I wear in Hurghada? What is the dress code for Hurghada, Egypt?
In this article, I tell you what to wear in Egypt and the things you need to remember about the dress code in Egypt.
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Dress code for Egypt is something that I hadn’t been thinking earlier. I put the clothes on and go outside. Actually, I use the same clothes in Egypt and in Europe.
In the summer when the weather is very hot, I dress up for a top, shorts or a dress. When the weather gets colder, then I dress up more. Actually, I don’t even think about the dress code in Hurghada. It comes naturally.
Even though I don’t pay attention to a dress code in Hurghada, there are some cultural related matters which you need to keep in mind when you are picking up clothing to Egypt.
If you are staying in the Red Sea resort towns such as Hurghada, El Gouna or Sahl Hasheesh, then you don’t need to pay attention to your clothing that much. This is probably the reason, why I haven’t been thinking about it myself. I live in Hurghada and a dress code in Hurghada is not that strict.
But if you travel outside the Red sea resort cities, there the dress code is more formal.
When I travel outside Hurghada, I pack up t-shirts, shirts, pants and dresses which cover my knees and shoulders.
Next: Do I have to cover my hair?
Do I have to cover my hair in Egypt?
Like said, the dress code for Egypt and Hurghada depends a lot about where you are going and what you are doing. If you visit a mosque you need to cover your hair, knees and shoulders. Otherwise, there is no need to cover your hair.
Egypt is an Islamic country and visited yearly by millions of tourists from the non-Islamic countries.
Egyptians don’t expect tourists to dress like locals.
But if you visit outside the tourist areas, it’s recommended and moreover respectful to dress modestly and cover your knees and shoulders.
If you are planning to visit Cairo, it’s good to be prepared to dress more formally there.
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Next: A dress code for the Red Sea resorts
A dress code for the Red Sea resorts: Hurghada | El Gouna | Makadi Bay
Hurghada and other Red Sea resorts are less conservative than other parts of Egypt. Lots of foreigners live in the areas, and local people are used to seeing tourists every day. Most of the local people in Hurghada also work in the tourism field.
In Hurghada, people don’t pay that much attention about the dress code.
It’s ok to “dress less” in Hurghada and other Red Sea resorts.
Anyways, it’s still good to remember that you are in an Islamic country and respect the local manners.
Leave your bikini and look-a-likes to the hotel area and you’ll be fine.
In principle, you can wear whatever in the hotel area. You won’t be arrested either if you wear very small micro-shorts on the streets. Or a tank top which looks like a bra, but this doesn’t mean it’s ok. From my point of view, it’s culturally disrespectful.
Use your common sense and pack up your normal summer clothes. Also, you feel more comfortable when you don’t stand out with your outfit. I mean, the less you dress, the more attention you get.
All in all, the dress code in Hurghada and other Red Sea destinations is not that strict, but use your common sense and respect locals when you choose what to wear in Egypt.
Don’t pack like you are going to Ibiza if you travel to Egypt. Otherwise, go to Ibiza.
Plus less you dress, more you get unwanted attention.
-Hanna-
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This is a really good guide. I lived in Hurghada for 12 years and love it, really casual and everyone minds their business.