Egypt
Business meetings in Egypt are relatively formal, both on attire and overall approach. Suits should be worn, although light suits are acceptable during summer months. Titles should be used until invited to use the first name of your host. Generally, both men and women shake hands, though only if the woman offers hers first. A meeting will probably begin with a cup of very strong coffee; to refuse may be considered an insult. Negotiations for a sale, whether with a government agency or a private individual, will be bound by certain unspoken Egyptian cultural requirements. Haggling is almost always part of negotiating and in fact is expected. Offering a bottom-line deal, or anything close to it, early in negotiations could seriously undermine the overall process. Slow, careful, methodical negotiations are the rule, and even small transactions may require repeated visits. Baksheesh, which is often translated as "tipping," carries with it other connotations as well, is considered by some to be an integral part of Egyptian commerce. Almost any personal service of any size should be rewarded. For this reason, always carry small change and bills (in Egyptian Pounds) with you. Taxi drivers and waiters generally receive ten percent, and other providers of services can be tipped according to the nature of the task performed; often it is not the size of the baksheesh which is important, only that in giving it you recognize that you have been helped.
Minor crimes, such as petty theft, pickpocketing, and purse snatching, are common in the streets of metropolitan Cairo, but violence in the commission of these crimes is uncommon and weapons are rarely used. In rural areas, crime victims generally seek retribution without going to the authorities, especially in cases where the honor of an individual or a family was tarnished. An informal analysis found that more than half the murder cases in rural areas occurred within the family and commonly involved issues of passion, honor, or vengeance. Travelers should use commonsense precautions to avoid becoming a victim.
Tourism is one of Egypt’s main industries and accommodation is available around all the major attractions and the larger cities. The main cities have quality hotels moderately priced, which must be booked well in advance, especially during the winter months. Smaller hotels are very good value. Visitors should note that hotel bills are subject to a tax and service charge of 12%.
Full telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 20 and the outgoing international code is 00. International telephone calls should be ordered in advance, as the service is subject to delays. Several of the major hotels in Cairo have introduced fax facilities; check with the hotel concerned before travelling. International telegram services are available from the Central Post Offices in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan and main hotels. All post offices are open daily 0900-1400 except Friday, and the Central Post Office in Cairo is open 24 hours.
Most areas use a 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Certain rural parts still use 110-380 volts AC.
Most areas 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Certain rural parts still use 110 to 380 volts AC.
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Egyptian cuisine is excellent, combining many of the best traditions of Middle Eastern cooking, and there are both large hotel restaurants and smaller specialist ones throughout the main towns. Some of the larger hotels in Cairo and its environs have kitchens serving top quality cosmopolitan dishes. In the center of Cairo, American-style snack bars are also spreading. Restaurants have waiter service. Although Egypt is a Muslim country, alcohol is available in cafe-style bars and good restaurants. The legal drinking age is 21.National specialties:
• Foul (bean dishes).
• Stuffed vine
leaves.
• Roast pigeon.
• Grilled aubergines.
• Kebabs.
• Humus (chickpeas).National drinks:
• Kahwa (thick, strong coffee).
• Shay bil na'na' (mint tea).
• Karkaday (clear, bright red drink made from hibiscus flowers).
• Aswanli (dark beer made in Aswan).
• Zibib (alcoholic aniseed-flavored drink).Tipping:
10 to 12 per cent is added to hotel and restaurant bills but an extra tip of 5 per cent is normal. Taxi drivers generally expect 10 per cent.Nightlife
Sophisticated nightclubs, discos, casinos and good restaurants can be found in Cairo, Alexandria and most large towns. The nightlife in Luxor and Aswan often includes barbecues along the Nile.
