The official language of Egypt is Arabic, but most locals also speak English. Try your hand at some of the local language:

• Hello: Salam
• My name is (your name): Ismi (your name)
• How much does this cost?: Bekam Hada?
• Yes: Na’am
• No: La’a
• Thank you: Shukran
• Where is the bathroom?: Ayn el-merhad?

As you prepare to spend time in a new continent, country, and culture, prepare yourself for ancient tombs, world-famous Pyramids, and vibrant cities. Read on to learn more about Egyptian and Muslim culture, and see specific tips to help you make the most of your trip.

• While in Egypt, the Egyptian Tourism Police mandates all foreign groups must be accompanied by an armed guard and/or convoy. Often they will blend into background, but if engaged, can be another local touch point and perk!
• Areas like the Red Sea are more relaxed with clothing, but Egypt is a conservative and Muslim country so you should be mindful of covering more “private” body parts on this trip.
• PDA is not accepted or normal in Egypt. This includes holding hands and hugging.
• We said it once but we’ll say it again: Do not drink the tap water. Egypt is still technically considered a developing country and the tap water is not safe to drink, and not even to brush your teeth.
• There's no technical speed limit in Egypt, and in many places there are no traffic lights. This means a lot of traffic, traffic noise (horns), and required extra caution to cross the streets.
• Bargaining is common in Egypt; at the markets, try it out and start by asking for a price that’s half of what’s initially offered!
• Be considerate when taking photos of locals, and know that some people, especially women, might not want their photo taken at all, or will ask for a payment in return for the photo. When in doubt, just ask the person if you can take a photo of them.

Using the bounties of the Nile Valley, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a gastronomic heaven. You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips when dining in Egypt, and delicacies you must try:

• Ful Medammes: This dish of fava beans is the most common breakfast for Egyptians, usually served with eggs, cheese, or bread.
• Mahshi: A favorite for vegetarians, Mahshi is veggies stuffed with some sort of rice filling and leaves (grapevine, cabbage).
• Shwarma: A popular street food, shwarma gives you the choice between chicken or beef marinated with spices and placed in a wrap then served with tahini. YUM.
• Roz Bel Laban: Egypt’s version of rice pudding. If you like rice pudding you’ll love Roz Bel Laban.
• Falafel (Ta’meya): Another breakfast treat or snack, Egypt’s ta’meya is made with fava beans instead of the traditional chickpeas.
• Fattah: Tracing all the way back to ancient Egypt for special celebrations, this is a main dish that combines crispy bread, rice, meat, and sauce.
• Sayadeya: A coastal delicacy that uses white fish fillets marinated in lemon juice and spices then lightly fried!
• Tea: Tea is the national drink of Egypt and is offered everywhere! Breakfast, after lunch, and when socializing… and that’s the tea.