Page 49 - Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht

Dress Codes: Shorts, Headscarves, and other FAQ

Dress on our trip is functional and casual; there are no formalwear evenings. For most
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are these culturally acceptable? In Egypt (and Jordan on the optional extension), the answer is
dP^ M`_ L \`LWTʭPO ZYP

Generally dress in Egypt and Jordan tends to be conservative and modest. “Modest” means
locals of both genders will cover legs and arms, wear higher necklines, and local women may
cover their hair with a scarf. Therefore shorts and sleeveless tops are more for tourists. It is
OK for you to wear them, as long as you don’t mind that everyone knows you’re a visitor. Also,
there are a few subtle guidelines to keep in mind when wearing shorts.

For example, the longer the shorts are, the better (to the knee is best). Sleeveless tops are
acceptable, but on women the necklines should still be modest. Lastly, the more religious
or more traditional a place is, the less acceptable shorts or sleeveless tops become. So the
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synagogue, or at a Home-Hosted visit. Generally in places of worship or in someone’s home
it is better to cover up your shoulders and legs. In fact, when visiting a mosque or synagogue
you may be handed a wrap and asked to drape it over you so that you are properly covered;
this is common throughout the Middle East. Christian churches also require modest dress,
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In countries we visit, most Muslim women and many Jewish women (plus some Christians)
chose to cover their hair; some will also cover their face as well. As a visitor, you will not be
expected to cover your hair, except perhaps in a mosque, where it may be required for entry.
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you can rent the appropriate dress, so it is not necessary to bring a scarf. Male travelers may
be asked to cover their head in synagogues; if so, there are usually yamakas that you can
borrow. Depending on the synagogue, female travelers may also be asked to cover their hair,
which you can do with a scarf or a hat. (But this is not usually a requirement.)

Of course, the application of these guidelines varies. You’ll see younger people and city
dwellers dressed in a more causal style than their parents or in the small villages. And,
naturally, many foreign tourists are not sensitive to the issue of dress at all. But travelers who
are thoughtful about the issue will get more respect and a warmer welcome.

What to Bring

We have included suggestions from Trip Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These
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requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

Recommended Clothing
T Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts in a breathable fabric, like cotton or
cotton-blend. Polo shirts are more versatile than T-shirts.

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